One of the most unusual requests that local Greens have had from residents recently was to be on the lookout in our wanderings in the ward for a Siamese cat answering to the name of Chloe.
The haplas catless couple requesting our assistance have been flyposting all over the place offering all sorts of rewards for the cat's safe return - if you've been out and about you can't have missed them!
I learnt today whilst out catvassing that the cat has returned quietly, by itself, not wanting any fuss and probably put in for and received the heavily publicised reward many times over.
A purfect ending - sorreee!!
Monday, 31 March 2008
HGV/Lorry Watch - latest
Just had this email from Chris Blakemore Community Support Officer updating us on what the police are doing currently re matter:
"An email has been sent out, universally, to all the businesses in the Halton View area by the Business Watch officer. So we can now keep tabs on the situation for a month and I will also keep as many visits going as I can. Speak to you over the next few weeks, Chris Blakemore 20381"
He suggests that we keep recording lorries in the area - anyone wanting 'log' forms please let us know 0151 423 1692
"An email has been sent out, universally, to all the businesses in the Halton View area by the Business Watch officer. So we can now keep tabs on the situation for a month and I will also keep as many visits going as I can. Speak to you over the next few weeks, Chris Blakemore 20381"
He suggests that we keep recording lorries in the area - anyone wanting 'log' forms please let us know 0151 423 1692
Saturday, 29 March 2008
Blue bins (for paper) on 'Swedish' Houses Estate
I've received an email from Catherine Unsworth, Halton Council about the blue bins (for paper) situation on the 'Swedish' houses estate (see blog on 13th March).
She has told me that although the 'Swedish' houses along Warrington Rd are provided with blue bins the remaining 'Swedish' houses are not - they are provided with blue polythene bags.
I have sent the following email to Catherine asking her to clarify the matter:
"Thanks for your email about the blue bins on the 'Swedish' houses and other local areas.
You mention that only the 'Swedish' houses along Warrington Rd are provided with blue bins - are there any moves to provide the remainder of the 'Swedish' houses with them in the near future?
I understand from residents in the 'Swedish' houses that the blue bags they are provided with are easliy lost, paper can spill out of them and often they need more bags than they are provided with.
If there aren't any plans to provide the remaining houses with blue bins I would appreciate it if you could give me the reasons why this is not possible"
Thanks again
Derek Mellor"
It's seems unfair that some residents in the area are provided with blue bins and some not.
If it's a question of funding why can't local firms be approached to provide the bins in a sponsorship way - they might appreciate putting something back into the community and the kudos that would go with it.
We'll see what the council say...
Friday, 28 March 2008
HGV's/Lorry Watch
At last night's meeting it was agreed that police would contact all local firms and hauliers to inform them of the police's determination to enforce the weight restrictions in the area.
Residents in the next 6 weeks will need to monitor the situation. I've produced a template log for people to use to note down HGV's etc observed. If you're able to help let us know - phone 0151 423 1692.
If the situation does not improve will be arranging meetings with residents, hauliers, local firms and the police to look at other ways of dealing with the problem.
I've also been in touch with Network Rail and they will get involved at a later stage if police, trading standards need to consider prosecutions
Residents in the next 6 weeks will need to monitor the situation. I've produced a template log for people to use to note down HGV's etc observed. If you're able to help let us know - phone 0151 423 1692.
If the situation does not improve will be arranging meetings with residents, hauliers, local firms and the police to look at other ways of dealing with the problem.
I've also been in touch with Network Rail and they will get involved at a later stage if police, trading standards need to consider prosecutions
Bennett's Lane update
A meeting is being arranged at Moorfield Sports club Moorfield Rd for week commencing 31st March to discuss tactics re objecting to the appeal submitted by Velocity Health Care (a new company formed in January 2008 which has 'bought' the development from Priory (?). They are appealing against the council's refusal to provide them with a certificate of lawfulness. They need before they are able to open the unit
We'll be discussing the appropriate content for letters from residents opposing Velocity Health Care's appeal to the Planning Inspectorate so that they have maximum effect.
Although I've sent my letter already I'll be sending additional objections if appropriate following the discussion re letters at next week's meeting.
I urge everyone to attend to prepare for producing and distributing letters opposing the new company's appeal.
I'll post the date and time of the meeting as soon as I have it but you can also access the Bennetts Lane site at http://bennettslane.bravehost.com/ where you'll find all the info you need.
We'll be discussing the appropriate content for letters from residents opposing Velocity Health Care's appeal to the Planning Inspectorate so that they have maximum effect.
Although I've sent my letter already I'll be sending additional objections if appropriate following the discussion re letters at next week's meeting.
I urge everyone to attend to prepare for producing and distributing letters opposing the new company's appeal.
