Pot hole hell

Potholehell is descending on us. The following reports are from the latest customer service bulletin. Some have been repaired others are earmarked for repair. 

PC report approx 6 potholes in church Walk Cranfield order raised to patch the defects.

Pothole 1 - circular, 90cm x 60cm x 8cm hole   Pothole 2 - 40cm x 30cm x 3cm  Pothole 3 - 100cm x 120cm x 4cm hole  Pothole 4 - 180cm x 90cm 10cm Bedford Road order raised to repair the potholes.

Roughly circular hole 50 X 40 X 4 cms. Pothole is releasing loose chippings as it degrades & is a particular hazard to cyclists Springfield Way order raised to repair potholes. order raised to repair potholes.

Pothole that was filled 2-3 months ago is tearing apart, 4 inch squared size junks are coming away from it.  Pothole is 8-10 inchs wide & 3-4 inchs deep Mill Road has been repaired.

Pothole that was previosly repaired , about 8 cm deep, customer went through and caused considerable damage to wheel, has requested a insurance Astwood Road inspection did not reveal a pothole, if still present please provide detailed location.

Customer reports a pothole on Broad Green near to the inspection chamber, customer has attached a photograph, which has been fwd to the AT. has been repaired

There is a nasty pothole on Broad Green at the entrance to Washingleys. It looks as if pieces of the road surface from where it is are on the grass area on the left hand side of the Washingleys entrance. Attend to location fill in unmarked potholes necessary by our pavement engineer may be brought forward in to the 5 year programme but this cannot be guaranteed. In the meantime all safety defects such as potholes which could damage vehicles or pedestrians will continue to be repaired.

heading towards Folly Lane  - pothole approx 30cm in diameter and 10cm deep along centre line has been repaired

Men's breakfast

Activity in Wootton that may be of interest in Cranfield:

Gary Chester and Wootton church are holding another Men’s Breakfast on Saturday 14 July. Breakfast will be served from 8.30 and costs £5.

The Speaker will be Graham (Danno) Daniels the national director of Christians in Sport. Visit Christians in Sport

 

Nuts and bolts

Here are the reports to the June environment committee. Nothing earth shattering but everything is of interest or important to someone. The Parish Council conscientiously follows it all up.  

4.2.    Play Area Inspection.  The annual ROSPA inspection is due on 30^th June 2012.

4.3.    Mr Richardson telephoned to say that the tree that this Council requested he remove (on his land), was felled and cleared a few weeks ago.  He has requested that this Council writes again to him to confirm that the tree has been felled and that he need take no further action.

4.4.   Resident writes asking that the alleyway between Lordsmead and Springfield Way be sprayed to control the weeds encroaching upon it. 

4.5.    Tree – Partridge Piece.  PCllr Delise Ball visited the site to inspect the tree.

4.6.    Tree - Little Spinney. Residents write to ask if the tree bordering their garden can be trimmed further.  The Clerk wrote to the PCSOs to ask for their involvement following the assumption of this Council that further trimming would not solve the problem of children climbing the tree and compromising the privacy of the residents.  The correspondents suggest that by removing two more branches all but the most determined of children would be deterred as the crown would then have been raised to the 9-10' suggested by them.  They go on to say that if it is a matter of cost, with this council's permission they would be happy to arrange for the removal of the two branches themselves at their own cost & risk.  It was RECOMMENDED that this Council gives permission for the residents to have the work carried out on condition that this Council specifies the contractor, and has sight of the specification for the work before it is undertaken. 

4.7.    Skateboard Park.  Sue Playford, Wootton PC writes to advise that they were recently approached by a group of youths regarding their existing facility - who said that they were unable to use it as it was not fit for purpose.  This group have since visited a number of other parks, and the PC has met with one supplier to get an idea of what they would like to see in Wootton.  At the present time, prices have not been discussed in full, as they are waiting on a specification design from the initial supplier.  To give a rough idea, the cost would be expected to start at around £18k, but (if council agree to take this forward) the choice between a metal park and concrete has yet to be made.  Concrete is more expensive. A meeting has recently been had with Monster Play.

4.8.    Caloo – repainting of the gym equipment was carried out on the 31^st May 2012.

4.9.    It was reported that ‘No Parking Beyond This Point’ signs have been erected in Bowling Green Lane; these are believed to be unofficial.  The Clerk undertook to contact CBC to advise and to ask that they are removed.

4.10.  It was reported that the ‘Pinders Circus’ posters were not all removed.  The Clerk advised that she has received a cheque in full payment for the hiring of the site for the Circus, and that a charge of £50 has been made, and received, for the removal of the remaining posters.

Got the time?

