I'm pleased I completed the AA Street Watch this week, a survey over one hour (about two miles' walk), covering roads main, minor, residential and footpaths.
It forced me to consider in detail the precise state of our by-ways over a number of categories including potholes, kerb stones, iron inspection covers (all needing to be over 2" to be noteworthy by the AA's rules), uneven footpath, faded or not visible road signs, worn/faded road markings (not yellow or white lines), parked vehicle blocking footpath, litter and dog fouling.
The route I chose went along Manor Road past Ramsey Manor Lower School, down Hexton Road, then Sharpenhoe Road to the public footpath at the end and back on the other side of the road, along the main road to cut up the footpath past the Indian restaurant along Bradshaw's, left round Arnold Road, then along the final alleyway back to Manor Road.
Before I completed the walk, I'd have guessed that potholes and uneven footpaths to have been the greatest offenders; in the event, it was litter (no sweet wrapper sized items allowed; only larger ones such as beer cans, cigarette packs), faded road marking for schools and parts of potholes as our large potholes are usually only 1" deep, I was intrigued to note. No evidence of dog fouling, no illegally parked vehicles, blocked drains, roadworks. I was surprised and impressed.
As for what we need to do to ward off some of this a la Big Society: install a litter bin outside Ramsey school and one along Hexton Road towards Old Road, ditto another near the children's playground behind the Co-op.
But this was just my snapshot in time. Did you complete your own AA survey? Or have views on our by-ways? I'd appreciate your views if so.
Sunday, 31 October 2010
Sunday, 17 October 2010
Covanta waste - have your say by 19 Nov
Residents in Central Bedfordshire who are keen to comment on Covanta Energy’s plans for a Resource Recovery Facility at Rookery South Pit near Stewartby, can now register their interest with the Infrastructure Planning Commission (IPC).
In August the IPC accepted for examination purposes, Covanta’s planning submission, but now the public and interested parties have until 19 November to ensure that their views are heard during the examination hearings – the next phase of the IPC’s planning process.
People can register their details by visiting the IPC website (http://infrastructure.independent.gov.uk/) or by requesting a registration form by calling the IPC on 0303 444 5000.
The Rookery South RRF planning submission documents and plans, are available to view on the IPC website http://infrastructure.independent.gov.uk/projects/eastern/rookery-south-energy-from-waste-generating-station/ or by visiting any of the following locations during normal opening hours:
Bedford Central Library (Harpur Street in Bedford);
Ampthill Library (1 Dunstable Street in Ampthill);
Wootton Library (Lorraine Road in Wootton);
Bedford Borough Council’s office at the Town Hall (St Paul's Square in Bedford)
Central Bedfordshire Council’s offices at Priory House (Monks Walk, Chicksands, near Shefford);
Marston Vale Forest Centre (Marston Vale Millennium Country Park, Station Road, Marston Moretaine) ; and
Covanta Energy Bedfordshire office (Water End Barns, Eversholt).
The IPC will have an officer as well as a member of Planning Aid available at council offices and a local library on 22 October to assist members of the public who are unable to register their interest online electronically. They will be at Bedford Town Hall between 10am and 12pm, Priory House in Chicksands between 1.30pm and 3.30pm, and Ampthill library from 3.30pm until 5.00pm.
Copies of the application forms and the accompanying plans, maps and other documents can be inspected free of charge at the following locations and times:
Bedford Central Library Harpur Street, Bedford MK40 1PG
Ampthill Library, 1 Dunstable Street, Ampthill, Bedford MK45 2NL
Wootton Library, Lorraine Road, Wootton MK43 9LH
Monday
9:00 - 6:00
10:00 - 6:00
2:00 - 6:00
Tuesday
9:00 - 6:00
Closed
Closed
Wednesday
9:00 - 6:00
10:00 - 6:00
10:00 - 1:00 and 2:00 - 6:00
Thursday
9:00 - 1:00
2:00 - 6:00
Closed
Friday
9:00 - 6:00
10:00 - 6:00
2:00 - 6:00
Saturday
9:00 - 5:00
10:00 - 1:00
10:00 - 1:00
Sunday
Closed
Closed
Closed
Bedford Borough Council, Town Hall, St Paul's Square, Bedford, MK40 1SJ
Central Bedforshire Council, Priory House, Monks Walk, Chicksands, Shefford SG17 5TQ
Marston Vale Forest Centre, Marston Vale Millennium Country Park, Station Road
Marston Moretaine, Bedford MK43 0PR
Monday
8:45 - 5:00
8:30 - 5:00
10:00 - 5:00
Tuesday
8:45 - 5:00
8:30 - 5:00
10:00 - 5:00
Wednesday
8:45 - 5:00
8:30 - 5:00
10:00 - 5:00
Thursday
8:45 - 5:00
8:30 - 5:00
10:00 - 5:00
Friday
8:45 - 4:45
8:30 - 4:00
10:00 - 5:00
Saturday
9:00 - 1:00
Closed
10:00 - 5:00
Sunday
Closed
Closed
10:00 - 5:00
In addition, the planning submission documents are available for inspection by appointment only at the Covanta Energy Bedfordshire offices in Eversholt (Unit 7, Water End Barns, Eversholt, Milton Keynes, MK17 9EA). To book an appointment, please email rookerysouth@covantaenergy.co.uk or call 0844 967 1101. Office opening hours are from Monday to Friday between 9:30am to 4:30pm.
