(Next Meeting Agenda here )
Since the last meeting we have seen several things happening in Lymm, some changes that should have been for the better, but as it turned out it was ‘better the devil you know’ in some instances.
I wrote to the Parish about several items that were of a concern, and I must say as usual they tried to be helpful, but in many areas they could not assist.
These were the main areas of concern (my questions highlighted) –
· The Gas Mains / Road closure from the Grove to Pepper Street
Why is this about to begin at this time of year and in the present economic climate without any discussion with the people it will affect the most. Unless this is an absolute emergency this should be delayed until January 2010, only nine months away, when trade traditionally goes quiet. Is it possible for the council to intervene, although it is very short notice, but we only heard about it last week.
“Our Highways department has been pressed very hard by Parish and Borough Councillors over the dissatisfaction over the timing, the impact and the repetitiveness of road works. We have already made representations over the Village Centre gas works but have been told that the Council does not have the power to force the works to be delayed. Unfortunately when the Utilities were privatised, they were protected by a range of laws and given a range of powers which seem to work to their advantage and not that of the communities they operate in. We are still in discussions with our Highways department, but it is very unlikely that the works can be delayed.”
As we are aware the above degenerated into a total farce, the works starting, then stopping due to the wrong pipework being shown on the plans and the lack of availability of replacement sett’s. We were informed by Jim Turton of Warrington Borough Council that a good supply of Sett’s were to be kept in stock for these type of eventualities, and indeed the workmen who started this total ‘cock-up’ were informed there were several pallets available.
However when they tried to source them nobody knew where they were.This is an email forwarded to myself originally sent from WBC –
“Dear All
As you are aware the Gas Boards works to renew the gas main at The Cross,Lymm were due to start on Monday this week.
It had been agreed beforehand that they would insert a new main inside the existing 12" with a launch and reception pit at either end, with the only other excavations being those to pick up the individual service connections to the properties. These works were planned to be carried out under two way lights, although a traffic order was in place to close this section of carriageway if required as a safety measure.However, after carrying out an initial excavation in the carriageway yesterday they discovered that their existing main is in fact only 10" and not the 12" as shown on their records. They are unable to downsize the main to insert in the 10" and will now need to opencut a new trench under a new road closure planned for later in the year.”
I will be writing to the Parish again and also Enterprise who were responsible for the implementation of this project requesting any works be delayed until January 2010 which is traditionally a quieter trading period.
What a comical farce this project degenerated into, bearing this in mind, I would like to quote the letterhead which accompanied the outline of the proposed works –“National Grid – The power of action” yes, very droll.
· Spar Supermarket.
The Spar that has opened in the village is causing much consternation among customers. It does not provide the very basics required to attract trade, is not competitive and if it continues in its present form it will drive shoppers OUT of the village not attract much needed additional trade.The following rumours abound and I would like to correct my fellow traders ‘information’ or at least find out the truth of the matter –
“.I have heard comments that locals would much prefer a Tesco Express or a Sainsbury Local. Rumour has it that Tesco’s bid for it but “they” (the council?) would not allow it, also that the Spar is on a short lease & Tesco may take over. I have no concrete facts, sorry, would it be worth asking the council what is really happening. A good supermarket is vital to bring people into the village in the first place.”
"Concerning SPAR, we can understand your concern. Unfortunately, neither the Parish Council nor the Borough Council can control who trades where. Planning control only extends to the nature of the use of premises. The Office of Fair Trading, a central government agency, regulates competition between supermarkets, and they may have intervened to prevent the Coop from getting a third store in Lymm. The Council would have had no say in who manages the store. However you may want to contact the Warrington Customer Contact Centre on 443322 and ask to speak to someone in Trading Standards to see if they know anything else about the way the competition laws might have been applied. I am almost certain it had nothing to do with either Council."
The above outlines the problems that have been created by this change of store, and also how the Parish had no say on the matter. I personally never felt Somerfield did a particularly stunning job, they were not competitive, with a very annoying pricing structure with the Stockton Heath store carrying the same brands considerably cheaper, and was pleased when the Co-op took over, but now after seeing the dire consequence of the enforced change to Spar I have to admit it was definitely ‘Better the Devil you know’.
Not sure what we can do about Spar, perhaps something for the next agenda?, however perhaps it will start to sink in with them how poorly this store has been received, with the reduction in customers, and also the new nickname being used by the locals –
They now call it SPARCE !
· Vandalism
The vandalism within the village centre is escalating again. At present it is mainly items being thrown into the Dingle river next to the Bakery but as it is getting worse it will grow into broken windows and violence. PCSO’s need to be within the village centre at pub closing times, as it is drunken youths who are the problem.
I would also request a letter from the council asking for stricter control within the premises, i.e. not continuing serving people when they are already totally inebriated, and some form of preventative action taken to make the couple of premises who fail to restrict these individuals alcohol intake adhere to stricter controls.
"Unfortunately almost none of these are matters over which the Parish Council has any control, except that we do get regular briefings from the PCSOs and can ask for the PCSOs to be deployed as you suggest. However there is no reason why the traders’ group shouldn’t approach the South Warrington Neighbourhood Policing Unit directly, Inspector Sarah Edgar is in charge and you can contact them directly by email at: warrington.south.cat@cheshire.pnn.police.uk or by phone on 0845 6372. I will forward your comments to her. They also work with Warrington Borough Council’s licensing department to deal with complaints about licensed premises. It is an offence to serve someone who is already drunk in a pub, and this should be enforced. If you let the Police know they will know what their arrangements are."
However after the Parish contacting the above this email was received from a Police representative
“ Many thanks for your info. We do try to spend as much time in the village centre as possible, however we have to spread ourselves thinly, especially now the lighter evenings are upon us, checking the parks, High school grounds, cricket club etc (all these have experienced vandalism). Unfortunately, the youth element seems to take the brunt of the blame, when it is usually adults that have had too much to drink that are responsible.
Can you pass on the importance of calling us if anybody sees anything - 0845 458 0000 or 999 if there is threat to life or property.”
The above does little to give me confidence, it just proves how thinly the Police resources are spread. I firmly believe we need to take our own preventative measures to stop both vandalism and theft increasing due to lack of Police presence.Twice last week individuals attempted to force entry into our premises, the alarm system warning us.I have now organised CCTV to be installed externally, recording 24/7 the close proximity of our premises, I will then be able to help the Police secure convictions of the unruly or criminal fraternity.I would encourage all businesses to do the same, it is not frighteningly expensive, we would then have a network coverage making the village centre an unattractive option for the individuals we have mentioned.
If you need any information or help on the above then give me a ring on 01925 753669.
As you can see from the above, quite a bit has gone on since we last met, next Monday 11th May is the next meeting, 6pm Upstairs room, Spread Eagle.
Please be there if you can.
Philip