Ward Surgery & PACT Meeting

At our last meeting at Eastbourne Complex we had in attendance Superintendent Paul Beddow he reported on issues. See below
The next ward surgery and PACT will be on Wednesday 24th Nov at Heathfield School at 6pm.
Please note there will be no ward surgery or PACT in December.
PACT priorities for the ward are as follows as agreed by local residents at the latest meeting which took place on 27th October at Eastbourne Sports Complex

Shearwater Ave, Heron Drive, Flamingo Close Area

Over that last couple of years we have had a programme of footpath improvements in this area, slowly but surely the footpaths are being upgraded and repaired. This work is to continue with further work in the area due to start soon. Those residents that will be affected by this work will be contacted with details.

Teal Road Drains

Resident will remember flooding in Teal Road area, this has happened several times over the last few years. Emergency sandbags and gulley cleaners pumping away water are not our fondest memories of Teal Road, but the way people pulled together to help each other are. Ian wading through water to talk to resident and give support and ensure that the council did it part in helping residents at these trying times. We have campaigned for work to be undertaken by the utility companies in this area to increase the capacity of the drains and relieve the flooding risk for several years now. Well good news this work is to be undertaken soon. The bad news is the utility company will be using Lingfield Green as a storage facility and office We have sought assurances that any damage ect will be repaired and the green restored to th4e condition it was in before this work started. All resident affected by this work will be contacted and details around the work will be made available to you.
. If you experience any problems when this work gets underway please contact Ian & Lynne on 01325 741508.

Lingfield Point

There was a tree planting session at Lingfield Point on Saturday 13th Nov, 105 young tree whips where planted, this was done by the Friends of the Earth and a group of volunteers. Lynne attended this event and spoke to Kendra Ullyart, from Friends of the Earth in relation to the Arnold Pond Road area and they would be interested in getting involved with a similar tree planting event at Arnold Road. They are hoping to have another tree planting session in the spring; Ian & Lynne will hopefully be able to give more details nearer the time.

Arnold Road Pond

We are still looking for people to help with this project, we could be able to get some sort of financial grant to go towards costs to improve the area. There is an opportunity to put a proposal /bid together for a January deadline. Information about the process can be found on the following web site http://www.community-spaces.org.uk
So if you are interested please contact Ian & Lynne on 01325 741508.

Parking Heathfield School

Parking issues at the school is an on going problem which could be helped and alleviated by parents going to collect/drop off their children as follows:-
1. Do not park on Keep Clear lines outside the school – This is an offence and Fixed Penalty Notices of £30 will be issued to offenders.
2. Parking within 10 metres of a Junction is an offence and again Fixed Penalty Notices of £30 will be issued to offenders.
3. Promote healthy schools by walking or even cycling to school.
4. Park further from the school gates to stop congestion outside the school.
5. Be considerate and not park in front of residents driveways
6. Respect the grass verges and be aware that damage caused could result in prosecution. Contact details

Ian & Lynne 01325 741508 Mob 07779723384
Jude Ratcliffe PCSO 6521 Darlington police
Tel 0345 60 60 365 ext 661 4220 email:- Judith.ratcliffe@durham.pnn.police.uk

Talking together about a 20mph zone around Heathfield School

As we promised a date has been set for the consultation of the proposed traffic calming /20mph zone outside Heathfield School. This will be the 25th November at Heathfield School between 4.00pm and 6.30 pm. Drawings of the proposal and a questionnaire will be available; this event is for any interested party in particular residents and parents affected by the proposals. Please do make your views known on this scheme, the closing date for comments is the 3rd December 2010.
Ian & Lynne will be attendance to assist officers with any queries that you may have.

Contact details

Our apologies in respect of our contact phone number. we had a small dispute with our supplier, and as usual big brother attitude from them meant our home number was not reachable. We have now resolved this dispute but unfortunatly have been given a new Number,

Home 01325 741508

Mobile 07779723384.

E-mail ian.haszeldine@darlington.gov.uk.
lynne.haszeldine@darlington.gov.uk

UNLIT PROPERTIES

• At this time of year an unlit property is much more vulnerable to attack from an opportunist criminal
• To combat this we recommend the use of light timers for inside your home. These timers can be set to come on as it gets dark and set in at different times in different rooms to give the impression of movement around the home
• We would also advise the use of exterior lights to cover the front and rear of the property
• If you would like a home security survey from your local Police Community Support Officer please contact Durham Constabulary on 0345 60 60 365 or the Safer Neighbourhood Unit on 03125 346844
• Join Darlington Neighbourhood Watch and receive regular crime prevention messages. For further information contact
01325 346832
• Monthly PACT (Partners and Communities Together)meetings take place in this area for further information contact
0345 60 60 365 or visit www.durham.police.uk