And do please let me know your views too! Thank you.
janet.nunn@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk
In August the IPC accepted for examination purposes, Covanta’s planning submission, but now the public and interested parties have until 19 November to ensure that their views are heard during the examination hearings – the next phase of the IPC’s planning process.
People can register their details by visiting the IPC website (http://infrastructure.independent.gov.uk/) or by requesting a registration form by calling the IPC on 0303 444 5000.
The Rookery South RRF planning submission documents and plans, are available to view on the IPC website http://infrastructure.independent.gov.uk/projects/eastern/rookery-south-energy-from-waste-generating-station/ or by visiting any of the following locations during normal opening hours:
Bedford Central Library (Harpur Street in Bedford);
Ampthill Library (1 Dunstable Street in Ampthill);
Wootton Library (Lorraine Road in Wootton);
Bedford Borough Council’s office at the Town Hall (St Paul's Square in Bedford)
Central Bedfordshire Council’s offices at Priory House (Monks Walk, Chicksands, near Shefford);
Marston Vale Forest Centre (Marston Vale Millennium Country Park, Station Road, Marston Moretaine) ; and
Covanta Energy Bedfordshire office (Water End Barns, Eversholt).
The IPC will have an officer as well as a member of Planning Aid available at council offices and a local library on 22 October to assist members of the public who are unable to register their interest online electronically. They will be at Bedford Town Hall between 10am and 12pm, Priory House in Chicksands between 1.30pm and 3.30pm, and Ampthill library from 3.30pm until 5.00pm.
Copies of the application forms and the accompanying plans, maps and other documents can be inspected free of charge at the following locations and times:
Bedford Central Library Harpur Street, Bedford MK40 1PG
Ampthill Library, 1 Dunstable Street, Ampthill, Bedford MK45 2NL
Wootton Library, Lorraine Road, Wootton MK43 9LH
Monday
9:00 - 6:00
10:00 - 6:00
2:00 - 6:00
Tuesday
9:00 - 6:00
Closed
Closed
Wednesday
9:00 - 6:00
10:00 - 6:00
10:00 - 1:00 and 2:00 - 6:00
Thursday
9:00 - 1:00
2:00 - 6:00
Closed
Friday
9:00 - 6:00
10:00 - 6:00
2:00 - 6:00
Saturday
9:00 - 5:00
10:00 - 1:00
10:00 - 1:00
Sunday
Closed
Closed
Closed
Bedford Borough Council, Town Hall, St Paul's Square, Bedford, MK40 1SJ
Central Bedforshire Council, Priory House, Monks Walk, Chicksands, Shefford SG17 5TQ
Marston Vale Forest Centre, Marston Vale Millennium Country Park, Station Road
Marston Moretaine, Bedford MK43 0PR
Monday
8:45 - 5:00
8:30 - 5:00
10:00 - 5:00
Tuesday
8:45 - 5:00
8:30 - 5:00
10:00 - 5:00
Wednesday
8:45 - 5:00
8:30 - 5:00
10:00 - 5:00
Thursday
8:45 - 5:00
8:30 - 5:00
10:00 - 5:00
Friday
8:45 - 4:45
8:30 - 4:00
10:00 - 5:00
Saturday
9:00 - 1:00
Closed
10:00 - 5:00
Sunday
Closed
Closed
10:00 - 5:00
In addition, the planning submission documents are available for inspection by appointment only at the Covanta Energy Bedfordshire offices in Eversholt (Unit 7, Water End Barns, Eversholt, Milton Keynes, MK17 9EA). To book an appointment, please email rookerysouth@covantaenergy.co.uk or call 0844 967 1101. Office opening hours are from Monday to Friday between 9:30am to 4:30pm.
And do please let me know your views too! Thank you.
janet.nunn@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk
Saturday, 9 October 2010
Poetry competition on subject of 'Home'
Libraries in Central Bedfordshire are inviting poetry lovers to submit their entries for Bedfordshire Libraries’ Poetry Competition 2010.
The competition is a joint promotion between Bedford Borough and Central Bedfordshire Libraries and has the theme of ‘Home’ this year. The closing date for entries is Saturday, 23 October.
The adult competition is for everyone over 14 years with, for the first time, a separate category for younger writers. The best poems will be published on the Virtual Library’s Post-a-Poem page over the coming year.
You can email your poem to librarieswriteon@bedford.gov.uk, hand your entry in at your local library or send it to either Sally Heard at Bedford Central or Jill Napper at Biggleswade Library. Please include full contact details, including an email address if possible.
The competition is a joint promotion between Bedford Borough and Central Bedfordshire Libraries and has the theme of ‘Home’ this year. The closing date for entries is Saturday, 23 October.
The adult competition is for everyone over 14 years with, for the first time, a separate category for younger writers. The best poems will be published on the Virtual Library’s Post-a-Poem page over the coming year.
