(Cllr Smith’s regular Blog updating Prestbury on his recent work on behalf of the Community)

Hello again everyone,

First, two major local concerns on which I have spent more time again this month

– Evesham Road, closure and associated diversions. The total closure by the Racecourse began on the 2nd June.  Most of your concerns have been with additional traffic through the centre of the village and with anticipated problems entering the roundabout from Noverton Lane.

I have taken concerns forward and had meetings with Gloucestershire Highways about potential traffic calming measures in addition to pushing again for pothole repairs on those of our roads which look as though they will get a bit of an extra battering over the next few months.
I have also been assured that there will be increased supervision of the no entry to through traffic (at morning rush times) roads Mill Lane, Shaw Green Lane. We will need to monitor this to make sure the supervision extends beyond the first few weeks.
Further, we were told at a recent meet with the builders that traffic engineers will be keeping a close eye on the diversionary routes to ensure things go as smoothly as possible.

The Cycleway, I am in contact with the Managers of the team doing the construction. I’ve raised the concerns from many of you about the ripping out of the old road side hedges. Apparently this was partly necessary to alleviate ongoing flooding problems from the brook which goes under the road – the old drainage is very much time expired and needed replacing. All the hedging will be fully replaced by native species in order to encourage restoration of wildlife to the area. As to the willow trees, the roots are affecting drainage systems and foundations of the road and bridge – they will be replaced by native pear trees.
Of course the main work is on the GWR bridge and this is the major reason for the lengthy road closure.
Seemingly the road needs to be fully dug up so that the main structure of the bridge can be inspected and a plan made for repair (this would have had to be done at some stage even without the cycleway).
Other work needs to be done on severe cracking on the retaining walls.
Although it is a considerable pain to us road users and local residents it does seem that several jobs are being done.    I will be watching !

Beyond the above I have continued to pursue residents important day to day concerns on matters such as drain blockages and hedge cutting. All of which take time but are most rewarding as it makes a difference to people’s daily life.  The footpath beyond Shaw Green Lane (on Southam Rd) has been cleaned but that showed up the tarmac to be so badly deteriorated that it will need replacing which might well require the road to be closed (one way) for it to be replaced (not till after the A435 reopens).

I am keeping an eye on the new development on the Pittville School site – 58 new Homes planned with entry from Broad Acre Road, which is concerning! Although the School is in Pittville Ward, the proposed entrance is of course in Prestbury.  I will be discussing the plans with the local Pittville Councillor.

Since I last wrote I have been involved with many other matters impacting on our Ward – just to name a few:
the control of noise from the Wychwood Music Festival, the review of Raceweek with Racecourse Management and being part of the group watching very closely the hazard of speeding on OUR roads (all the more important now with more traffic in Prestbury)

So, as ever, lots to do and lots to keep watching over. That is what you elected me for
and what I am proud to be doing as a long term Prestbury resident and supporter of the aims of PAB going back 40 years plus.

Have a great summer everyone, I will keep you posted on what I am up to.
Please do contact me if you have issues either through the website or as you see me wandering around the patch.

Stan
(Councillor Stan Smith, Prestbury PAB)