Ward work: Mange, water, MUGA, hedges and planning

I know I go on about Randwick Woods but they are so beautiful - this entry includes pictures taken in the last three days there.

Someone asked me yesterday what sort of things do I get involved in - they meant in terms of the ward and local residents. Well to give an idea here's a list below of some of this weeks items - but clearly in many cases, as a councillor, all we can do is to add our voice and perhaps make a few calls - no magic! But sometimes that extra voice can help...

Mange: a very, very sad looking fox was seen and reported by a resident to the RSPCA. The RSPCA drove down from Coventry with a trap (see picture) to see if they could catch the animal and either treat or if necessary put the animal down. I ended up helping set the cage up after a cat got caught in it - but have to wonder if this is the best approach?

Water: incredibly 3 houses have been left with only a trickle of water to their properties for over 6 months. One house with an older couple often had no water and have had to resort to purshasing bottled water - I only heard about this at the end of last week - it seems several mistakes have been made and the problem not properly recognised. Severn Trent were by no means the only ones who could have responded quicker but after various phone calls they have sprung into action, we have also rushed through a temporary road closure so that it can be sorted and hopefully water will be connected today.

MUGA: what's that? You may well ask - it is jargon for a multi-use games area and one has been planned for the playing field near Humphreys End. Some residents are unhappy about the siting and approached me - it appears it meets all the legal requirements and Crime and Disorder Partnership apparently also approve - the hope is to reduce crime. District Council officers have apparently not yet made a decision but the Parish Council hopes it will go forward. Clearly we urgently need such facilities - and this area more than most is short of good play facilities - however consultation re siting may need more work. Plans are available at the Parish Offices.

Hedges: these can often be problems with neighbours. Today I have confirmed that the one I went to visit at the end of last week is not considered a problem in terms of the law - nothing can be done except Highways ensuring the roadside is cut back - they have that down on their lists to ensure it happens anyway. Otherwise whether or not the hedge gets cut is down to the land owner. However that should not deter others from checking their own position if they have difficulties re hedges especially Leylandii which are covered in the recent legislation.

Planning: various issues come to me re planning and mostly I can only advise taking the issues to the planning department as I sit on Development Control Committee - we are not allowed to get involved as that could prejudice later decisions. However on occasions I do and one case this week has involved a disagreement over a particular planning application. Hopefully it may yet be resolved.