Hi all,
A warm (yes it’s stopped raining as I write) welcome to August’s update.
Whoever said the life of a councillor is an easy lot? I think July must have been one of the busiest months ever – with the tram interest growing, plus developments on car parking charges, fruit and veg market, power cuts, complaints to the County Council and and much more. I’ve tried to remember everything that I’ve been involved in and detailed this for you below, together with other community information that I trust is both useful and stimulating.
As ever feedback is always welcome and if there is any personal casework that Nick or I can help with do get in touch.
Some responses might be a little slower because I am (hurrah) taking a break for the last two weeks of August, where hopefully the sun will not stop shining.

Best regards,
Richard

Richard Robinson
Labour Borough Cllr for Kimberley and Cossall
7 Scargill Avenue,
Newthorpe,
Nottingham,
NG16 2DZ

Tel: 01773 531315 (h) – 0775 1970 640 (m)
E-mail: richard.robinson@broxtowe.gov.uk

Join me on Facebook: http://facebook.com/profile.php?id=686163968.

Dr Nick Palmer MP
Labour MP for Broxtowe

E-mail: NickMP1@aol.com
Tel: 0115 943 0721

Cossall and Kimberley News Update and Information Service August 2009

1) Power cuts in Kimberley
I’ve been made aware over the past couple of weeks from residents in the High Street/Ruby Paddocks area of Kimberley about a series of power cuts that appear to be growing in frequency. In particular occurrences have taken place on 15th May, 6th June, 7th June and 29th July.

I’ve spent some time contacting senior people at Central Networks (EON) over the past week, trying to get something resolved here for residents that are being adversely affected for some considerable time.

I’ve been advised that any resident suffering any further loss of power should telephone 0800 056 8090.

I’ve managed to escalate the particular issue affecting High Street residents – so if there are cuts of power during August, I’ve asked the Patch Manager at EON to intervene and take prompt action. I’ve also got direct contact details if anyone would like these.

I’m certainly no electrician and understand very little of the tehnical problems EON described to me. What I believe to have been causing the problems recently (in my sort of layman’s speak) concern ‘fuses’ and ‘phases’ in underground cables in the area. EON are reluctant I think to replace the whole cable in and around High Street (cost and amount of disruption), but if further fuses continue to blow, they might have to take longer term action (which I have argued strongly for).

I’d be pleased to kept informed of any problems people do encounter so I can try and keep on top of this situation.

2) Police Beat Walks – August – October
This is an excellent initiative instigated by the police. Members of the public are duly invited to walk with the police and local councillors in streets around their area and suggest areas for improvement.

I’ve been given the following dates for Kimberley by the police during the next few weeks as follows:

Friday 7th August
Newdigate Street, 7pm – 8pm
Wednesday 2nd September
Seamer Road, Bayswater Road, 7pm – 8pm
Thursday 1st October
Noel Street, 7pm – 8pm

Dates for Awsworth and Cossall are to be confirmed.

For more information contact John Lees – Local Area Commander for the area – based at Eastwood Police Station: john.lees@nottinghamshire.pnn.police.uk

3) Tram phase III route to Kimberley
On 6th July around 20 people on a wet evening, accompanied by Steve Beech, reporter from Radio Nottingham walked the possible route that the tram would take out to Kimberley, extended from Phoenix Park. We ended the walk at at the Nelson and Railway, were joined by others and the first meeting of KENTAG (Kimberley, Eastwood and Nuthall Tram Action Group) was held.

Not everyone who came to the meeting necessarily is a proponent of the tram. What we are trying to do is work up the momentum that is starting to build to look at just what is and is not possible to develop over the coming weeks and months.

More specifically we are looking at a feasbility study being completed and also generating further publicity about the possibilites for a tram route out through Kimberley (and into Eastwood).

KENTAG will be leafletting people at Phoenix Park during the Autumn.

