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.