I'll post the date and time of the meeting as soon as I have it but you can also access the Bennetts Lane site at http://bennettslane.bravehost.com/ where you'll find all the info you need.
Wednesday, 26 March 2008
HGV's Latest
Following on from our letter to the chief con about the HGV problem had meeting with Chris Blakemore Community Support Officer today.
Chris will be contacting a few more people and will be getting their opinions about the problem and how to deal with it - there is for instance to be a meeting tomorrow evening (28/03/08 at 6.30pm) at St Ambrose church hall with the police, residents and councillors - please attend if you can.
Initial plan is for the police to contact local hauliers and Rockwoods and inform them of the problem (this includes the speeding issue). Presumably they'll be discussing practical ways of dealing with it.
Then will wait a few months to see what effect such discussions have had. Residents will need to monitor whether there have been any reductions in the incidents.
If problems continue the police will arrange further meetings with residents and hauliers and other interested parties eg Rockwoods, if possible, to see what other actions could be taken. One idea is to operate CCTV in Moorfield Rd near the entrance to Rockwoods in order to catch offending vehicles although as has been pointed out previously some of the HGV's have nothing to do with Rockwoods.
Will keep you informed about the situation at least it seems at last that the police are taking the matter seriously.
Chris will be contacting a few more people and will be getting their opinions about the problem and how to deal with it - there is for instance to be a meeting tomorrow evening (28/03/08 at 6.30pm) at St Ambrose church hall with the police, residents and councillors - please attend if you can.
Initial plan is for the police to contact local hauliers and Rockwoods and inform them of the problem (this includes the speeding issue). Presumably they'll be discussing practical ways of dealing with it.
Then will wait a few months to see what effect such discussions have had. Residents will need to monitor whether there have been any reductions in the incidents.
If problems continue the police will arrange further meetings with residents and hauliers and other interested parties eg Rockwoods, if possible, to see what other actions could be taken. One idea is to operate CCTV in Moorfield Rd near the entrance to Rockwoods in order to catch offending vehicles although as has been pointed out previously some of the HGV's have nothing to do with Rockwoods.
Will keep you informed about the situation at least it seems at last that the police are taking the matter seriously.
Monday, 24 March 2008
Bennett's Lane - Letter opposing Appeal
It's important that as many residents as possible oppose Priory's appeal against the decision of Halton Borough Council not to allow them to open as a medium secure mental health unit.
Below is a template letter - you could use this or modify it and send it as quickly possible to the address at the end of the letter:-
"Dear Sir
Re: APP/D0650/X/08/2068530
Proposed Medium Secure Mental Health Unit, Bennett’s Lane Widnes.
I wish to object to the proposed opening of a medium secure mental health unit at Bennets Lane Widnes and particularly regarding the complete lack of consultation in relation to its usage with residents in this area.
From its inception in 2005 until January 2007 Montpellier the developer and Priory, the provider have deliberately kept information about its end use from local residents, council members and officials. I understand that when the chief executive of the Priory Group was asked why this lack of consultation had occurred his response was that it was owing to commercial reasons.
By their actions it would seem that Montpellier and Priory consider commercial reasons/profit making as being more important than ensuring that the local community was made fully aware and consulted about the building of such a unit in Bennett’s Lane Widnes.
The decision to build this type of unit obviously impacts in many ways on individual lives in this area and it would seem incumbent on Montpellier and Priory that they should have involved residents, members and officials at the earliest stages in the planning of such a venture.
Yours faithfully,"
Send to
Planning Inspectorate
Room 3/02, Kite Wing
Temple Quay House
2 The Square
Temple Quay
Bristol BDS16PN
Below is a template letter - you could use this or modify it and send it as quickly possible to the address at the end of the letter:-
"Dear Sir
Re: APP/D0650/X/08/2068530
Proposed Medium Secure Mental Health Unit, Bennett’s Lane Widnes.
I wish to object to the proposed opening of a medium secure mental health unit at Bennets Lane Widnes and particularly regarding the complete lack of consultation in relation to its usage with residents in this area.
From its inception in 2005 until January 2007 Montpellier the developer and Priory, the provider have deliberately kept information about its end use from local residents, council members and officials. I understand that when the chief executive of the Priory Group was asked why this lack of consultation had occurred his response was that it was owing to commercial reasons.
By their actions it would seem that Montpellier and Priory consider commercial reasons/profit making as being more important than ensuring that the local community was made fully aware and consulted about the building of such a unit in Bennett’s Lane Widnes.
The decision to build this type of unit obviously impacts in many ways on individual lives in this area and it would seem incumbent on Montpellier and Priory that they should have involved residents, members and officials at the earliest stages in the planning of such a venture.
Yours faithfully,"
Send to
Planning Inspectorate
Room 3/02, Kite Wing
Temple Quay House
2 The Square
Temple Quay
Bristol BDS16PN
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