phoenix news

Phoenix Esatate is not being cleaned properly by Gedling Borough Council. The council which has been controlled by the Conservative group since last year is not putting enough resources into Phoenix Estate. We have contacted direct services and insisted that the estate is brought up to a resonable level of cleanliness. If you have seen any litter/rubbish let us know or even better send us a photograph of it. Many thanks.

Cllr John Clarke and Cllr James O'Riordan on the Phoenix Estate. They believe that the level of rubbish is unacceptable

PLANNING COMMITTEE REFUSE WESTDALE LANE FLATS but Govt.inspector allows development

The planning committee of Gedling Borough Council has refused permission for a block of flats on the old NOFOTEC site. The site which was described as 15 one bedroom flats although we believe that given 6 of the flats had a “study” that more people could potentially live there. Parking was brought up as an issue as was the over dominant nature of the building.
A petition of 290 names was submitted to the committee on the night and a local resident gave an excellent speech outlining the potential problems of the site.
The developer may appeal against this decision. We will certainly used all means at our disposal to raise our objections in the future.against this decision. We will certainly used all means at our disposal to raise our objections in the future.
Despite the public protest a planning inspector has allowed the development on the site. We are very dissapointed at this move.

Westdale Lane Flats-Meeting at Planning Department Friday August 4th

A meeting took place on Friday August 4th at Gedling Borough Planning Department. Present were two of the residents most badly affected by the new development and Cllr James O'Riordan to lend support for the campaign against this block of flats. We went through the criteria that we could use to appeal against these flats and examined in detail the plans along with the Case Officer for the Council. One of the issues we were most suprised about was that although the developer has the right of appeal if we win, we don't have the right to an appeal if we lose. This seems to be most unfair to us. September seems to be the most likely time for the Planning Committee to listen to this important case. We will keep you updated.

Many thanks to all those who have written to the Council objecting to this development. Please e-mail us with your letters also so that we can keep an eye on what is going in. E-mail carltoneastlabour@yahoo.co.uk Many thanks for your support.

Residents say no to block of flats on old factory site

Please help in our campaign against a block of flats on the old Nofotec factory site on Westdale Lane. The plan is for 15 one bedroom flats in a 3 storey block. We think that there is enough traffic on Westdale without more. Please write to the Planning Committee at Gedling Borough Council. Many thanks for your help.

From left Cllr James O'Riordan , Vice Chairman of Nottinghamshire County Council Peter Barnes and OOnagh Flynn Carlton Librarian at the 100 years celebration of the libraray

Westdale Lane-some residents are anxious about access some worried about traffic increases

Here are some letters on the topic of road closures. Many thanks to writers for permission to print their views

Hi sorry I have not responded before as I have been travelling abroad, firstly I do not liken myself as a Rat as these roads are called Rat runs but drive the most convenient and shortest way from A 2 B on roads that are funded by all motorists. I live on westdale lane, we could call this road a Rat run as lots of cars and don't forget buses, lorries very early am & pm pass along this road in both directions to get to there destination and they even park outside of my home to go to the post office, we could block the lane so I would then live in a culdesac which would be nice and quiet and restful, but we live in the real world and have to consider what the consequences of blocking so called rat runs entail, it would increase the amount of traffic and congestion at all major junctions ( just look what it's like when the school run is on, these ladies in there gas guzzerling 4x4s have already been criticised ) which will increase fuel consumption and emissions which will affect us all even those residents on Cromford avenue who I assume use Darley avenue and Buxton as a Rat run to get to Westdale lane or the post office. I have also enquired in the past on safety grounds ( they are on Westdale cresent and Ramsdale road so why not Darley avenue ) as to having double yellow lines on the corners of Darley avenue because at times cars are double parked on the corner which will cause an accident at some time so a little paint now might save someone a lot of heartache in the future.
Regards
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In the recent newsletter for the Westdale Lane area you are asking for comments on the issue of Buxton Avenue and Cromford Avenue being used as through routes.



I live in Buxton Avenue and agree this is a no win situation, it would be great to reduce the traffic by making them no through roads however this would also restrict my movement into the Cavendish Road area with all its amenities.



I feel the traffic is not too heavy at this point in time (except mornings – work and school traffic I suggest) but some does go far too fast which is a major concern (however we must consider how much of an increase in traffic there will be short term and long term)



The other issue is noise, as we live on a hill vehicles accelerate in low gear to negotiate the hill which is noisy and this is accentuated if this is a van/commercial – the larger the van/commercial the more the noise.



