Longlevens News - February 2006

Big response to Safer City Referendum

Thank you to everyone who responded to the recent survey carried out by the City Council on traffic calming in Longlevens. Around 700 people responded, with the majority saying that you do not like the road humps.

There is still some analysis to be done on individual roads and we will report back on this later, with some firm proposals on amending traffic calming in the area.

The proposal to carry out a referendum on Safer City was a pledge made by the Conservatives at the last election – showing that Conservatives deliver on their promises!

Coniston Road

We have been consulting with residents and the highways department to see whether we can adjust the roundabout at the end of the cul-de-sac to allow better access and more parking for vehicles and improve the look of the green space it provides. Let us know if you have any thoughts.

Old Cheltenham Road

We had a mixed response to the question about the bushes on the corner of Church Road. Many of you wanted to keep a green feature but others felt the bushes were unattractive. No-one likes it when the bushes are allowed to grow too high. We will try to find a way forward with council officers.

We are also looking at problems with parking in Old Cheltenham Road as well as trying to improve the green space inbetween the Co-op and the BP filling station. We will report back when we have firm plans.

City News

Conservatives on the City Council have published a budget, which keeps the rise in the City’s share of the Council Tax down to 3% - in line with our election pledge. Money is included for a revamp of The Oxebode and Kings Square.

Innsworth Lane

We have asked for bollards to be placed in the alley between Innsworth Lane and Park Avenue following complaints of bikes and mopeds speeding along there.

Estcourt Road

County Highways bosses are planning to demolish the footbridge on Estcourt Road, now that the new pedestrian crossing has proved to work well. The cost of demolition is less than the required maintenance would cost.

Youth in Longlevens

Paul and Kathy both attended the first meeting of the Longlevens Youth Council on 31^st January. Along with the Police and the County Youth Service, we have been lobbying for better youth provision in the area. We were very pleased with the number of young people who came along and volunteered to develop this area of work. We will give them all the support they need.

New Concessionary Travel Scheme

From 1 April 2006, pensioners and disabled people will be entitled to free off-peak travel within the City boundary on registered bus services. Applicants will need to apply for a new photo Travel Card. The travel cards can be used after 9.00am on week-days and at anytime on Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays. They can also be used to get reduced fares for Dial-a-Ride services.

This new scheme replaces the previous bus ticket scheme and half price travel cards. You can apply for a travel card by going to the Baptist Church in Kendall Road on Friday 17^th March between 10am-3.30pm (closed for lunch 12.30-1.30) or from the City Council offices at the Docks from 22^nd March.