Light up your life

As winter draws near and it is dark from
late afternoon, your empty, unlit home may
be more vulnerable to opportunist burglars.
See below for some helpful hints on how to
protect your home during dark
winter evenings:
• use light timers inside your home.
These timers can be set to come on as it
gets dark and set in at different times in
different rooms to give the impression of
movement around the home
• use exterior lights to cover the front and rear of the property
• join Darlington Neighbourhood Watch and receive regular crime
prevention messages. For further information contact (01325) 346832.
If you would like a home security survey from your local Police Community Support
Officer please contact Durham Constabulary on 0345 60 60 365 or the Safer
Neighbourhood Unit on (03125) 346844. Monthly PACT (Partners and Communities
Together)meetings take place in this area for further information contact 0345 60 60
365 or visit www.durham.police.uk

Darlington Community Safety Partnership

Remember remember…
Bonfire Night is almost here and the Darlington Community Safety
Partnership has been working hard to ensure that this year’s
celebrations are safe and incident free.
School visits have taken place to drive home safety messages to young children.
Information packs from the Fire Service have also been delivered to local schools.
Information leaflets have been distributed around the area and letters
have been sent to “hotspot” areas reminding residents of
their responsibilities.
A system has been set up in Darlington for the removal
of bonfires on the days leading up to 5 November and
Enforcement officers will be monitoring known
trouble spot areas. Neighbourhood Watch
networks will be used as the “eyes and ears”
of the operation and will report any bonfires.
The safest way to enjoy Bonfire Night is to
attend an organised display. Darlington
holds one of the biggest and best in the
area at South Park. This year’s display
takes place on Saturday 6 November,
gates open from 6pm.

PACT Meeting

Superintendent Paul Beddow attended our PACT meeting on the 27th October. Paul joined Durham Constabulary last October having transferred from Cleveland Police and is responsible for the performance of Darlington and works as part of the Senior Management Team.

He provided the group with this years crime and incident figures which made impressive reading. Among other reductions he said that:

Crime was down across Darlington by 14% which was a reduction of over 600 offences and the police were detecting more crime than ever before.

In Lingfield, he reported that:-

Crime had been reduced by 26% and detections were up to 33%

Violence was down by 11%

Burglary down by 21%

Criminal Damage down by 62%

Theft from a vehicle was down by 33% and theft of vehicle were down by 12%

He also said that incidents reported to the police were down in Lingfield by 19%

Crime incidents down by 23%

Anti social behaviour incidents were reduced by 26%

Youth related incidents were down by 29%

He said, “These reductions are impressive and it is due to the hard work of the community, the police and our partners that were seeing these reduction across the board. We will continue our push to make your neighbourhood and Darlington safer and would like to thank the community for all their help in doing so”.

(TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE) 2010

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984
(TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE) 2010
LINGFIELD WAY, DARLINGTON (iii)


Whereas the Borough Council of Darlington, being the Highway Authority, is satisfied that such restriction is necessary to permit road surfacing works on Yarm Road by Darlington Borough Council, The Council in exercise of its powers under Section 14(2) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, hereby gives notice of the temporary closure as follows:




LINGFIELD WAY From its junction with Yarm Road northwards for 80metres



An alternative route will be signed via Lingfield Way, Allington Way, McMullen Road, Yarm Road and vice versa

The maximum duration of the temporary closure under this notice is 5 days commencing from Sunday 31st October 2010. It is anticipated that the closure will be effective for 1 day on Sunday 31st October 2010

Civil Parking enforcement

As you will be aware we have been making preparations to transfer the responsibility of parking enforcement from the Police to the Council, the process of which is referred to as Civl Parking Enforcement.

Many of you will be aware that we have been working towards an implementation date in October. The transfer of power is reliant on the Department for Transport processing a statutory instrument through Parliament. The Council wrote to the Department for Transport (DfT) in August confirming that our preparations to introduce CPE would be complete for a start date of October. The DfT have subsequently advised us that due to other legislative priorities they cannot achieve this date. We continue to press the DfT to progress this matter as quickly as possible but the latest estimates for introduction are late December early January. We will be starting to ramp up communications to motorists advising them of changes from now until the start date

Loan Sharks ,

Following a recent enquiry regarding illegal money lending, I have included some information on the North East Illegal Money Lending Team for your attention.

