July 15th 2008
Latest casework
These are the casework stories we published in Focus 189
Robinswood Road and Newlyn Drive pavements
The pavements on Robins Wood Road and Newlyn Drive are not in a good state - and the Council admits they need thousands of pounds worth of repair work to be done to bring them back up to scratch. And there are many other pavements in a similar condition. Unfortunately, there isn’t the budget to do all the necessary work this year. The Council does, however, have a pothole budget for doing urgent repairs in places where the pavement has a big hole or is dangerous to pedestrians. It is always worth letting us know if there are patches that are particularly bad, as those patches can be repaired from the pothole budget.
Parked car problem on Aspley Park Drive
Residents raised the problem of householders selling a large number of cars from their homes at a local police meeting. Parked cars were often blocking the road. Although you can sell your own car from your own home, if you sell lots, you need planning permission, because you’re effectively turning your home into a car sales business. Alex asked the planning enforcement team along with the beat police officer to take action on the problem. It now seems that it has been sorted out and traffic is moving freely again. But if the problem recurs, do please get in touch.
Flooding on Hollington Road
A local resident asked Gary and Alex to get the gullies cleaned along Hollington Road as there was regular flooding. The Council said they did this but the flooding was still there. Gary has asked them to this sort out.
Beechdale Baths underpass
The Council have talked to Robert Shaw School about painting pictures in the underpass between Beechdale Baths and Ainsley Estate. This has helped keep graffiti down in other places where it has been tried.
Dunnline - case closed!
We were very pleased to hear in May that the Planning Inspector quashed Dunnline’s appeal and said the bus company must leave the site within a year of the judgement. Congratulations to local residents who have worked very hard to achieve this outcome.
Grace Drive shrubbery
Local residents asked Gary to get the shrubbery in Grace Drive cleaned up. He asked the Council to do this. Some residents have suggested that some of the shrubbery is removed and extra parking put in – as it can sometimes be difficult to get past. What do you think? Let us know on the form overleaf.
Darley Avenue pavements
A resident contacted Alex to ask why the Darley Avenue pavements had been missed out of works in the area. Alex contacted the Council who said they should be completed this month. While he was in the area, he noticed the street sign for Plantationside was missing, so Alex has asked the Council for a replacement.
Wheatsheaves crossing
Many local residents signed a petition calling for a green man to be included in the crossing outside the Wheatsheaves pub. The Council is working on designs but has said they can’t afford to do the job this year. We are trying to get the Council to change their minds in view of local opinion.
Loose manhole cover, Nuthall Road
The loose manhole cover on Nuthall Road has finally been sorted by BT after months. Gary said “I am pleased it has been done, but don’t know why it took so long”
Kennington Fence
The fence at the bottom of Kennington Road has finally been mended by Network Rail. Gary is still waiting to find out if the Council will be allowed to put anti-vandal paint along the top of the fence.
New Road - Bridge Steps
Gary is still pressing the Council to clean up the steps up to the bridge on New Road. He is also trying to get the Council to surface the road so that wheelchair users can use it.
Kennington Drop Off Zone
The drop off zone near Southwold Primary on Kennington Road is always full of litter. Gary has asked the Council to clear it up – and to make sure it gets a regular cleaning.
Ainsley Roundabout planning
Severn Trent Water want to replace the concrete covers on the roundabout in Ainsley Road with a much larger concrete kiosk. Alex has got in touch with the planning department and the water board to see if a less conspicuous design can be found that doesn’t involve giant concrete blocks.
