Welcome to my monthly Councillors Report for July 2022. Below is a summary of some of work I did throughout the month. My apologies that the publication of this report is later than I would usually aim. Please find below summary of some of the issues I have taken up, meetings attended and general activities I’ve undertaken across the ward.
Across the ward:
- Biggin Hill Airport: Along with other Councillors, I visited Biggin Hill Airport in early July for a tour of the airport and to listen to the organisation on some of the way it benefits the local area. There was also a Q&A session with the Airports CEO so was a useful opportunity to challenge him directly on noise from the airport over the ward, particularly Keston Village, I asked about progress with the 03/ R3 alternative runway approach which could reduce the noise pollution and have an update which I can share on my website and will be doing so shortly. Councillor Michael challenge the airport on noise from helicopters. I welcome the airports commitment to implementing a new code of conduct for helicopter pilots to help reduce disruption.
- Plans to extend the Ultra-Low Emission Zone to Bromley: In May the Mayor of London announced plans to extend the so-called Ultra-Low Emission Zone to cover all London Boroughs and opened a public consultation on the plans. I opposed these plans, both by writing to Transport for London (TfL) as part of the consultation and by supporting a motion at July’s Council meeting stating the Council’s opposition to the plans. I will be sharing a full article detailing why I took this position on my website and I will be publishing my letter to TfL on the matter so that local people can see the reasons why I came to this conclusion.
- Bromley Brighter Beginnings: I met with Emma from Bromley Brighter Beginnings to learn about the charity and the important work they do across the borough. I look forward to supporting the charity in anyway I can.
In Hayes:
- Water Leaks on Hayes Lane: This month Alexa, Andrew and I wrote to Thames Water to challenge them the number of water pipe bursts on Hayes Lane in recent years. I also submitted an Freedom of Information request to establish how much water has been wasted through these bursts, the impact on local bills and XXX. You can view the full letter by clicking here and can view my FOI, and responses on the ‘What do they know’ website here.
In Coney Hall:
- Plans for a new Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) at Coney Hall Recreation Ground: Alexa and I met with the Chair of the Friends of Coney Hall Recreation Ground and Sarah from Environment Action Coney Hall (E.A.C.H) to look at some of the projects at the ground such as the Wild Meadow, the Orchard and plans to upgrade the tennis courts to new MUGA area. We also discussed whether the tarmacked area near the skate part could be turned into a basketball hoop shooting area (rather than a full court) and I have asked for a quote to be obtained on this.
- Donated Sports Equipment at Coney Hall Rec Ground: Some residents may be aware that in May the Council’s parks contractor, Idverde, issued a notice that the basketball hoops and football goals that has been placed by an anonymous person in one of the tennis courts at the Recreation Ground. These proved to be very popular with young people in the area and were well used, so I contacted the Council’s Parks Team to ask that the removal be suspended while a consultation on their future be held. The team and Idverde agreed and made me aware of the above MUGA plans. However, in July a Health and Safety issue was raised about the equipment so the equipment did need to be taken out of use.
- Environment Projects in Coney Hall: Councillor Michael and I met with Sarah from Environment Action Coney Hall to discuss some of the projects they have done in the past and future ones. The group have some exciting plans which I look forward to working with them to support in anyway I can.
In Keston Village:
- 25m Phone Masts: I submitted an objection to the mast planned for West Commonside Car Park in Keston after meeting with residents to discuss their concerns. I will be writing a detailed update on this separate from the report.
- Keston Post Office Update: Keston Post Office are going ahead with their proposed move to 19 Heathfield Road. Along with Councillor Lee and Michael I supported these plans and am pleased to see them moving forward. I think this is good news for Keston with a new convenience store opening in the Village as a result. You can read the Post Office’s consultation report at https://www.postofficeviews.co.uk/national-consultation-team/keston-br2-6bq-084012/.
In the Civic Centre:
- Meetings at the Civic Centre were lighter than in June. I did attend my first proper full Council Meeting (the previous one in May was only to appoint the Mayor, committee positions etc). I also attending the School Place Strategy Working Group meeting, which I am the Vice-Chair of.
If you need my assistance:
Then please do not hesitate to contact me – my email address is [email protected]. I also hold a drop-in surgery at Hayes Library between 11am and 12pm on the first Tuesday of the month (except August), additionally along with Councillor Lee and Michael, we have a street surgery in Station Approach, Hayes on the first Saturday of the month (except August) between 10.30am and 12.30am.
