Restoration of bus services to The Lane, Randwick?

See blogs for: 17th May, 17th June, 21st June, 17th Feb for background to this.

I have been following up still to see if there is anyway to move this forward - the County seem very uninterested and the current bus companies have not returned my calls - clearly this is a County Council matter but it has huge impacts on a few local people.

Photo: bus on Bread Street, Ruscombe

I was delighted to recently meet with a few local people who are still angered by the cut to services and want to see if there is anyway to restore the bus to The Lane or at least some other service. They have written the letter below and are now seeking support from the Parish - several hope to go to the Parish meeting this week.

They recognise a solution is not easy but at the very least this will make it clear to service providers that there is strong feeling in the area. As regular blog readers will note the way bus users in this area were treated was quite terrible - the service being cut with no consultation and not even the timetables being changed.

Restoration of bus services to The Lane, Randwick

We are Upper Randwick residents for whom the 230 bus service is an essential link to Stroud for shopping and visits to the post office for pensions. The undersigned all use the service regularly for these purposes, travelling into Stroud once or twice every week.

While it is acknowledged that after a period of disruption last year, the service is now running regularly with a helpful driver, the change of route considerably inconveniences several people who formerly got on in The Lane and now have a good distance to walk to a bus stop. The new route via Bird in Hand means that the total time taken for the journey into Stroud takes 45 minutes; no new stops have been added on this new route.

The purpose of this letter is to ask for the support of the Parish Council in raising the following points with the County Council Transport Department and to formally set down the impact that the change of route has had on residents.

1. Are there any measures, acceptable to the Parish council, which if undertaken might persuade the County Council to consider restoring the route through The Lane, for example, regular leafleting of Lane residents re poor parking or limiting parking in The Lane? What measures can we offer to the County?

2. The bus company who originally had this route have expressed willingness to do it again, and have a suitable vehicle – is this an option for the future?

3. Some Gloucestershire areas have benefited from the ‘Village Link’ services, for which funding has now come to an end. This type of service, which runs partly ‘on demand’ also uses easy access vehicles. Could the Parish consider joining us in recognising the benefit of such a scheme and requesting that Randwick is included in a similar scheme if one is planned for the future?

4. Is there any possibility of the 37 bus detouring up into Randwick and Ruscombe at certain times? This is a 15 minute service and uses low access vehicle. We would welcome a review of the current route to reduce journey times but are anxious that the service is not reduced further.

5. The ‘Ring A Ride’ service operated by Volunteer and Community Action, Stroud is an excellent facility for those who cannot manage the bus, or who have advance notice of hospital appointments etc. However it is expensive and not suitable for regular trips.

The Randwick bus users are anxious to support local bus services for their regular journeys and appreciate the free bus passes provided by SDC to the over 60s for those using regular services. Some of us hope to come to the next Parish meeting on 19th April and would welcome hearing your views on these matters in the Public question time.

Yours sincerely,
14 local bus users

This letter also has the support of:
Philip Booth, District councillor for Randwick, Ruscombe and Whiteshill,
Pam Thorne, Village Agent

Village Bus Service reduced

A version of this appeared in the Randwick Runner in the hope of more debate and as many people were unaware of the change, to publicise that the '230' service that runs Stroud-Paganhill-Randwick - Ruscombe has changed:

A week before the recent elections Ebley Coaches stopped going along 'The Lane' and providing their bus service to the centre of Randwick. They now only stop near the church and at the stops in Bread Street. The remaining Stagecoach bus service is set to follow their example.

The change has been made due to the bus companies concerns relating to the narrowness of the road: in particular the risks in maneuvering past parked cars and delays to the service when cars needed to be moved: on one occasion the bus was delayed nearly 3 hours and on other occasions passengers have missed their forward connections.

I've had phonecalls from several bus users and others who are concerned by this move. Indeed I am also concerned that people, like those with less mobility or heavy shopping, will now find it impossible to use this reduced service. Furthermore this service is already under-used and with this restriction could lead to a further drop in use which in the longer term could contribute to the service being lost all together. I also have concerns that if the bus has difficulties regarding access then what about the Emergency Services? It has been suggested that in an emergency cars can be bumped out of the way. This is surely unsatisfactory?

Lack of consultation

I have to say I have been shocked by the almost non-existent communications to the public over this change to our service and the fact that that timetables were only change last Sunday following my request (old timetable pictured above). I am told that one woman waited for a bus and when it didn't turn up she returned and waited half an hour for the next bus which also didn't turn up.

I have expressed my extreme concern to the County about this lack of consultation and they admit their consultation was poor. They also note that the change was made hurriedly in response to the difficulties noted above and that they will change the displays.

What options are there?

(i) Accept new arrangements: some public transport users are able to walk to the other stops while the Dial-a-Ride scheme maybe able to help some of the others.
(ii) Route change so that the bus comes up from Bread Street and turns near the Village Hall: this has been ruled out at the moment as buses are restricted in where they can reverse and there is apparently not a large enough area to turn near the Village Hall.
(iii) Alternative forms of transport like shared taxis or smaller buses have been ruled out at this stage because of cost.
(iv) The community taking an active role in reminding all to take care with parking: this may not be enough to satisfy bus companies.
(v) Restricting parking times on The Lane near the school: while it is a public highway and their is no automatic right to park there, this move would impact on residents in an area where there is already insufficient parking and would penalise residents when those who have blocked the bus route largely do not live on that road.

This bus service has been described by some users as 'a social event' as regular bus users chat to each other, but I understand this particular bus stop has only ever been used by a handful of people. Clearly there are already problems about the services overall cost and viability. This perhaps explains the very limited public outcry - yet my fear is that this seemingly small change could have a much greater impact on village life than many appreciate - the phrase 'death by a thousand cuts springs' to mind. We often hear that people must 'Use it or lose it', yet small changes like this make it increasingly difficult for people to use a service.

Most agree that public transport is an important part of a healthy village and should be what we are developing, not reducing. The challenge is how to do it in the present climate where public transport services are often poor and expensive.

It is positive that Gloucestershire County Council appear willing to work with the community to find a way to restore the service - but it seems clear that if we want to keep our bus service in the heart of the village and ensure better access by Emergency Services then some form of restricting the parking is the only option. I would welcome views about the best way forward.

Where to now?

Thank you to the people who responded to the article in the Randwick Runner. A bus service in The Lane is by no means ideal but I still see it as preferable to not having one visit the village centre. Options are still being explored but I am not hopeful at this moment that the service will be restored. Please telephone me to hear the latest: 01453 755451


Report problems

Lastly I have had a couple of comments that the bus service has deteriorated over the last year since the new contracts were issued. It is vital that people call the County to let them know of poor service as they can fine operators and put pressure on them to improve: 01452 425985.

Randwick bus service update and minibus sharing?

Blog readers will remember that back in April just before I was elected the bus service stopped going along The Lane in Randwick - you can read more by looking at the old blogs: 17th May, 17th June and 21st June - basically this is had an impact on several people who now no longer can get to Stroud.