The North East illegal Money lending Team operates across the region with the aim to tackle the menace of loan sharks on our estates and the damage they can do within our communities. Using targeted intelligence provided by victims, and enforcement partners such as the Police, together with organisations such as Citizens Advice, the team aim to arrest, charge and then prosecute illegal money lenders with a view to stopping their activities and removing them from the communities within which they operate. In addition to enforcement they also offer advice and assistance to victims with a view to helping them move away from the need to remain with loan sharks and get them back into the mainstream financial system. This assistance can involve facilitating rehousing, help with debt or budget management, assistance with benefits maximisation or even just a helping hand to open a basic bank account. If you are personally involved with a loan shark or have intelligence which would help the team prosecute one, people should contact the 24 hour freephone hotline: 0300 555 2222. Alternatively text loan shark and your message to 60003. All information is dealt with in the strictest confidence and you do not even have to leave your name or contact details

work in Teal Road

For your information, I have just received a Water Industry Act notice from NWL informing me that they are to erect a temporary site compound on Lingfield Green from which they will carry out sewer replacement works in Teal Road. I am told that NWL have already informed local residents about this.

The contract is likely to start in the first week of January and will last for approximately 20 weeks.

The Water Industry Act gives NWL great powers and there is little I can do to challenge them, however I will ensure that a schedule of condition of Lingfield Green is taken before entry and that the land is reinstated after the scheme, although it is likely that re-seeding may have to be carried out in the following autumn if the compound isn't removed until the end of May when germination conditions could be unsuitable.

Footpath Renewal to Shelley Road, Byron Road & Arnold Road

THis letter has been sent to the residents

In continuation of the ongoing environmental works being undertaken on Council houses in the Hundens area a full survey of all footpaths within the curtilage of our properties has been undertaken.

The footpaths are in a reasonable condition but would benefit from some repairs. As such, work will commence shortly on the improvement of the existing footpaths to the front and rear gardens of Council Homes.

It is hoped that works will start week commencing 1st November 2010, Contractors will contact Council Tenants with definitive start dates for work on their properties as the work programme progresses.

These works will not directly affect private properties but owners should be aware that contractors will be working in the area.

If you have any comments to make about the proposed works or require further details please contact me on the above number or your Housing Manager, Linda Johnson on 01325 388095.

Darlington Neighbourhood Policing

Darlington Neighbourhood Policing Team in partnership with Darlington Borough Council/Local Motion are to hold a 3 day event in Darlington to promote and educate the public on Pedal Cycle Security and the Prevention of Crime, and Pedal Cycle Safety. On site security marking for Pedal Cycles belonging to Darlington residents will be offered free of charge. The events are to be held at 3 different locations between the hours of 10.00am and 4.00pm as follows: Monday 25 October - Darlington Market Place; Wednesday 27 October – Morrisons, North Road ; Thursday 28 October – Morrisons, Morton Park

ARNOLD ROAD POND

We wrote residents some time ago in respect of forming a working group to apply for funds to undertake works to improve the Arnold Road pond area, we have held meeting with Rosi Thornton Community Development Worker for the council. We would like to try again to set up a working group of resident s to work on this scheme. Rosi has undertaken some research and we now have more information on funding and how it works. With this in mind we will be organising an information event in the area. Details of this will be made available on conformation of venue ect

STREET SCENE

As your ward councillors we are often informed about fly tipping. Litter, grass verges, road and footpaths repairs. Street scene and the Highways department deal with all these matter and continually feed back to us as ward councillor on the work they have undertaken in the ward week by week. As your ward councillor we regularly are out and about in the ward and we also give details to department on work we believe needs to be sorted in order to maintain the ward. However lots of the issues to be dealt with can be avoided. Reporting incidents of fly tipping with a registration number would help the council to take action against those fly tipping. Taking a second to consider dropping litter or placing it in the bin would reduce the cost of litter clearance. Drivers who persistently park their vehicles on the grass verges without any considerations for the damage to verges and of the inconveniences caused to residents and other road users. We have also received several complaints about Council vehicles and contractors have also been seen parked on verges and we take the same position with these as we do with any vehicle they should lead by example and not park on the verges and grassed areas.

CONSULTATION

There are consultation processes to take place shortly in the Ward The first is in relation to the Central Park Development and will be held on the college site shortly. This will be your opportunity to see the development plans for sections on the Central Park Development and to comment and question these plans, Notification will be made to resident affected by this development and we would encourage residents to attend.
The Second will be consultation on traffic and highways issues around Heathfield School, some draft drawing of a traffic calming scheme have been produced and these will be the basis of the consultation. We are requesting a public meeting on this to be held at Heathfield, the dates for this will be included in the notification letter that will be sent out to residents.