Suggestions:



Radical ; We could think about opening up Belper and Baslow to ‘even’ out the amount of traffic crossing from Westdale to Cavendish


Best alternative; Make Buxton and Cromford ‘Residents Only’ access. (I know this may be abused however it may reduce the amount of through traffic and could be policed with community wardens or the police occasionally to have an effect)


Another option; Open up Belper and Baslow and make all ‘Residents Only’ access. (Again I know this may be abused however it may reduce/equalise the amount of through traffic and could be policed with community wardens or the police occasionally to have an effect)


Whichever course is taken I think we should have some traffic calming measures if traffic is not reduced (PLEASE NO SPEED BUMPS OR CAMERAS) to slow fast moving traffic down


Thanks for the opportunity to voice my thoughts on this subject.

Note; I do agree whatever the outcome it must apply to both Buxton and Cromford.

name and address supplied
................................................

If you have a letter or a view you want put onto the web site please send it to us at carltoneastlabour@yahoo.co.uk

I am replying to your invitation of residents opinions regarding suggestions of blocking roads between Westdale Lane & Cavendish Road.
I live on Buxton Avenue. When Belper and Baslow were blocked several years ago this did create an increase in traffic which calmed after a period of time. If Cromford was blocked and not Buxton this would create major problems on Buxton as it would most definitely be used more of a cut through.
If Buxton Avenue was closed this would cause me great inconvenience as I often go to Carlton Forum and to Tesco - I also travel into the City on occasions to work.
I avoid the bottom of Westdale Lane like the plague as this is always busy as is Gedling Road and Parks corner which would all be affected by these suggestions.
Closing the Derbyshire Avenues would cause even further disruption at the bottom of Westdale Lane - not to mention the added fuel and time costs.
I am absolutely not in favour of any road blocking and feel that the traffic problem would be moved elsewhere and perhaps to a position less able to cope than at the moment.
Thank you for giving me this opportunity to voice my opinion and please keep me updated of any proposals that may materialise.
Regards

name and address supplied

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To Councillors Clarke & O' Riordan

Thank you for your recent newsletter regarding the suggested closure of Cromford & Buxton Avenue's.
I live on Westdale Lane and frequently use these two roads to visit Tesco, my elderly Aunt who resides locally and to take my father in law to visit his wife's grave every Sunday at the Carlton Cemetery.
When using these roads I respect the fact that I am using the roads as a cut through and think about the residents of the roads and never drive at excessive speed ( as some of the residents have been suggesting in the Evening Post). To close these roads to through traffic I would suggest would be folly as it would increase the volume of traffic using the Gedling Road / Westdale Lane junction.

At certain times of the day the traffic already using this junction creates tail backs into Gedling Village, on Gedling Road as far as Parks Corner and on Westdale Lane as far back as the Westdle Tavern, this has already become worse since the introduction of the speed bumps on Cavendish Road. The tail backs on Westdale Lane are compounded even further by the fact that some drivers have no regard for the parking restrictions which are in force in the area and park indiscriminately whilst mostly using the chip shop and paper shop. There are also delivery drivers who park just around the corner outside the cooperative rooms whilst delivering to the Spar shop. In the evening the parking is mainly drivers visiting one of the several fast food shops in the area. This indiscriminate parking makes life very difficult for the likes of bus drivers and the drivers of any large vehicle. If the closure of Cromford and Buxton Avenue were to take place can we expect to have a better control system for the Westdale Lane junction and better enforcement of the parking restrictions in the area.

Whilst on the subject of the traffic on Westdale Lane can I also bring to your attention the fact that since the speed bumps were introduced on Cavendish Road the speed of traffic on Westdale Lane has also increased this is despite the fact that speed camera's have been installed. The speed of traffic especially downhill from Glendale Close to Hartington Avenue just before the speed camera is of particular concern as driver's still speed knowing that the camera is at the bottom of the hill, there have been several accidents and near misses during the last year at the junction of Perlethorpe Avenue when driver's from the Phoenix estate area have been trying to get onto Westdale Lane. I often have problems trying to enter or leave my driveway which is just around the corner from Perlethorpe Avenue this is also made worse by the parking of parents collecting their children from the Haddon School.

