Hedge End, West End and Botley Information

Cutting Speed in Woodhouse Lane

Following a traffic speed study the Local Area Committee has spent £3,000 on new traffic regulations orders to introduce a 40 m.p.h speed limit throughout Woodhouse Lane.  The regulations will become enforceable in September when new signage is erected.  Cllr Cathie Fraser commented "local Councillors strongly support these measures as Woodhouse Lane has had a history of speeding vehicles and near misses"

New Bus Shelters for Townhill Way

5 new "Arun style" bus shelters have been erected in Townhill Way replacing the old cantilever shelters.  The shelters have in fact completed a rolling programme of refurbishment of all bus shelters in the local area which provide better protection from the elements for bus users.

St.Lukes Surgery Secures Grant

The Area Committee has set aside a £5,000 grant to enable St.Lukes surgery to refurbish its patient waiting facilities.  Local Councillor Keith Day identified the need to invest in improved waiting facilities as the surgery is taking on additional patients as they move into the Dowd's Farm development.

New Parkland Wins Support

The Area Committee has considered a detailed planning application for the laying out and landscaping of a 16 acre parkland for Grange Park.  Proposals include planting an avenue of trees, cycle lanes and footpaths links, a picnic area, youth zone and childrens playarea.  Work on the parklands infrastructure can now proceed over the winter period with initial access scheduled in 2009.

Local Councillor Louise Bloom commented "I am very pleased that work can now start on the construction of the park which will be a great community asset both for the new Dowd's Farm development as well as the whole of Grange Park.  Our plan is to ensure the Park will achieve "Green Flag" status as soon as possible and the area will be maintained to a very high standard by Hedge End Town Council" .

Residents "Welcome" at Wellstead School

 Wellstead Primary school is hosting a "Welcome event" for residents on the Dowd's Farm development and Grange Park at 10am -12 noon on Saturday 27^th September. This open event will provide a number of stalls and activities for children as well as offering a chance to meet local Town and Borough Councillors, Chris Huhne MP and obtain information about local services direct from the Police, Youth Service and Swaythling Housing Association.  Regular tours of the new school will be available as well as an opportunity to ramble around the proposed Dowd's Farm Park.  For further information contact Jon Riddell – tel 80688437

Make Botley Safer!

The HEWEB Community Safety Forum is hosting an open meeting at 7pm Monday 6^th October in Botley Market Hall where Botley residents can meet local Police officers, Youth Service and local Councillors.  The meeting will explain Policing priorities, discuss any local concerns and seek residents views on what the police and local Councils should be working on.  Whilst crime rates remain low "safer neighbourhoods" aims to be in touch with Botley people and encourage their support for the Forum and its work with the Police and other agencies.

Next Meeting

The Local Area Committee next meets at 7pm Monday 15^th September and 27^th October at the 2000 Centre, St. Johns Rd