The week started with another successful Acomb market. The event was attended by both Councillors Sheena Jackson and Andrew Waller . It was the last of the scheduled markets but we understand that the independent traders group Acomb Alive – which is chaired by Cllr Sue Hunter – have agreed to hold at least two more. They will take place on the fourth Saturday in both October and November. Plans are also in hand for a grand Christmas Fair in December. The appeal for Christmas lights funding passed £600 this we

Police upped their profile in the ward with a team visiting the Chapelfields area last week. Crime has been a growing concern according to the results of our door to door survey with the lack of identifiable local officers undertaking foot patrols a recurring comment

Andrew Waller watched as new high powered water pumps were installed at the Foss Barrier. The new pumps should avoid any repetition of the flooding which occurred last Boxing Day.

Work has started on gutting the old NatWest bank building on Front Street although it remains unclear what its future use might be

We’re still on the look out for blocked drainage gullies. These in Windsor Garth have been reported.

The warm weather means that weeds and hedges are still growing. We’ve reported some – like these on Kingsway West – for attention. The third application of weed killer to footpaths has just taken place. Officials expect results to be visible by the middle of October.

Andrew Waller helped to clear rubble from around trees on Hob Moor. There were concerns that the trees could be permanently damaged

Plans for a new house behind Front Street were lodged with the Council. Concerns have already been raised by residents about the condition of the surface and street lighting on the back lane, which would form the only access for the property.

The grass has been cut at the Foxwood Community Centre. Residents meet every Saturday to undertake garden maintenance tasks near the centre

The Council approved on Thursday plans to erect 8 bungalows on the Newbury Avenue garage site. Residents have pledged to oppose the proposal, when it reaches the planning committee, if alternative car parking spaces are not provided via a Section 106 agreement

Following a crash on Gale Lane we asked for debris to be swept from the carriageway

Litter remains a top concern of residents in the Askham Lane area. We asked for the access road in Westfield Place to be swept

This litter bin was reported for attention

Cllr Sheena Jackson continued her survey of young peoples leisure needs in the area. This week she was outside the circus on Thanet Road. The circus had been criticised for fly posting adverting literature around the area. They were asked to remove the posters within 5 days of leaving the area (which they seem to have done)

Earlier in the week the Foxwood Residents Association had a walk round the local estate with Council and Housing Association officials. One big problem was weed growth with street like Wenham Road amongst those apparently missed off the treatment rota. The third application of weed killer has just started with officials promising that an improvement will be noticeable by mid October. We think that the Council will need a change of policy for 2017 following several years now of ineffective treatment.

More weeds

….and Cllr Andrew Waller takes direct action to remove weed growth from the gutters of a local bus shelter!

Cllr Sheena Jackson has reported several holes that have been dug in the Foxwood Park surface. They have apparently been dug by an animal and represent a potential hazard for walkers as the dark nights draw in. The holes are being filled in.

The Council announced new plans for the erection of 8 bungalows on the Newbury Avenue garage site on Wednesday. Local Councillors are pressing for more off street parking spaces to be provided if the garages are demolished

Good news just down the road as contractors start work on repairing roads damaged by vehicles accessing the “Hob Stones” development site on Windsor Garth

and the week ends to day with the return of the Acomb Market for the last of its currently scheduled run on Front Street. A record number of stalls are available today (Saturday). Acomb Alive are expected to make an announcement shortly about the future of the market.