Resolving ward issues on your behalf

Since taking office, I have been tackling several ward issues in Orton Longueville, including: infrastructure maintenance, parking issues and anti-social behaviour (car meet-ups).

One of the maintenance issues I have been raising awareness of with Officers of the Council involves the footpath that runs between Sheringham Way and the play area on Oakleigh Drive, and which skirts the play area to join up with Shrewsbury Avenue.

Several residents have contacted me regarding overhanging undergrowth along the length of the path, which is now almost inaccessible in places.

Regular readers of this column will undoubtedly recognise this to be a commonly occurring issue in wards of Peterborough and one which was recently highlighted by me as Reform UK Councillor for Fletton and Woodston Ward (Wareley Road, Pleasure Fair Meadow Road, etc.) -- foliage there ultimately being cut-back recently by me and Green Councillors.

Council departments have been contacted and it has been ascertained that, though the footpath is private land, it is a public right of way. The council have given an undertaking to clear the path to improve access, but have advised that it will not clear obvious garden waste from houses that back onto the path.

I am not one to shy away from highlighting my green credentials, either (excuse the pun). I have identified two large Elm trees in the ward, that are somewhat diseased. I have worked to get these trees investigated, calling on our in-house Tree Officers at the Tree Team to conduct a survey to determine the actions that may be required to save these important examples of the ward's flora.

Anyone using the path is advised to take caution around the trees until the matter is dealt with.

Another part of my ward casework has been, and continues to be, resolving long-standing problems of parking in the ward. These have been and are causing friction between neighbours. The issue receives little assistance due to budget constraints and the onset of Local Government Reorganisation.

However, now a cabinet member has tabled a motion with regard to residential parking in the city, perhaps the funds may now be found. I will continue to work to resolve this issue in the ward.

Residents of Orton Longueville ward with issues are encouraged to contact Phil by email: [email protected]