Photo: village bus in Bread Street

While I was able to arrange Ring-a-Ride to cover the village centre this is still wholly inadequate - and costs lots. I had also explored the Village Link bus service that operates like a taxi in some parts of Stroud but instead of expanding this popular and well used service to our area the County are cutting the service completely - the Government grant hads dried up.

Last month I had a meeting with 2 women from Randwick in Whiteshill Village Coffee Shop with Village Agent Pam Thorne to explore ways forward re the Randwick bus not going down The Lane. Yesterday I had another meeting with Pam. I suspect we will be putting concerns to the Parish Council seeking their support to take this issue forward: is there a way to get the bus back? What alternatives exist? There are few ways forward, but we need to make sure we have looked at all options and made clear our views to policy makers.

Photo: empty buses threaten viability of services that are already reduced

I have been reluctant to look at alternatives like a regular minibus until we have ruled out getting our bus back - a minibus used regularly could impact negatively on the already underused bus service. However it maybe a way forward for a local group to establish and run a bus once a week? Certainly it is a wonderfully positive scheme that could open up opportunities to people locally.

Minibus Sharing?

Vision 21, a community-based sustainability organisation, has received £35,000 from the Gloucestershire Rural Renaissance initiative to expand the existing urban Minibus Sharing Scheme, which currently operates in Gloucester and Cheltenham.

Vision 21 director, Graham Stanley, who lives in Ebley, said: "Many schools, colleges and village groups have saved up and bought their own minibuses, but don't use them all the time. This scheme aims to 'borrow' these minibuses when they're not being used, to help people get out and about. The Minibus Sharing Scheme could, for example, give a parish council the chance to organise regular visits to the nearest town for young people to go to the cinema, or to go bowling. Or a WI could hire a minibus for a theatre trip; primary schools might need minibuses to take the children on an educational visit, or a group of older people could hire one to take them to a tea dance in Cheltenham."

Certainly the minibuses could provide a lifeline for those who find travel difficult. Many local groups can't afford to buy a minibus, but would be glad to hire one and of course the scheme could reduce the cost of transport for clubs, groups and schools. By sharing the resource, they can get more use out of it, benefit their local community and earn a little income. It also provides a stronger case when applying for funding for a replacement vehicle in the future.

I'm waiting to hear back from Pam and the Randwick women who were concerned re the cut to the service in The Lane.

Bus service ends in The Lane, Randwick

As most will know, the bus service has ceased going along The Lane in Randwick due to the problems with poorly parked cars. The loss of this part of the service, as I've noted previously, is of concern especially as it is these small cuts that can lead to an already struggling service being cut completely. However the County have assured me that there is no plan to axe the service completely - bus users who have been informed by a bus driver that this was the case, have been misinformed.

I understand the current bus companies will not be restoring the service to The Lane. In contrast the previous company, Cotswold Experience, have informed me they would be happy to return to running buses along the old route. Unfortunately the way contracts work this is not an option at present - nor it seems is there a possibility of using a smaller bus on this route as suggested by some.

The District Council does not have responsibilities for these bus services but I have raised the issue with County officers. I have also expressed concerns that the occasional parking problems in The Lane still need attention if we want to ensure proper access by the Emergency services. However this was not seen as a significant problem by the Highways Department.

Only a handful of people used the bus service from The Lane, but I would welcome more examples of how cutting this service has affected people locally. We want to ensure these views are made to the County Council when they review contracts. Have people managed to walk to other bus stops or found satisfactory alternatives?


Ring and Ride alternative for some?

One option maybe the Ring and Ride and Volunteer Car Service that can be used for essential journeys like doctor's appointments. In the past this has only been open to people with mobility problems, however it has been extended for use by people without access to cars in rural areas without bus services. I have spoken with them and Randwick village centre now qualifies.

Fares start from £2.50 and you need to register first - for details telephone 759005 between 9.30 and 1.00. They are also very much in need of more volunteer drivers who get paid a mileage rate. This option clearly does not replace a regular bus service but maybe helpful for some in the village.

Randwick Parish AGM: Councillors pledge to only drive 20 mph in ward!!!

This evening I went to the Randwick Parish AGM - so much discussed that I can't possibly put it all here.....but heres a taster starting with the great news....

Photo: Randwick Playing field

- Councillors agreed to only drive 20 mph in the ward and are exploring car stickers for themselves and others who may wish to use them. This is great stuff indeed - see more re my blog on 29th March re Slow Stroud.

- 20 mph voluntary limit is being considered and I have a task to explore possible signs that could be used instead of the dreadful cheap '20 is Plenty'.

- Council are looking to improve the Mayors Pool.

- 3 trees at Randwick School need to be removed due to safety issues and fears they might fall on children in the playground - because they are near electricity cables they will cost £300 each to remove!!!!! Hopefully County will pay - strangely due to possible bird nesting they wont do it until Autumn yet dangerous trees at Ash Lane (see previous blog) were removed almost instantly.

- Talking of Ash Lane a resident this evening raised the possibility of planting something on that corner to replace the cut down trees - a great idea that the Council will look at.

- Councils budget is published

- Cashes Green school flashing lights have apparently been flashing at wrong times for 11 weeks!! They are now fixed.

- If any Parish work is needed then parishioners should talk to Parish Council Chair John Taylor and he can let the Handyman know.

- The Guide hut had lots of discussion - see 2nd April blog for background info. The Council will be talking to owners again about ways forward.

- The Village Hall has £30,000 towards it's target of £150,000,

- Concern was expressed about Sandpits Lane being used as a rat run. Cllr Richard Huxford will be looking into that more.

- Randwick bus in the Lane - see blog on 17th April re letter written by residents. I raised this issue again with Pam Thorne, the Village Agent. The Council agreed to invite County Council officer to explore ways forward. It was good also to hear about past work the Parish had done to protect the bus from cuts in the past. Ironically one of the buses has been going back through The Lane temporarily. No one was clear why and buses still seem to be unreliable in terms of times. If this is the case it is vital that people call the County to let them know of poor service as they can fine operators and put pressure on them to improve: 01452 425985.

- National Trust woods was one of the other issues I raised - see more here re background - the Parish acknowledged things had been delayed somewhat on looking at the campsite or protection of the archaelogical sites there. I am hoping that I might be able to progress at least some of this with individual councillors as the Parish is till unable to take on in near future.

Odds and ends: canal, Archway, Lawns and more

Here's a collection of bits and bobs of recent local news.....

Canal update - Last night I spent a couple of hours at Ebley Mill discussing the canal (terrible quality photo of noticeboard at Ebley) - the latest public news is that following much negotiation Cabinet are recommending Council to take on the risks of Brimscombe Port - read more here at item 5 - this report out today shows the risk could be as much as £2 million but if not accepted basically the whole canal project is in jeopardy - I often think Councils don't take enough risks - playing it too cautious and thus missing out on possible serious gains - this looks like here at least they are prepared to support the project.

