Stapleford Environment Group final report July 2016

Final report of Stapleford Environment Group to Parish Council July 2016

The group first met on 29 May 2012. The last meeting was on 12 July 2016. Initially the meetings were monthly but we switched to bi-monthly from 2014.

Membership: David Barnes, Jim Chisholm*, Frances Clark, Keith Dixon*, Sallie Dixon*, Miranda Fyfe, John Hall, Robert Heap, Wendy Heap, Sue Hiby, Cecilia Izzett, Paul Izzett, Bill Powell, Linda Whitebread* (Convenor)

Parish Councillor in attendance: David Pepperell*

* Members throughout

Summary report

A detailed, itemised report is attached. Here are some ‘highlights’ from the various sections as laid out in our original brief:

Support Pride in appearance of village

Continued to monitor the village streets for encroaching vegetation, poor road/pavement quality, etc. Some issues have been referred to the PC; some to the District or County Council via their websites.

Co-operated with the District Council to plant wildflowers at various locations in the village. Organised several litterpicks.

The parish council have agreed to install a fingerpost in memory of Robert Heap: after so long we hope that this has not been forgotten.

Address dog fouling

Arranged for an extra dog bin on Gog Magog Way. Letter in Messenger about litter and dog fouling.

Reduce Traffic nuisance in and around village – parking and speeding

Obstructive parking has formed part of our monitoring activities, but we have been asked not to approach householders. We have discussed parking in difficult areas, notably by the church, by the Spar, by the school. We have discussed ways to reduce excessive speed, and supported measures to restrict speeds in the village.

Support Cycling

With the Community Activities Group, we applied for and installed a ‘planter’ bike stand outside the Spar. Further and ongoing discussions about cycling in front of the Spar. Monitoring of Sustrans routes through the village.

Greener village

With the support of SCDC, held a ‘Warm Homes’ day at ACE. Subsequently wrote a series of articles on energy-saving for ‘The Messenger’. Borrowed a thermal imaging camera from SCDC so householders could identify cold spots in their homes.

Planning

Commented on both local plans and individual plans as appropriate.

Transport

Have corresponded with the authorities about both bus and train services.

Linda Whitebread

SEG Convenor

July 2016

SEG outcomes