Sept 21 - Independent councillors update

Here is the latest monthly update from Adam Zerny and Tracey Wye

Independent Central Bedfordshire Councillors for Potton ward

In this month's update...

Tell us where roads and pavements need improving
No sign of a resumption to garden waste collections
Council proposing to make Brook End changes permanent
New bus timetables now out
Latest grants for businesses now available

Tell us where roads and pavements need improving

Over winter, Central Bedfordshire Council (CBC) will be updating its plans for roads and pavement improvements for 2022/23. Let us know which areas you think are most in need of attention. Improvements agreed for the present year include resurfacing Baker Avenue and Chapman Close in Potton, on Hatley Road and on High Street, Wrestlingworth. Downside Gardena and Spencer Close will also have upgrades to the pavements. Read the full story here.

No sign of resumption of garden waste collections

CBC is now blaming Brexit instead of Covid for the failure to collect garden waste. We have proposed a number of ideas to try and improve matters but CBC has shown little sign of reacting so far. Read the full details here.

New smaller planning application for King Street car lot

A new planning application has been received by CBC for two flats to be built above the King Street car lot in Potton. This could potentially replace the application approved by the Council last year for a larger development. Read the full story here.

Council proposing to make Brook End permanently two-way

CBC is seeking to make permanent the removal of the one-way system on Brook End, Potton. There have been a number of concerns expressed since supposedly 'temporary' changes were made by the Council more than two years ago. You can have your say for the next two weeks. Read more here.

Central Beds at fault after boy misses a year's education due to Council failings

CBC has been heavily criticised by a Government watchdog for its failings on caring for the education of children with special educational needs and disabilities. Read the full story here.

More grants for businesses

As regular readers of the newsletter will know, we have been lobbying CBC for some time to hand out more of the money passed to the Council by the Government for businesses affected by covid. The latest tranch has just been made available. See more here.

New bus timetables now out

As ,mentioned last month, we have been fighting for better transport links for our area in recent years and CBC has now announced the latest timetables with more buses. Take a look here.

Last chance to take part to save Dunton and Wrestlingworth schools

As mentioned in recent months, CBC has launched a consultation on plans to make the Potton Federation a primary and do likewise with Sutton Lower. The recent petition to save Dunton and Wrestlingworth schools has had the desired effect and the proposals include options to keep the schools open. Even if you have signed the petition, you MUST take part in the consultation to show CBC what you think. Read about it here and go to the consultation here.

Decision expected on Everton housing within coming months

The developer who put in an proposal for 19 houses in the centre of Everton returned with a revised application which attempted to mitigate some of the previous criticisms. The consultation has now finished and we understand CBC is likely to confirm a decision during September. Read the full article here.

Five-year supply of housing updated

Every 3 months, CBC announces its updated '5-year supply of housing'. If the figure is 5 or more, it means the Council can feel more confident defending its existing housing numbers against developers who say more are needed. The latest figure is 5.43, a big drop from 6.27 in the previous quarter. When it gets close to 5, CBC planning fingers get twitchy. CBC says this latest drop is because now the Local Plan is approved it has to take account of the 'unmet need' for housing from Luton. You can see more about it here.

CBC grants available

The Council has allocated a small sum of money as ward councillor grants which gives us the opportunity to support spend on local projects. To find out if your organisation is eligible click here. If you want to discuss an application, please contact tracey.wye@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk outlining your proposal.

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