On Monday I visited Hexham Road estate off Northumberland Avenue with senior officers from RBC. I used the visit to highlight a number of issues which are a continuing cause of concern to local residents including vandalism of the flat blocks, anti-social behaviour, flytipping and parking. We also spoke to a number of local residents and I gave them the opportunity to put officers on the spot. I was very pleased with the constructive response from officers and am hopeful that we can get the Council to put more of a focus on improving the quality of life for people living in this area, after years of neglect.
Flytipping is still a problem around the estate. Glenn, Gareth, Kirsten and I visited estate yesterday morning and found more examples of it. The photo above shows a regular 'hot spot' on the corner of Hexham Road and Bede Walk. Residents living nearby are getting very fed up with others using their area as a dumping ground. We have reported this collection of bicycles etc to the Council and Police and asked them to keep an eye on the area.
Yesterday was a bit different from normal as Radio 4's World This Weekend team accompanied us as we knocked on doors as part of their local election coverage. They are interested in the elections in Reading as many commentators have noted that this year could see the demise of the last Labour-controlled council in the South East region.
The programme's Producer recorded me putting leaflets through doors and did a 5 minute interview with Gareth. We had a good session and it ended well as I managed to recruit a new member!
UPDATE: Listen to Gareth Epps interviewed about the forthcoming local elections in Reading, and a snippet from one of my constituents on Corbridge Road here.
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