Anyway there were some useful discussions during the evening - I am still not happy that cycling has been prioritised sufficiently in this project - see earlier blogs on this topic- although I did learn today that cycling is being looked at with a new seriousness. In terms of the issue of using the canal for freight - this is more understandably not going anywhere as the other phases of the canal do not have funding - but it is worth noting that I learnt today that water freight uses 22kg of CO2 per tonne/km compared to 59 kg by road. Another issue is the absurd suggestions that longer term the canal could be used to pump water to the SE thus saving 5 reservoirs to be built - an issue I will return to - indeed I will no doubt return to all of this when I have more time - but for brief summary here is the Inland Waterways view of where we are:

British Waterways has locally announced the start of works at Oil Mills. This is a step towards the start of the main works of National Lottery supported major restoration. There has been some concern that the restoration programme was in jeopardy owing to BW’s board becoming increasingly concerned at the level of unfunded risk that it might have to bear. However, it now appears that BW has accepted a higher level of risk than it originally intended and Stroud District Council has (subject to formal documentation) taken on a significant element of risk that would otherwise have fallen to BW. In order to allow the rest of the major restoration works to start announcements are awaited to confirm the agreements between Stroud District Council and British Waterways for the Council to take on the restoration and development at Brimscombe Port (via a private developer) and for the handover of the land from Gloucestershire County Council to BW.

The work at Oil Mills covers the £1.3 million restoration of a 650-metre stretch of the Stroudwater Navigation and the restoration of Oil Mills Bridge. The original hump-backed bridge on the site was removed as part of a road improvement scheme. It will be replaced by a new bridge echoing original designs but able to carry modern traffic levels, using what remains of the original bridge under the road.

The National Lottery supported restoration work is likely to cost £24.2million and is itself part of a wider regeneration funding package of £37million. The workincludes the full restoration of a 6½-mile (9½-kilometre) stretch from Brimscombe Port to Stonehouse and a further 4-mile (6km) multi-user path to Saul Junction, due for completion in two years. The work is to be project managed by British Waterways and undertaken by its contractor Morrison Construction. Excavation work is expected to be completed in November, followed by the bridge in March 2008. The Cotswold Canals Partnership expects to hear later this autumn about its £24million Big Lottery Fund bid which would take the restoration a further 4 miles (six kilometres) from The Ocean to Saul Junction.

The Lawns consultation - the area opposite Tricorn House in those woods is called The Lawns and has the lake there that this blog has discussed much in the past - the land is now leased by Stroud Community Land Trust from the county council - they plan to share their ideas about ways forward on Sunday 14th October on the site from 10.30am to 2.30pm - call Caroline on 753358 for further info.

Bus shelter in Ruscombe - a bus shelter and/or seat is being considered for near the chapel - local residents, police and highways will be asked their views but do contact the Parish Council if you have thoughts on this.

Ruscombe Brook - today a flow meter is being installed to measure sewage flows near the Randwick tributary sewage pipes - this will hopefully give a clearer picture of what is going on and why we have had the recent incidents of raw sewage escaping into the brook at that point. Plus just a note to say the RBAG display is now up in Cainscross Parish Council office.

Archway school - have their new technology block opened - the first phase of a £6.5 million revamp - it looks like a calming space - and has a biomass boiler running on woodchips.

Stroud Film Society - their 50th Season has started - some films listed here - most films shown on Thursdays at 8 pm - doors open 7.30 pm at the British School, Slad Road, Stroud. Contact: Mrs Beth Cheyne 01453 823 551 for info.

Gullies and footpaths in Randwick - the Parish asked whether the gullies could be cleaned more regularly especially down the Lane and at the bottom of Ash Lane. The footpaths have also been recently checked and various comments made like repairs needed to foot bridge over stream in fields leading from Morehall to the village.

Mayor's Pool - a while back now an unmanned car rolled down from the Vicarage over the wall and into the road destroying the wall around the Mayor's Pool. The car is beyond repair but insurance monies are being sought to repair the wall.

Free Ordnance Survey maps for 11 year olds - I saw a note in the paper re this (more here) - it quoted Vanessa Lawrence who I knew from my school days (see photo) - she is now Director General and Chief Executive of Ordnance Survey and I get the chance to meet up about once every 2 or 3 years - this reminded me we must be due a visit! She is quite an extraordinary woman with many tales to tell of various adventures and more.

Guide Hut - Randwick Parish are still trying to see the best way forward for this site that is currently being misused. Thoughts welcomed by them.

No water in some houses in Paganhill this morning - why?

SNJ look at 1915 wedding - Saw the SNJ report of these two pictured in the photo - employees of Lodgemore Mill near Stroud - Winifred Davis, a weaver who lived at Ruscombe and George Walter Cratchley, a loom tuner who lived in Randwick - George was in the Glos Regiment of the British Army - they married in Ruscombe Chapel in 1912 - this photo of them was used in the article to talk about our local history in weaving - like the billiard tables, Milliken tennis balls and the scarlet cloth used by the British Army for teh Regiment of the Guards.

Play re Rachel Carson - Saturday October 27th - 'Breaking the Silence' - a one woman play on the life of Rachel Carson at 7pm - a one hour piece - see www.rachelcarson.co.uk for show details. This year is the centenary of her birth and as the play advertising says: "it is time to listen as if for the first time to what she has to say." Rachel Carson wrote "Silent Spring" in 1962 overcoming the opposition of government, industry and her own failing personal health in order to alert the world to the careless use of chemicals in our environment. Advance ticket booking: £10 each from The Organic Farm Shop, Abbey Home Farm near Cirencester. Pay by phone with a credit card on 01285 640441. I've been trying to get local media to cover this - by all accounts it should be a good evening.

Update on Randwick bus

As blog readers will know when I first was elected May 2006 a big issue was the fact that the local bus service through the village was stopped. There are many blog entries on this - the reasons, hopes etc - finally all this time on last night the County Council sent a representatitive to the Parish meeting.

Photo: bus from a while back

I was at Full Council so couldn't be there but here is Pam Thorne, the Village Agent's notes (which she kindly let me copy here):

Last night was very worthwhile - 7 bus users turned up and I think Bill Carr from the transport department has got the message! The thing about the no. 37 coming up further (too large) was ruled out but I think he took on board:
• Dial a Ride is great for occasional journeys but they want a regular bus service they can rely on;
• The old route through the Lane would be preferred but the times need to revert to the original timetable - the current company changed it slightly so that the afternoon bus was trying to go through when the mothers were collecting children from school;
• the original bus company were superior in lots of ways (although current drivers are fine) - they were more reliable and had a system for sending alternatives if anything went wrong (the ladies reported lots of non-appearances of buses with the current company - Bill gave them the phone number to always report these 01452 426343;
• a smaller vehicle is needed, and one with easier access;
• any future meetings should be advertised on the bus itself so maximum no of people know about it.

The next step is to follow up and see what the County can come back with - but at least they heard from those bus users.

