It is with great sadness, I have to report the passing of one of PAB’s founders, Hon. Alderman of Cheltenham Borough, Malcolm Stennett

Malcolm joined the PAB group led by Les Godwin within a year of its formation.
They led the development of the group into a formidable force that had a considerable impact on both Prestbury and Cheltenham.
Malcolm went on to serve Prestbury as a PAB Borough Councillor for over 25 years and at the same time spending many years as a leading light of the local Parish Council.
Working hard and consistently throughout their terms in Office Malcolm and Les always strove to get the best deals for Prestbury and those efforts laid the solid groundwork leaving the village a very desirable place to live in today.  When the financial crisis hit the world in 2008, the Borough and County councils were forced to make cuts in public services, threatening, among other things, our valued local Libraries.   Malcolm fought tirelessly to save the Prestbury Library.
Malcolm and Les Godwin set the standard for PAB’s work both within the village and the town. I can assure you that throughout my term I will be trying to live up to those standards

Moving on, we have been working hard with the speed watch campaign. Some of you may have seen us out and about around Prestbury.  With the upcoming road closures on Evesham Road and the diversions, we will monitor traffic flow around Prestbury and Swindon Lane.  I hope people will be able to handle the influx of traffic around the village.

I am continuing to nag Highways about the outstanding issues with pathways and roads in our area.

The Racecourse management have invited me to their meeting on the 24th April aimed at reviewing the March Raceweek, including its impact on the local area.

I have attended Council Licensing meetings in connection with the upcoming Wychwood Festival; the main local concern was about the noise levels.  It seems the organisers have tried to do the right things over the past 20 years but did accept there was still room for improvement.
After reasonable debate the decision was made to relocate the stage and have more control over sound issues with more monitoring.  We will keep our ears open between May 30 and June 1.

As you will know the issue of tarmac ‘cowpats ‘ replacing proper flagging in the centre of town has been rumbling on for some time;  The County Council had planned to tarmac the PROM with the same material as in the STRAND, but largely due to the hard work of the Civic Society a decision has been taken to pause these plans.  I heartily support and applaud the Civic Society in its work of looking after our town’s heritage in this manner.

As ever I will be out and about in Prestbury and the Town, so do say hi, have a chat and let me know what you are thinking about the town and our village.

Do please look after yourselves and keep safe.

Stan
(Cllr Stan Smith – PAB)