Farringdon
Improvement Group - Village Survey
The result of the recent survey inviting residents to have a say on issues about
which they feel concerned, suggests that many of us are happy and content with
our village and quality of life, which is great. But some issues were raised
in over 100 responses.
Traffic
Speeds
on the A32, and in the Village. This includes the related problem of very large
vehicles parking on the road outside the Motor Bike shop, obscuring views along
the main road from the crossroads and Aylwards Drive. A dangerous situation
is created, not least for children crossing the road to catch a school bus,
and in due course, to use the new playground.
The issues are already in hand, with a deal of correspondence and photographs
between Parish Councillor Gary Oakley and EHDC. Karen Dawes, Community Safety
Co-ordinator for EHDC, is prodding responsible agencies, and PC Simon Dear has
been given a mandate to follow up various options. Future measures may require
setting up a Speed Watch.
Crime
Concern was expressed about Burglary and Crime. PC Simon Dear is proposing to
hold Beat Surgeries in the village. Neighbourhood Watch try to ensure prompt
dissemination of any alerts, messages or advice from the Police, Trading Standards
and other agencies. If you are not receiving these, contact FIG or NHW to find
out your local Street Co-ordinator, and give a contact telephone number and
email address if you have one. For those without email, it is suggested you
ask a neighbour who has email to pass messages on to you, but please let NHW
know of the arrangement.
Lack
of Village Amenities
Blue sky thinking is needed here, and if anyone has a good thought, please let
us know. Will the community support a shop, post office or bus service? A few
years back there was a chance to secure a playing field and pavilion but sadly
the village voted the proposal down. The hall at Massey's Folly has potential
as a centre for some community activities, if and when some problems are overcome,
but we still need a green space. Is there support for a Youth Club?
Other
Issues raised:-
State of Roads: Blocked Road Drains: Overgrown Hedges: Litter: Noise: Bonfires:
Dog Nuisance (straying dogs, fouling and lack of poo boxes.)
Division in the Village/ Lack of belonging. There are activities to which all
are welcome. Notices are usually put in the Village Magazine. If we can get
them advertised more widely, will you join in?
Council Tax (value for money): Lack of and Unlit Parking Space: Excessive Development:
Refuse Collection:
Action. Where feasible,
the issues you have raised will be monitored, reports prepared and submitted
to EHDC, so that they can be placed in the hands of the appropriate authority,
who we expect to work with us to achieve satisfactory solutions.
Individually, we are all entitled to lobby appropriate councils, and express
views on planning applications. And feel free to post positive comments on the
Village
Forum.
Happy New Year
Iain Ross
Secretary to Farringdon Improvement Group