FOOTPATH CLEARING - UPDATED

I am pleased to confirm that the footpath clearing by Ryleys Farm has been completed, although I have had to ask the Highways Team to come back again, as the footpath was supposed to be cleared right round the corner up to and including the section of footpath opposite Chorley Old Hall.  I will give an update on this, as soon as I have more information.

CHRISTMAS EVE SURGERY

I will be holding my final drop-in surgery of the year, at 11am on Christmas Eve.  Please do come and join me for a coffee and a mince pie at Aldeli.  Can I take this opportunity to wish everyone a very happy, holy and peaceful Christmas, as well as a successful New Year.

RYLEYS LANE PHASE II

Following my discussions with CEC (Parking), extending the Ryleys Lane Car Park has been proposed as the most viable solution to our short to medium term parking needs. Officers are now working on the business case (to be put before Cabinet) to add 40 spaces initially, then a one-level deck for another 60 cars in the future. Please let me know what you think of this proposal, using the comments box below.

HEYES LANE ALLOTMENTS

After several months of negotiations, CEC (Assets) have offered the plot of land on the far side of the tennis courts in the park for a part-relocation of Heyes Lane Allotments.  This could eventually allow approximately 25% of the existing allotments to be converted to a car park, providing short to medium term parking for the new Medical Centre and Festival Hall. Please let me know whether you think this is a good idea, using the comments box below.

NEW PARKING SPACES

Cheshire East Highways have begun adding the 15 new on-street parking spaces, beginning with South St, West St & London Road. Further spaces should shortly be added in Stevens St & George St. At Monday's Parish Council meeting, I will be giving an update on my negotiations with Cheshire East, including potential plans for a further 190 new spaces.

PLAY AREA OFFICIAL OPENING

I am pleased to confirm that the renovation of the children's play area in the park is almost complete.  The table-tennis tables under the bandstand are ready, the cheddar gorge and climbing frame have been installed and the workmen are now laying the surface in the infants' play area, with new turf due to be laid tomorrow.  The play area will be officially opened by members of Alderley Edge Youth Council on Saturday at 3pm.

BICYCLE SHELTER

I am pleased to report that work has begun on the new bicycle shelter in the park.  The footings have been dug out this morning and the hardcore and concrete base should be ready to go in this afternoon.  There will be a short path from the existing footpath, leading to the shelter which will accommodate up to eight bicycles once has been completed.

STREET SWEEPING UPDATE

As many of you will have noticed, street sweeping has begun to be carried out over the last couple of days.  I have been keeping a check to make sure every road I reported as part of the schedule has been covered.  Today I checked on Wilton Crescent, Eaton Drive, Heyes Lane, Trafford Road, Ryleys Lane & Stevens St.  I was pleased to see that the road sweeper appeared to have visited them all.

PLAYGROUND UPDATE

I am pleased to report that the redevelopment of the children's playground in the park is progressing, in spite of recent heavy rain.  The contractors are hoping that the play equipment will be in place by the end of this week, but that the new surfacing will probably be done the following week.  I can also confirm that the new bicycle shelter will be installed on the grass verge immediately next to the new car park.

ROUNDABOUT PLANS REVEALED

The second stage assessment report, recently funded by the Parish Council, has now been published.  I am delighted to confirm that it supports the case for a roundabout at the junction of Brook Lane and Wilmslow Road. For as long as I can remember, vehicles have blocked the road as they queue to turn right, into and out of Brook Lane. The estimated cost of £120,000 will hopefully be included in the 2017/18 capital budget.

STREET SWEEPING

I am pleased to confirm that CE Highways will be coming to do a road sweep next week.  At this time of year, fallen leaves are an issue and I have reported: Wilton Crescent, Aldford Place, Eaton Drive, Chorley Hall Lane, Heyes Lane, Mottram Road, Trafford Road, Oakfield Road & Davey Lane.  If your road needs sweeping, please let me know so I can get it added to the schedule.

