Harrowgate Hill Ward Focus. Stories from Issue 4; January 2007

9.00.00pm UTC (GMT +0000) Sun 21st Jan 2007

BENSHAM PARK FOOTPATH -

Lib Dems get it sorted!

In our last Focus, we pointed out that the footpath leading to the play area in Bensham Park had not been extended to the back lane leading to Bensham Road.

We drew the Council's attention to the need for the footpath to be completed. The Council have agreed that funding will be made available during the summer to carry out the work.

Liberal Democrats…getting results!

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LONGFIELD ROAD

Residents have expressed concern that they are having difficulty in crossing the road at peak travel times. Traffic in this road is particularly heavy during school times and there are no designated crossings apart from the school crossing patrol outside Longfield School.

We have spoken to the Council, who have promised to carry out a traffic survey in the near future. We have consulted local residents, who think a pedestrian crossing on Longfield Road opposite to the entrance to Bowman Street would be ideal.

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GLEBE ROAD PLAYING FIELD

We asked the Council to protect the land at the end of Glebe Road which is bounded by the railway and which is currently being used for football. We want it to continue to be used for football and for the development of other sports. We want to see a play area for young children. We want the land to be kept for the use of local people.

The Council have responded that it will be retaining a significant part of the area as green field land. The rest of the land will be sold off to build more flats and houses.

We will closely monitor what goes on there. The Council must keep their promise.

Any new development of flats and houses must bear in mind the effect on local traffic, particularly on Salter's Lane South and Whinfield Road. And what about the impact on local schools? Where will children living here go to school? All the local schools are full!

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FORMER SHELL STATION,

NORTH ROAD - LATEST NEWS

The planning application lodged on behalf of Tesco by the owners of the petrol station site - to build a convenience store - has been turned down.

However, we understand that the land has now been bought from the developer by Tesco.

We also understand that Tesco is preparing to submit a new planning application.

There seems little support for these plans among local people. We believe the wishes of the local community should be paramount in any decision about what to do with this site.

We will continue to monitor developments in this area. This site is an eyesore and a suitable use must be found for it soon - but one of which local residents approve.

If and when another planning application is made, we will work with you to make sure your views are heard in the planning process.

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WE DEMAND ACTION

We have raised the following issues from residents with the Council. We are waiting for a response!

Bus Stops in the Town Centre: Residents have expressed concern about the removal of the bus stops in the town centre to and from Harrowgate Hill. This has resulted in residents having to walk greater distances in the town centre and to catch their bus home.

Bus Stop Marking: We have asked for the road at the bus stop on North Road opposite the entrance to Bensham Road to be clearly marked as a bus stop. Cars frequently park there and buses sometimes cannot stop.

Dog fouling: We have asked if wardens can patrol the area at the end of Glebe Road towards the farm road and Bensham Park particularly early in the morning when dog fouling appears to be at its worst. We have also asked for more dog dirt bins in Glebe Road and Bensham Park.