Removing of Callboxes

BT has advised that it proposes to remove the callbox at Apostles Oak Abberley (amongst many others throughout the District including Astley and Dunley, Hallow and Holt) and has put the issue out to consultation.
There was a similar proposal in Little Witley a few years ago which provoked considerable opposition and was eventually dropped. That box does not appear to be on the current list. Consultation closes on 2nd July. Is there a demand to keep this callbox bearing in mind that the usage does not appear to cover costs.

Apparently BT can remove callboxes which have a payphone facility within 400 metres without consultation.

Improving Performance

The council is shortly to receive its CPA performance inspection. This was last carried out in2004 when the Council was rated as "fair". Since then 68% of the performance measures used have improved - well ahead of the average of 56% and we are confident we will receive an improved rating of at least "good".

A good result in the inspection will not be the end as we need to be continuously improving. Which are the areas we need to concentrate on in your view?

New Tenbury Customer Contact Centre

A new customer contact centre has now opened in Tenbury library and is available each weekday apart from Wednesday. A similar facility is to open in Upton so the effect of the two new sites will mean that residents living in the rural areas will have less distance to travel for assistance. This facility provides the same services as the main centre in Malvern and gives a face to face opportunity to discuss Council services with officers. If there is a requirement to discuss planning issues I would recommend making an appointment to ensure that the relevant person is there.
Of course if you live in Woodbury Ward you can always contact me and save yourself a journey !

Lack of blog

I have been quite rightly taken to task for not posting for a while. A technical problem and lots of meetings are part of my excuse. I will remedy this situation shortly.

Core Strategy website

The Core Strategy now has a website at http://www.swjcs.org/ although the full consultation document is not published there at this stage.

Planning Policy Update

A series of meetings with Parish Councils and the public are being arranged throughout South Worcestershire as part of the consultation on the Core Planning Strategy. I have arranged for one such meeting to be held in the ward at Abberley on Friday 7th December.

I would encourage all local residents to attend to learn about the proposals and then give their views.

The meetings will be publicised further and will consist of a briefing of Parish Councillors follwed by an open session for all.

Planning Policy

The planning policy to meet the demand for additional homes in the County is due to go out for public consultation and involvement in November/December of this year, in preparation for a new local plan in 2011. The Core strategy is a joint exercise of the three South Worcs Districts as the issues are ones that cross single District boundaries. As part of the procedure laid down by central government, it is necessary to put forward possible options, even if they are unpopular.
It is therefore important that local views are expressed when the document is published and I will be raising the issues with each Parish Council to ensure that the potential effects on each village are understood and residents views put forward. When the document is available I will also publicise the link to the appropriate website.