November 21, 2011 in Exwick
Labour County Councillor Rob Hannaford was delighted to find that the long overdue pavement repair work has started in Peterborough Road, Exwick.
Rob said, ‘There is clearly going to be some short-term disruption while the work is being done but we all know how much these repairs are needed.”
If you do have a problem, be it about this issue or anything else in Exwick, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
November 9, 2011 in Exwick
Cllr Rachel Sutton recently spent a morning ‘on the beat’ with a member of the Exeter City Council CPO Team (Civil Parking Enforcement).
Emma and I met up in the city centre and after she had collected her kit, a high vis jacket with an impressive array of pockets for her handheld computer, phone, radio, printer, torch and water bottle we headed off in the van for Exwick Heights School. There are ongoing problems at drop off and pick up times with some people parking in ways that are both inconsiderate, blocking residents drives and in some cases illegal, on the double yellow lines and over the crossing point. This has recently featured in the Express & Echo and the Headteacher is worried.
Most parents dropping off took care to park in sensible and safe places but despite our presence and the that of the two staff outside to help children cross the road safely there was some dangerous parking. Emma issued one Penalty Notice on a car parked on clearly marked double yellow lines and left for nearly ten minutes. She also chatted to a number of drivers and explained what she was doing and gave advice on alternative safe places for people to leave their cars.
We also looked at the top of Higher Exwick Hill and I shall be investigating if putting additional double yellow lines on the junction might deter those people who are not respecting dropped kerbs and the driveways of the houses there.
Many people thanked Emma for coming to check on the situation as did the Senior Teacher on duty and we all agreed that if everyone took a little more care and perhaps left for school a wee bit earlier there wouldn’t be such a last minutes rush.
November 7, 2011 in St James
The next St James ‘Have Your Say’ meeting will be held on Thursday 15th December at St Sidwells School, York Road starting at 6.30pm.
Local residents will have an opportunity to meet the Local Policing Team, City and County Councillors and University and Student representatives, to discuss their concerns and community issues. The current priority areas agreed previously for St James are late night student anti-social behaviour and damage, household waste issues and traffic management issues (including speeding).
If you cannot attend the meeting and would like Keith Owen to raise any issues or concerns on your behalf, please get in touch with him.
November 4, 2011 in St Davids
RAMM is due to open on December 15. As well as the redesigned museum space a new entrance will link the museum space to Rougemont Gardens and the City’s Roman wall. Entrance to the museum will continue to be free and it will be open every day between 10am and 5pm except Mondays and bank holidays.
Northernhay Gardens and Rougemont Gardens are well worth a visit. Listed as the oldest park in Britain the gardens are a beautiful city centre green space steeped in history. The space incorporates a substantial piece of Roman wall and the only length of Saxon wall to be seen in England. The gardens are maintained all year round and there is something to enjoy in each of the seasons.
Pop in and enjoy the views of the city and the Haldon Hills beyond.
November 4, 2011 in St Davids
Another area of concern for St David’s residents was that excessive provision of student accommodation, particularly houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO’s) which could unbalance the community as has happened in parts of St. James. Currently student accommodation is being built at St Anne’s Well Brewery and at The Red Cow Site near St David’s Station.
Permission has just been granted for student flats at Exe St and the former Effing’s building in Queen St is applying for permission to convert to student flats. There are already significant student numbers in blocks on Bonhay Road and in privately rented accommodation in St David’s.
November 4, 2011 in St Davids
An update on the project to restore the Community Centre revealed that the project is back on course after some serious setbacks. Disaster struck when it was discovered that part of the building did not have foundations. Work was halted and one wall collapsed. Then – over the bank holiday weekend, substantial quantities of lead was stolen from the roof allowing massive inflows of water.
Further funding has been obtained and a plan devised which involves making the building watertight. It is planned to be ready to open next March.
