Longlevens News - September 2005

Paygrove Lane Update

One of Kathy’s most urgent tasks when elected was to raise the issue of the disused Paygrove Lane playing fields. Kathy has met with the new Leader of the County Council and talks are being held between city and county officials.

If you have any comments about the kind of facilities you would like to see on this land, or any concerns about re-opening the field for community use, please let us know.

The pavements in most of Paygrove Lane have been resurfaced. We will be pressing for the remainder, and other roads in the area, to receive the same treatment as soon as possible.

Clean up in Longlevens

Paul and Mark led the community clean-up morning in Longlevens in August, tackling areas of Paygrove Lane, Westmead Road and the car park next to Tesco in Old Cheltenham Road.

We hope to repeat this again in the near future and, as always, need volunteers. Any areas in need of cleaning can be reported to the Council on 01452 396396 or enviro@gloucester.gov.uk.

The Council has introduced clean-up grants to reward communities and businesses who get involved in keeping their area clean. We will look to use this initiative in Longlevens.

Longlevens School History DVD to be used in City’s Museums

Paul went in to Longlevens Junior School on the last day of term to watch the History of Gloucester DVD, which was produced by pupils in their final year at the school.

Paul was so impressed with it that he has asked council bosses to use it in the City’s Museums. “It’s a great way for young people to learn about Gloucester’s history,” he said.

Windermere Road

Following complaints from residents, we have asked for the weeds and suckers at the bottom of the trees in Windermere Road to be removed. The Council’s Tree Officer will be looking at all trees in Longlevens to see what works are required.

Surgeries

Thank you to everyone who came along to our last surgery. Our next surgeries take place at the following times:

Saturday 1st October 11am-12pm at The Greyhound Pub

Saturday 5^th November 11am-12pm at The Glevum, Oxstalls Way

Planning Issues

Longlevens has been busy with planning applications recently. Consent was finally given for one bungalow on land at the rear of 54 Church Road, following many previous applications for up to 7 dwellings. Consent has also been granted for a bungalow at the rear of no. 72 Church Road and an application has been received for 11 new houses on land adjacent to the Junior School.

Another site with a long planning history is the land to the rear of 121 Longford Lane. A new application, for an enlarged site, has now been submitted. This may provide a solution to this problem site after years of it being overgrown.

The University has also submitted an application for an extension to their academic building on the Oxstalls Campus.

Licensing Issues

Several public houses in Longlevens have applied for extended hours under the new Licensing Laws, including the King Teddy and the Double Gloucester. Mostly, the extensions are just for an extra hour, rather than the 24-hour opening feared by many people. In some cases, conditions have been put on the licence to protect the amenity of local people. It is up to customers and pub managers to ensure the effect on residents is limited.

City News

Mark and Paul have been busy in their cabinet roles. Both have been actively involved in pursuing the redevelopment of Kings Square and the wider area.

Paul has taken on responsibility for tourism as part of his regeneration portfolio and has been working to find someone to take on the Beatrix Potter shop. He has also been involved with organising and raising funds for the Barton Fayre – which this year combines with Gloucester Day, which Paul reintroduced last year.

New Longlevens Library

One of Kathy’s first duties as County Councillor was to perform a “progress ceremony” at the new library building in Church Road. Paul was also present. The building is coming on at a fast rate and it is due to be completed in March of next year.

On The Beat

Kathy recently went on a walkabout with Emily Harper, one of the PCSOs for our area, in the Brionne Way part of Longlevens. We will be repeating this regularly in different parts of the ward.