WARD SURGERIES /PACT MEETING

We continue to hold twice monthly ward surgeries at Heathfield School 4th Wednesday of the Month) and the Eastbourne Sports complex (2nd Wednesday of the Month). Also incorporated are Monthly Police and Community Together (PACT) meetings. The next PACT meeting being 22nd October at Eastbourne sports complex 6.00pm.

The current PACT priorities are, anti social behaviour, Motorcycle nuisance, & highway and parking issues around Heathfield School.

On nuisance motorcycles in particular Quad bikes we regularly receive complaint in respect of excessive speed and noise in all areas of the ward in particular the Hundens Lane Area? We have spoken to the police several times and have been assured that they have taken action the problem being is that most of the riders spoken to are on street legal quads, and are taxed tested and insured. It is not a legal requirement to wear a helmet but we believe it should be. The noise levels from these quads also meet the legal requirement when ridden correctly. However in a built up area at excessive speed they are exceptionally loud. We would request that residents continue to report incidents they witness to the police, were these quads are being driven at excessive speed.

At the PACT meeting the police gave a break down of the crime figures for the ward and in general reported crime is down by 50% on the same time last year including Burglary, car crime and anti social behaviour. However at the time of the meeting detection rates for the reported crime was difficult to assess, the police intend to feed back detection rates at the next meeting. As your Ward councillors we challenged the report on the crime levels as we believe that crime levels are higher but are not being reported to the police, so we urge residents to report any and all incidents to the police it is the only way to get a true reflection of the crime levels in the ward and would also allow the police to make clearer decision on their policing priorities.

Fly Tipping

 

This is proberly flytipping at is worst. Gas canisters like this should be returned or disposed of in the proper manner and not just dumped in our streets or lanes.

Street scene staff responded quickly to this call and i thank them for that. A potentially very dangerous situation handled quickly.

If you the resident witness such incident please take not the details of the person or vehicle and report it to the council.

Pact Meeting

 

The Lingfield Ward PACT Meeting took place last night at Heathfield School. Resident agreed to with the Police to maintain he policing priorites for the ward.

Anti Social behaviour Yarm Road

Car parking, Speeding etc around the Heathfield School. The Broadway / Shearwater Ave.

Anti social Behaviour Hundens Lane, Arnold Road, Shelly Road. New Link road.



We would ask resident to continue to report incidents to the police

 

Operation Nimrod

I was invited by the police to go along to the early morning drug raids in the Borough.

Secret location for the briefing and then of in the vans for the raids, Good operation with several arrests. My thanks to all those involved for looking after us and for helping to clean up the drugs problem in the borough.

 

We dont mind helping out , Tea anyone

Cutting the Robbon

 

St Herberts Church.

On Saturday we were invited to open the new kitchen at St Herberts Church, we were pleased to do this. The Kitchen work was sponsored by Big Lottery fund (awards for all) who funded the Kitchen update. County Durham Foundation who funded the dishwasher microwave oven crockery, and kitchen floor.Richardson Construction (Darlington) who carried out the work.

The volunteers who help out at the church did a fantastic job (tea and cakes were excellent) . thank you all for a great afternoon.

another task completed by Street scene

 

Street Scene

Over the last week or so Street scene staff have taken a bit of stick from the media and others. While at times it seems like forever to get things done in relation to street scenes work. We fell that in general the service provided by them is pretty good. On contacting them the complaints are looked at by team leaders, we are them informed at what when and how the work will be done. Regular updates on progress also is forwarded to us. Yes there are times when we feel the work could be done quicker or differently but in general Well done street scene.

Junction McMullen Road / Yarm Road

There have been problems at this junction for some time with vehicles parking on the footpath out side the sandwich shop / cafe,. The problem being apart from the obvious about parking on footpaths, has been access and egress from this area. It is very close to the roundabout and pedestrian crossing points. Vehicles parking on this area are putting others at risk when they use this area. We had planters placed there some time ago and they not only look good but help alleviate the problem, but not stop it. We have now arranged for further work to be done here to reduce the problems. The installation of further bollards. birds mouth fencing and the relocation of some of the planters should go a long way to resolving this. The work is due to be undertaken shortly.

Planned Maintenace Programme

We often receive calls about Planned Maintenance on Council properties in the Lingfield Ward. Between 2000and 2010 the council has completed modernisation work to over 270 properties in the Lingfield Ward. The work has included replacement kitchens,bathrooms,fitting showers,electrical systems,fencing,footpaths as as well as the installation of energy efficient Combi-boilers.

The modernisation work in the Lingfield Ward will continue, in the coming years with nearly 200 properties receiving energy efficient Combi boilers by 2016.