November 4, 2011 in St Davids
Anxieties of local residents were heard at a meeting of the St. David’s Neighbourhood Partnership on September 29th after concerns were voiced over the impact of traffic on St David’s Hill caused by the John Lewis Store development in the City Centre.
The meeting was attended by Paul Osborne of the City Council and Will Pratt of Devon County Council who answered questions on the implications of the development for St David’s. Proposals are to partly pedestrianise the area in front of the former Debenhams building making the road easier to cross between the High Street and Sidwell Street. Traffic will be able to travel Northwards from Paris Street into New North Road but New North Rd will be closed in the Southbound direction after Longbrook Street.
As a result of this closure, traffic will be forced to re-route and it was disclosed that there is to be no extra budget for traffic management measures. It was also made clear that John Lewis had not been required to make any proper contribution at the planning stage to provide a solution to possible traffic problems. No special provision has been included for cyclists apart from a re-designed junction at The London Inn Square. The County Council had however promised air quality tests on St David’s Hill and Bonhay Road to take account of the increased traffic.
November 4, 2011 in Mincinglake
Through our community grants we have been able to support projects at Sure Start, Home Start and the Carousel Arts Project all supporting families with young children in Beacon Heath.
We have also given funds to Mincinglake Orchard Group’s Apple Day, Community Worker Eve Malster’s online trading co-operative, the Beacon Heath AgeUK Group and the YMCA Job Club, which both meet at King Arthurs Church. The International Club at the Knight Club, and the Harvest Food Project have also been received funds.
They all improve lives in Mincinglake.
November 4, 2011 in Mincinglake
Working with local residents in the lower Whipton Village end of Summer Lane, Cllr Ian Martin has highlighted in the Exeter Express and Echo the problem of HGVs, particulary delivery trucks of the major retailers, approaching the low railway bridge, guided by their SATnavs rather than by paying attention to the road signage and having to reverse back to Summerway.
The reversing large vehicles have damaged boundary walls and the kerbs along the road and put at risk pedestrians, particularly when Willowbrook and St James children coming out of school. Ian commented: “This is an accident waiting to happen.”
Please get in touch with any concerns on this issue.
November 4, 2011 in Mincinglake
The Red House Hotel, a major landmark in Whipton Village may close as early as Christmas if the planning application for a supported unit for the accommodation of teenagers and families is successful.
All three of your local councillors are aware of the issue and will be happy to listen to the views of all residents. The planning process will include in the consultation all residents of Whipton Village Road, Kennerley Avenue and all the Woolsery roads.
We will report the outcome of the planning process to you.
November 4, 2011 in Exwick
The consultations with local residents through local newsletters, the Echo, and a well attended public meeting at the Village Inn on ways to tackle parking and access problems in this part of Exwick have gone well, and at times generated a very lively debate ! Working with neighbourhood highway officers we are jointly logging all the responses, and analysing the results, before taking the matter to the next
Exeter Highways Committee on the 24th November. At the moment the agreed proposal is to secure a single yellow line along Exwick Villas , with no parking 10am to 4pm Monday to Friday, and along Exwick Road , on the opposite side, from the junction with New Valley Road and Fairhazel Drive, a single yellow line with restricted parking, e.g. no return within two hours between 10am and 4pm Monday to Friday. If you have not yet submitted a view please use the contact details below.
November 4, 2011 in Exwick, St Thomas
Work will soon get underway to convert the “Old Stationers” on the corner of Cecil Road and Church Road into the temporary home for St Thomas Library. The future of St Thomas Library has had a cloud hanging over it since June 2009, when the new owners of the Exe Bridges site contacted the City and County Councils, to say that they wanted to redevelop the existing site for yet more retail units, and not renew the current lease. Earlier this year negotiations for a new library on part of the Exe Bridges fell through. After many meetings, and some hard lobbying we are very pleased to have secured this temporary location, so that the huge number of library users across the West Exe have somewhere to use in the interim period. Its also very convenient for all our local primary schools, which is an added boost.