For more details about KENTAG, if you would like to join, have further questions, please contact the Chair – Andy Cooper, who lives in Kimberley and his e-mail is usercp6695@aol.com.

4) Car parking charges in Kimberley – what is going to happen?
Last Tuesday 28th July the Cabinet meeting at Broxtowe discussed and debated the long publicised issue of car parking charges.

I had previously been a member of the Cabinet until several years ago. After what happened last Tuesday I am just so glad I am not party to what happened.

I sat with members of the public, Cllr Mel Crow and Kimberley Town Councillors as we listened to speech after speech either miss the point, duck the real issues, ignore the evidence (and for example all of the representations I had made – not one single councillor on the Cabinet made reference to the individual e-mails of objectionsent).

The debate on car parking charges was at best inept, at its worst it totally disregarded the arguments and case that charging for car parking in Kimberley is not economic per se.

What we have for Kimberley now is a hotch potch of an “initial decision” – I’ll come back to this.

Essentially what came out of the meeting was this – subject to a 20 week further “consultation period” car parking charges in Kimberley will be introduced from January 2010 in Victoria Street car park, and possibly James Street (the Cabinet could not make up its mind what to do here). Newdigate Street and Station Road car parks will be excluded from charges.

That I understand the position – the charges will apply Monday – Saturday 8am – 6pm with the first hour free. £1 for first 2 hours, £1.50 for 3 hours and £3 per day. Season ticket options maybe available.

Please note that the new re-elected Lib Dem County Cllr for Kimberley Ken Rigby voted to introduce car parking charges for Kimberley. Perhaps next time the Focus leaflet comes out, you might ask him to justify his decision.

From what I could make out the Tories both “abstained” and/or voted against. I didn’t really understand why after they’ve made so much fuss, they just could not vote against.

What I should say is that Mel (Cllr Crow), Kimberley Town Council and myself have always maintained a principled opposition to these ill thought out proposals. There had previously been no vote on whether to introduce car parking charges across the borough until 28th July (despite a bit of mischief from the Tories during the election period)!

I mentioned above that this is an “initial” decision, as I am told there will be further “statutory consultation” with interested groups (but not necessarily individual residents).

If you want more information I’m happy to try and assist – though the plans appear somewhat scant at present.

I’m sure Mel would offer some thought and reflections too mel.crow@broxtowe.gov.uk.

5) Community Speed Watch (CSW) in Awsworth and Cossall
Despite a delay in starting this project (due originally to commence on 1st April) the momentum has built again and final plans are now taking shape. Hopefully we’ll be starting in September.

A number of areas have been identified as “hotspots” to monitor in Awsworth and Cossall, including The Lane, Main Street and Awsworth Lane.

Training of volunteers has taken place during July and we now have a Co-ordinator and Deputy Co-ordinator both for Awsworth and Cossall, Ed Stewart and Simon Robinson, respectively.

For more information about the start date contact Ed Stewart ed.stewart@eonenergy.com.

6) Fruit and Veg Market in Kimberley
Both Nick and I are making some progress with this issue. We met last Friday 31st July with a local trader who has given us very good information on how to take this initiative forward.

We’ve initially identified three possible locations in Kimberley where the market could go. Also we’ve been in touch this week with a local “Toby” (that’s the phrase I think that describes someone who organises the stall holders) and are hoping to have a further session next week.

Nick and I would ideally like to see a market up and running from 1st November this year. We realise this might be a little optimistic bearing in mind the various constraints and work involved at the moment in setting this up. We are however committed to trying to bring this about, as so many people in Kimberley especially have mentioned to us that they would want this. It will also help we hope, to stimulate other trade in the town.

As soon as anything more definite is known we will let you know.

7) Bridleways in Cossall
A good number of horseriders, and walkers met with Nick Palmer, Broxtowe and County Council officials and myself last Friday 31st July to see if the bridleways especially around Cossall could be opened up (ie the styles removed) in order that horses could walk the length of the bridleways, and therefore taking them off the busy and very narrow roads.