Randwick: Potential wall collapse and right-of-way issue

The last blog entry talked about a footpath opposite the Scout Hut - these two issues are just around the corner - again not in my ward but used by residents - first the wall then the right-of-way...

Wall in Westrip Lane near Hawthorne Rise and opposite Red House Farm

Photo: Area of wall previously subject to heave: now relatively safe

The wall has over the last few years become increasingly dangerous. It has been brought to the attention of various agencies and more recently following several complaints from parishioners the Parish have written a further letter and made various phone calls. There seems to have been frustration that the issue wasn't getting resolved so I also wrote a letter last week and we got a good response from the District Council and Highways who set up the site meeting today to look at the wall.

Photo: Looking at previous photos and plans

Problem: This retaining wall is along a long stretch of the pavement and it is leaning alarmingly and is seriously cracked and has heave problems as well. Many pedestrians use the pavement and in particular mothers with push chairs and young children on the nearby estates taking children to school either at Cashes Green or Foxmoor Primary Schools. There are also two bus stops at each end of this section. The wall is about four foot high - and higher in some places. There is only one pavement on that side of a particularly dangerous road. The danger is compounded by a large hedge planted behind the wall which probably also adds to it leaning and heaving. The issue is made more complex as some owners of the adjoining properties consider (following legal advice) that the wall was never transferred into their ownership when the developer signed off the estate. The wall is in an increasingly dangerous state and may well topple into the pavement and road and in our view constitutes a serious danger particularly to pedestrians.

Photo: Wall leaning at alarming angle

The Building Inspector present showed photos of the wall from about five years ago - the problems were nothing like as bad then - clearly it needs attention now - the first stage is to again contact householders and discuss the best ways forward - the problems of ownership make this particularly difficult issue to resolve - one option may be fort the County to remove the dangerous section and replace with chain-link fencing and allow that and the tree roots to retain the earth. Hopefully this meeting will at least now lead to action to reduce the risks of collapse here.

Right-of-way near the junction between Redhouse Lane and Westrip Lane

Photo: area of concern

The second issue is a patch of land on the same side of the development as the wall but directly on the corner of the junction between Redhouse Lane and Westrip Lane – also allegedly not transferred into anyone’s ownership by the same development company. This has now become an unofficial footpath used by pedestrians including young children, cyclists, moto-scooters motorcyclists etc as a short cut to and from both the Perry Orchard and Hawthorne Rise estates.

The problem is that people come out unexpectedly straight onto a very busy narrow road junction with no warning and little visibility. A number of near misses have occurred at this point. The Parish has been unable to resolve the problem despite contacting various agencies including the Land Registry to identify ownership and thereby bring pressure to bear on the developers, if they still exist as they were last heard of as being based in the Channel Islands - after the original development company ceased trading.

There must be ways to improve the situation: clearly it is a well-used route so blocking it does not seem the right way forward. Improving visibility for vehicles might help as would changing the road surface but again it is a matter of funding priorities - especially as we cannot even establish whether this path is official. Issues like this are deeply frustrating and it seems there are not many options to move forward. What do others feel?

Ward newsletter goes out

The last couple of weeks or so I have been out walking the local streets delivering my annual newsletter - a copy of most of the contents is below. I found it hard to pick what to put in the newsletter this year and ended up having to cut out lots of interesting stuff but hopefully it gives a flavour of what I am doing and this blog fills in the gaps...

This year I've had a couple of friends help deliver several streets as it takes some 18 hours to deliver the whole ward - all good stuff to keep me fit but also a great way to really see the ward - I walk about lots of it anyway but there are some corners that I rarely get to - it is also good to run into folk I've not seen in a while and meet new people....anyhow thanks for the emails and phone calls with issues, questions and support.

Photo: Leaflet delivering

Randwick, Ruscombe and Whiteshill News Jan/Feb 2009 From your District Councillor Philip Booth

Dear Resident,

I wish you a happy and successful 2009. In this newsletter I hope to give a flavour of some of my activities as your local councillor over the last year.

I try my best to represent the views and interests of everyone in this ward and welcome hearing from you - so do please ring, write or email me with your thoughts, issues or concerns. Please bear in mind that while I usually respond very promptly, I do get a considerable number of queries each day.

Thanks to all in the ward who have supported me and to the local Green Party for funding this newsletter.

Cllr. Philip Booth,
Stroud District Councillor for Randwick, Ruscombe and Whiteshill ward,
2 The Laurels, Bread Street, Ruscombe, Stroud GL66EL Telephone: 755451
Email: philip.booth2 (at) virgin.net

Blog voted 5th Best Green Blog

There is no easy way of regularly updating residents with what I am doing as your local councillor so when I was elected in 2006 I started a blog - an online diary with comments, copies of my letters to the press, info about meetings, campaigns, photos and more. There were over 640 entries last year alone and some 3,000 unique visitors each month - do please visit and consider leaving a comment.

See Philip’s blog at: http://ruscombegreen.blogspot.com

Open Homes success

During a weekend in September over 750 visits were made to 12 homes in the Stroud area, including our ward, to see renewable energy and energy efficiency measures in action. In addition to this over 400 people visited Randwick Village Hall to see the eco-exhibitions and the official opening of the hall.

Photo: Philip at the opening of Randwick Village Hall - the first carbon neutral hall in the country. Huge congratulations to the Village Hall Committees for all their hard work over recent years to make this happen.

As coordinator of the Open Homes event I was blown away by the interest. Measures on show included wood pellet boilers, lime plasters, solar thermal, PV, green roofs, co-housing, rainwater harvesting, external insulation and more. I was delighted to get enthusiastic feedback for the project - and better still - news that many people, after seeing the homes, were planning actions to reduce their fuel bills and CO2 emissions. See more including information on grants at: www.stroudopenhomes.org.uk/

Some recent actions by your Councillor...

Council’s environmental targets - trying to ensure through my role on a Scrutiny committee that the District Council meets its environmental targets.

Action on fuel prices - I have sought more action by the District Council to prepare for forecast rising fuel prices like a pool cover for Stratford Park Leisure Centre and greater promotion of special tariffs for those facing financial difficulties.

Planning issues - taking action where people are having problems with the planning system or when inappropriate development is proposed.

Slowing traffic - along with the Parish Council I have sought to improve traffic safety by seeking County Council action on measures to reduce traffic speeds.

Ruscombe Brook - the action group I helped set up has had significant success in reducing sewage incidents in the brook and our approach has been reproduced by the other local action groups. We have seen improvements locally by Severn Trent, organised a morning clean-up of one section of the brook and are working with the District Council to see measures at Puckshole to reduce the occasional severe flooding there.

Stratford Road Bus shelter - for some time now I have been working to see a shelter put in place by Tesco outside their store. I have had a huge amount of correspondence over this and have a commitment from their developers for the shelter. However Tesco have delayed any action until March.

Telecom mast rejected - with residents, the Parish Council and others we successfully opposed a mast being erected near Ash Lane, Randwick.

Allotments wanted - we have a working group with Whiteshill and Ruscombe Parish to explore finding a local site for allotments. As prices rise this is surely the best time to be growing more of our own food?