PLAYGROUND REDEVELOPMENT

I am pleased to announce that the redevelopment of the children's playground in the park is now under way.  Work began this week, with the first stage being to remove all the old play equipment as well as the surrounding fence, which will also be renewed.  On Tuesday I visited the site to discuss progress with Paul Chapman (Foreman) and he confirmed that the work is expected to be complete within about two weeks.

JOINT SURGERY WITH PCSO

My next Community Surgery will be at 10am on Saturday 26th November at Aldeli.  I am pleased to announce that for the first time, this will be a joint surgery with PCSO Sarah Stanley.  Please come and join both of us for a coffee and a chat about any community issues that may be causing concern.

 

ROADWORKS - W/C 31ST OCTOBER

Please be aware of the following planned works around Alderley Edge this week and allow extra time for your journey if driving past these locations:

31/10/16 - 02/11/16 - No. 102 Brook Lane (United Utilities Water Ltd) two-way traffic signal

02/11/16 - 04/11/16 - Moss Lane (CE Highways footpath repairs) traffic signal give & take

07/11/16 - 07/11/16 - Wilmslow Road (CE Highways carriageway repairs) two-way traffic signal

11/11/16 - 17/11/26 - Redesmere Drive (ENW excalon connections work) no traffic signal

ANNIS ROAD PATCHING

Following a report I submitted a few weeks ago on the condition of Annis Road, I am pleased to say that a section of the road surface has now been properly patched and is looking in a much better condition.  I would like to thank Cheshire East Highways for the work they have carried out to date.  If anyone is aware of any other serious road defects close to where they live, please fill in the comment box below.

CAR PARK RE-OPENS

As many of you will have noticed, the Car Park at Ryleys Lane has now re-opened, following a week long closure for resurfacing and marking out.  I am sure everyone will agree that it is a huge improvement and on behalf of all residents of Alderley Edge, I would like to thank Cheshire East Parking for allocating the resource necessary to complete this work.

PROPOSED ROADWORKS

The following roadworks will be taking place in Alderley Edge next week:

Wilmslow Road (Horseshoe Farm): two-way traffic signals from 24th October - 1st Nov

Congleton Road (Beechfield Rd): two-way traffic signals from 24th October - 9th December

London Road (Tree Removal): traffic control from 17th - 19th October

Please drive carefully and allow extra time when using these local roads.

BROOK LANE ROUNDABOUT

I am pleased to confirm that work is progressing with the assessment for a mini roundabout at the junction with Brook Lane and Wilmslow Road.  The Stage 1 Report covers issues such as the accident record at the location and is necessary to demonstrate the need and viability for a roundabout.  A copy of the report will shortly appear on the Parish Council website and in hard copy at Alderley Edge Library.  The Stage 2 Report will be available over the next few weeks and will include an assessment of visibility, vehicle speed, road character, traffic volume, traffic composition, vulnerable road users and noise/vibration.

ROADWORKS IN ALDERLEY EDGE

Roadworks will be taking place at the following locations this week:

Macclesfield Road (Pine Tree Cottage to The Knoll): two-way traffic signals (until 4th Nov)

Brook Lane (Outside No. 102): two-way traffic signals in place (10th - 12th October)

Haddon Close (Outside No. 5): external water meter being fitted (11th - 13th October)

Please proceed with caution when driving near these locations.

ROAD RESURFACING

Following a recent report I submitted on the state of Heyes Lane (especially the section around The Circuit), Downesway and Meddings Close, I am pleased to report that each of these locations have been including in the plans for level-two patching and resurfacing.  This work will be carried out and funded as part of the 2017/2018 capital budget and I will provide an update when I have more information.

CAR PARK CLOSURE

I'm pleased to confirm that the Ryleys Lane Car Park will be surfaced and marked out during the week commencing Monday 24th October.  Unfortunately, this does mean that the Car Park will be temporarily closed from Monday 24th - Friday 28th October inclusive and that no parking will be allowed whilst the work is being carried out.  Notices advertising the temporary closure will be in place later this week.

