Sticks and Stonehams!
The Council has organised an event in Stoneham Park this Saturday (28th Feb.) called Sticks and Stonehams. Gardeners and park rangers will be organising a range of activities including: shrub planting around the park, erecting a natural fence to protect young plants and repairing the existing "dead hedge".
The activities are being tailored for both adults and children so all are welcome. Just bring yourselves, tough footwear and warm clothing. Further information can be obtained from Cityparks - parks@brighton-hove.gov.uk or 01273 292929
Fly-tipping in St. Patrick's Road
Whilst walking in Poet’s Corner recently I noticed that there was a large amount of Fly-tipping around the parking meter, near Hove Methodist Church.
I have immediately taken this up and have asked the council to clear it as soon as possible.
If I can be of any further assistance on this any other issue please don’t hesitate to email me on by following this link – brian.oxley1@mac.com
Older People's Council Meets In Westbourne Ward
I had the opportunity on Wednesday to attend a meeting of the Older People's Council (OPC) which was meeting at St Philips Church Hall in Westbourne Ward.
This body, which is directly elected and takes up issues on behalf of older people in Brighton and Hove, is holding a series of meetings around the city so that people can observe its deliberations and make comments.
Because of other commitments, I arrived after the coffee break but was able to take part in discussions about licensing, refuse collection and housing.
The body discussed its future work programme, which will include health issues affecting older people, the availability of wardens in sheltered housing schemes, the need for "green" waste collections and the impact of communal bins on older people.
I wish the OPC well in its future work.
Sackville Place, Hove
Some months ago the Council’s Planning Applications Committee rejected propsals to re-develop the Sackville Trading Estate at the northern end of Sackville Road. Homes, business units and a supermarket were planned along with a new public square and underground car parking.
Although not in Westbourne Ward, I have taken an interest in the development proposals as they may have an impact on the Ward as the site is so close.
The plans for the site have now been revised in the light of the Planning Committee’s comments and these can be reviewed by the following this link: http://www.sackvilleplace.co.uk/
If you follow the ‘contact’ link you can comment on the changes.
If you want to contact me on this or any other issue, please email me as follows: brian.oxley1@mac.com
Ward Action Day - Thank you!
I would like to extend my sincere thanks to everyone who helped out at the Westbourne Ward action day on Saturday.
Denise and I plus a good turnout of residents joined with the City Council Graffiti Team and City Clean Street Cleansing crews to clean up the Ward.
The Graffiti Team painted out all of the graffiti which we identified in a ward walk last December, and we also promoted the Council’s ‘adopt a box’ scheme which aims to get residents involved in keeping communications boxes outside their homes free of graffiti. Residents accompanied City Clean staff clearing litter and flytipping from the ward, and the councils Environment Improvement Team worked with volunteers to carry out Street Audits in the area to pick up on any other problems.
Additionally Network Rail cleared an area of land adjacent to Aldrington Station, and Police and PCSO’s joined forces with the Seafront Team to patrol the seafront addressing issues of antisocial behaviour and cycling on the promenade.
All concerned thought that it was a huge success and we hope that this is something we will be able to repeat in the future.
Works to Hove Museum
I have been informed by officers at the Council that a project to repair and redecorate the windows and surrounds at the front of Hove Museum is to start soon. Scaffolding has been put up in readiness for the work which will also include the side windows around the tea room.
Some of the ground floor window frames and surrounds will need to be replaced as they are beyond repair. Until investigatory work can been carried out it is not known exactly how bad the windows on the first floor and above are. The contractors are now waiting for an improvement in the weather before the work can begin.
I will keep you updated on any further developments.
Ward surgery - this Wednesday!
Just a quick reminder that Denise and I will be holding the second of our monthly ward surgeries this Wednesday 11th February between 5-6.30pm at Hove Museum.
No appointments necessary.
Ward Action Day reminder - this Saturday!
Just a quick last minute reminder that the Westbourne Ward Action Day is taking place this Saturday (7th Feb.) and we are still looking for volunteers!
The Action Day is all about the local community and public services coming together to try and make a real difference to the appearance and smooth running of the neighbourhood. As well as having a general clear up on the day, we will also be seeking to recruit local volunteers to act as the eyes and ears of the community.
There will also be a meeting taking place (11am at St. Phillips Church) to try to resolve some of the issues around church parking. I am pleased to confirm that a council parking officer and a representative from N.C.P. will now be attending this meeting to answer queries.
If you would like more information, or if you would like to help out on the day then please get in touch - brian.oxley1@mac.com or 01273 728955
February Ward Surgery Dates
Denise and I will be holding our regular two advice surgeries in February. The first is on Saturday 7th and will be held at the TalkShop in Stoneham Park. The time for this surgery is from 10am until 11am.
The second date is Wednesday 11th February at Hove Museum from 5pm until 6.30pm. No appointments are necessary at either surgery.
In the meantime, if you want to contact me on this or any other matter, my email address is: brian.oxley1@mac.com