Cllr Rob Hannaford who has been working hard with local residents on this issue since the start said, “Its just a shame that this could not have been arranged before the existing library shut its doors, as I was very keen to keep continuity of service for local people. However its important to realise that this is just a temporary rather than a permanent solution. I have spoken to local library officers, and the site is just too small for a permanent library, as its such a busy facility. With that in mind I will continue to work to secure a permanent facility as a matter of urgency. I would like serious consideration to be given to the old Perriams Newsagents in Cowick Street, or the old Showman Pub. What ever future site is secured its absolutely essential that its under direct Council ownership, so that our new library is not threatened again by commercial interests, only concerned with profit margins and balance sheets, at the expense of culture and community.”
The County Council has negotiated a three year lease for the temporary site, and its hoped that building works, which include new flooring and heating will be completed by mid December 2011. Once ready the opening hours will remain the same, and the library will continue to provide events, activities and computer access.
November 4, 2011 in Exwick, St Thomas
Following last years great success, St Thomas Traders and Business Association are again organising Christmas Lights for Cowick Street. This will again include the very popular switch on event, with activities and entertainment that brought everyone in the community together last year.
In addition to the funds given by local businesses and other local groups, Cllr Rob Hannaford has boosted the pot with a £500 grant from his County Council Community Budget, and £150 from the City Council Community Budget for St Thomas. Cllr Rosie Denham, the City Council Portfolio Holder for Economy and Tourism has match funded this with a further £150 for an extra boost.
November 4, 2011 in St Thomas
Alphington Road and Alphington Street, which are one of the busiest routes in Exeter, are to be re-surfaced and upgraded. The work is due to start in the New Year and will cost in the region of £750,000. This includes a new enhanced crossing, new pavements, improved cycle tracks, and the cost of acquiring the necessary land to allow for the widening of the road outbound between Marsh Barton and Alphington Cross. Its anticipated that this will take two months, and because the road is so busy, most work will be done between 7pm and 2am with the noisiest work having to finish by 11pm.
St Thomas City and County Councillor Rob Hannaford adds, “Overall I welcome the fact that full road resurfacing will take place, in addition to helping drivers, it will also help reduce noise from vehicles travelling over potholes and loose manhole covers, which are regular complaints from local residents in this part of St Thomas. The main feature of these changes is the much needed upgraded pedestrian crossing near Aldi and B&Q, that many residents have been lobbying me for over many years, and I hope it will greatly help improve matters.”
If work is done outside the agreed times or you experience problems please let us know.
November 4, 2011 in St Thomas
Complaints are coming in thick and fast about dogs and fouling in Cowick Barton Playing Fields. Local footballers are having to spend precious match time every week clearing up large amounts of dog faeces from the pitches before playing. Furthermore some youngsters have been attacked on the pitch by dogs off their leads during matches.
The City Council is increasing its patrols of the area, and some local sports people and concerned parents have requested that the rules are changed for this park so that dogs have to be kept on leads.
Please let us know your views on this and any problems you may have been experiencing.
November 4, 2011 in St Thomas
The initial consultation on the proposal to close off the junction between Ferndale Road and Old Vicarage Road, through local newsletters and the Echo is going very well. We are receiving good feedback from those both for and against the proposed changes, and its certainly generated a very lively debate.
We are going to have a further in depth door to door follow up exercise, before taking the matter to the next Exeter Highways Committee on the 24th November. If you have not yet submitted a view please email Cllr Hannaford at rob.hannaford@devon.gov.uk or leave a brief answer phone message on 203296 for or against the move.
November 4, 2011 in St Leonard's
Local residents have long been aware of the need for better access to the park at the Salmon Pool Lane end, for people in wheelchairs or with pushchairs. The path was steep and had steps. It is a matter then of great celebration that the path has been completely changed by the city council and should now be accessible to all.
Jill says: “This park is a beautiful space for local residents to enjoy. There are lovely views of the river and beyond. It is especially fortunate now that it is open to everyone and I hope residents will make the most of this local resource. The city council is to be congratulated on the work that has been done here.”