We had some useful discussions and a number of possibilities opened up that Broxtowe and the County Council are going to explore together.

I’m currently awaiting more information and will make this available in due course.

More information available from Steve Fisher – steve.fisher@broxtowe.gov.uk.

The Hope Charity Project – shops in Kimberley and Eastwood
If you are able to spend any time volunteering in one of the shops, or have unwanted (but good quality) clothes, furniture, bric a brac etc, the Hope Charity Project would love to hear from you.

All the profits from sales go to help for example women suffering from domestic violence.

For more information please contact Sarah Robinson – sarah@outreachchurch.co.uk or 0115 916 7881.

9) Newdigate Street
I have spent the last year working on a major project with The Kimberley School and Newdigate Street residents in order to achieve some significant improvements in respect of pedestrian safety and better traffic flow. Some of the key things we’ve been working on together is to try and persuade the County Council to place double yellow lines on the corner of Newdigate Street (opposite the school), and then to give the school additional funding to create spaces for parking inside the school grounds.

Provisional information sent out this week intimates that the County Council are going to agree to our request for double yellow lines (as soon as this is confirmed) I will let you know.

I have chased the County Council about this again two weeks ago (but they have not yet come back with any definitive information).

10) Over a thousand years of history in Awsworth
An excellent account of history in Awsworth has been produced by Cllr Bryan Maloney. It’s in a book called (strangely enough) A History of Awsworth. It’s priced £8 and copies can be obtained by e-mailing Bryan on: bryan.maloney@ntlworld.com.

11) Bus Services up Swingate
A number of people have been in touch about the possibility of the T1 going up Swingate at periodic times during the day. Nick and I are writing out to all residents in the Swingate area next week, and once we have the responses we will be meeting with Veolia again.

More information – nickmp1@aol.com or myself.

12) Eastwood Road/Maws Lane Junction – what is happening with the bus stop?
I have made a formal complaint to the County Council because of the lack of response. I have asked the question so many times, and not had a proper response, I’ve tried to escalate this further.

Many of you have asked about what’s happening, and making a formal complaint seems to be the only way to try and get things moving here.

As soon as there is more information I’ll let you know.

13) Brief snippets
Hardy Street/Cliff Boulevard/Norman Street area
I am writing to all residents next week – seeking views on safety and congestion improvements. Hopefully in conjunction with Hollywell School Travel Plan we can work up some proper long term solutions.

Little Lane/Spring Hill/Kimberley Close
Some complaints have been received about the lack of space for Emergency Vehicles to get through to Kimberley Close, because of obstructions on Little Lane. I’ve reported this to the County Council and they say they will do some investigative work.

Greene King
I have asked (again) for an update on what is happening a) on the site (the for sale boards have come down) b) what is happening to the tenants’ contracts.

High Street
A few complaints have come through about the lack of respect that drivers pay for the one way system. I have asked the Town Council for their observations, before approaching the County Council formally.

Brendon Drive/Town View
I insepected the pavements here last month, and we should be getting some repairs and resurfacing done in part (I’d like the whole area done), but it looks as though some temporary resurfacing will be the best we will get for now.

Local Business Information

“Nine Corners” 20, Main Street Kimberley
I am opening an interior design shop specialising in wallcovering, fabrics, curtains and blinds. I was an interior designer for 14 years working for a large company who two years ago made me redundant. Since then I’ve been working from home, outgrowing the spare room I’ve decided to take the plunge and open “Nine Corners”. I will be advertising the opening date as Saturday 11th July. I will be open 9am – 5pm Mon to Fri and 10am – 4pm on Saturdays. If I get it finished sooner I could be open on the 7th.

Madeleine Chandler
Interior Design Consultant
Mobile: 07788 553947
Web: www.madeleinechandler.co.uk

Neighbourhood pet care
Pet boarding for caged birds and pets, also home visits, dog walking, feeding etc peace of mind references, collection/delivery service tel: Jenny on 0115 849 4708 or mobile 07952 751019.