You can email your poem to librarieswriteon@bedford.gov.uk, hand your entry in at your local library or send it to either Sally Heard at Bedford Central or Jill Napper at Biggleswade Library. Please include full contact details, including an email address if possible.
Friday, 1 October 2010
Proposed Temporary Road Closure – B655 Hexton Rd., Barton le Clay
There's a request been lodged with Hazel Potter at CBC for a Temporary Road Closure at the above location to enable patching and surface dressing work to be carried out in safety. See details below; also for alternative route for diverted traffic.
The restrictions are to be in operation only when the necessary signs are erected on site. The Legal Order will be made to cover a twelve month period, however the closure is expected to take place on 3 periods of 2 days during November/December 2010, April/May/June and June/July/August 2011 between 0900 and 1530hrs. Specific dates will be advertised locally closer to the time. Access may be allowed from time to time according to local signing.
If you have any observation, contact her quoting reference CBC4179RC
tel 0300 300 4857
fax 0300 300 8212
Hazel.Potter@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk
……………………………………………………………………………………
Road: B655 Hexton Rd., Barton le Clay
Application from: Amey for CBC – Contact – Silv Chelaru – 0300 300 8049
Reason: To enable patching and surface dressing work to be carried out in safety.
Length affected: From junction with Manor Rd to county boundary.
Date: Closure is expected to take place on 3 periods of 2 days during November/December 2010, April/May/June and June/July/August 2011 between 0900 and 1530hrs. Access may be allowed from time to time according to local signing.
Specific dates will be advertised locally closer to the time.
Alternative Route:- Proceed on B655 through Hexton and Pegsdon to roundabout with A505. Take 1st exit and continue north on A505 to next roundabout with A600. Continue on A600 to roundabout with A507. Take 1st exit and continue on A507 to roundabout with A6. Take 1st exit and continue on A6 to roundabout with Bedford Rd., Barton le Clay. Take 2nd exit and continue on Bedford Rd to junction with Hexton Rd. Turn left onto Hexton Rd and continue to junction with Manor Rd and site and vice versa.
The restrictions are to be in operation only when the necessary signs are erected on site. The Legal Order will be made to cover a twelve month period, however the closure is expected to take place on 3 periods of 2 days during November/December 2010, April/May/June and June/July/August 2011 between 0900 and 1530hrs. Specific dates will be advertised locally closer to the time. Access may be allowed from time to time according to local signing.
If you have any observation, contact her quoting reference CBC4179RC
tel 0300 300 4857
fax 0300 300 8212
Hazel.Potter@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk
……………………………………………………………………………………
Road: B655 Hexton Rd., Barton le Clay
Application from: Amey for CBC – Contact – Silv Chelaru – 0300 300 8049
Reason: To enable patching and surface dressing work to be carried out in safety.
Length affected: From junction with Manor Rd to county boundary.
Date: Closure is expected to take place on 3 periods of 2 days during November/December 2010, April/May/June and June/July/August 2011 between 0900 and 1530hrs. Access may be allowed from time to time according to local signing.
Specific dates will be advertised locally closer to the time.
Alternative Route:- Proceed on B655 through Hexton and Pegsdon to roundabout with A505. Take 1st exit and continue north on A505 to next roundabout with A600. Continue on A600 to roundabout with A507. Take 1st exit and continue on A507 to roundabout with A6. Take 1st exit and continue on A6 to roundabout with Bedford Rd., Barton le Clay. Take 2nd exit and continue on Bedford Rd to junction with Hexton Rd. Turn left onto Hexton Rd and continue to junction with Manor Rd and site and vice versa.
No Mayor, more leader, proposed for Central Beds
Central Bedfordshire Council has agreed in principle to keep the current executive model which sees a council leader and a cabinet in place rather than a directly elected mayor.
At the last Full Council Meeting, members agreed with an Executive recommendation to pass a resolution by 31 December 2010 to adopt the ‘new style’ arrangements that have been in place at Central Bedfordshire Council since its inception in April 2009.
Under the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 the council is required to set out its executive arrangements which will come into effect three days after the local elections in May 2011.
When the adaption is complete the council’s constitution will be amended to reflect an extension of the leader’s term in office to four years.
Residents can still pass on their views about executive arrangements by emailing consultations@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk or writing to Freepost RSJS GBBZ SRZT, Consultation, Central Bedfordshire Council, Priory House, Monks Walk, Chicksands, Shefford, SG17 5TQ, by Monday 15 November.
At the last Full Council Meeting, members agreed with an Executive recommendation to pass a resolution by 31 December 2010 to adopt the ‘new style’ arrangements that have been in place at Central Bedfordshire Council since its inception in April 2009.
Under the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 the council is required to set out its executive arrangements which will come into effect three days after the local elections in May 2011.
When the adaption is complete the council’s constitution will be amended to reflect an extension of the leader’s term in office to four years.
Residents can still pass on their views about executive arrangements by emailing consultations@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk or writing to Freepost RSJS GBBZ SRZT, Consultation, Central Bedfordshire Council, Priory House, Monks Walk, Chicksands, Shefford, SG17 5TQ, by Monday 15 November.
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