Richard Baum

Local people will have their chance to put their case to the Planning committee over the proposed Children’s Centre at Butterstile School next Tuesday, and I have been asked to speak on their behalf.

This is a repeated item on the agenda because last time a lot of residents were unaware of their right to make representations, and so didn’t. Now the Council has consulted more widely and I can give across the views of local people very concerned about the increases in traffic on School Grove, and the increased danger to school children caused because of it.

I think everyone is united in their desire for a Children’s Centre in St Mary’s ward. I think the planning process has been seriously flawed, and now time is running out to get the money committed without us risking losing it. I am still of the view that a better site for the entire thing would’ve been in Rainsough, and we need to make sure that at the very least a substantial outreach centre is sited there, preferably in the shops at Chapel Road. But we are where we are, and whilst I’ll continue to push for this, if it has to be at the school then we nee to mitigate the potential problems with things like residents-only parking, no stopping in the turning-zone on School Grove, and enforcement.

These are the types of things I’ll be asking for on Tuesday. And remember that the meeting is public so you can come along as well.

Rick