Grass verges

The council over the last week have been repairing grass verges across the borough. Good news you might think. Well we are not so sure, The verges are being back filled with old road plannings and compacted down. We accept that the deep ruts caused by vehicles need to be sorted. What we are concerned about, is we feel this re-instatement could cause more problems than is fixes. We now have what looks like hard standing on the grass verge, this will encourage the parking of vehicles on the verges. The materials used do not compact very well and therfore will be scattered all over by vehicles, We have already had to respond to calls were this material has been used in Anti Social Behaviour, i.e throwing of the material at property and cars. Also when when the grass verges are cut by council staff there is a danger of throw back from the machines passing over this material. We have raised our concern with officers at the Town Hall and a review of this procedure is taking place.

Play areas follow up

Well it seems that we have a consensus. That is that the play areas should be accessible to residents. The solution is that the gates will be open from 8.30am till10pm and similar hours on a weekend. The position on this will be monitored and change may be made to these times in the future. So good news for residents and the children. Also we have an agreement with officers and staff that access to the artificial pitches when not in use by organised event or when pre-booked for training etc.will be allowed. So the play area will be open and the footpath between The Fairway and Bourne Avenue accessible. Good News all round we think

Ward Surgeries

This Months Ward surgeries are,

Wednesday 14th at Eastbourne Sports Complex. 6.00pm

Wednesday 28th at Heathfield School 6.00pm ( Surgery / PACT meeting )

Play Areas

When is a play area not a play area. Answer, When the Gates are locked. Good you might be thinking at last we are locking our parks and play areas again. Not the case because these gates are locked during the day at the moment. Where is this taking place you may ask. Eastbourne Sports Complex is the answer. Not only can you not get access to the play area but if you want to get from The Fairway, The Stray or Yarm Road to Bourne Avenue ,Hundens Lane or vice-versa, "No can do" because the gates are locked. This popular route to and from the nearest post office and access to the play area is not open. Why you may well ask.

We suspect it has to do with school holidays and the opening times of the complex.

We have asked officers at the Town Hall and we await their reply. When we know you will know.

Fire starters

We have always had issues with fires on wasteland of John Dixon Lane. Last year the fire brigade attended fires in this area on a regular basis. This year the problem has started early with the dry weather Fly Tipping ETC the fire bugs are at it. Our concern is heightened this year for two reasons. Firstly the fires are being started very close to the electric sub station. Secondly the level of Hoax calls that are being made to police and the fire service from the Public call box at the junction of Arnold Road / Hundens Lane. The two issues do not sit well, Hoax call and real fires are not a good combination. while the fire service will and do respond there time could be better served with real emergency and rescue Incidents. Peoples lives are at risk. So we would request residents to be vigilant and to report those responsible to the appropriate people.

Anti- Social Behaviour or Criminal Act

The term anti-social behaviour is different things to different people. Perceptions that a group of young people on a street corner can be interpreted as just that, or a group of youngster's up to no good. Assessment of these situations is difficult and often the police are called to make a judgement on the information supplied. The thing for us is when does anti social behaviour become a criminal act.

We have been contacted several times in relation to what at first seems like ASB but on refection we thing is a criminal act, That is the throwing of objects at moving vehicles, Stones, eggs and (Snowballs during winter months)These incidents are putting lives at risk, not only to the drivers and their passengers but also innocent members of the community.

The latest incident was last night (9.30pm Tuesday 6Th April)on the Eastern transport corridor. A vehicle travelling towards the town centre was hit by several stones thrown by group of young people. The shock of the stones hitting the windscreen meant the driver braked hard, fortunately modern abs braking and experience meant the vehicle was stopped without incident. However a cracked windscreen and several marks and dents to the bodywork were the result of the stone throwing. The young people were seen running away and the police were called.

This incident will be recorded but as what Anti social behaviour,criminal damage, reckless endangerment or something else. the fact is the end result of this mindless act could have had a far more serious outcome. The difficulty is catching those responsible.

spooky sunset

 

I took this photo a couple of weeks ago. I was facinated by the strange cloud formation.

Actionable potholes

Re- earlier post on potholes.

Potholes in excess of 40mm deep are what we call an actionable defect as this is the level at which the courts see a pothole may become dangerous to road users. There are other factors which are taken in to account, such as position in the carriageway, traffic speed and traffic flows.

When marking out for safety inspections the inspectors do make a judgement on what is likely to become dangerous but this is made at the time of the inspections and potholes can develop after the inspections have taken place. The personnel carrying out the works usually highlight further areas which have not been included in the original order and make them safe.