Basketball hoop - having managed to obtain a hoop following requests from younger residents I am now waiting a final decision by the Parish Council regarding siting on the Whiteshill and Ruscombe Playing Field.

Bank near Ash Lane saved - successfully helped residents campaign against a proposal by Highways to remove large parts of the roadside bank.

Building communities - after initiating a street party in Bread Street this summer with local residents I have supported other communities to plan their parties. I am also working with a local land owner to establish a community-run orchard. We have already had two very successful picking and juicing days this Autumn where much fun was had.

Road Gullies - I negoitiated with the County Council to see improvements at several key locations. However there are still clearly problems; do please let me know.

Recycling - trying to improve recycling and prevent the construction of a monster sized waste incinerator at Stonehouse.

Housing needs - support to people with various housing needs in the ward.

Wessex Water - I was appointed to represent the District Council on the Customer Liaison Panel and have already raised more issues than all other representatives on that panel.

Climate Change talks and articles - I have written regularly in the local press and spoken at several local groups including two churches about the threat of climate change. The science is clear that we need to act and act very quickly. Yet the prospects of climate change are very scary and many, including politicians, seem paralysed or unclear about what measures they can take. It is vital we all get the message across about what is possible; fear disempowers us but there are real signs of hope. We must all play our part in ensuring necessary actions are taken.

TTS, broken glass, clay rabbits and no bus in The Lane

With a blog title like that I'm bound to bring in the punters - be warned this is one to send you to sleep......a sort of collection of bits and pieces from this week that might be of interest...

Photo: view across Cashes Green from near Carpenters Arms

It's been a few days of catching up on the correspondence and the huge number of emails plus:
- cleared glass from a path that I'd received several emails about - it wasn't even in my ward but it was easier than trying to get the appropriate authority to find it and respond
- had a meeting with 2 women from Randwick in Whiteshill Village Coffee Shop with Village Agent Pam Thorne to explore ways forward re the Randwick bus not going down The Lane
- raised a host of issues at the Randwick Parish meeting this evening where Calvin Williams was voted and co-opted onto serve on the Parish to replace Tracey Waite who resigned last year (Calvin's energy over coordinating the Parish Plan and youth involvements will be a great addition to the team)
- read papers for the upcoming SDC budget - more of that for another blog
- met other councillors at a Sites Panel re the Folly Park Farm footpath
- attended a meeting with 35 others to explore one of the most exciting projects around - Transition Towns Stroud (ended up taking on coordinating one of the sub-groups - more of that soon)
- made clay rabbits and other animals at Woodcraft Folk this evening with 6 to 10 year olds...OK this is the point where I'd better sign off...

Parish AGM reports: a brief summary of what I have been doing

Both Whiteshill and Ruscombe Parish and Randwick Parish have their AGM's on this Thursday 21st May 2009. As I will be at SDC's AGM I have sent a statement to them - see below - I had wanted to write more but all done in haste as meeting in Cheltenham tonight.

Photo: me outside Randwick Village Hall during the Open Homes weekend

Statement from District Councillor Philip Booth

Apologies that I cannot join you this evening for our Parish AGM. Tonight is also Stroud District Council’s AGM. The District Council meeting looks set to be interesting as many councillors are seeking answers as to how the District’s Housing Revenue Account could be overspent by £1.2m and why there are moves to curtail District councillors and Parish and Town Council powers to challenge local Planning applications.

Below I’ve included some of the local issues I’ve been working on during the last year - however first I wanted to start by saying a big thank you to all the Parish councillors and Parish Clerk for the great job they are doing.

Where to begin? Well I was delighted to find my Blog, Ruscombe Green, was voted in a national poll, 5th Best Green Blog. I started it when I was elected in 2006 - an online diary with comments, copies of my letters to the press, info about meetings, local events, campaigns, photos and more. There are over 1,800 entries and over 3,000 unique visitors each month. It has been a good way to keep in touch and debate with local residents. See it at: http://ruscombegreen.blogspot.com

One highlight of the year was the Eco-renovation Open Homes weekend in September that I organised. Over 750 visits were made to 12 homes in the Stroud area to see renewable energy and energy efficiency measures in action. In addition to this over 400 people visited Randwick Village Hall to see the eco-exhibitions and the official opening of the hall. See more re this years plans for over 20 homes to open at: www.stroudopenhomes.org.uk/

Council’s environmental targets - I have been trying to ensure, through my role on a Scrutiny committee, that the District Council meets its environmental targets - and indeed improves those targets. Much is needed for example the future of Stratford Park is now being discussed yet in ten criteria used to evaluate delivery, sustainability was not even mentioned (it is now!). I am also sitting on a new small inquiry team looking to maximise funding from utility companies to tackle climate change.

Action on forecast fuel prices - Prices are fluctuating, but longer term they are set to rise. I have sought more action by the District Council to prepare for this, including pushing specific actions like a pool cover for Stratford Park Leisure Centre and greater promotion of special tariffs for those facing financial difficulties.

Planning issues - I’ve met a number of people locally and have tried to support them where they are having problems with the planning system or when inappropriate development is proposed. We managed to get rejected both the planned telecom mast near Ash Lane and a proposal by Highways to remove large parts of the roadside bank in Ash Lane.

Ruscombe Brook, Water and Flood action - I have just initiated and helped establish a forum of local flood and brook groups so that we can work more closely to ensure improvements to planning policy. Our local Ruscombe Brook Action Group that I helped set up still meets monthly and has successfully reduced sewage incidents in the brook. We have seen improvements locally by Severn Trent, organised a morning cleanup of one section of the brook and are working with the District Council to see measures at Puckshole to reduce the occasional severe flooding there. I have also been appointed to represent the District Council on the Wessex Water Customer Liaison Panel.

Allotments wanted - we have a Parish working group to explore finding a location for allotments. We are close to putting forward a proposal for a small site.

Basketball hoop - I managed to obtain a hoop following requests from younger residents, the Parish are now looking to install it in the Whiteshill and Ruscombe Playing Field.

Stratford Road Bus shelter - for some time now I have been working to see a shelter put in place by Tesco outside their store. Tesco have agreed but it still has not appeared: there is now a petition locally to see if we can encourage them to act.

Building communities - after initiating a street party in Bread Street last summer with local residents I have supported other communities to plan their parties. I am also working with a local land owner to establish a community-run orchard. We have already had two very successful picking and juicing days last Autumn. Events that bring people together are vital to communities and we are fortunate to have many in this Parish like the Pancake races, the amazing Wap and the excellent Whiteshill and Ruscombe Arts and Crafts Fair last Saturday.

County Council issues - I have also tried to support the Parish and address County Council issues like Slowing traffic - we urgently need traffic calming. The good news is that the ‘20 is Plenty’ scheme looks finally set to happen as a first step to more traffic calming (but not more humps!). Road Gullies and Grit bins - I negotiated with the County Council to see improvements at several key locations. However there are still problems like vandalised grit bins that lead to problems like salt getting into the local water courses.

