As part of the work of the Ward Committee, resource has been allocated for a survey of approximately 1,500 street trees in the ward. The purpose of the survey is to collect technical data about the health of the trees for better management of the tree stock, recognising the aesthetic and environmental benefits which trees bring. Sometimes trees have to be replaced and the survey will also assess opportunities for planting new trees.
Brackenfield Road: Problems with parking reported by residents are being examined. A site visit has taken place recently.
The Council is undertaking some investigations to assist residents with their ongoing concerns about flooding to their property along Devil's Burn, adjacent to Montagu Avenue, Moor Court, Westfield and Moor Crescent, following intervention from local councillors. Various investigations have been taking place and residents are being advised about options for managing the Burn, as it runs through their gardens, with an offer of assistance from the Northumberland Wildlife Trust. Other agencies, including the Coal Authority, are being engaged so more detailed understanding of the history of the landscape and watercourses of the area can be gained.
The Business Improvement District
Local Conservatives have blocked further progress on an exciting riverside regeneration scheme for Bedford town centre in a move described as 'playing politics with Bedford's future.' A scheduled meeting next week of an all-party jury to select a developer to work up plans in consultation with local residents for the 'Riverside North' project has been cancelled after the Tories used a Council blocking procedure to halt this latest step in the process. The move is likely to see any further progress on plans for the regeneration delayed for months, beyond the local elections in May.
In this week's Mid Sussex Times Lib Dem Parliamentary Campaigner Serena Tierney's letter about the Tory run District Council's failure to plan housing development has been published. The letter is reproduced here along with some quotes from the Planning Inspector's judgement.