QE College

I attended an event held at the QE College, Several councillors attended to listen to presentation from students as part of their citezenship course. Topics on ASBOs, Facilities in the Borough. Enviroment, Employment , and transport were on the agenda. I was really impressed with the work they had done and the presentations were excellent.
They put forward valid arguments for change and expressed there thought on ways for improvements around the Brough.

Thank You to the QE for the invite and Well done to all concerned

Government Departments

I contacted a government department in Falkirk (CSA) On behalf of a resident yesterday, and to try and clarify a telphone call that the resident had received from this department. Now I must say I have lots of experience with dealing with Government departments and know how difficult it is to communicate with them. But I must say I have never experienced such arrogance and jobs worth attitude before. The lady on the other end of the phone was aggresive, rude, arrogant and unprepared to explain process and procedures used by them in corresponding with residents. It it was a case of we are right you are wrong and we don not want to discuss this matter to bring it to a agreeable conclusion. Now if I with a knowledge of how things are done, can not get answers then what chance has a resident.

I have written to the the department and made a formal complaint on not just for the resident but also myself. We will have to wait and see what the outcome is.

Safer routes to school

I Joined in yesterday with Heathfield Schools grand walk to school day. This is part of the schools programme in getting children and parents out of the car and walking or cycling to school. It was a great success with most of the children and parents walking to the school. The Broadway outside the school was quite and the road calm.

However not the case at the end of the School day I took my daughter to collect Bradley and the road was chaotic. We parked well away from the school and walked to collect Bradley. Double parked cars, Vehicles on the grass verges and footpaths, Drives bloked or partially bloked, I took several photos of the road and I have had again spoken to the police and officers at the town hall. But what it really need is concideration from the vehicle owners when taking children to school,

Potholes.

One of life's great mysteries. They appear all over the place mostly unexplained. However there are times when we can put a reason behind their appearance and over the last few months we blame the weather,water seeps into the road surface and freezes.As we all know water expands when frozen, this then breaks the road surface be it Tarmac or concrete. and before we know it there,s a pothole. But this is not always the case, poor reinstatement or materials can also be the cause of potholes.

Any way while out and about yesterday the number of pothole's in and around the ward seem to have grown, especially around Lingfield Green and Teal Road. We contacted the highways department and have had assurances that work on the actionable potholes is to be undertaken shortly. We have asked what actionable means and are awaiting a reply.

We will let you know

Day trip some time ago.

 

An old photo of a day trip from school, (Gurney Pease School)50 years ago. see now you have to believe the world was in black and white, Recognise anyone in the photo.

 

Grass verges

The parking of vehicles on grass verges and the damage this causes to verges sometimes diliberatly,is frustrating and annoying not only to resident but to councillors, and staff in the Twn Hall also. We campaign and and challenge officers in the Town Halland the police to deal with this form of Anti social behaviour.
However it become more frustrating when the limited success we have in resolving this matter in some of the ward causes greater problem than we cure.

Many residents across the ward have taken measures to protect the verges in there street/road by placing small boulders / rocks on the verge to stop vehicles damaging them.
The council now face legal challenges over this practice and because of this those properties identified with boulders / rocks on the verges will be contacted with the request to remove them immediately. There are issues around liability / insurance etc if damage is caused to vehicles or a resident is hurt by tripping etc by the object placed on the verges.

So it seems we cannot win. Cost affective cheap solutions I not sure how we can cure this problem,As much as I would like to see all verges protected from damage from vehicles, Perhaps the quickest and easiest solution is those causing the damage ticketed or charged with damaging the verges.

I think the council should prosecute and the police be more proactive in dealing with this problem. Maybe naming and shaming the the local media might help. There our verges yours and mine .

Heathfield School Development

The proposals / draft plans for this work were on display at the School on Tuesday gone.I attended this drop in session and it was, I think a very useful exercises with a steady stream of residents parents and pupils dropping in to look at the drawings and talk to officers, staff and myself about the proposals.

This work will be starting later this year after planning consent is obtained etc. I have raised concern with officers around working times on the site. Access and egress by contractors etc and these will be formulated into the development planning.

We will also be monitoring the highways issues while this work is being undertaken.

Arnold Road Allottments

I Facilitated a Town wide allotment holds meeting several Weeks ago to discuss the Draft allotment strategy. At this meeting the Arnold allotment holders raised issues relating to their site, I agreed to organise a meeting for plot holders with the relevant officers and cabinet member so the Representation from the Arnold Road site could raise these concern directly with them. This meeting is now set for 21 May 2010 at 4.00pm (duration 1 hour), venue, the Club Room, Arts Centre, Vane Terrace, Darlington.

