As we race towards the end of 2024 I want to, firstly, take this opportunity
to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Very Happy New Year from Sheila and me.

In addition to the usual discussions and meetings, here are some of the matters
I and PAB have been working on recently:

– Evesham Rd roadworks (by the GWR station). Met with the Highways Dept to enquire
about timings. This is a big job, a 14 week full closure of the road starting
after March Gold Cup Race week. Prior to that there will be a 1 day closure on 6th January.
The diversion planned currently will, apparently, be via Swindon Lane, over the
railway crossing and back up Hyde Lane to the lights at Smiths/GE.

– Racecourse roundabout, the contractors appear to have finished for now.
Good to see they took notice of urgings to repaint road markings after confusion to drivers
arose initially.
I am still working on the following matters:
1. replacement bus shelter on Evesham Rd by the roundabout
2. Glebe Road flooding – discussions with the Highways Manager to get this long term problem finalised
3. I am pressuring Highways regarding the grass verges on Southam Rd.

– Christmas bin collections, as usual normal collections will be disrupted over the Christmas / New Year break.  Check the CBC website for details – go to ‘Bins and Recycling’ then ‘Bank Holiday collections’.

– Prestbury High Street wall repair; now complete and accompanying roadworks cleared.
I’m glad to say this long term project is finished and major thanks for the involvement
and tenacity of my PAB predecessors as Councillors.

– Re-surfacing of Finchcroft Lane.  Finalised mid November. A job long needed and will also
benefit many residents on adjacent roads.

– Playing Field Pavilion and Coffee Shop; good to see Whiskers indoor Coffee Shop up and running and doing so well.  Let me also say a big well done to the members of Prestbury Parish Council for all the work they have planned and executed recently in this part of the Parish. It is beginning to feel (as they say these days) a Hub for local activity.

– November racing;   as you will know I am keen to keep working with the Racecourse management as they move to improve the behaviour of (a minority of) their ‘walking in ‘customers. After the first big meeting of the season I am pleased to say I have not heard of any major problems. I will though keep watching.

So that is it for 2024. We hugely appreciate all the support again this year not least in another very successful local Election in May. Over 40 years unbeaten at the polls – we never take it for granted and continue to work for our supporters locally and throughout the Borough in the best and well established traditions of PAB.

THANKS TO YOU ALL.

Stan
(PAB Councillor, Stan Smith)