3. Meeting Update 9th January 2008
Here are the main things discussed / decided at our last meeting on 9th January 2008 ( postponed from 5/12/07 )
Community Survey : Our survey of all households in our area was completed in December. A full report on its findings will be given at our next meeting and then incorporated in to the draft Community Plan. Early indications are that the issues raised within the group are generally representative of our community’s concerns. Recurring themes identified so far include lack of facilities for the elderly and for youth, public transport, road safety and dog fouling.
Community Group Event : We are holding a community event sometime before the end of Summer at which we can raise awareness and general funds for the group. A sub-committee was formed to plan it & report back to next meeting.
Website : We decided to approach Rastrick High School to see if they would like to set up our proposed website as an IT topic and community involvement exercise.
Crowtrees Village Green : An update was heard and
the application is still in process. In view of the lack of resolution and slow response, Cllr Ann McAllister, agreed to make enquiries re. progress on behalf of the group.
Carr Green Lane Development : The Planning Inspectorate’s decision was to dismiss the developer’s appeal against refusal of planning permission. It is now highly unlikely that any unsuitable development can take place – either by the current owners, or by any future buyers. It remains to be seen what the developer now chooses to do with their land.
Playground at Carr Green Recreation Ground : The new children’s playground is now complete & a vast improvement. The council plan to sort out the slight ground damage in the spring months, caused to the park by the vehicular access.
Cycle Play Track at Carr Green Recreation Ground : Our grant application to ‘Awards for All’ is still in process.
Rastrick Police Forum : Our representative reported back that the Community Police Team has been focussing on two issues in our area alongside usual duties – speeding on Crowtrees Lane and nuisance motor bikers. Also, that it is hoped that a change in shift patterns taking place soon will lead to increased coverage in Rastrick. Our meeting expressed concern about increased graffiti in the area, and re-enforced concern on road safety on Crowtrees Lane.
Councillor McAllister informed us that graffiti can be reported to Calderdale's Graffiti Team on 0845 2457000. Councillor Craig Whittaker is already looking into solutions for the safety issues on Crowtrees Lane. He was requested to consider flashing ‘Speed Awareness’ signs and ‘School Awareness’ signs at the Carr Green Lane & Chapel Croft junctions as possible deterrents, the replacing of the crossing patrol person at the Carr Green junction and also to consider the other hazardous parts of the road for pedestrians - the Top O' Town, at the double mini-roundabouts and at the Sun Inn lights.
Tidy-ups : Our tidy-up of the Carr Green Avenue / Lane snicket,
assisted by Calderdale Council’s Safer Communities Team took place in October and was deemed another success. Further remedial work there has since been carried out.
This quarter’s tidy up was agreed for Sunday 24th February, 1pm, meeting on Carr Green Lane by the snicket. Several areas are being considered for this tidy-up, as suggested by residents in the recent survey, all within easy walking distance of the meeting point. Everyone able and willing to come along to help is very welcome.
The group agreed to help with the restoration of the dry-stone wall in Carr Green Park - a site previously raised as an eyesore. As this is a rather large project requiring involvement by other groups, Mohammed Riaz will liase this for the future. He is also in the process of organising a set of ‘community tools’ for use by any of the Rastrick Community groups as required, another positive outcome partly inspired by our successful tidy-ups. Dog Fouling : Several new anti-fouling signs have been erected by the Dog Warden Team along Carr Green Lane at our instigation. Bins are expensive to install and maintain so may not be forthcoming in the foreseeable future. The group decided to do a community leaflet drop to discourage those responsible, and to encourage others to report offenders.
Carr Green Stores Refurbishment Planning Application : The group has had equal representation to both object to and support the application, and therefore decided to remain neutral on the matter at this time.
Withdrawal of 380 / 381 Bus Service : The group stands ready to campaign to have this service re-instated, particularly with our survey showing concerns about inadequate public transport, and with our elderly residents in mind.
Councillor McAllister is keen to look into this matter personally and suggested a fact-finding meeting to include representatives from our group to represent public opinion as an initial step; followed by a meeting with the private company concerned, and a public meeting and further action as necessary.
Celebrating Rastrick : We have decided to take up the invitation to take part in this April event, probably with a stand in conjunction with the other Rastrick Community Groups. Councillor McAllister volunteered to liase this.
Gritting : It was agreed that although gritting in our area and the provision of grit bins is generally good, we will request that gritting is considered for Carr Green Lane and around it’s junction with Carr Green Drive in view of the school and the water courses there, which exacerbate the problem. Also that a grit bin is sited at Carr Green Avenue.
The Full Year’s Meetings Dates were confirmed as Wednesday 5th March, 4th June, 3rd September & 3rd December 2008 - all at 7pm at Carr Green School.