Housing needs - support to people with various housing needs in the ward.

Recycling - calling on our Councils to improve recycling and prevent the construction of a huge waste incinerator at Stonehouse.

Climate Change talks and articles - I have written regularly in the local press and spoken at several local groups including two churches about the threat of climate change. The science is clear that we need to act and act very quickly. Yet the prospects of climate change are very scary and many, including politicians, seem paralysed or unclear about what measures they can take. It is vital we all get the message across about what is possible; fear disempowers us but there are signs of hope. We can all play our part in ensuring necessary actions are taken. I have just heard that my proposal for libraries to issue energy monitors like books has been accepted. A pilot will begin later this year so that people can borrow these and see how they can reduce their energy use and costs.

Other issues - I am also involved in a whole host of other issues locally including helping run the monthly Coffee House Discussions in Stroud where topics from the decline of bees to discussing tidal energy projects that are more sustainable than a barrage, getting the Rainbow Flag flying for Glos Pride, coordinating the Glos Safe Water Campaign, helping run a campaign to stop expansion of Gloucestershire Airport, supporting various Transition Stroud initiatives like a local currency and leading a weekly Woodcraft Folk group for 18 children aged 6 to 9.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have a query.

Cllr Philip Booth, Stroud District Councillor for Randwick, Ruscombe and Whiteshill ward, 2 The Laurels, Bread Street, Ruscombe, Stroud GL66EL Tel: 755451 Email: philip.booth2@virgin.net

Randwick: vandalism and petty theft incidents

As Runner readers will know there have been a number of incidents of vandalism and theft recently in Randwick - minor but still cause for concern. These have been raised at the recent Randwick Parish Council meeting - I unfortunately had a Scrutiny meeting that night so was unable to attend but did speak to councillors and local police. It is good that these incidents are being taken seriously.

Quote: From Resurgence magazine - as research shows crime rates are falling but fear of crime remains high - see here.

One residents noted that "in recent weeks I have seen reports of fires affecting the cattle, thefts of toys and other items in the village, vandalism at the Village School and have suffered acts of vandalism and arson to trees" in a field. The resident went onto note that "the latter also being the location of several discovered stolen items and evidence of solvent abuse. It seems we are in the middle of a spate of criminal activity that although probably the work of a handful of people is affecting many throughout the village. I do not want to see the Village School turned into a fortress, nor think people should be forced to lock everything away in their gardens at night. These selfish and petty acts do not have to be a part of life if the community can act to stop these people."

There have also been reports of youths taking drugs by the Randwick tributary and leaving some of their paraphernalia on one occasion. I hope this is an isolated incident.

Plus of course this year we have seen the major damage and rubbish left following the tobbogganning on local hills. However generally we have had very low crime figures in this area.

It is also worth mentioning Ruscombe as this year there has been more use of those fields at the end of the Wheelers Walk estate - young people have had several fires and 'parties' there - and at one point used a motorbike repeatedly across the fields on many days - this seems to have stopped for the time being. This is also the first year for many years that there has been a considerable quantity of rubbish dumped in the brook - it can be seen on my blog here - the Ruscombe Brook Action Group had a clear up on 15th August where in nearly 3 hours 15 or so people cleared the brook - see here.

Some of the incidents have been reported to police but sadly not all so they did not have a full picture - please be sure to report!!

As Randwick Parish Council says in their minutes "residents should: - · report incidents · be mindful of their own security · be vigilant · report the registration numbers of vehicles misusing roads such as Sandpits Lane."

Please report incidents on: 0845 090 1234.

I personally would also be keen to see improved youth facilities - indeed this week had conversations re the problems that Tesco in Paganhill have faced recently. They are apparently also keen to see more done - one suggestion is that if Tesco don't come up with a bus shelter then they could perhaps help fund some activities? I hope also as a result of these issues being more discussed we will have the chance for residents and police to work more closely together on these issues.

Update on health cuts

Tomorrow I've been invited to talk to the Randwick Women's Institute. One of the key topics they wanted to discuss was the recent health cuts.

Photos: Stroud Hospital and below Gloucester Royal

Over a year ago there was uproar in these valleys at the proposed closure of Stroud Maternity Hospital, Weavers Croft and cuts in other NHS. There were over 9,000 objections to the cut proposals and people took to the streets in vast numbers. Stroud Hospital League of Friends, Stroud Town Council and Stroud Maternity Matters organised protest marches which were supported by a very wide spectrum of citizens.

The “Save Stroud Hospitals” was formed and the District Council had a Task Force committee of which I was a member. Indeed my submission re the cuts was used to help the District Council's submission. The District Council made available £4000 to analyse the impacts of the NHS proposals to close Weavers Croft and the Tyndale centre and a further £4000 for Stroud Maternity Matters to assess the implications of the proposed closure of the Maternity. To get the latest info I spoke with Cabinet member Cllr Libby Bird who kindly gave me some of the following info which she'd used for another talk - the latest news re Weavers came from the press.

Maternity Hospital update

As noted previously on this blog the proposals were to close both Stroud and Cheltenham maternity Hospitals and locate both consultant led and midwife led births at Glos Royal Hospital. Stroud Maternity Matters commissioned Dr Suzanne Tyler to write a report - this was instrumental in winning the reprieve of the closure of the Maternity Hospital. Stroud being one of 15 in the country. Some mothers prefer a more natural approach offered by Stroud Maternity and are not keen on the high tech births offered in Gloucester.

It was in 1998 the Maternity hospital was last threatened with closure. At that time targets were set and these were met. So, how long will this reprieve last? They have just undergone a review and are subject to another one in 2 years time. However, it is open and delivering babies at the moment but we need to be watchful.

Other health cuts

The proposals were to cut the provision of in patient services and just have day surgery. This would mean the loss of the gynaecology and breast operations and some general surgery. Open it up with a private provider to supply some sort of medical provision and upgrades to the theatres as has happened at Cirencester. Usually private providers specialise in one or two types of procedures so the rest would be lost.

Fortunately all the proposals were shelved and the operating theatres should be upgraded this year at a cost of £0.75 million. Good news.

Weavers Croft

The proposal was still to close Weavers Croft and locate the facility at Charlton Lane in Cheltenham. However the latest news is that Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt has just ordered an independent review.

I hope the proposals are also overturned - it is perhaps the cruelest of all the proposed cuts in services. Patients will gradually loose touch with all things familiar surroundings and people. Practically impossible to visit without a car, as it is three bus journeys and a lot of elderly people don’t like to drive out of their immediate vicinity or don't have access to a car.

I heard a report that there was a bit of alarm recently when it was found that there were only 4 people in the 18 bed unit which is normally full. It was thought by some that closure had begun but the announcement will not be made until after the local elections. Apparently it is normal seasonal downturn but I've also heard rumours that some were asked to go to Cirencester? If so I would be deeply concerned - I would welcome any news from others on this.

Berkeley Hospital.