Henry added, “Belle Isle Park is a hidden gem within our city and it’s a shame that due to poor access facilities not everyone can use it. With the completion of the ramp and an extra footpath soon to be opened more residents will be able to enjoy the beautiful park.”
November 4, 2011 in St Leonard's
This very popular group is once again looking for a new home. It has been very pleased to be in the Deaf Academy building after struggling for many years in Roberts Road church hall. However, the Deaf Academy will be moving to a new site at Ringswell Avenue and the use of its present site is as yet unknown.
Jill is seeking assurance from the county council that the Preschool can be incorporated in any new build at St Leonards Primary School. This would be the ideal solution, but the uncertainty lies in the extra funding this would require.
Henry says, “The future of the Preschool is very important for the parents of St Leonard’s. The parents and their children deserve clarification on this issue and assurances that a venue nearby can be found as soon as possible.”
Jill says: “It is vital that we find a permanent home for the Preschool which is an invaluable resource for the local community. I will be making sure this is not forgotten by Devon County Council.”
November 4, 2011 in St Leonard's
Cllr Jill Owen recently attended a site meeting in Salmon Pool Lane to consider the possibility of introducing pay and display at the section next to the Valley Park. This would enable motorists to park there during the day in order to use the park’s facilities. Unfortunately however, due to technical reasons associated with the Residents Parking Zone, it was decided not to go ahead with the proposal.
Jill says, “It was felt that the residents of Salmon Pool Lane would not have appreciated having an additional 24 signs and 500 metres of white or yellow paint in their road, necessitated by Pay and Display. This disadvantage would seem to out weigh the benefit to non residents.
It should also be pointed out that:
- Anybody with genuine mobility disabilities will be eligible for a Blue Disabled Badge. This exempts vehicles from both the Residents Parking restriction and from the Single Yellow Line restriction (for a maximum of 3 hours). Therefore we are not disadvantaging those with genuine mobility difficulties.
- Other users can still use the Limited Waiting bays on Salmon Pool Lane near to Topsham Road for up to an hour. During this time most able bodied adults should be able to walk 2 to 3 miles. It is approximately a half mile round trip from these bays to the end of Salmon Pool Lane.
- Outside the hours of the restrictions all drivers are free to park either on the Single Yellow Line or within the Residents Zone. This gives options to those wishing to use the valley park in the evening or at weekends.
November 4, 2011 in Priory
Councillor Gill Tippins went along to the consultation regarding the play area at Dickens Drive. It was a great opportunity to meet residents and find out more about what was possible and what residents wanted in the new play area.
“I was amazed at the pictures of the brilliant play equipment on offer. We then set about talking to residents to discuss the best choice of the equipment,“ said Gill Tippins.
The construction of the new play area started in early October and already the play area fence has been painted to brighten the areas up and make it more child friendly. The play equipment has been ordered and it is hoped that the new play area will be up and running in time for the Christmas holidays. Although enjoyed by the local children the play area at Lakeside in Countess Wear is in need of a facelift. Cllr Marcel Choules has been discussing this matter with officers of Exeter City Council and is optimistic that funding will be available in the near future. We will keep you posted.
November 4, 2011 in Priory
Following the delay caused by roosting bats, we are now hoping to hand the land over to Sovereign Housing in the coming month. This means that the new housing development should be starting soon, with the prospect of finishing in 2012. The development will include the building of the path to allow access to the hospital from Shakespeare Road.
“This is great news; we have been waiting so long for this to happen. This will allow easier access to the hospital for the people of the Burnthouse Lane area,” said Cllr Lesley Robson.
November 4, 2011 in Priory
The County Council has given each councillor £15,000 to fund community activities this year. To date,Devon County Councillor Jill Owen has given funding to the following projects:
- The Harvest Project: this involves working with residents to grow their own garden produce and the Chestnut Centre has also benefitted from this scheme.
