WILMSLOW ROAD RESURFACING COMPLETE

I am pleased to report that the resurfacing work on Wilmslow Road (around the junction with Brook Lane) has been completed this afternoon, ahead of schedule. At first glance, the new surface looks to be a huge improvement and I would like to thank the officers at Cheshire East Highways for working with me to bring this project to completion. I will continue to press for Heyes Lane to be included in the 2018/19 capital programme and will provide an update over the course of the next few weeks.

NEW NOTICEBOARD INSTALLED

I am pleased to report that our new Parish Council Noticeboard has been installed this morning. The new noticeboard has three lockable panels: one for Parish Council information, one for Ward Councillor information and the other to advertise events at the Festival Hall. It is located up against the wall on The Parade and has been finished in “Buckingham green” to complement the lighter green livery synonymous with Waitrose. I’m sure everyone will agree that it is a huge improvement on the old “carousel”.

COMMUNITY SPEEDWATCH - FEBRUARY

Last Thursday, I joined local volunteers to carry out a speedwatch session at the junction of Ryleys Lane and Chorley Hall Lane. Over the course of an hour, we recorded a total of 27 vehicles exceeding the speed limit, of which seventeen were travelling between 30 - 39 mph and a further ten vehicles were travelling at over 40mph. The maximum recorded speed was 45 mph, whilst the average speed of the recorded vehicles was 38.81 mph. On this occasion, we were also joined by officers from Cheshire Police, who were checking for drivers using the mobile phones. Our next session will be on Thursday 15th March and as always, we would welcome more volunteers - the more volunteers we have, the more sessions we will be able to do and the safer our roads will be.

COMMUNITY SURGERY - FEBRUARY

I am pleased to announce the date of my next community surgery, which will be Saturday 24th February, starting at 10am; however, following Cheshire East Council's decision not to close Alderley Edge Library, it seemed appropriate to switch the location this month from Aldeli to the library. It is important that we continue to do all we can to show that the library remains relevant and popular, so that it is never again put under threat of closure. The library staff have kindly offered to provide tea and coffee, so that residents will be able to join me for a drink and a chat, as usual.

PLANNED MAINTENANCE WORK IN THE PARK

Yesterday, along with Parish Councillor Christine Munro, I met with volunteers from Alderley Edge In Bloom, U3A Bowling Club (Wilmslow) and officers from ANSA Parks Maintenance. Over the coming weeks and months, we are going to be working on improving the existing flower beds alongside the bowling green, as well as creating some new ones. There will also be crown-lifting of some of the trees and cutting back some of the shrubbery which is restricting light to the footpath between the bowling hut and the allotments. We are always pleased to hear from volunteers who are willing to help, so if you have an hour to spare, please get in touch with Christine or myself.

OAKFIELD ROAD RESURFACING

I am pleased to confirm that following recent discussions with CE Highways, a section of Oakfield Road is to be included in the 2018/19 resurfacing programme. Level 2 patching (as completed on Talbot Road outside the Medical Centre in 2016) is to be carried out on the section opposite the junction with Crescent Road, early in the new financial year (starting April 2018). When I have an exact date for the work, I will let everyone know.

PARISH COUNCIL NOTICEBOARD - UPDATE

I am pleased to provide an update on our new noticeboard, which was placed on order before Christmas. The noticeboard has been made and is having its powder coating done next week, following which, installation has been scheduled for the week after. I also now have a design proof showing what the new noticeboard will look like, which I am pleased to share with everyone.