See the following from Central Beds about 'timebanks' These are a way for local people to help others in their community and be rewarded for it – in time. For every hour of time a person gives helping someone, they receive one time 'credit' which they can claim back from others in the scheme. They can ‘spend’ this time credit asking for help themselves; ironing, gardening, reading to children, dog walking, shopping, DIY, etc. – the list is endless. Anyone can join the Time Bank and everyone’s contribution is valued. 

Central Bedfordshire Council is hosting a workshop to raise awareness on Time Banks on 13 July  at Priory House, Chicksands from 10 am to 2.30.

Book online: by July 4            https://www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/officeforms/Timebank_is_coming_to_Central_Bedfordshire.ofml

 

Email partnershipsteam@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk or 

jo.lay@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk

Tel  0300 300 5608

Time banks involve trading skills, experience, and support, helping to build social networks of people who give and receive support from each other. This can enable people from different backgrounds to come together and form connections and friendships. Time banks can also be developed in partnership with local organisations. By adopting a time bank approach existing local community groups and organisations can benefit by accessing opportunities to share resources and assets.

The purpose of the workshop is to raise awareness of time banks and to explore the potential for developing them in the Central Bedfordshire area.

Timebanking UK, a charity which is the national umbrella organisation for timebanking will be facilitating the event with support from Central Bedfordshire Council.

Jo Lay, Partnership Support Officer, Partnerships Team

Central Bedfordshire Council Houghton Lodge, Ampthill, Bedfordshire, MK45 2TG

Direct dial: 0300 300 5608  |  Internal: 75608  |  Email:

Alleyway tidied

A a result for one parishioner:


"I assume that something was said at last PC meeting which caused action to be taken by inTrim to clean up the burgeoning weed growth in the adjacent alleyway.

"That is much appreciated & hopefully that will continue to be done periodically."

Summer of fun

Cranfield's summer of fun continues on Saturday week.




Come to The Fete at Cranfield Church of England Academy 30 June 12-3pm lots of fun! Super BBQ, Win the new iPad!! Have fun, bring the family - enjoy a relaxing village event with an Olympic theme! 


Then Cranfest the following week with Olympic torch in Bedfordshire

Picture of the Party

I think Claire Jenkins's photograph of the PITP fireworks at their height ought to be in for an award. Unlike a lot of the firework pics it captures the audience and the gazebo "village" giving a sense of scale and drama. Well done Claire, top snapper

Men dressed as women

Jonathan Vowels, accountant to the parish writes: I know accountants are meant to be stuffy and boring…so we decided to dress three male accountants as women and take them to Blackpool – and you really don’t want to miss these photos!

Gasp Jonathan...OK we now accept accountants are not boring.

But, he continues: We are raising money for RNLI - Royal National Lifeboat Institution and I'd really appreciate your support.    

Phew, that's all right then. 

Jonathan explains: So far we only have one photo on the Just Giving page…so keep checking back because we are going to upload photo’s [watch those apostrophes please] through the weekend! And at the end we are going to ask you to vote for your favourite, either Jonathan, Aaron or Ashley.

It's easy to donate online with a credit or debit card - just go to our JustGiving page:

http://www.justgiving.com/JVCA01

JustGiving sends your donation straight to RNLI - Royal National Lifeboat Institution and automatically reclaims Gift Aid on all eligible donations, so what you give is worth even more.  I hope you'll join me in supporting RNLI - Royal National Lifeboat Institution.

T: 01234 752566

This is a fundraising accountant dressed as a tram in Blackpool. How unboring is that?

Footpath parking

Thanks to Ray who attended parish council last night to mention parking on footpaths which is getting  worse. He points out that there is a contradiction between the Highway Code which says  not to park on the pavement at all and our safer neighbourhood team which says its OK if you leave  4 ft. 

Airfield and windsock

Thanks to blog commentator regarding the ungainly windsock now drooping on the Moulsoe road.  


Blog commentator adds: "Its all part of the race to get the airfield secure for the Olympic-related bizjet parking lot that it is to come in August. 

"They are also having to install a 2 metre height security fence in places to make the airside less accessible than before as part of the requirements.  20 years ago, there were picnic tables next to the aircraft & we used to cycle down the taxiways. Today we have fences & warning notices of £5000 fines for being in same place!"


I'll say absolutely to all that. And pre technology park you could wander round the private plane maintenance areas and our kids played on the hull of the maglev prototype train left there after the project was abandoned in the 70s (now in a museum in Peterborough if you are interested)

New members

Thanks to Roy Phillips who is stepping down from the parish council after many years service.  There are now two new members who were co-opted last night Mark Phillips and Laura Moore who will be known to many of you for their sterling work on Party in the Park. A strong CV for contributing to the community!

Waste bins

A new batch of dog waste bins is on its way - vital in responding to issues raised at last week's surgery about dog waste in the park. Now we just have to make sure people use them. Some discussion about this coming up at July Parish Council.  We have also ordered steel general waste bins for the rec to replace the ones that are knocked over and unopenable and no longer fit for purpose.