- Wear United: Jill has given funding for new notice boards, plus leaflets and the website.
- The Exeter Girls Brigade: Jill helped fund an outdoor holiday for local youngsters.
- Men in Sheds: this project works with men who live alone and gives them the opportunity to socialise and be creative.
- Devon Youth Service: funding has gone towards summer activities.
- Amersham Court Tea Club: Jill funded a celebratory outing for the group.
- Exeter YMCA Job Club: funding has helped keep this service going, based at the Wonford Community Centre.
Cllr Jill Owen says, “These are just some of the examples where I have used my locality budget. I am always happy to hear from community groups who need some extra help with funding. Please get in touch.”
November 4, 2011 in Priory
The smell coming from the sewage works have been bad lately, partly due to the building works over the other side of Topsham Road. If the smell is bad, please phone the sewage works on 08001691144. It is a free number, and will put you straight through.
November 4, 2011 in Polsloe
Many residents complain about seagulls damaging refuse bags, resulting in unsightly rubbish on the pavement.
Exeter City Council are now issuing seagull proof bags in Polsloe.
Rachel Lyons has one, and is pleased that at least her rubbish is contained until collection. If you would like one please contact her.
November 4, 2011 in Polsloe
After investigation Rachel has established that Persimmon are no nearer to providing the contamination remediation certification that is needed to trigger transfer under the terms of the S106 original planning agreement. In view of the fact that this issue could continue to drag on, City Council officers are exploring the possibility of agreeing to the Council taking on the upkeep of the open space under ‘licence’ with Persimmon continuing to be responsible for the ownership, contamination and its remediation. However, this is a legally complicated proposition and it may be some weeks before agreement with Persimmon can be reached.
“This situation has been rumbling on for a while now and the residents of Polsloe need clarification. The park is well used and loved by local residents and the sooner we get this sorted the better,” said Labour Candidate Rachel Lyons.
November 4, 2011 in Polsloe
Rachel Lyons has asked Cllr Richard Westlake and he has agreed, to use some of his locality budget to purchase extra grit bins for Polsloe.
Rachel & Richard hope this decision will help keep Polsloe traffic and pedestrians moving in icy conditions.
November 4, 2011 in Polsloe
The G bus which connects Hamlin Gardens with the Quay only runs during the day. During the day the G bus is well used and provides the Polsloe community with a vital link with the rest of the city. There is a possibility that Stagecoach could extend this service into the evenings if there is the demand.
Would you use this service to go down to the quay during the evenings? Would you like Rachel and Richard to campaign to try to get this service extended, please let us know.
November 4, 2011 in Polsloe
There are still many incidents at these lights, and Rachel Lyons has suggested to Cllr Richard Westlake, that the pedestrian lights on Blackboy Road be removed and switches be put on the main lights so that everyone can cross safely at the existing all red phase of the lights, which occurs already after the green phase on Mount Pleasant Road.
What do you think? Let Richard or Rachel know your thoughts on this proposal.
November 4, 2011 in Polsloe
A new system for applying for residential parking permits will come into affect on the 1st November. You can apply on line at devon.gov.uk/parkingpermits or telephone 03451551073. If you experience any problems please contact Cllr Richard Westlake.
November 4, 2011 in Pinhoe
As in other parts of Exeter, there are competing demands for land in Pinhoe. The Tory-led government has thrown the country into the biggest crisis in house-building in the last 50 years. Here in Exeter there is an enormous unmet demand for housing.
There is a lot of public interest in how to divert the traffic which will be generated from the housing estate planned for the old quarry and development being proposed for the former brickworks site though as of yet no roads plans have been finalised. The Friends of Eastern Fields have applied to Devon County Council for ‘Village Green’ status.
Labour city and county councillors Moira Macdonald and Saxon Spence are listening carefully to the arguments on all sides. There may need to be some give-and-take to reach the best answer for Pinhoe as a whole, so it’s important that you let them know your views.