SECTION 106 UPDATE

Following several weeks of negotiation, it has today been confirmed that an existing Section 106 scheme can be used to fund some important and necessary highways projects in Alderley Edge.  The monies (£59,284), which are residue from the development at 17-23 London Road, will be put towards the following projects:

- dropped kerbs at various locations to help make the village more accessible for everyone;
- widening the pedestrian footpath on Chorley Hall Lane (over the railway bridge);
- a one-way system for George St, South St & West St.

I will now be working with officers from CE Highways to put these projects out to public consultation and to proceed with their implementation as soon as possible.

DROPPED KERBS

Following a number of meetings with local residents, I have been working to make our village more accessible for elderly and disabled people.  I am pleased to say that CE Highways have agreed with my request and drawn up the attached plans to install dropped kerbs at key locations.  The cost of the project will be £37,000 so I am now exploring whether any existing Section 106 monies could be used to fund it.

RYLEYS LANE CAR PARK

I am pleased to confirm plans for the surfacing of Ryleys Lane Car Park, which will be carried out during October Half Term.  The attached plan shows a revamped Car Park of approximately 40 spaces, although it will hopefully be possible to squeeze a few extra spaces in when the vegetation has been cut back.  The Car Park will continue to be free to use; however, parking outside the marked bays will be subject to a Fixed Penalty Notice. New signage is currently being prepared to advertise this change.

OCTOBER SURGERY

I am pleased to confirm the date for my next Community Surgery, which will be at 10am on Saturday 29th October at Aldeli. Please come and join me for a coffee and a chat about any community issues that may be causing concern.  I look forward to seeing you then.

THE PARADE FOOTPATH

As reported a few weeks ago, the footpath leading down from London Road to The Parade is today being repaired, with the uneven paving stones lifted and relaid.  The paving stones on the top corner section outside Gascoigne Halman will shortly be taken up and replaced with tarmac.  I would like to thank the maintenance team at Waitrose (Alderley Edge) for carrying out these repairs.

MOSS LANE FOOTPATHS

Following a meeting of the Area Highways Partnership this morning, I am pleased to report that the footpaths on Moss Lane will be resurfaced.  "Level Two" resurfacing (the same as has recently been carried out on Brook Lane, Hough Lane and Talbot Road) is scheduled to be carried out in November.  Are there any other footpaths that need resurfacing?  Please leave a comment below to let me know!

TALBOT ROAD - 30 MINUTE PARKING

I am pleased to report that the white lines on Talbot Road have now been completed and that the new 30 minute spaces are available to use.  These spaces have been specifically created to help short-stay visitors to the new Medical Centre & Pharmacy.  We are encouraging all visitors to use these short-stay spaces, whilst long-stay staff parking remains available in the Car Park at the rear of the Festival Hall.

HOUGH LANE - RESURFACING

I am pleased to report that the resurfacing works that had been scheduled for last week, have now been completed.  Whilst the contractors were on site, I had a chance to go and inspect the work for myself and to thank the workmen.  The resurfacing was long overdue and I hope everyone will agree that Hough Lane (& Brook Lane) are much better now.

DROPPED KERB SURVEY

With the help of local resident Catherine Simpson and her father, who is a wheelchair user, I recently carried out an audit of dropped kerbs around the village.  It is clear that there are a number of areas where further work is needed in order to help make our village accessible for everyone.  I will be submitting a report of my findings to Cheshire East Highways in the near future; however, if you are aware of any streets where there is a particular issue, please let me know by filling in the comments box below.

SCHOOL - KEEP CLEAR

I'm pleased to report that Cheshire East Highways are planning to refresh and potentially amend the "KEEP CLEAR" markings and signs close to our local schools.  Their proposals are shown below, but I have also been asked whether there should be any additional markings, so I would like to ask what you all think!  I am minded to ask for additional markings at each end of the layby on Ryleys Lane and on Church Walk.