Elstow, Stewartby and Kempston Hardwick ECHO March 2020
Liberal Democrat Councillor for Elstow, Stewartby and Kempston Hardwick. Learn more
by timhill on 7 February, 2014
Dear Resident
This is the latest of my regular electronic community newsletters I have just sent to local residents I have an e-mail address for.
If you would like to receive it by e-mail, please let me know.
Local Issues
Since my last Elstow, Stewartby and Kempston Hardwick Echo, here are just some of the issues I have progressed, sometimes with the help of the relevant Parish Council:
Elstow
a) Speeding on West End – At its meeting on 14 Jan 14, the Parish Council decided not to support the installing of double yellow lines on the inner corner of the High Street/West End junction. The Parish Council Chair asked Parish Councillors to come back with other ideas on how the speeding issue can be addressed.
b) Green space between old Lower School development and Wadsworth Court – The meeting I arranged on this subject with Borough Property and Parish Councillors to discuss further my proposal for a larger green space between the old Lower School development and Wadsworth Court was successful. It confirmed that the land owners are sympathetic to transferring the land to the Parish at little or no cost and that it would be cheaper for the Parish to receive the two sections as one block.
c) Arches outside elderly peoples bungalows in West End – BPHA had proposed that these should be knocked down as some of the bricks were perished. With the support of the Parish Chair, I managed to persuade BPHA to replace the perished bricks as the arches add a unique feature to the village.
d) Retail unit on Abbey Fields next to the Health Centre – Following my work with the Planning Department and the Economic Development Department at Borough Hall, two people have expressed an interest working with them to develop a retail unit.
Stewartby
a) Speeding on Stewartby Way – At my request, the Borough Council is installing Average Speed Cameras on Stewartby Way sometime soon. Land ownership issues are still being progressed with O&H Properties, who own some of the land the cameras and/or equipment will be placed on.
b) Manor Road, Kempston Hardwick – Manor Road, Kempston Hardwick – I am very pleased that G Moores appeals against the Planning Committee refusals to allow overnight lorry journeys have been dismissed.
c) Double glazed windows for the Sir Malcolm Stewart Homes – None of the sources of grants in the package put together by the fund-raising consultant appointed by the Trust are apparently 100% ideal for this sort of work. This is a great shame as this work is much needed by the residents. I asked the Trust for a meeting with the consultant at her convenience and I am still awaiting a response to that request.
d) Double yellow lines and extended bus bays along The Crescent and parking bays outside Broadmead Lower – These will be installed once the weather improves.
e) I have got the access road to Coronation Industrial Estate to be adopted as highway. Therefore, cars without tax discs etc. can be prosecuted and will be.
f) Travellers’ site – I hosted a meeting at the Chimney Corner Pub with residents and Borough Officers, following concerns raised by nearby residents. It was agreed a Borough Officer and I will meet with site leaders, he will give me a list of contact details for use by residents and further meetings will be held every three months.
g) Brickmakers Arms – At my request:
i. Planning Officers are to meet with the land owner to discuss the future of the site. I don’t want it to be left to rot and continue being a magnet for illegal encampments and fly-tipping. Current planning policy means it would be very difficult for a residential scheme to get approval.
ii. Planning and Economic Development officers will be discussing with the land owner how the site could be used in a way that is sympathetic to the nearby residents.
iii. The site owner has been informed by Environment Officers that he needs to arrange for the site to be cleared up. If he doesn’t soon, Environment Officers have the power to clean it up and charge him.
h) Interchange access road – I have arranged for preventative measures to be installed so no further illegal encampments can access the site.
My Borough Council Ward Fund for 2013/14
My Borough Council Ward Fund amount for 2014/15 has still to be agreed. Please let me have any ideas for schemes I could support.
Borough Council Budget
At the Full Council meeting of Bedford Borough on Wednesday night, the proposed 2014/15 budget was supported by all the political groups. It saves key frontline services, freezes Council Tax and protects the most vulnerable, while delivering exciting investment in the Borough’s future.
The Highlights of the Council’s draft 2014/15 budget include the following:
Best wishes
Cllr Tim Hill
Liberal Democrat Focus Team
Borough Councillor for Elstow, Stewartby and Kempston Hardwick
tel day: 0131 448 4270
tel eve: 01234 857180
email: tim.hill@bedford.gov.uk
A stronger economy, a fairer society, enabling everyone to get on in life.
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