November 4, 2011 in Pinhoe
In the last newsletter Moira and Saxon promised to follow-up on the ongoing problems of speeding traffic and the hazards for pedestrians and cyclists crossing Chancel Lane bridge.
There should soon be some good news. City Council officers have been working with Taylor Wimpey, the builders of Chancel Park, to release £70,000 to Devon County Council Highways. It’s money earmarked for road safety improvements. Moira and Saxon are pleased this will include a Toucan crossing across Chancel Lane from the foot/cycle path link with Wilcocks Road.
Moira commented, “When you see how many HGVs and vans go up and down Chancel Lane you can appreciate how the crossing will be a huge benefit. Importantly, it will help make the journey to and from Pinhoe Primary School a lot safer.”
November 4, 2011 in Pinhoe
Councillor Saxon Spence has allocated £20,000 from her delegated capital budget from the sale of Exeter Airport by the county council for Arena Park. This will fund James Bond of Carving Communities to work with local young people to create a “dug out” and a playground for local children at Arena Park.
There has been great support from the local residents and Seddons, a local company, who have joined the process, by painting and improving the play area. Exeter City Council has been very supportive with help from the Moira MacDonald’s City Councillors’ local community budget.
November 4, 2011 in Newtown
Following a review by your councillors new grit bins have been placed around the Newtown ward. Cllr Richard Westlake said, the spread of grit bins around Newtown will cover all parts of the ward. Thank you to residents who contacted Richard with suggestions on placement. There has however been an issue with the grit bin at the Junction of Barnfield and Denmark road as it is causing damage to the grass and possibly a nearby tree. Devon County Council have promised to try to move it to a more appropriate nearby location.
November 4, 2011 in Newtown
Local residents in the Barnfield Road neighbourhood will recall the controversy over the development of the St. Leonards Practice on land which was previously used by a local bowling club.
To screen the building and the car park from houses opposite the site on Athelstan Road there was a requirement that the applicants include in the landscape a hedge. Unfortunately after three years the practice has been unable to establish the required hedge.
A meeting was arranged with the practice where the requirements were reiterated. Advice was given to the practice on how best to establish the hedge so that it would grow appropriately.
November 4, 2011 in Newtown
The Waitrose store has finally opened on Heavitree Road. Your councillors will be monitoring the traffic flow into and out of the Waitrose car park and congestion on Gladstone Road.
With the expected increase in traffic in the Heavitree Road area due to the Waitrose store, residents in Baring Crescent requested a “Keep Clear” box to assist access onto Heavitree Road. We are pleased to report that this was put in place the night before Waitrose opened to the public.
We hope to work with Waitrose to develop community support. Community groups can apply to Waitrose to take part in their monthly community collection. More details are available in store.
November 4, 2011 in Newtown
- Sandford Walk should be completed before Christmas
- Hamlin Lane - 7/2/12 - 2 days of Temp Traffic Lights
- Polsloe Road - 10/2/12 – 1 day road closure
- Bampfylde Street - 23/2/12 – 2 days road closure
- Belmont Road – 24/2/12 – 1 night road closure
- Athelstan Road – 27/2/12 – 2 days road closure
- Magdalen Road – 29/2/12 – 2 days road closure
- Codrington Street – 15/3/12 – 2 days road closure
November 4, 2011 in Newtown
Belmont Park celebrated its 125th Anniversary this summer. A celebratory weekend was organised by the Newtown Community Association on the 30th and 31st of July. Newtown Community Association should be congratulated such a successful weekend. Other organisations helped contribute to make the event a success including The Big Lottery, Midas Construction, the local Newtown stores and others.
November 4, 2011 in Heavitree
Just before the weather gets too cold we can just remind you of what a great event the Heavitree Community Association in Heavitree Park was and that luckily August Bank Holiday Monday saw glorious sunshine.
