Barrington Avenue barriers

John Fareham and John Abbott have secured the removal of barriers left on Barrington Avenue since work was carried out there some months ago. We received complaints from local residents that although the footpath around the grass square had been replaced as far back as May, two yellow barriers had yet to be taken away after the work was completed. We therefore got on to the officers and pointed out that, if they could take election posters down promptly, it ought not to be impractical to send a van round, even one that was just passing, and remove the barriers. They agreed to move the barriers – they did so on October 3rd – and they also agreed to apologise in writing to at least one local resident.

YPI floodlights enforcement

John Fareham and John Abbott have secured an undertaking from the officers of enforcement action against the YPI for leaving their floodlights on far too late. Having received complaints from local residents that floodlights were being left on as late as 9.35 or even 11 p.m. we referred the matter to the officers, stating that in our view the information we had received from local residents – dates, times, the lot - spoke for itself. They replied to say they would write to the YPI’s Trustees reminding them that an enforcement notice would be issued in response to breaches of the planning conditions. It goes without saying that we will continue to take note of the information passed on to us by any concerned residents and forward it to the officers for action. It is not rocket science to ensure these lights are switched off at the end of sporting activities and we intend to ensure that the YPI abide by the planning conditions set when they got permission for floodlights.

Waste bin emptying

John Fareham and John Abbott have secured the emptying of overflowing waste bins at the Bricknell Avenue/Hotham Road North shops. Diversion of staff to other duties – the crew were diverted to Cottingham Road because of the new surge of students – caused a breakdown in the normal emptying cycle whereby the bins are emptied three times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. We now understand that the bins have been emptied and will look at the possibility of increasing their capacity to cope with the demand partly created by students from Kelvin and Wyke. It goes without saying of course that if the bin-emptying cycle breaks down again we will not hesitate to take the matter up.

Knapton Avenue resurfacing

John Fareham and John Abbott have secured the resurfacing of Knapton Avenue pavements. Whilst we have yet to hear back from the officers that the contract has been awarded or to whom, the decision has nevertheless been taken to do the work and the intention is that it be completed by November. The technique to be used is “slurry sealing” which, whilst not as long lasting as tarmac, nevertheless offers a quick and affordable approach to a medium-term pavement repair. We will of course let local residents know as soon as we have an exact date for the commencement of the work.

Bricknell Avenue cycle lanes

John Fareham and John Abbott report that cycle lane markings on Bricknell Avenue have now been revised to address concerns regarding the cycle lanes being too close to parked cars. We passed on the officers local residents’ concerns to that there was insufficient room in the cycle lane to allow for car doors being opened as cyclists passed by. As our photograph shows, the original lines have been deleted and new ones painted which we hope will allow sufficient extra room for cyclists to pass by in safety. Given that Bricknell Avenue is a busy road at times, clearly such issues as this require prompt attention; we do of course stand ready to address any further matters which may arise affecting the safety of cyclists, pedestrians, bus passengers or motorists on Bricknell Avenue.

Goodfellowship pub foliage

John Fareham and John Abbott have secured an undertaking that work will be carried out to clear overgrown trees and vegetation on Kenilworth Avenue by the side of the Goodfellowship public house. We have arranged with the officers to contact the brewery and get them to trim the foliage but no reply from that quarter was received. We therefore arranged to contact the pub’s manager who informed us that she would pass the message on to the people who visit the pub on a regular basis in order that they could carry out the work when they come again some time later in the month. If of course no change in the position takes place and there is still foliage from the pub premises overhanging onto the carriageway, we will pursue the matter again.

Bricknell Avenue electricity substation

John Fareham and John Abbott have secured undertakings that the state of the electricity sub-station on Bricknell Avenue will be attended to. We have received complaints from local residents living nearby that, while the sub-station may very well be working OK, the grass and weeds around it are getting out of hand. We have therefore made representations to the local electricity providers concerned who have undertaken to send someone to take a look at it. They have said that this may well take them six to eight weeks but if nothing happens within that timeframe to improve the state of this sub-station we will of course contact them again.