The proposals for provision in that part of the district were seemingly satisfactory. In that a new health unit would replace Berkeley hospital nearer the centre of a growing population in Cam and Dursley. A new doctors surgery is badly needed and could incorporate a 10 bed unit. People do not want to see the hospital close before the new provison is in place. Long term use of Berkeley hospital will need to be found.

Kings Fund Report

The District Council also commission the Kings fund to look at the possibility of setting up a Social Enterprise with partners to provide some form of health care in the district. This was supported cross party and a sum of £40,000 has been set aside to explore that possibility. See blog entry for 15th November for more info on this.

County Council provision

Blog readers will know about the new care homes to be provided in our district by the non profit making Order of St John. The County Council have given them a 25 year contract (replaces coverage care) and some of the provision is in several years time. Locally as noted before that includes Wyatt House in Paganhill which will be replaced by a new build 40 bed unit for Elderly Mentally Infirmed. See more re this on my 11th July blog entry.

Why is the NHS in trouble?

The NHS is facing a tough time indeed. I welcome the extra money Labour has put into the health service but their management of the NHS is misguided. Rampant privatisation of NHS services is causing fragmentation of care, reducing accountability and increasing costs. The sale of the NHS is happening faster than ever, through a wide variety of routes from PFI to Independent Sector Treatment Centres and contracting out NHS Logistics to the German parcel company, DHL which can now even use the NHS brand logo.

Spending on management consultancy has soared to £170 million this year when this should go to front line services, not corporate and shareholder pockets.

Alongside this the developing health care market increasingly damages the infrastructure of local services through disastrous payment mechanisms and pointless competition. Health care should not be a product to be bought or sold - but a right available to the sick and vulnerable members of a civilised society.

The public rightly react to cuts in services, but it is these underlying policies of marketisation and privatisation that are driving many of these cuts and it is these policies that we should also be protesting about. Sadly all three main parties support privatisation measures. I would urge people to challenge those politicians and support the national campaign group, "Keep our NHS Public" - sign their online petition at: www.keepournhspublic.com

Casework: pink dog poo, footpath, housing and more

More on why this guy is spraying dog poo pink in a moment but first at a recent Parish AGM I mentioned casework and people were interested in what this entails - periodically I have covered bits in this blog - but I can't go into details as issues raised with me are confidential. Of course sometimes I seek permission to put the info on this blog - like work trying to get translators for deaf parents (see here) or a bus shelter at Tesco (see here).

Well to give a flavour of one afternoon last week here are some items that I looked at (excluding specific planning application issues):

- Footpath Lightwood Lane to Zion Hill (MWH 10). I have been asked by a resident to update on the proposed changes to this footpath as they were unable to obtain info - the changes have been advertised and objections were received to the proposals. I am aware properties have been hit by vehicles and they are understandably concerned by a potential increase in traffic along the route that is 1 in 3 in places. The latest news is that on a technicality, the County may have to re-advertise the proposals but in any event, having received a number of objections the matter will be referred to the Planning Inspectorate which will result in a Public Inquiry. The County have assessed the claim as ‘High’ in their priority rating but can't yet say when the inquiry will take place. It is normal practice for objectors to be notified of the date of the Inquiry. The Inquiry can hear from people wishing to make representations, both for and against.

- Access issue. At the request of residents I brought to the attention of the Parish Council and County Council that two residents living on Main Road, Whiteshill who live in the bungalows specifically for the disabled are having problems getting in and out of their homes due to the speed of the traffic and lack of paving. One of the residents uses a mobility scooter and she finds it difficult to get out without having to enter the middle of the road. Highways have now visited the site and come up with a couple of options - neither in my view are satisfactory. The site is very dfifficult to see what to do with - to me another argument for the mandatory 20 mph that we have long requested. Anyhow I discussed the options with residents and will take forward thoughts to next stage.

- Immigration issue. I helped write a letter of support to a resident who was being threatened with deportation within 5 days despite being married to a local resident.

- Housing transfer. I was able to help a resident make their case more effectively and move up to a higher priority rating as a crucial factor had not been identified.

- Whose garden? One Council house in the ward has an area of land that has disputed ownership. I made several phone calls to chase the investigation as nothing has seemingly happened for months. It doesn't look like it will but at least the householder knows that now!

- Parish Council elections. As noted there are some vacancies in Randwick. I met with two possible candidates to help explain what it entails.

- Dog fouling notices on footpath MWH/33/1 (Whiteshill behind Church). I have been approached by two residents regarding the vandalism of the notices put up to discourage dog fouling in the field. One resident also raised the issue at the Parish Council. Ironically in taking the photo below I managed to get some of the stuff on my shoes! Dog fouling continues to be a problem in this area. I have requested that the notices be replaced and also passed on the info to the Dog Warden at the District Council.

So why spray dog poo pink? Well I had heard about John Wood, a Sherwood Forest Community Ranger and his idea with paint - see photo above - to raise awareness about dog poo and it's dangers - when sprayed pink it made inconsiderate dog walkers aware of how big the problem was - I understand the National Trust have also used paint - I wondered if folk had thoughts on how effective it might be at raising awareness locally?

John Wood comments: "I was getting fed up with standing in dog poo while out walking in the woods so I decided to find a way of warning others of the dangers ahead. That's when I came up with the idea to spray paint every dog faeces in the park with permanent fluorescent pink paint. Now I have an army of volunteers that go out every day to search for dog poo and spray it pink. I have seen a drop in the number of complaints from visitors standing in poo and made the woods a more colourful place."

I love the comment from Councillor Eddie Smith at Mansfield District Council when he commented: "We are looking to expand on John's idea and have issued pink spray canisters to all council employees. We envisage our staff using the paint in a variety of different areas - traffic wardens will spray drivers windscreens to identify those illegally parked & road cleaners will spray chewing gum stuck on the pavements. We are currently in discussions with the police to allow them to spray those they have arrested to easily identify criminals to the community. The possibilities are endless."

Local news: brook, sewage, footpaths, Alec Alder and more

Here's some bits of local stuff from this week:

Ruscombe Schoolboy walks for charity - another SNJ feature was about Luka Chadwick, aged 10, who goes to Whiteshill Primary and walked the whole of the 21-mile Five Valleys Walk to raise funds for the Meningitis Trust. In 2001 he became ill on the day of the Five Valleys Walk and arrived in hospital unconscious - it was diagnosed as having viral meningitis - he came home after 2 weeks where he made a full recovery. See photo with his mum Anneke De Winter.

Alec Alder featured - was featured in the SNJ this week - aged 90 - he lives in Westrip, owned a coal merchants and A and A taxis - and used to be the minister for the old Pentecostal church in Ruscombe for 40 years - he talks to the SNJ this week about how he has cheated death 14 times - one of those cycling to Paganhill from Randwick down a lane where a car hit him anyone travelling down Puckshole today will know it is possibly even more dangerous - which leads me onto the next item as a tributary of the brook is flooding that road...