People flocked to the Fun Day in droves – Labour had loads of visitors to our stall doing the quiz and picking up jelly beans with chopsticks. Any child who could pick up at least one jelly bean got a free chocolate or other sweets. The quiz theme – of guessing the road name from which photos of Heavitree Church Tower were taken – was hugely popular.
Our main prize of £20 of Co-op vouchers was announced over the PA system to the entire Park. All the money we received in entrance fees was donated to Hospiscare. At times we were so busy there was hardly any room in our gazebo for us!
We would like to thank Heavitree Community Association for organising a wonderful event and all the other organisations and groups who took part and look forward to next years fun day.
November 4, 2011 in Alphington, Cowick, News
Exeter residents are excellent at recycling and 35 tonnes of recycled waste are collected from households every day.
Cllr Morris recently paid a visit to the MRF Centre (Materials Reclamation Centre) in Marsh Barton to see first hand the work involved. Cllr Morris said, “Visiting the Centre really opened my eyes to how much work goes into sorting the waste.”
However, unfortunately not all householders recycle correctly and this can cause numerous problems. If food waste is put into a recycling bin, this contaminates not just a small amount of recycled waste, but potentially at least one tonne of recycled products could be both damaged and unsuitable for recycling by the time it reaches the MRF Centre.
- Put all clean, dry paper and cardboard into your Green Bin/Box
- Rinse food tins, used foil and drink cans and put into your Green Bin/Box
- Replace lids on plastic bottles after rinsing and put into your Green Bin/Box
- Extra recycling containers can be delivered on request – 01392 665010
- Recycle glass/jars at local Recycling Banks see www.exeter.gov.uk for details
- Used domestic batteries can be recycled at any shop which sells batteries
- Over 60% of Domestic waste can be recycled or composted – Composters and Wormeries can be purchased from Exeter City Council at cost price – 01392 66501
If your community group would like a visit to the centre this can be arranged by contacting Sally Fryer on 01392 665027 or 01392 665010
November 1, 2011 in Council
City Council Leader Pete Edwards talks about the action the City Council has taken to balance the city’s books and protect services.
“The City Council has faced a brutal challenge over the last two years having to make savings of over £2m each year on its net budget reducing it from around £18.5m in 2009 to £14m now. That’s a cut of 24% – nearly a quarter of our budget. Last year nearly 1500 people completed surveys online, on paper and in the Echo telling us their views on which services should be protected and which should be cut.”
“We listened.”
“It’s meant some really painful decisions such as transferring the Scrapstore to a social enterprise run by former staff, cutting grants to the arts and reducing the scope and size of our festivals. Other services have felt the impact of difficult trading conditions, such as our Archaeological Field Unit, which we had to close. And of course government cuts to other organisations have had a knock on effect with funding for many projects being lost.
We also need to look again at the fees we charge for services such as car parking and planning applications.”
Reduction in staff numbers
“Over the last two years we have cut nearly 100 posts through not filling jobs, not renewing contracts, voluntary redundancies, early retirement and as a last resort by compulsory redundancy. It’s always hard to lose staff that have provided excellent quality services over many years.
We are also not shying away from the need to cut management costs. We have just agreed a radical restructure of our management which will reduce the number of senior management posts by over 30%, and save up to half a million pounds.
By taking early decisive action we have averted a potential crisis in the City Council’s funds and made sure we got the Council back on an even keel.”
Protecting services
“We have managed to protect services which target the most vulnerable and give support to those most in need such as housing advice, benefits and grants to voluntary sector partners such as the Citizens Advice Bureau. We have retained our investment in play areas and outdoor facilities for children and young people.
We are also working closely with communities to deliver new areas of work such as neighbourhood planning in St James and in partnership with statutory and community groups in Beacon Heath and Wonford.
We are still carrying out the work needed to support our business community and draw in new firms. This is evidenced by the decision of John Lewis to bring their new concept store to Exeter, the new Waitrose at Heavitree and our vibrant High Street that has major retailers Urban Outfitters and Republic fitting out behind bright hoardings. Already Waitrose has brought more than 150 new jobs and more than 300 are expected to be created at John Lewis.