All plot holders on the site will be notified.

PACT Meeting

Thanks you to the all who attended the Lingfield PACT meeting. some interesting discussion and debate, The priorities remain the same for the Ward. ( See previous blogs Info)

Litter

The council spends considerable time and money dealing with litter and fly tipping. The reality is if people did not drop litter then the council would not have to clean it up. We receive lots of request for clean ups around the ward and on the Street Scenes programme works very well. However two issues around litter really annoy. the first is the inconsiderate teams and there followers using our sports pitches, often when games are finished the fields are strewn with litter. it doesn't take long to clean up after themselves and leave the area fit for other users of our open space.

But the real one for us is the throwing of rubbish from vehicles. Usually a take away package from one or other of the many food shops around the Borough. On Saturday I was walking to the local shops with my Grandson when white van boy disposed of his McDonald carton out of his van hitting a parked car and covering it in what ever was left in the box. That was as we were going to the shop, on the way back two further incident involving a coke bottle and what can be described as a pink lump of grunge with chips. Do we need this type of behaviour what should we be doing about it and how can we deal with such incidents.

I have just received this Credit Card Scam Alert

- look out everyone this sounds clever, don't be caught out!!

Credit Card Scam Alert (Issued by Wiltshire Police - February 2010):

This has been passed on via another Force area through our own Fraud Department in Wiltshire Constabulary, and it is a very convincing SCAM. We have been asked to disseminate the information as widely and as quickly as we can through Neighbourhood Watch, School Safe and others.

This one is pretty slick since they provide YOU with all the information, except the one piece they want. Note, the callers do not ask for your card number; they already have it. This information is worth reading. By understanding how the VISA & MasterCard Telephone Credit Card Scam works, you'll be better prepared to protect yourself.. One of our employees was called on Wednesday from "VISA", and I was called on Thursday from "MasterCard".

The scam works like this: Person calling says, "This is (name), and I'm calling from the Security and Fraud Department at VISA. My badge number is 12460. Your card has been flagged for an unusual purchase pattern, and I'm calling to verify. This would be on your VISA card which was issued by (name of bank) did you purchase an Anti-Telemarketing Device for £497.99 from a Marketing company based in London ?" When you say "No", the caller continues with, "Then we will be issuing a credit to your account. This is a company we have been watching and the charges range from £297 to £497, just under the £500 purchase pattern that flags most cards.

Before your next statement, the credit will be sent to (gives you your address), is that correct?" You say "yes". The caller continues - "I will be starting a fraud investigation. If you have any questions, you should call the 0800 number listed on the back of your card (0800-VISA) and ask for Security. You will need to refer to this Control Number. The caller then gives you a 6 digit number. "Do you need me to read it again?"

Here's the IMPORTANT part on how the scam works the caller then says, "I need to verify you are in possession of your card." He'll ask you to "turn your card over and look for some numbers." There are 7 numbers; the first 4 are part of your card number, the next 3 are the security numbers that verify you are the possessor of the card. These are the numbers you sometimes use to make Internet purchases to prove you have the card. The caller will ask you to read the 3 numbers to him. After you tell the caller the 3 numbers, he'll say, "That is correct, I just needed to verify that the card has not been lost or stolen, and that you still have your card. Do you have any other questions?" After you say, "No," the caller then thanks you and states, "Don't hesitate to call back if you do", and hangs up. You actually say very little, and they never ask for or tell you the Card number .

But after we were called on Wednesday, we called back within 20 minutes to ask a question. Are we glad we did! The REAL VISA Security Department told us it was a scam and in the last 15 minutes a new purchase of £497.99 was charged to our card. Long story - short - we made a real fraud report and closed the VISA account. VISA is reissuing us a new number. What the scammers want is the 3-digit PIN number on the back of the card. Don't give it to them. Instead, tell them you'll call VISA or MasterCard directly for verification of their conversation. The real VISA told us that they will never ask for anything on the card as they already know the information since they issued the card! If you give the scammers your 3 Digit PIN Number, you think you're receiving a credit. However, by the time you get your statement you'll see charges for purchases you didn't make, and by then it's almost too late and/or more difficult to actually file a fraud report.

What makes this more remarkable is that on Thursday, I got a call from a "Jason Richardson of MasterCard" with a word-for-word repeat of the VISA scam. This time I didn't let him finish. I hung up! We filed a police report, as instructed by VISA. The police said they are taking several of these reports daily! They also urged us to tell everybody we know that this scam is happening .

Arnold Road Pond/ Wetland

For sometime now we have been working with the Borough Council to trying to improve the wetland area at the bottom of Arnold Road. With little success.