73 Newton’s Lane, Cossall

TRIPLE S
Running from Baker Road, Newthorpe the business called Triple S offers Computer Services based on a fixed rate fee. The main services range from a computer “MOT” to a full rebuild of the operating system, installation services for Broadband and an “Anything Computers” one to one are available.

Contact Steve: www.tripletriple.f2s.com and the mobile number 07847 786744 E-mail: tripletriple@f2s.com.

GLORIA MORGAN
I’m a local author living on Victoria Street, Kimberley. I’ve just published a children’s book which is an historical adventure based around Kimberley, Awsworth, Cossall, Ilkeston and Nottingham Castle in the year 1086. I’m very willing to make this book available for fund-raising purposes. It would make a great stock-filler for 9-12 year olds. glomo.vicstreet@ntlworld.com

Book Title: KINMERS LEA – which is the old name for Kimberley. My contact details: Tel: 08454 67 1086 (local rate calls). The book is available for sale from Plumb’s, James Street, Kimberley, Awsworth Post Office, Giltbrook Post Office and Giltbrook News price £7.99. Web site: www.kinmerslea.co.uk.

CRYSTAL CLEAR CLEANING SERVICE
THE CLEAR CHOICE FOR ALL YOUR CLEANING NEEDS.
SERVICES PROVIDED INCLUDE:

• Domestic/ Commercial Window Cleaning
• Industrial Cleaning
• Builders Cleans
• Guttering/Facia Cleaning
• Carpet Cleaning
• Patio Cleaning
• Also available for subcontract work

All areas covered
Contact: Mr Richard Hill
0115 919 5301 / 07731 324101
15 Ruislip Close
Kimberley
Nottingham
NG16 2LF
crystalclear.cleaning@ntlworld.com

SHORT OF CASH?
Sell your broken gold jewellery at:
Mike’s
7 James Street
Kimberley
Established 30 years.

• Watch batteries/straps fitted.
• Jewellery repairs undertaken.
• Wide selection of Gifts available.
• We also have Toys!

Call in for a friendly, old fashioned, service.

Kerstine Herbert (Dip RM)-Sports Injury and Remedial Massage Therapist.
Local therapist based on Victoria Street Kimberley offering mobile option so you can be treated in the comfort of your own home.
Common conditions treated include:

• Whiplash
• Back and neck pain
• Sports injuries
• Joint problems
• Strains and sprains
• Stress and tension

A full therapeutic body massage is great for unwinding and combating stress I also offer Indian Head Massage which is highly beneficial for treating stress, poor sleep patterns, headaches and neck and back tension. Prices range from £17 for a half an hour treatment to £25 for a full body massage.
To arrange an appointment please call on 0788 6226 005.

Softwurkz
SoftWurkz S£ick Business Management Software

Pain Relief for Small Businesses

SoftWurkz Limited is a Kimberley based Company who specialise in the development of business management computer software for the self employed and for small businesses. The directors live on Angus Close, Kimberley and more information is shown at the 2nd attachment. To find out more information contact: Richard Bradley richard@softwurkz.com 07765 531388 or Peter Graboswki on softwurkz.peter@yahoo.co.uk 07818 255107.

C and J UPVC Maintenance
Specialists in UPVC Window, Door and Conservatory Repairs/Upgrades

Contact Craig Harwood – 07999 599501, or 0115 849 8397 – www.candjupvcmaintenance.co.uk.

33 Wortley Avenue, Trowell, Nottingham, NG9 3QP

Noah’s Ark Pre-School Playgroup
Free places for 3 and 4 year olds.

Holy Trinity, Church Hill, Kimberley, Nottingham, NG16 2HY Tel: 0115 945 8553 (am only), noah.ark.kimberley@live.co.uk.