Drain Issues on Weekley Glebe

This one was reported to the council's text'n'tell service (simply send a text message and phto with the words "KBC" in the message and the location of the problem and it is received into the depot for action. Number is 07803 851 600 - rates apply). Its at the junction between Weekley Glebe Road and the access to Montagu High School.

Clearly the heavy rain has affected the local area and the drains have been blocked. Time for KBC to get them sorted out!

Mindless Vandalism on The Grange

One of the frustrating things about looking after a community building is that is it sometimes subject to vandalism for no apparent reason. The above is a picture taken of the church from within, where stones have been used to break windows. Myself, Linda and a PCSO spent about 30 minutes last week helping to clear up the mess - another stone had gone through windows at the rear of the church, spilling shards of glass into boxed up activity sets for young people. We painstakingly went through the whole lot removing the glass and making sure it was ready for proper use again.

But not just buildings are being targetted. From police reports, I understand that 5 cars were covered in an unknown substance in Judith Road early last week, stripping back the paint.

Clearly these may be isolated incidents, but if readers see anything suspicious, then please call the non-emergency number at northants police on 03000 111 222

Priorities Set by Safer Communities Team

An interesting evening at the Crescents, led by local Inspector Aistrop. The evening began with a presentation on wheelie bin fires by Kettering Fire Officers. A stark reminder of the problems and damage to lives this can cause was a picture of the attack on a property in Aster Road in October 2008. The key message from the fire service was that bins should be stowed away and never overfilled.

The Police and public present set the following priorities for lcoal people:

- motorcycle nuisance on Weekley Glebe Road
- Working with youths on the Grange Estate
- focusing on problems on the Ise Court

Sadly, priority two is the direct result of Tory cuts to the youth service made in 2005.

Ward Walkabout - List

Today two PCSOs, the Head of Housing, a highways manager for NCC, street scene managers from Kettering Borough Council, a deputy chief executive and fellow councillor Adams attended a ward walkabout. Unfortunately I was only able to grace the occasion for 30 minutes, butI got a full update from Linda on what exactly is part of the action plan:

Lime Road - measures to be taken on trees to prevent problems with cars and light
Bluebell Close alleyway - action on fencing and lighting
Maple Road - action on the fences
Kathleen Drive - potholes and scars on the road - a one way system
Judith Road - flytipping
Marion Square - various issues
Street car repairs - actions on breach of convenants in the pipeline.

Picture above is the group looking around grange place shops.

One funny anecdote to relate - the streetworks manager from NCC described Avondale's roads as "pristine". I supressed my laughter. There were some murmurs of individual potholes to be repaired on Grange Estate, however, I suspect that despite our lobbying that the wholesale reapirs needed will be a long time coming.

What we found out when we visited Marion Square

The council maintains over 3,000 properties. Flats and communual buildings are vital as the provide space for those that need a one or two bed dwelling. As many were constructed during the 1950s and 1960s, they are not quite as future proof as we would like.

Linda and I walked around Marion Square today to get an understanding of the issues. we chatted to residents and discovered that there are a number of issues that need fixing:

1. Holes in the wall

2. Clearance of flytipping

3. Unkempt communal areas and doorways

These are some of the issues that would have been in today's ward walkabout. Below shows the gates at Marion Square with uncleared debris (reported). Also you will see the holes in the wall that we have requested to be filled.