Surveys have been carried out and plans drawn up. We have also spent some considerable time with officers from the Town Hall working to progress this matter.

It is now apparent that the cost of improving this area cannot be met solely through council resources and it is unlikely that we can afford to undertake this work without some external funding support.

It is with this in mind that we would like to enlist your help; we would like to find a group of local residents who would be prepared to meet to discuss this with a view to putting a bid into a suitable funding body to produce an improvement scheme for the pond/wetland.

The Flora and resident Fauna make this a potential area for conservation. We feel it meets quite a few targets relating to biodiversity and protected species, recreation and community use.

Through the process of obtaining external funding we should be able to fence the area and provide the paths and the suitable furniture that the feature requires to make it useable as a community recourse as well as conservation area.

To achieve this we need your support and input, Grants are available but need to be community lead. There will be no financial implication for members of the group or residents. Your time and assistance as part of a working group tasked with making the bids would make a difference.

We asking that you help us to help you improve your area.

If you would like to be involved please contact your ward councillors Ian & Lynne Haszeldine

Proposed Redevelopment Heathfield Primary School

Heathfield Primary School would like to invite Lingfield residents to a public information event where you can find out about the proposed new works at the school. The evening will be an informal meeting where you can drop in to view plans, make comments and ask for further information.

This session is to be held on the 23rd of March. You are welcome to drop in between 3.00 and 6.00 p.m.

The proposed project is an exciting opportunity for the school and the local community. The main new area is a large, purpose built co-location centre that will act as a head quarters for new services to schools in your area. There will be new nurturing facilities to enable small groups of young children to access emotional well-being services when they are needed.

A low carbon classroom will also be built, slightly away from the school, which will drive forward the schools sustainability agenda. Featuring strong links to the citizenship curriculum, this facility will educate all users about the need to reduce and manage energy better, as well as provide a class with a fantastic classroom to learn in.

The school will also benefit from £500,000 investment in the condition of the fabric of the building. There are other, smaller pieces of work planned to improve the condition and suitability to teach around the school, examples of such work will also be on display. Central to this work is the need to improve energy efficiency and sustainability to save both money and carbon emissions.

Ward Surgery

We held our ward surgery tonight, quite do. But several calls when we got back home saying they could not get to the surgery but can we look into some issues..

Our next surgery is also a PACT (Police and Community Together) meeting 24th March Eastbourne Sport Complex ( Bowls Club Building).

Grass Verges

I receive lots of complaints about damage to grass verges by inconsiderate parking. Several areas in Lingfield Ward suffer from this problem. There is however confusion about how to deal with it, The police are unsure about their role in enforcement and the council is the same. I and several other councillors have tried for clarification but it about as clear as mud. Criminal damage to grass verges to me is an offence, but because it is a vehicle is it is not a motoring offence. who should prosecute the offenders, again not clear. the council as the land owner or the police with their legal powers. Perhaps its time to form a real partnership and work together. for the benefit of the resident and our grassed areas.

Sunday Bike ride

The weather was good yesterday so I and a couple of friends jumped on the motorbike's and toddled of for a ride out. Up across the moors to Whitby, for Coffee and fish and chips, then back through Hemsley , Sutton Bank and home, 140 Miles. Sun shine all the way but it was a little cold. First ride out this year and we enjoyed it. look forward to the next one. Cheers Habboo and Cameraman, good company, Thanks

can you remember the town centre looking like this,

Road works Yarm Road

just a reminder that there are major road works starting at the junction of Yarm Road and Geneva Road, Starting on Monday the 8th March, These are substantial works set to last about 6 weeks so try and avoid them if possible .

Allotments

I chaired a very lively meeting with allotment holders from right acroos th town on Wednesday, and raised their concerns at the Resources scrutiny meeting on Thursday. The Allotment Strategy will be discussed further with a allotment working group. and a meeting with the relevant council officers will be organised for the Arnold road site Plot holders,

PACT Meetings

We have held several PACT ( Police and Community Together) meetings In the Lingfield ward. These meeting are apartnership approach with the police and the community to set the policing priorities for the Lingfield ward.

Current Priorities are Anti Social Behaviour . Traffic issues around Heathfield School , Shearwater Avenue . Litter and Nuicence around the ward.

The date and venue of the next Meeting is .

Eastbourne Sports Complex, Wednesday 24th March 6.00pm .

Resident in the Lingfield ward are welcome to attend.

Hello

Hi blogging seams to be the in thing so I thought we would give it a try.I would ask that you are patient with me as I am learning as I go along.