Dear Resident

This is the latest of my regular electronic community newsletters from me as your local Liberal Democrat Borough Councillor.

Ward Wide Issues:

 The annual Mayor’s Village Tour came to my Ward on 26 Aug 14. Many local residents came to raise their issues with the Mayor and me at the Mobile Surgeries in Stewartby, Kempston Hardwick and Elstow.

Ward Tour – I arranged a Ward Tour with the Senior Highways Officer at the Borough Council for the two Parish Council Chairs and I for the afternoon of 15 Sep 14.

4pm onwards – Stewartby:

Rousbury Road – After Speed Cameras

Montgomery Close – After Speed Cameras

Montgomery Close/Kitchener Place – Parking At Junction

Sir Malcolm Stewart Homes – Broken Paving Bricks

Approx. 4.30pm onwards – Kempston Hardwick:

Manor Road – S-Bend

Marsh Leys – Brickmakers Arms Layby

Interchange – Parking Management

Approx. 5pm onwards – Elstow:

Abbey Fields road – Bunding 1

Abbey Fields road – Bunding 2

Abbey Fields road – Speed Limit

Abbey Fields estate – Speed Limit

Wilstead Road – Speeding

Medbury Lane – Bypass Noise Reduction Measures

Pear Tree View – Parking on green space

Local Issues

Since my last Elstow, Stewartby and Kempston Hardwick Echo, I have resolved and/or progressed the following issues, in some cases with the help of the relevant Parish Council:

Elstow

Travellers on Abbey Fields verges – A bunding scheme has already been installed on the site near West End and one is planned to be installed this week at the site near the by-pass bridge.

Injunctions on sites – The Borough Council have now placed injunctions on five sites throughout the Borough. These injunctions will provide far more robust legal protection for our public land. They give the Council and the Police more power to take action and will hopefully act as a strong deterrent against anyone planning to park on these sites. One of the five sites is the Elstow Park & Ride site. I have asked the relevant Portfolio Holder if injunctions can also be placed on the two Abbey Fields sites.

Abbey Fields bush and shrub maintenance – The Borough Council has done some much needed cutting back in the “hammer head” parking area for 1-13 Abbey Fields. The Highways Agency has agreed to deal with any other reported issues from the remaining part of the estate. I have already passed on two requests from residents.

Progress Way turning right into Hillesden Avenue white lines – The white lines have been re-painted. I have asked Borough Highways to do the arrow-heads as well.

Elstow Holiday At Home week – This excellent by the Rev. Jeremy Crocker finished yesterday. It was great fun to take part in the bingo and fish & chips evening at the Bunyans Mead Community Room. Thankfully, the good weather held for the Hog Roast at the Abbey Vicarage yesterday to celebrate Jeremy’s 10 years as the Abbey Minister.

Stewartby

Average Speed Cameras on Stewartby Way – The equipment has been installed and is undergoing a trial period before being commissioned. Once the trial period is successful, the relevant warning signs will be installed. I have already received many e-mails from residents commenting on how effective the cameras are just by being there. I am also working with Borough Officers and the Portfolio Holder on seeing what, if any, impact is of these speed cameras on Pillinge Road, Rousbury Road and Montgomery Close.

Kitchener Place parking – This issue is being deferred as I am hoping to move to a nearby property before Christmas. I need to take legal advice on what I can do on this issue if I am seen to have a personal interest.

The Crescent double yellow lines – We have agreed that we will give the new bus bays four weeks from their installation to see if the problems caused by the buses reduce, stay the same or get worse. It is already clear that there are issues with school visitors in relation to the bus bays.

Parking Bays outside Broadmead Lower – These were planned for the spring, but in an effort to keep costs to a minimum, they will be done once a decision is made on the double yellow lines in The Crescent. It has been agreed that the bays will be angled.

Travellers Site – I am pleased to report that, following the residents/officers meetings I arranged at the Chimney Corner pub, the on-going issues from the site affecting residents in the Parish and in Houghton Conquest are reducing. I will be arranging another meeting for local non-site residents after Xmas 14.

Vehicle-related issues in Manor Road, Kempston Hardwick – I am arranging another meeting with Borough Planners and Highways Officers to progress the resolution of these issues. The current proposed date is 29 Sep 14.

Park Crescent Footpath resurfacing – Parish Councillors and I worked with senior Highways Officers to try and minimise the impact of this work on the first day back at school at Broadmead Lower.

Park Crescent No Verge Parking – A proposed scheme has been agreed and it will be fully funded by contributions from my Ward Fund and the Parish Council. I am currently undertaking the required consultation exercise on the proposed scheme.

Broadmead Road speeding –I have asked the local police to take action on vehicles speeding along Broadmead Road by the IDB building.

Overgrown Privet Hedge at Railway Cottages, Kempston Hardwick –Borough contractors have been on site to deal with this hedge.

My Borough Council Ward Fund for 2014/15

I have submitted bids for:

Elstow

Replacement of broken fence panel in Croyland Drive.

“Elstow Holiday at Home week” Hog Roast.

Two Abbey Fields bunding schemes.

Abbey Fields Trees and Shrub Pruning

Wilstead Road speed survey

Two Abbey Fields speed limit schemes.

Stewartby

Average Speed Cameras Scheme in Stewartby Way (Licence with O&H).

Replacement of pavement slabs outside Sir Malcolm Stewart Homes.

No verge parking scheme for Park Crescent.

Flashing speed sign.

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