Ruscombe Brook Action Group meets - we met for the first time since our AGM in July - 15 of us in a home in Ruscombe on Tuesday night - there was much to catch up on - we started with an update from Adam on Ilaria's report and its implications for Ruscombe Brook (see more here). This is very exciting as Illaria's report instead of recommending one pond and dam to stop water flooding the Slad Road (it would need to be a one kilometre long pond!!) recommends a series of small ponds all the way up the valley - just like the old days - if this can take place it will be ground-breaking - the only scheme in the country. So to allay fears a smaller scheme is being considered first in Stonehouse - if these work then we will be looking at Ruscombe - the reality is that in those other two areas the priority is greater as homes are flooded - having said that we will also be looking at measures in Ruscombe with the landowners. We then had a presentation from Alastair and Erfan on their ecological
survey of biodiversity in Ruscombe Brook. this was fascinating and I hope to put it on the planned new website we are seeking funds for at the moment. Much else was covered and much apple cake eater - also looking at a direct action group to clear out the ditch at Puckshole - RBAG members are in touch with the landowner - more of that soon - in fact have had lots of phone calls so will do a separate blog on that v soon.

Update on local sewage works - Just to recap slightly, the flow survey was completed a while ago and the hydraulic model has also now been verified. This indicated that there is a
capacity issue within the main Ruscombe Brook sewer. Further survey work has been undertaken by Severn Trent within some of the subcatchments which feed into the main Ruscombe Brook sewer to help us all identify possible solutions. These subcatchments contain significant areas of private drainage systems for which there were no records available. This has meant tracing sewer routes and undertaking manhole surveys where necessary. Severn Trent are also in the process of undertaking some initial impermeable area surveys to identify which areas drain to the foul system and what drains to surface water sewers. Once they have undertaken these surveys they are hoping then to be able to start formulating outline solutions. This is all good news - and a very different picture from 3 years ago when we started the brook group and the water company was saying there wasn't a problem - now they are working with us on this.

Sewage incident - sewage incidents used to be many and often - however we now get them rarely - there was the first one for a while reported to us about 2 weeks ago - a manhole cover opened with the heavy rains near homes before Hamwell Leaze. Hopefully once problems are identified these incidents will be further reduced.

Conmen in Whiteshill - Police have checked on homes in Whiteshill after conmen stole from a home there - however it appears they seemed to have targeted one home specifically.

Wheelers Walk footpath update - Some will remember I have complained about the state of this path that was impassable at points this summer - see here - I wrote several times as got no answer - yesterday I did - here it is: The Public Rights of Way Team carried out a condition survey of all paths in the County last year. This path was inspected on 21 December 2007. There was no evidence of a drainage problem although it was muddy. The path was again inspected yesterday. I again found no evidence of a drainage problem. I consider this path to be in a condition I would expect at this location and at this time of year, especially taking into account recent weather conditions. The path follows a hill with a steep gradient. The amount of rain over the last few weeks which has poured down the hill has caused the ground to become muddy at the point where the access from Wheelers Walk meets the field. Apart from walkers exercising their dogs, this is obviously, due to the amount of graffiti and litter, an area where kids congregate. I have now inspected this path in the middle of winter and after a period of sustained rain. I do not consider that a bridge or boardwalk is necessary at this location. I will arrange to inspect the path again however after a period of relatively dry weather to ascertain whether the surface has indeed improved. It does seem the path has improved - the litter (eg polystyrene, cardboard etc) was mostly put down so that folk could cross the site - and the sewage smell is currently not present but I am not confident the problem has gone away.

Buy or Barter Brunch - and event from Transition Stroud - Sunday 21st September 11.00 – 1.00 - Mills Café, High Street, Stroud - £2 entry - a challenging and fun way to get good local food and think about trading and a local currency Please bring (locally sourced if possible) food to share. On arrival your £2 will be exchanged for a local currency which you can then use to buy, sell, trade or barter the various wares on offer to make a tasty brunch. Arrival and coffee 11.00, then 11.30 buy or barter begins. Don't forget Sunday is also the day for flags outside Sub Rooms at 3pm - see more here.

Bus stop at Stratford Road - many will know we have been campaigning for years for this - we heard earlier in the year Tesco were set to build one but it is still not there - a resident has contacted me this week to see why not - in my emails to the County and Tesco I have learnt that approval from Tesco to release funds will be made this week. Hopefully that means it wont be too long.....especially with autumn coming - although I reckon we could have done with it this summer!!

Dangerous footpath made more dangerous - a footpath we have highlighted many times since a meeting with Highways - see here - has finally seen some action - exactly the action we said we didn't want = the Wardens path has been addressed with the installation of a low metal barrier across a short section at the top of the bank. However, as we had predicted the children/youths/adults treat it as a challenge and leap over it and as a result go down the bank even faster and with even less control than before. It more than annoys me that public money has been wasted on a totally ineffective scheme and that once again neither the Parish Council nor myself were consulted or even given the opportunity to comment - baaaaaaaaaaaaah! I will be writing to the County!

Basketball hoop for Whiteshill and Ruscombe Parish - the Parish Council have accepted the free hoop that I have managed to obtain from Stratford Park - more of that coming soon.

Motion on access to Ebley Mill

The monthly Coffee morning yesterday at Randwick Church was a good chance to catch up with various people on moves to tackle the local bus service, trees at Ash Lane and various other items - but also wanted to mention this motion that I supported last week.....

Photo: Coffee Morning at Randwick Church

Labour have put forward a motion to next Full Council (later this month) to improve access at Ebley Mill - I am very happy to support this motion - but wonder sometimes if such matters need a motion - I would imagine Cabinet will be happy to support this? But then again perhaps I'm wrong - we'll wait and see.

Photo: view of Ebley Mill from above Westrip

Infact the Council has done more than most to tackle this issue of access - but I do agree there is still much to be done and it is important we lead by example. This issue of access is fundamental - infact back in 1985 my dissertation for my Joint Honours degree was on the Social Model of Disability - it is also Green party policy - things have come along way since then but we still have much to do!

Motion: This Council believes that priority should be given to providing direct disabled access to the Council Chamber at Ebley Mill. Plans and costingsfor providing such access should be submitted to a Council meeting at or before 20 September 2007.

Preamble for motion: Access to the Council Chamber at Ebley Mill remains difficult for disabled people (and anyone who finds stairs difficult to climb, for whatever reason). Though disabled access is available via lifts in adjacent parts of the building, it is not right that members of the public do not have direct access to the chamber in which Council decisions are taken and other meetings, which they may wish to attend, are held. Having to ring a bell to summon help with access is demeaning. The issue is not merely one of providing disabled access but having access that is straightforward and that preferably can be managed without relying on other people for help. Having had help to access the lift and to reach the Council Chamber, in an emergency or when a disabled person wishes to use the toilets or leave the building, s/he is again dependent on someone else using their card to open the door that leads to the lift.

Under disability discrimination legislation, we should be looking to reducing occasions when people attending Ebley Mill fell that they are being treated differently. We should be making sure that we respect the dignity of all members of the public.