Report to Upton Parish Council - Jill Houlbrook
This report is written as once again our community is in the midst of a lockdown situation although not as stringent as last March. This has meant some changes in the way CWaC is operating as our officers are often focused on and are supporting the Covid facing teams.
Pink Poo Campaign
In response to some comments on the Community Group page about dog faeces in Upton, I contacted Regulated Services to ask about restarting the ‘Pink Poo’ scheme and I have asked if residents are interested in getting involved. scheme. I received this reply from our officer:
‘Unfortunately our Pink Poo campaign has currently been suspended. Regulatory Service officers are currently carrying out Covid compliance work and we are unable to support the campaign. We hope to resume the campaign in late spring, however there are a number of campaigns that were booked in last year that we will need to give priority to. Realistically it may be the autumn before we can accommodate any new campaigns’ While this is disappointing I hope we can all appreciate that while the virus is still so rampant the Council has to prioritise services.’
There is no reason for anyone owning or walking a dog to ignore the need to carry suitable poo bags and not to pick up after their animal. I shall therefore continue to ask our wardens to visit Upton and to deal with any anti social behaviour.
Cyclists on the Bridleway
I reported in December that I had received complaints about the way some cyclists were using the bridleway that runs through the Zoo. I am pleased to let you know that Richard from our Public Rights of Way team has now installed notices reminding users of the Countryside Code. I’d like to thank Richard for his quick response.
Garden Waste Collections
Many residents have contacted me because they are unaware that garden waste collections have been suspended until 8th February. The 2021 calendars were distributed before this decision was made and implemented. Unfortunately the this change appears to be not been widely communicated. This information can be found on the CWaC website:
‘Please note: During the Christmas period your collections will have changed. Garden waste collection service will be suspended from Monday 14 December 2020, resuming on Monday 8 February 2021.
This suspension has been extended to give us greater flexibility to make sure that the main waste and recycling collections can be maintained over the busiest period of the year, whilst reducing the added risks of COVID-19.’
Covid 19 Remembrance
On a more sombre note, a book of reflection has been opened online for residents to pay tribute to those who have lost their lives during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Cheshire West and Chester Council has launched the book to offer people a chance to reflect on the past year and share their messages of reflection, condolence and hope.
There is also a section within the book to say thank you to those who have made a difference during the pandemic.
The book will be kept as a permanent record of the tributes paid and of the thanks. To take part visit:
https://www.theonlinebookcompany.com/OnlineBooks/CheshireWestandChesterCouncil/Content/Filler
Anyone without internet access who wishes to add a message can telephone 01244 – 972214 or 977074 Monday to Friday between 9am to 5pm.
Clearing the Gullies
It has taken a while but thank you to our Highways engineer, Andy, for arranging the clearing of the gullies on Caughall Road. There is also a long standing problem with flooding at the junction of Brooke Avenue and A41. Some years ago the street was dug up in an attempt to stop this but clearly this was not successful. One of the residents has, like me, contacted Highways who are investigating this and last week the gully sucker was in attendance. Unfortunately the flooding is back and I have again contacted Highways.
Refills of grit bins are being carried out at the moment so please if there is a bin near you that needs topping up do let me know. The bin on Demage Lane is already on the list.
New Bench for Reconciliation Field
I am pleased to report that the bench, which Councillor Bryan and I have funded from our ward budgets, is now installed on Reconciliation Field. I’d like to thank Rev Ruth Wilson and the residents for bring to my attention the need for a place to sit down in the area.
Parking issues
Many of the lovely grass verges in Upton continue to be destroyed by inconsiderate drivers, including residents, who park on them. Many are in areas where householders are employing contractors, for example, Endsleigh Gardens, where part of the verges have been virtually destroyed. I have asked our Highways officers to contact the households to remind them that the verges should be restored. However during winter is not the practical time for such work to be carried out so I shall follow this up later in the year.
Our Upton Community Group has asked for information about the number of and locations where fixed penalty notices for parking have been issued. I have obtained this information from CWaC and passed it on, but I am disappointed by the results and especially that there have been none issued on Weston Grove where we do have a problem.
Lodge Gardens in bloom
Before Christmas hundreds of primula were planted in Lodge Gardens. A huge thank you to Andy (CWaC) for organising the plants and to him and his colleague for their help. They came along to join with Parish Councillor Gary Hulmes and neighbour Wendy to plant them on a rather wet morning, but Lodge Gardens will now be bright and cheerful over winter.
Anti-social behaviour in the Cockpit
Unfortunately residents living on Church Lane are experiencing anti social behaviour in the Cockpit where young people have been gathering on the picnic benches. This has been reported to our PCSO Tapley and she has been dealing with the issues but she cannot be there all the time. Regrettably I have therefore arranged for the benches to be removed. Moving them to another green space in Upton will simply relocate the problems and the ASB. The benches, which were funded through ward budgets when the Cockpit was refurbished, will be moved to one of our schools.
Potholes Reported
The huge hole in the road outside Tesco on Weston Grove has reappeared as have several other potholes and those on Mill Lane. There are also potholes on Upton Lane and many other streets. I have been out taking photos and reporting them. It is helpful if residents and members of the Parish Council can report issues too:
Jill Houlbrook
16.1.2021
