Preston-on-Tees Parish Council Newsletter Early Spring 2015 Edition Welcome to Preston-on-Tees Parish News
Welcome to the fourth edition of our Parish Newsletter. Once again thank you for the positive feedback from our third Newsletter last Autumn. In this edition we bring you up to date with the latest issues that we have been addressing on behalf of residents within Preston-on-Tees.
A message from our Chairman
Although Eaglescliffe Station does not lie within Preston-on-Tees Parish boundaries (the station is in Eaglescliffe & Egglescliffe Parish), many of our residents have been affected by the closure of the station car park. We have had several complaints from residents as users of the station have been parking illegally in neighbouring streets. Whilst the problem has been alleviated to some degree by the opening of the new car park in Quarry Road, we are still seeing vehicles being parked in nearby streets close to junction entrances, which causes a danger to other motorists, cyclists and pedestrians. We would therefore ask residents to notify us if they believe a vehicle is parked inappropriately and we will pass the information on to the relevant authorities for their immediate attention.
Another issue that regularly gets brought to our attention is the ongoing problem of dog fouling. Despite the introduction of designated ‘dog- waste’ bins, some dog owners are clearly not respecting the environment and are failing to clean up after their dog. This is actually an offence and, if caught, the dog-owner can face a £50 fixed penalty and can be fined up to £1,000 if the case goes to court. If you see someone failing to take responsibility for their dog, you are advised to report the incident to Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council by calling (01642) 526575 or emailing [email protected].
Street lights are particularly important in helping maintain the safety of residents and visitors to our Parish during the Winter months. We regularly notify Stockton Borough Council of broken street lights, but you can also notify the Council directly by ringing (01642) 526769 or by sending an email to [email protected]. You are asked to please include the number painted on the lighting column when you make a report, as this shows its location which means it will get fixed faster.
Finally, we have asked Stockton Borough Council to review the security at the Skate Park in Preston Park. Whilst we appreciate the Skate Park has proved to be very popular and brings pleasure to numerous visitors, we are concerned that overcrowding may cause safety issues. We have asked the Council to provide additional supervision, particularly during school holidays and at weekends.
Thank you again for all your support on behalf of us all at Preston-on-Tees Parish Council.
Marjorie Galloway MBE, Chairman, Preston-on-Tees Parish Council …and here’s some more information
Recent issues we have addressed We would like to hear your views
The main day-to-day responsibility of the Parish Council is to care for We are delighted to announce that Helen Shepherd joined the our area. Councillors raise items for discussion and attention at the Parish Council last Autumn. Helen and her family have lived in the monthly Council meetings, but for more urgent matters we can raise south west of the Parish for many years and have been staunch them immediately through our Clerk, who will then contact the supporters of our local community. Helen’s appointment relevant authority for them to take action, most commonly Stockton- appointment brings our total complement of elected members to on-Tees Borough Council and Cleveland Police. seven.
Examples of items we have raised with various authorities in since The current Parish Council members are… our last Newsletter include: Cllr Marjorie Galloway, MBE – Chairman • The ongoing poor state of the hedgerows at Preston Park Cllr Mike Cherrett – Vice Chairman • Parking problems caused by public events in Preston Park, where Cllr Rita Stafford visitors are failing to use the designated parking made available Cllr Helen Shepherd and instead are parking illegally in neighbouring streets such as Cllr Phil Dennis Pennypot Estate and Sycamore Road Cllr David Thompson • Parking problems brought about by the temporary closure of Cllr David Portas Eaglescliffe Station car park Mr Paul Joiner - Independent Clerk of the Parish Council • Noise levels at some events at Preston Park, particularly late at night The Parish Council elections take place every four years and each • Bus shelters that needed repairing Councillor will have to stand for re-election, should they so wish, in • Broken street lights May this year. • Broken street signs • Litter/rubbish being dumped, particularly in back alleys We are always keen to hear any views or concerns you may have • Residents leaving wheelie bins out on pavements for several concerning Preston-on-Tees Parish, so please do not hesitate to days, blocking access for pedestrians contact any of the above Councillors either in person or via the • Dog fouling and the need for additional dog waste bins Clerk on (01642) 782957 or email [email protected] • Tree maintenance and respect for tree preservation orders Alternatively, members of the Parish are always welcome to attend • Roads and footpaths being flooded because of blocked drains any Parish Council meeting in person, which take place between We appreciate that under current budgetary constraints the various 7pm and 8pm on the second Monday of every month in Preston Authorities will not always be able to take action on matters Primary School. immediately, but that should not deter us, or our residents, from There is an open slot on the Agenda each month for any raising items for attention, so please let us know of any issues you parishioners to raise any matters for discussion. would like us to address.