Longlevens News - December 2009

We need you !

A general election must take place no later than 5^th June next year. When it happens, Longlevens will vote in the Tewkesbury Parliamentary constituency, although we will still fall within Gloucester City Councils area. We argued against the move to Tewkesbury at the time, but it was pushed through by the Government anyway. Tewkesbury is currently represented by Conservative MP Laurence Robertson and he will be our candidate next time. There will also be local elections next May, when Paul will be up for election.

We need as much help as possible to ensure we can win the election and start to put this country on the right track. If you can help, by delivering leaflets, canvassing by phone or in person or carrying out clerical tasks, please contact one of us.

Oxstalls Parking

The experimental traffic order for Oxstalls Way (covering the area closest to Oxstalls Lane), which was introduced for a six month trial period, appears to have been successful and is now being made permanent.

Oxstalls Lane/Cheltenham Road junction

A number of you contacted us in response to the article in our last newsletter. Most of you are unconvinced that a mini-roundabout would work and feel that traffic lights are needed at this location. We are pressing Gloucestershire Highways to produce a scheme which will work for the long-term.

Greyhound Gardens Play Area

Consultation has now been undertaken on the proposal to add a play area for older children alongside the existing play area in Greyhound Gardens. A number of you had concerns about the area attracting antisocial behaviour something which we dont want to see happen, particularly after the problems of a few years ago. The responses will be looked at closely before any decision is made.

Friends of Plock Court

A number of residents and users of Plock Court have expressed interest in setting up a Friends group to help improve the public open space and attract funding that wouldnt be available to the Council. Several friends groups already exist to look after other parks in the city such as Gloucester Park and Barnwood Arboretum. If you would be interested in getting involved, please let one of us know.

Lea Crescent

A decision to refuse plans to build five houses in Lea Crescent has been upheld by a Government inspector. The inspector agreed that it would be an overdevelopment of the site. Residents had also raised concerns about flooding. Kathy spoke against the plans at the Councils Planning Committee and also wrote to the planning inspectorate in support of residents concerns.

Innsworth Lane

An allotment-holders association has been formed for the Innsworth Lane allotment site. Over 50 people came along to a meeting, organised by Jim, at the Village Hall and a committee has now been formed. The association has been formed to improve management of the site, bring vacant plots back into use and bring in grant funding.

Paygrove Lane

The new play area has been the subject of two bouts of vandalism. The disabled swing was set alight some months ago and has now been replaced. The gate was removed in the latest incident. The play area was provided with funds from Severn Trent and the Rotary Club following a campaign by residents. It should be treated with respect and we would ask anyone who witnesses any damage to it to call the Police.

Longford Lane

There has been a reported increase in dog-fouling on the Longlevens Recreation Ground since the nights started to draw in. Several rugby matches have had to be halted to allow dog mess to be cleared. The health effects of dog mess can be severe and we would ask all dog owners to clear up after their pets.

Cypress Gardens/Park Avenue

The Environment Agency flood alleviation scheme for the Horsbere Brook is progressing. The scheme, which will protect properties in Cypress Gardens and Park Avenue as well as others further up stream, involves creating a large water storage area near Barnwood, as well as works to channel excess water onto the open space in Longlevens and away from properties. The current programme indicates the contract for the work should be awarded in March/April with a start on site by Summer of next year. We will keep pressing for the work to be completed as quickly as possible.

Crime and anti-social behaviour

The spate of violent attacks in Longlevens between Halloween and Fireworks night was worrying. Our sympathies go to the victims of these crimes and their families. We have been in close contact with the Police and are pleased they have reacted quickly with an operation in the area, which has brought crime down. Longlevens is a safe place and we want to keep it that way.

Bishops College

Proposals to merge Bishops College and Central Technology College into a new Academy, as part of the Governments National Challenge programme, have been unveiled. The likelihood is that a new school would be built on Centrals Saintbridge site, leaving a question mark over what will happen with the Bishops College site. The process is at a very early stage and consultation is currently underway. Please let us know what you think.

Seasons Greetings

Your Longlevens Conservative Team would like to wish you and your family and very happy Christmas and a healthy and prosperous New Year. We will continue to work for you and for our area in 2010.