WILMSLOW ROAD - RESURFACING

I am pleased to report that CE Highways have confirmed that part of Wilmslow Road is to be resurfaced during the current financial year. I have had to fight hard to get this work programmed, as it was not originally included in this year's capital budget; however, I have to say that the excellent relationship I have with several of the officers has certainly helped in enabling this project to be brought forward. As a result, a 70 metre stretch of Wilmslow Road will be completely resurfaced, including the reconstruction of a 20 metre section at the junction with Brook Lane. Unfortunately, due to the nature of the work being carried out, a road closure will be unavoidable; however, to minimise disruption the work has been scheduled to take place during February half-term.

WILMSLOW ROAD - SIDING OUT (UPDATE)

As many residents will have no doubt noticed, work on the footpath siding out programme on Wilmslow Road began today. There is already a big improvement, with part of the footpath (especially around the Bus Stop) that has not seen the light of day for many years, now re-exposed. I would like to thank CE Highways for responding to my request and I am sure this work will make it much easier for pedestrians (especially those with pushchairs or wheelchairs) to use the footpath.

VISIT TO ALDERLEY EDGE GUIDES & BROWNIES

Earlier this week, I was delighted to join Parish Cllr Rachael Grantham on a visit to Alderley Edge Guides & Brownies as part of their discussion of UK Parliament month. We both explained a bit about our respective roles: Rachael as Chair of the Parish Council and myself as the Cheshire East Ward Councillor. We then led the girls in a debate about the future of the library, followed by a vote in which they decided by 14 votes to 4 that the library should not be closed by Cheshire East. It was a pleasure to be invited and we have extended an invitation to a Parish Council meeting in the New Year.

QUESTION TIME - TYTHERINGTON HIGH SCHOOL

Earlier this week, I was pleased to join two of my fellow Cheshire East Councillors at a "Question Time" style event organised by Tytherington High School. It was a very enjoyable event and there were many pertinent questions, from "is Brexit going to happen" to "can Labour win under Jeremy Corbyn". It would be nice to do a similar event at one of our local schools in the near future.

COMMUNITY SURGERY - NOVEMBER

I am pleased to confirm that my community surgery this month will be held on Saturday 25th November, at Aldeli, starting at 11am. Please do come and join me for a coffee and a chat about any local issues that may be causing you concern, or to ask me any questions you may have about my role at Cheshire East Council. I look forward to seeing you there.

PATCHING WORKS - HEYES LANE & OAKFIELD ROAD

I am pleased to confirm that CE Highways are planning to carry out carriageway/footway patching works on Heyes Lane (opposite Barrington House) and Oakfield Road (between No.15 to No.23) on Monday 13th November. Traffic signals will be in place on Heyes Lane and traffic controls on Oakfield Road, so please take extra care if you are in the area and allow more time for your journey.

CEC TO CLOSE ALDERLEY EDGE LIBRARY?

Cheshire East Council have published their Pre-Budget Consultation for 2018/19 and I am dismayed that their proposals include the closure of Alderley Edge Library (along with other libraries in Disley and Prestbury). I firmly believe that libraries continue to provide a vital cultural and educational resource within the communities they serve, as well as providing an important social function for residents who may be living in isolation. Closing our library would be a retrograde step, particularly taking into account the relatively minor cost saving of £50,000 to CEC from doing so. The consultation document can be found at:
http://cheshireeast.gov.uk/council_and_democracy/your_council/council_finance_and_governance/cheshire_east_budget/cheshire_east_budget.aspx and I would like to encourage all residents to make their voices heard loud and clear, by completing the online consultation at: surveys.cheshireeast.gov.uk/s/CEBudget18/

COMMUNITY SPEEDWATCH - CONGLETON ROAD

On Thursday morning, I joined the Speedwatch volunteers on Congleton Road. We recorded a total of 25 vehicles travelling at 36mph or above. Twelve of the vehicles were travelling in excess of 40mph, whilst the highest recorded speed was 47mph (the limit in this area is 30mph). One driver (who had been clocked at 41mph) did take the time to pull over and suggest that we would use our time more productively in an alternative location!

WILMSLOW ROAD - SIDING OUT

I am pleased to confirm that work has been scheduled by CE Highways for "siding out" on Wilmslow Road, commencing next week. "Siding Out" is a programme whereby the footpath that has been gradually lost over the course of time to debris collecting in the grass verge, is reclaimed by digging back the overgrowth and re-exposing the footpath. I asked for Wilmslow Road to be included in this year's programme as there are certain sections, particularly near the Bus Stop and opposite Harden Park, where the footpath has become very narrow and potentially dangerous for pedestrians. I would like to thank Cheshire East Highways for responding positively to my request.