Tim Hill

Liberal Democrat Councillor for Elstow, Stewartby and Kempston Hardwick. Learn more

Elstow, Stewartby and Kempston Hardwick Echo

by timhill on 20 August, 2014

Dear Resident

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

Local Issues

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

Elstow

a)         Travellers on Abbey Fields verge near West End roundabout – Long-suffering residents will know that the Parish has had four illegal encampments across two sites in the last three weeks. Residents will also know that each time, I have immediately informed the proper officers of the Borough Council and action was/is being taken to remove the group from the area including a High Court Order. During this saga, I am pleased to report that the Borough Council has agreed to my request to put bunding on both sites. The larger West End site bunding will be financially supported by contributions from my Ward Fund and the Parish Council, and the final bunding proposal for the West End site is being confirmed at a meeting at Borough Hall today. I am determined that this summer will be the last time these two sites get illegal encampments.

b)         Abbey Fields bush and shrub maintenance – Residents of the estate who back onto the bypass had raised their concerns with me about the lack of maintenance of the bushes and shrubs between their back gardens and the bypass. At my request, the Highways Agency has advised that residents are free to cut back any overhanging bushes and/or shrubs, or residents can advise me that they would like the Highways Agency to do it and I will let it know.

c)         Progress Way turning right into Hillesden Avenue white lines – Residents of the estate had raised their concerns with me about these white lines having faded to virtually nothing. I raised this with Borough Highways and the white lines have been re-painted. I plan to ask Borough Highways to do the arrow-heads as well.

d)         Bypass noise reduction measures – Wilstead Road and Medbury Lane residents have been in touch asking for these to be improved as previously promised several years ago when the bypass was first built. I have raised this with Highways and am still awaiting a response.

e)         Bunyans Mead green damaged gate – Local residents raised their concerns with me about the damaged gate could make it easy for travellers to enter the green. I immediately raised this with BPHA and it was repaired very quickly.

Stewartby

a)         Average Speed Cameras on Stewartby Way – After many years of campaigning by me, I am very pleased to report that the Borough Council has now installed the cameras. I am working with Borough Officers to review their impact on the through roads to the north of Stewartby Way.

b)         Kitchener Place parking – I am still arranging site meetings with a) Officers and local affected residents b) Officers and the residents causing the issue, to progress a solution. The Officers and local affected residents one has now been arranged for 4.30pm on 29 Aug 14.

c)         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.

d)         Screeching cars at bottom of Stewartby Way and along Broadmead Road – Residents have unfortunately experienced this for several summer nights now. Residents should report any car details they have to 101. The more calls 101 gets on this issue, the more likely it is the police will take action.

My Borough Council Ward Fund for 2014/15

I have submitted bids for:

Elstow

  • Replacement of broken fence panel in Croyland Drive.

 

 

  • Contribution to “Elstow Elderly Holiday at Home week” event.

 

 

  • Contribution to bunding on Abbey Fields grass area.

 

 

  • Contribution to any works arising from Wilstead Road speed survey.

 

 

  • Contribution to Abbey Fields speed survey.

 

 

Stewartby

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

–         Replacement of pavement slabs outside Sir Malcolm Stewart Homes.

–         Contribution towards a scheme to be agreed by Stewartby Parish Council.

–         Contribution towards a flashing speed sign that the Parish Council may be purchasing.

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