This week I've spent some time speaking to a number of residents on Hexham Road estate about a range of issues that need sorting out. I really enjoying catching up with constituents - many of them are good friends now as I've spent a lot of time in the area over the years.
First some good news.
The Council has just completed a public consultation on plans to plant more trees, flowers and plants on the estate. This was the result of a very successful local Lib Dem campaign to improve the local environment.
We welcomed the plans but made it clear that whatever is proposed must be what residents want. We encouraged residents to have their say and as a result some of the plans will be subtly changed.
The tree and bulb planting is due to get underway in early December - can't wait!
On the back of the consultation I picked up concerns from residents about motorbike nuisance and arson near the roundabout on Stanhope Road.
Motorbikes are being ridden illegally by youngsters up and down the road at speed and cars are being dumped and sent on fire on the roundabout. I have raised this matter urgently with Thames Valley Police and RBC and hopefully action will be taken to catch the culprits. We are also looking to see if the roundabout
I was also contacted by a resident on Bede Walk about more anti-social behaviour by the garages. A car was broken into earlier this week.
This area has been a hotspot for crime problems over the past few years and we are calling once again for more Police patrols in the area (and potentially CCTV). I really hope residents are listened to.
It's really important that residents continue to report crimes to the Police so we get the Police coverage we need. Any issues should be phoned in on 0845 8 505 505.
I went down to the estate yesterday after work to speak to residents about these issues and reported the following problems while I was down there:
- Faulty streetlight on Hexham Road (by the Community Centre)
- Damaged door to flats (Kielder Court)
- Fly-tipping by the garages on Bede Walk
- Empty RBC property on Bede Walk
There is still a lot of work to do on the estate to make things better for residents but I am confident things are now heading in the right direction.
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