Woodlands estate walkabout

Woodlands estate

Cllr Stephen Fenton (Dringhouses & Woodthorpe) and Cllr Sheena Jackson (Westfield) met with a Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust officer last week for a walkabout on the Woodlands estate, which straddles the two wards.

Defective bins

Stephen and Sheena were keen to raise issues of concerns to residents, including:

• Broken salt bins

• Overgrown signs

• Areas in need of a deep sweep

Overgrown signs

Stephen commented:

“It was good to be able to spend some time with a JRHT officer to discuss issues of concern, and we were pleased to learn that monthly estate walkabouts are now planned.

As ward councillors, we want to work with JRHT to make the area a clean and safe place for people to live.”

Improved sweeping needed

Woodlands playground reopened

Andrew Waller with users at the newly reopened Woodlands playground

The newly reopened Woodlands playground on Teal Drive was put to good use in todays sunshine.

On hand was Andrew Waller who organised a survey aimed at finding out if residents wanted the playground – which had been locked for around a year – to reopen.

Over 80% said yes and the local residents association asked the owners, Rowntree Housing, to make things happen.

After a few weeks, the playground was reopened much to the delight of local youngsters.

Thanks to all for their hard work

87% say reopen Woodlands play area

Rowntrees promise early action

87% of residents, responding to the survey that we took in the area a few weeks ago, said that they would like to see the Woodlands play area off Bellhouse Way reopened at least during day light hours at weekends.

10% were undecided on the issue with only 3% opposing the proposal

The equipment has been unavailable for several months now because of health and safety fears.

However many residents have pointed out that young children trying to climb the 2 metre high railings, which surround the play area, are probably at greater risk

The Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust has now responded to the local Residents Association promising that – following some minor works – the area will be reopened within a couple of weeks.

Elsewhere in the Woodlands estate, survey respondents were critical of the mowing arrangements for verges. They had been left uncut for so long that, after cutting, the area resembled a hayfield.

A site meeting to discuss the problem has taken place.

The Trust also plan to do some maintenance work on their shrub beds.

“Reopen the playground” say Foxwood residents

Foxwood Residents Association are seeking answers as to why a playground in the area has been locked and unused for over three years.

The playground, with new equipment, is on the Woodlands Estate which is managed by Joseph Rowntree Housing.

Local residents have approached the Association to seek their support in getting answers and most importantly getting the play area used again.

Shirley Gumley, Chairman of the Foxwood Residents Association, said

” It is a great pity that this play area has been locked for so long. There are lots of young children in the area who would appreciate a secure place to play and residents are feeling frustrated at the lack of communication from Joseph Rowntree on this issue.

If there is a reason why the area cannot be used then tell us rather than leaving everyone guessing”

A door to door survey on the issue is currently being undertaken in the area.