Elstow, Stewartby and Kempston Hardwick Echo May 17

Ward Wide Issues:

Covanta Incinerator - We are still waiting to hear the decision by the Environment Agency on the Environment Permit. The incinerator has planning permission to be built, but it cannot be operated without an Environment Permit. In the meantime, there is now a chain link fence all around the Rookery South pit and there is a lot of heavy plant machinery on the ground next to Stewartby Station. This is for “Restoration Works”. Restoration Works are required to discharge the Restoration and Operational Management Plan (ROMP) for the Low Level Restoration Scheme (LLRS) at Rookery South Pit. ROMP is an obligation to comply with for the land owner. The LLRS has 4 phases across Rookery South. To enable the incinerator construction under the Development Consent Order (DCO), then Phase 1 of the LLRS has to be progressed. Phase 1 will take approximately 6 months. Works will include:-  Ground profiling.  Construction of the attenuation pond.  Installation of a permanent pumping system.  Drainage channels.  Realignment of a southern area ditch.

LED Replacement Project All street lights within the Bedford Borough area will be structurally tested and replaced where required. All street light lanterns are to be replaced with new energy efficient LED lanterns. A Central Management System (CMS) is to be installed. This work will take place on all of the Council’s highway street lighting – approximately 14,000 street lights. The CMS is a communication tool that will allow the council to monitor in real time each individual street light. The system has a variety of benefits including fault reporting, control of light output and accurate energy billing. The advantages provided from using this system and using LED lanterns include reduced energy bills, LED lanterns are anticipated to last between 20 and 25 years and the functionality of the CMS also allows other energy saving innovations such as dimming of lights or part night lighting to be introduced, trialled or modified in specific locations without the need for any works on the street. This Project is essential for the Council as the majority of the highway lighting stock is life expired and uses significantly more energy in comparison to new LED solutions. The Council is therefore now working hard to deliver this project in a cost effective and efficient manner. The installation of new lanterns and CMS system is now taking place in our Ward. Indeed, it happened in my street last week.

Shrubbery from private properties blocking footpaths – Now we’re well into springtime, just a quick note to remind residents to cut back any shrubbery they have which overhangs a footpath. If it has to, the Council has the power to cut the shrubbery back and charge the resident.

Parish Issues: Elstow Local Shop - The first preferred operator has submitted an offer for two of the units as a local convenience store and will be submitting a separate offer for the other unit as a pharmacy. The developer has received a higher offer for two of the units, but wants to sell all three units as a single offer. The first preferred operator is considering his options.

Stewartby Chimney Corner Used Car Sales - Earlier this year, the Planning Application by the landowner of the old Chimney Corner pub in Kempston Hardwick for a Used Car Sales operation on the site was rightly refused by the Borough’s Planning Committee. The applicant has now lodged an appeal against the refusal. The appeal is to be decided on the basis of an exchange of written statements and a site visit by an Inspector. Please join me in making your views known to the Inspector. This can be done by sending your views to the Inspector at www.gov.uk/appeal-planning-inspectorate or by writing to: The Planning Inspectorate c/o Zone 3P, Temple Quay House, 2, The Square, Temple Quay, Bristol BS1 6PN. Please quote the appeal reference APP/K0235/W/17/3172606. Please do so on planning grounds and copy me in if you do so by e-mail. Please submit your views by 2 Jun 17. Following concerns raised by residents with me, I have also raised a case with the Borough Council’s Trading Standards team against the operators on the following issues: 1) After cars have been sold, they are dumped in Manor Road without tax and insurance. 2) Ordering people that buy the cars to remove them straight away off their site. 3) No price is put on the cars.

Local Issues: Since my last Elstow, Stewartby and Kempston Hardwick Echo, here are some of the local issues I have progressed, in some cases with the valued help and support of the relevant Parish Council.

Elstow Inconsiderate parking outside 1-15 West End – Residents have raised concerns regarding the use of this cul-de-sac by Vindis show room customers. I am progressing this issue with Borough Officers and Vindis.

Adoption of Hexham Close and high numbers of Abbey Fields – Aragon Housing is not responding to Borough Officer requests to progress this. I have taken this up with Aragon myself and have been told that Aragon bought the estate off the developer, who has since gone into liquidation. Aragon is considering their legal position.

Road Markings – I hosted two productive site meetings today with a Borough Highways Officer, some Parish Councillors and concerned local residents. The first one was on the proposal for double yellow lines at the Church End/High Street junction to make it safer to exit. Two local residents had concerns that it would lead to more parking outside the old Swan and make exiting the Swan development more dangerous. I got the meeting to agree that the double yellow lines will be extended to the old farm house. This proposal will be consulted on within the next four weeks. The second meeting was with the Highways Officer and the Parish Chair at the High Street/Wigram Close and High Street/Wigram Close junctions. In order to make these junctions safer, it is planned that give way road markings will be painted at both junctions. My thanks to those who attended the meetings.

Superfast Broadband in Sandleford Drive and part of Croyland Drive – Residents have raised their concerns with me that Openreach have yet again slipped the provision date. I have encouraged residents to raise a Director Level Complaint with Openreach.

Extension of Abbey Fields bus service no. 21 – I have been pressing the Grant Palmer bus company to extend the 21 bus service for a longer period across the day. I am very pleased to report that from this Tuesday just gone, buses now operate from 7.30am to 5.30pm on Abbey Fields.

Surgeries – I held a Mobile Advice Surgery on the Pear Tree View estate on 15 Apr 17. My thanks to the residents who attended to raise their individual issues with me.

Stewartby Brook between Rose Cottage and Hanson’s Reach – The developers have cleared this brook to ensure it can run as a stream again.

Mindless vandalism outside Marston Vale Middle School – The old structure by the layby outside the school has been damaged by mindless vandals. If you saw anything when it happened or see any more in the future, please report it to 101 and let me know you have done so.

Kempston Hardwick Abandoned car at Greenlakes Rise - Following pressure from myself and a Parish Councillor, a 15 day removal notice was placed on the car and the developer advised of this. As the Borough part of the estate has yet to be submitted by the developer for adoption by the Borough Council, the costs of removing the car are met by the developer.

Litter outside Greenlakes Rise – Whilst in the area, I noticed a lot of car sales paperwork flying around. I immediately arranged for a litter pick by Borough Officers.

Ward Fund Due to the slightly increased population in my Ward, my Ward Fund this year is £8,986.

Elstow 1. Contribution towards the cost of a cabin for Gardening With Grace on the site near Abbey Fields Health Centre - £500.00.

2. Contribution towards the cost of a new bench on the Church End Green in Elstow - £242.47 (The Parish Council and I will be funding this 50/50.).

3. Contribution towards the cost of repairs to the flooring of the Elstow CC cricket nets and the purchase of new surround nets - £500.00.

4. I intend to submit a £1,000 bid as a contribution towards the cost of clearing out the Pill Box at the entrance to the Interchange Retail 2.

Stewartby 1. Cost of 20mph Zone in The Crescent, Stewartby - £3,200.00.

2. Cost of No Verge Parking in The Crescent, Stewartby - £2,500.00.

3. Cost of white line outside 2, Stewartby Way, Stewartby - £200.00.