I believe the two major challenges for the city are the regeneneration of the bus station site, including a swimming pool and housing.”
Why housing?
“Housing is in crisis across the country. There are less houses being built now that at any time in the last fifty years. There is a housing crisis in this city in the private rented sector. Research from Shelter has shown we have the highest rents in the south west. The challenge is not just social housing. We need housing built in the private sector. We are looking at all ways of delivering housing for the people in the city.”
“We are looking ahead.”
“We want to meet local residents and listen to their views about our services, to find out what are the three most important services that Exeter City Council delivers to the people of Exeter.”
“We want to share our vision for the city.”
Online survey
“For people who can’t come to that event, please let us know what your priorities are by completing our budget 2012 survey online or call 01392 265981 for a paper copy.”
November 1, 2011 in Alphington
Rob inspecting Potholes
Alphington Road and Alphington Street, which is one of the busiest routes in Exeter are to be re-surfaced and upgraded starting in the New Year. This includes a new enhanced crossing, new pavements, improved cycle tracks and the widening of the road outbound between Marsh Barton and Alphington Cross. Its anticipated that this will take two months, and because the road is so busy, most work will be done between 7pm and 2am with the noisiest work having to finish by 11pm.
Better drainage works are being put in as flooding and blocked drains have been a real problem in recent years, especially under the railway bridge near Willeys Avenue, and also opposite Sainsbury’s near the very busy push button crossing . The main feature of these changes is the much needed upgrade to the pedestrian crossing near Aldi and B&Q, that many residents have been lobbying us to improve for sometime.
In addition to this, various road resurfacing improvements are to be completed across Alphington during December: 9th-12th Willeys Avenue (from junction with Isca Road to junction with Fords Road), 12th Fords Road, 13th-14th Isca Road, 15th Chapel Road, 19th Courteney Gardens, 21th-23th Grace Road West (from junction with Trusham Road to Bradham Way)
Margaret and Rob say, “This is great news for these residents whose roads have been deteriorating for some time to know that the temporary disruption will result in much better surfaces for the future.”
November 1, 2011 in Alphington
This year ward councillors have been able to consider grant applications from community groups to allocate in amounts of up to £300 for each project with a total of £1,500.00 for the year for Alphington.
To date we have agreed on the following projects:
- Alphington Community Association – £300 for costs towards the Party in the Park day on 10th September.
- Loram Maintenance Association – £300 towards the cost of maintaining open areas on the estate.
- Alpha-tots Group – £300 towards the cost of providing a covered outdoor shelter for buggies.
- Sea Scouts H.Q. in Haven Road – £150 towards the cost of refurbishing parts of the building.
- Age UK Exeter – ‘Men in Sheds project’ – £195 towards the costs of this project which helps reduce isolation for older men by them meeting together to refurbish garden tools.
These projects are all using this money to provide resources in Alphington for different groups in the community. We have a small amount of money left so please contact Dawn Rivers, Community Involvement Officer at the Civic Centre (Tel: 265531) if you feel your project/association could benefit.
November 1, 2011 in Alphington
Margaret at AgeUK Exeter
Margaret Clark has been recently nominated as a board/trustee member of Age UK Exeter as the representative for Exeter City Council. She attended an induction session and an away day with staff and was extremely impressed with the range of the 17 different services they provide to over 800 people to meet their needs in Exeter.
Margaret said, “I was very impressed with the level of experience, enthusiasm and dedication the staff bring to their roles and I am sure many residents in Alphington benefit from their services. I recently met Jessica Cohen at the Chatterbox club in Alphington Village Hall who was there to give information and advice to the local residents who were attending on that Friday morning about Age UK Exeter.”
If you feel you could also benefit, contact their centre in Cowick St (Tel: 202092) to talk to a friendly staff member about your needs.
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