Dog waste and rubbish seem pretty small beer but if they are not attended to it will soon affect all our quality of life.  


We have now appointed Dave Rawle as our new, employed, amenity cleaner after competitive interview.  Many many thanks to Roy Phillips who is stepping down from the role which he did as a contractor. Roy has and does work damn hard for the village - I've watched the van stopping outside Broad Green Rec on many Saturdays at 7 am. 

Parish council meetings

The following minute from the May parish council (approved by last night's meeting) explains why we are now meeting in Holywell school by kind invitation of the head teacher and governors. 

Parish Council meetings.  Further consideration was given to the change of venue from Holywell School to the newly refurbished Village Hall. 

The Chairman put it to members that the best value would be to keep the venue as is.  PCllr J Savill pointed out there is nothing in the budget to cover the rental of the village hall, and further pointed out that the VHMC have a firm request for Wednesday night bookings. 

After discussion, it was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED that the meetings will remain at Holywell School, but to identify dates when a larger/more formal venue would be needed, produce a schedule and to seek other venues for those dates.

Windsock

The windsock at the south end of the runway is back up and 'running' if that is the correct expression  for the new design. A patient net search has revealed nothing. Any ideas? 

University graduation

Graduations at the uni yesterday and today. Well done.


Usual shoulder bags and jeans and tee shirts (designer tee shirts for the MBAs of course) replaced with finery and black gowns and funny hats. Proud parents, spouses, children etc are floating round toting cameras and holding up phones. 
Our household's grad was 1988 and we partied til dawn and walked back across the airfield. 

Sad windsock

Is this the new look Cranfield Windsock? We'll have to talk about elephant's trunk corner in future, if it is. My companion on Tuesday evening insisted we drive down and get a pic. He says it's a new design related to satellite tracking. I wonder. This morning  on my bike ride it was lying non the ground with a maintenance vehicle nearby. Watch out for breaking  news...

Movers and Shakers e bulletin

Due to a hard drive melt down I have temporarily lost some data and this has affected the Movers and Shakers ebulletin. It will all reassemble and resume but if you receive it and wish to confirm that you are on the newly created subscription list please me email at broadgreen68@btinternet.com

News of moving and shaking will of course continue to be pushed on the blog daily

Just about everything you can think of

Great parish council surgery last night. No, we didn't amputate anyone's leg though some councillors' tongues have been candidates in the past. 


Only joking. The surgery is held once  a quarter for members of the public, parishioners as we like to say, to come and ask, comment and press us to do more or better. It seems reasonable in a democracy.


So we had seven parish councillors and eight parishioners. Discussion ranged from grass cutting and facilities for the Acorn preschool to bus shelters and Party in the park and the future of a village fete. The nice thing about the surgery us we are not burdened down with all the paraphernalia of minutes and agendas which seem very cumbersome if you just turn up cold at a meeting. 


But the topic on which strongest opinions were voiced was dog mess in the parks. A few dog owners who treat our open spaces as their own to do what they like with spoiling it for the other 5,000. Kids specially. 


We have been stumped about this before but I think the PC will have to review the various solutions that have tried and failed in the past and try them again.   

Home farm stakeholder

What a complicated unending story Home Farm has been. It is nearly 20 years since news first broke of plans to build on the site. How many parish council-hours have devoted to it ever since? And if we had a fiver for every one  of them which exclusive sunkissed island heaven would we be living on now?

Well...we don't and we aren't.  We are starting from here. Two houses built and one unlawfully occupied. Stakeholder meeting on Monday is cancelled. I think we are entitled to know if Central Beds has written to Persimmon Homes informing that they are breaking their planning consent. Surely that must have been top of the to-do list on April 3, the day after Persimmon announced they had occupied the first house.  

Grass cutting

Our current grass cutting and grounds maintenance 4-year contract comes to an end next spring. It is the single biggest expenditure item in the parish council's approximately £82K annual budget. It is the locally funded and delivered service which generates the strongest opinions among parishioners - in my opinion.

We will be taking soundings from precept payers - plus listening to the ones who supply them without any encouragement - and drawing up a spec for going out to tender.

If you have views you can post them on this blog or email me at broadgreen68@btinternet.com, in complete confidence. You can also email the parish council clerk at cranfieldpc@btconnect.com.

In addition you can share your views with parish councillors at their quarterly surgery next Wednesday 13 June at 7.30 in Holywell School. We need all the information we can get. 

Trees

We're looking for  trees for the extension to the village cemetery. Some pressure from at least one parishioner for a native species. What about an oak, quercus, bang in the middle as a mark of jubilee year?  We also need a couple of other trees to link the old and new parts and diminish the difference. 

