Parish Council Report October 17th 2022
Parking across Upton
This report reflects the number of complaints from residents about parking. Our community is rightly concerned about the number drivers who park inconsiderately in Upton. Marina Drive continues to be a hot spot for a whole variety of size and shape of vehicles. I have requested many times that the parking enforcement team pays attention to this area and also Weston Grove where drivers also chose to ignore the parking restrictions. Many of the vehicles are commercial so when I can identify those responsible I am contacting the companies. It’s highly irresponsible and no excuse to claim parking on double yellow lines is acceptable so a driver can ‘just pop in for food’. In addition many vehicles are driven onto our pavements causing them to deteriorate. I’m waiting for repairs to be scheduled for Marina Drive where highways are also considering the lining.
I am sorry about the delays in dealing with the 101 reports to the Police but it transpires 101 reports from Upton were not passed to be dealt with by another officer in her unavoidable absence of our PCSO.
I have contacted the Police and Crime Commissioner’s office with my concerns that the reporting system could be improved.
Trees near Ardene House
At this time of year I frequently receive complaints from residents near Arderne House about the crab apples. I asked Sanctuary whether the trees could be moved and received this information. ‘There are eight crab apple trees and two hawthorn trees in the grounds of Arderne House, all have a preservation order in place and as such cannot be felled, moved or lopped, without permission so we will make enquiries to determine if we can remove the trees that are causing the problem and replace them with other types of trees’.
This is very community minded of Sanctuary and I thank them for taking this action. Subsequently a planning application has been made to fell the troublesome trees.
Waste Collection
A good many residents are contacting me with problems/comments about the waste collection service. There seems to be a particular issue with the collection of food waste. If resident have any issues or observations please let me know.
Jill.houlbrook@cheshirewestandchester.org.uk
01244 344318
Road Repairs
Very many of the reports I send in for repairs to roads and pavements are refused as not meeting intervention levels, this is always disappointing. However it’s good news that the sinking road surface on Upton Lane near the junction with Heath Road will be repaired. The area on Caughall Road footway which flood when it rains has again been turned down for repair.
Last week I reported the weeds and grass along the sandstone wall on Upton Lane. The report has been closed by the local authority as ‘we did not identify any work requiring our attention’. This is so annoying as the overgrowth restricts the width of the road at a pinch point.
Bulb Planting and Wildflowers
I have asked for some daffodil bulbs again this year for Upton. Having been told that residents object to bulbs in the verges and complain that areas are left uncut while the bulbs die back I asked for views and everyone who contacted me was in favour so I have forged ahead with the request.
The wildflower area on Bolesworth Road was the last area to be planted last year and no further areas appear to have been considered in Upton. I have been trying to get the team responsible to let me buy some of this Cheshire wildflower mix so our residents can use it on their own land and we can do some community sowing. The problem is that I’m told the authority needs to arrange training and/or prepare the land themselves as none of us have the required skills or expertise. Quite frankly I think this is ludicrous. We can use Google to find out what we need to know, carry out the work then inform CWaC which areas are now designated wildflower patches. In my mind it’s quite simple and something members of our community are asking about and in which they are egar to be involved.
I’m trying to find a solution the tarmac roundabout on A5116 by Dale Camp and agree it’s an eyesore. The community at Moston want this hard standing to be removed and replaced a wildflower area. I know this may be a tough ask but I will keep trying.
Old Youth Club Building
A reminder of the meeting on November 3rd about the old youth club building What happens to the old youth club building is very important for our community so please do come along.
Barbara Owen
Finally I am pleased to share the news that Barbara Owen a long time Upton resident is to be conferred as an Honorary Freeman of the Borough. The role of Honorary Freeman is the highest honour the Council can bestow. It is designed to recognise extraordinary contributions to the borough. Barbara will receive this for her role in advocating for tenants of Sanctuary Housing (previously Chester and District Housing Association) and for related community projects. I hope members will join with me in congratulating Barbara.
Jill Houlbrook
