Werrington 88

Issue number 88

FOCUS SOUTH WERRINGTON & NORTH GUNTHORPE RESIDENTS’ NEWSLETTER

Invisible street signs Lib Dem ward councillor Darren Fower says he is receiving many contacts from residents about signs being unreadable.

Darren said: “No doubt it’s to do with spending cuts but street signs not being visible as a result of bushes not being trimmed is stupid. If signs cannot be seen then this can have an effect on things like emergency services, deliveries and guests visiting.

However, it is not just road signs that are a problem. There also ‘No ball game’ signs and other messages that are no longer visible.

Andrew Bond with an almost unreadable ‘No ball games’ sign.

FOCUS Co-ordinator Andrew Bond and Darren recently undertook a ‘walk about’ to check some of the issues.

Andrew said: “At one point along Gunthorpe Road we found a sign about dog fouling which is not only very faded but when you phone up the contact telephone number it no longer even works!”

News from Lib Dem councillors

Julia Davidson & Darren Fower

What do you think?

Andrew Bond and the FOCUS Team want to know what you think of Peterborough and, in particular, of the area where you live.

Please go online and take part in our brief survey at www.bit.ly/ResidentSurvey2014.

Your opinions really do matter and we will look into all the issues raised.

ALLOTMENT PROBLEMS FOCUS Co-ordinator Andrew Bond and local Liberal Democrat councillors Julia Davidson and Darren Fower visited Fulbridge Road allotments to meet tenants following a spate of theft, vandalism and arson – including a shed being burned down.

After the visit Andrew said: “Clearly there are significant concerns.

We need to see why this is happening. While those involved with the allotments realise there are things they can do to improve security, it would also be nice to see a police patrol every so often as well.”

The issues have now been raised with Peterborough City Council and the police.

Julia added: “Allotment holders are frustrated with the lack of security. Although the site has ‘anti intruder’ warning notices in prominent places this is not deterring unwanted Andrew Bond (right) and Julia visitors.

Davidson with allotment holders.

“This site could do with some lighting and a warning sensor device to identify intruders after dusk which could be monitored by the Werrington Allotment Association who could contact the police if an incident is taking place.”

In spite of the damage and costly replacement of tools, etc, allotment holders still say the benefits gained from having an allotment far outweigh the negatives. They are united in not letting these recent incidents deter them.

CONTACT FOCUS Text or phone your local Liberal Democrat councillors:

Darren Fower – 07572 463 904

Julia Davidson – 0750 653 66 27

By post: Town Hall, Bridge St, Peterborough PE1 1HG By e-mail: SWNG_FOCUS@peterboroughlibdems.org.uk Via Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and Flickr: Search for ‘SWNGFOCUSTeam’

Or visit the councillors’ ward ‘surgery': 6:00 to 7:00 pm, first Friday every month - Community Centre, Church Street 9:00 to 10:00 am , third Saturday every month - Brookside Methodist Church, Gunthorpe Rd

Storrington Way shops Local Liberal Democrat councillor Darren Fower has recently visited the convenience store at the bottom of Amberley Slope and Storrington Way to discuss issues of anti social behaviour.

Both Darren and fellow councillor Julia Davidson have been contacted by local residents with concerns. Darren has since publicly highlighted the issue and says he intends to raise the matter at the next Police Panel meeting.

Some residents suspect that the group of young people involved are those who normally congregate around the Werrington Centre. They are concerned that because the police are enforcing a ‘dispersal order’ at the centre the trouble-makers have simply moved to another location.

Darren said: “One of my main worries is the possibility that some of the group may be trading in drugs. A reliable witness has told me that a known dealer has been seen apparently interacting with the group.”

Tree problems Residents in Wells Close and Ainsdale Drive have raised concerns with local Liberal Democrat councillor Julia Davidson about problems caused by trees.

One resident has been injured because of the low branches and there are problems with falling debris and staining of patios and clothing.

A survey was carried out during the summer by a contractor working for the council but this concluded that no action Trees looming over a garden in was needed.

Wells Close.

Julia has now been in touch with the council again to get a second inspection as a result of the continuing concerns of residents.

Julia visits police Local Liberal Democrat councillor Julia Davidson recently visited the Police Service Centre at Thorpe Wood to talk about concerns raised by residents.

One of the main complaints is that the police take too long to answer telephone calls.

Julia said: “The centre is trying to improve its service. It is hoping to buy new software which will allow callers to hang-up whilst retaining their place in the queue. A call-taker will then callback when someone is next available.

“This will allow callers to go about their business until called back.”

As a result of her visit Julia wants to emphasise the need to report nonLib Dem councillor Julia Davidson at the emergency crimes and incidents by Police Service Centre dialling 101 - and to continue to hold to make their report. Each call only costs which is trying to improve its service. 15 pence no matter how long it takes.

Tory cycle ban A few weeks ago the Tory-controlled city council held a ‘consultation’ on banning cyclists from riding along Bridge Street in the city centre on Sundays.

A total of 200 responses were submitted 167 of them against extending the restrictions and 22 in favour, with 11 people making general comments.

Local Liberal Democrat councillor Darren Fower said: “During the consultation I ran an on-line campaign which secured support from 131 people. Previously I ran a campaign calling for a cycle lane to be Local councillor introduced along Bridge Darren Fower Street which received campaigned in support from 444 favour of cycling. people.

“Despite this, and despite a consultation in which more than 80 per cent of people were opposed to extending the cycle ban, the Tories have decided to go ahead with it!”

In the council’s official press release the Tory cabinet member responsible talks about “…the danger that some irresponsible cyclists cause to pedestrians and particularly children and the elderly…” . However, there have never been any incidents recorded with the police in this area.

FOCUS Co-ordinator Andrew Bond said: “To go ahead with the ban is simply undemocratic and continues the apparent policy of this Tory administration of demonising local cyclists.”

Welcome for pension rise Local Lib Dem councillor Darren Fower has welcomed news that pensioners are to get a 2.5 per cent rise in their pensions – more than the rate of inflation.

The inflation-busting rise is as a result of the ‘triple lock’ which has been introduced by Liberal Democrats in government. It guarantees that pensions will increase each year in line with inflation, in line with average earnings or by 2.5 per cent – whichever is highest.

Darren said: “This means next year the basic state pension will rise by £2.85 a week.

With Liberal Democrats in government the basic state pension has already risen by over £950.”

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