We partied in the park

Despite the nasty isobars and the dark blue patches on  the BBC weather maps it stayed OK for the unique Cranfield party in the park. It actually got drier and warmer as the evening went on. Claire, Dick, Laura,  Laurence, Mark and Roger want to thank everyone who made it happen and everyone who turned up to enjoy the event and had a marvellous time. They made it happen too. Big Time.

Now I know  there's plenty of you who don't do facebook out there or claim you do but don't really fancy it. So follow the link for easyFacebook - an open page that anyone can look at, with lots of pics from last night's event. There's a smaller selection below. Enjoy.

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=oa.365898323464849&type=1

THE PARTY IS SO ON

Big dark blue shape moving through Atlantic and south west England heading our way. Everyone's going to need some stout waterproofing and a great attitude. But it will worth it in the end. Spesh when those fireworks go. Let's finish Cranfield's holiday weekend with a great time and tell the isobars to get lost

A tight squeeze

If you were about at 6 am today you will have witnessed some awesome driving and project management to get the stage - AKA JR Trolley's trailer into the Rec in time for the Party in the Park. 'Steady' Eddie Stallwood the driver was in pole position to get the 45 footer in. He was backed up by assorted Howes and Anthony Barnes armed with their forklifts which nudged and lifted the trailer through the really tight angles. 

The team: from left Dick Howe, John Howe, Mark Phillips (Party in the Park co-organiser), Charlie Howe, Tom Howe and Anthony Barnes. Front row, Man of the Match Eddie Stallwood

Committees of Cranfield Parish Council

Here's the agenda for the committee meetings of Cranfield Parish Council on Wednesday evening 6 June at 7.30 at Holywell School. For more information contact the clerk on Tel: 05601534542  email  cranfieldpc@btconnect.com. 


Of particular importance to me are first the discussions on planning to tender the contract for grounds maintenance. 


Secondly we need some urgent action on Persimmon, their unlawful occupation of the Home Farm site and this implications this has for starting construction  of the community building. Still no answers from our Central Beds Cllrs on this vital issue. Home Farm stakeholder meeting on Monday 11 June. 

                 

BUSINESS TO BE DONE

7.15pm – Viewing of planning applications.

To receive apologies for absence:  CB/PCllrs:  Mrs Delise Ball

To receive declarations for Members in relation to: (a) Personal Interest or (b)   Prejudicial Interest in any Agenda item.

1.     Planning Committee

1.1.   Election of Chair and Vice Chair

1.2.   General Planning Matters

1.3.   Home Farm

Reports - Correspondence - Agenda Items

2.     General Purposes Committee

2.1.   Election of Chair and Vice Chair

2.2.   Photographic Competition

2.3.   Bus Shelter – university

2.4.   Waste Bins installation

2.5.   Membership of the council – consideration of applications from: Mrs L Moore and Mr M Phillips

2.6.   Joint Parishes meeting – venue.  Village Hall /Methodist Church

Reports - Correspondence - Agenda Items

3.     Environment Committee

3.1.   Election of Chair and Vice Chair

3.2.   Tree maintenance – annual maintenance programme specification (draft).

3.3.   Recreation Ground trees

3.4.   Toddler play equipment – S106 monies

3.5.   Bulb planting – schools

3.6.   Grass Cutting & General Maintenance Contract – review of work carried out over term

Reports - Correspondence - Agenda Items

4.     Burial Grounds

4.1.   Election of Chair and Vice Chair

4.2.   Baby Area – Cemetery

4.3.   Trees – cemetery extension

Reports - Correspondence - Agenda Items

5.     Finance & Grants Committee – extraordinary meeting

5.1.   Election of Chair and Vice Chair

5.2.   Communications Policy – presentation of draft

5.3.   S1367 Grants

5.3.1. Friendship Club

5.4.   Parish Council Printer

   Reports - Correspondence - Agenda Items

Diamond jubilee

Diamond jubilee flag flies over Cranfield

Bins in Beds over the bank holiday

Central Beds says Bin and bag collections will continue as normal  over The Queen's Diamond Jubilee on Monday and Tuesday (4 / 5 June).  A number of roads will be closed for street parties. If your road is  closed on your bin collection day, please allow access for the waste vehicles to pass. It adds: "You can find information on bin collections, including  important information about bin collections over the Jubilee and details  of the changes to collections on the Central Bedfordshire on our website The Queen's Diamond Jubilee page has information on road closures  and advice for people holding street parties. "

Party in the Park team

The Party in the Park Crowd in one of their final planning meetings.


Back, from left Roger Baker, Dick Milnethorpe


Front, from left Claire Elizabeth Jenkins, Mark Phillips, Laura Moore and Laurence (Trouble in Cranfield) Pollock