If the proposal to close these roads does take place can we next look forward to the likes of Adbolton Avenue, Imperial Avenue, Roslyn Avenue, Besecar Avenue, Perlethorpe Avenue, Lascelles Avenue and Freda Avenue also being closed off to stop people from taking a short cut from the Phoenix Estate and Arnold Lane onto Westdale Lane. I am totally opposed to the closure of Cromford and Buxton Avenue's and would like to think that you will voice your opposition to the proposals.

name and address supplied

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Roads around Westdale Lane:some views of local residents

For the attention of Cllr John Clark / Cllr James O'Riordan.
Referance your recent newsletter regarding the increased traffic between Cavendish Road and Westdale Lane. Some "so called representitives"
have suggested that roads be blocked off, I have never been contacted or made aware of this, whoever these people are they do not represent me! also none of my neighbours have ever been contacted.

I have lived on Castleton Avenue for nearly 60 years long before any roads ever existed. The humps on Cavendish Road have exacerbated the problem, I am registered disabled with a spinal injury, travelling to Tesco, the city centre or Carlton Forum will mean a considerable distance added to my journey through 3 sets of traffic lights, increasing congestion and pollution, let alone all the many extra humps I would have to negotiate causing me more pain and discomfort.



Would you please ensure that ALL residents are consulted BEFORE any action is taken.

What other options have been persued ? Has making the area a "residents only" zone been considered ?



I would certainly not wish the roads to be closed off.



Thank you for your help in this matter.

name and address supplied

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I am a resident on Westdale Lane close to Bakewell Avenue & would like to comment upon the suggestion that Cromford Avenue is blocked to traffic. I use this route every morning at around 8.00am to gain access to Carlton Rd & this could add 10 - 15 minutes to my journey to work. I find that there is only light traffic at this time using Bakewell & Cromford Ave However there is always traffic backing up at the junction of Wesdale Lane and Gedling Rd and from there onto Burton Rd. This proposal would certainly increase traffic at this point for residents at the end of Westdale Lane. As mentioned in your Newsletter this would also create a circuitous route to Tesco's & Carlton Forum for residents in my locality.
I noticed that there has been some traffic monitoring on Cromford Ave & would like to see the results of this that could justify blocking these roads for a traffic calming. I can understand that it could be reasonable that some of the roads linking Westdale Ave to Cavendish Rd may need traffic controls but I would suggest that there has to be a balance struck between accessibility & these controls - after all would it be reasonable to suggest that Westdale Lane is closed because residents don't like the volume of traffic?

name and address supplied
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I've been meaning to E-mail for some time regarding the traffic that cuts through between Westdale Lane and Cavendish Road. I live on Darley Avenue and the traffic is getting ridiculous, esp now that there is a playground at the top of the road and more children around we should be trying to decrease the traffic as much as possible. Some cars go well over the speed limit.
I would like to suggest a simple, cheap but effective solution, and that is to put concrete bollards at the top of Cromford and Buxton and then there is no through way and the problem would be permanently resolved. I do not believe that nobody else has thought of this.

name and address supplied
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We are against the closure of any more roads to through traffic around Cavendish Road and Westdale Lane for two reasons.



We have a severely disabled son, wheelchair bound, who we convey in a specially converted van. We live on the side of Cavendish Road. To avoid going over the humps, wherever possible, we go down the side streets. The reason being, even though my son and his wheelchair are securely strapped in the van, going at the slowest speed possible, his wheelchair sometimes moves making him very uncomfortable. We have had to stop the van on several occasions to adjust him.


I for several years have cut through the side streets from Cavendish Road to Arnold Lane to get to Arnold my place of work (Social Services). This is to avoid traffic jams and ongoing roads work. Because of my son’s disability, I’m on call during working hours, to come to the aid of my wife and son at the time of an emergency (I’ve had quite a number in the last 3 years). I’ve found that the previously mentioned route in reverse is usually the fastest way back, within the speed limits, to my home.


We have to put up with the cars etc from the side streets coming past our house, so why can’t the residents of the side streets take a small increase of the problems we have to face living next to a main road with humps. The noise of Lorries, for example, going over the humps, especially ones with large trailer and skips with loose chains clanging, penetrates sound proof double glazing which we find very disturbing.

name and address supplied
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Dear Cllr Clarke / O'Riordan
>
> I recently received a copy of your Carlton East News Residents
> Letter,
> canvassing for views of local residents on proposals to block
> Cromford
> Avenue.
>
> For the record I am against such proposals. I beleive actions
like
> this
> have a domino effect. Increases in traffic on Cromford avenue are
a
> direct result of the past introduction of lights at the bottom of
> Westdale lane and the Blocking of Belper/Baslow.
> As you rightly acknowledge blocking of Cromford will necessitate
the
> blocking of all routes between Westdale Lane and Cavandish Road.
> Where
> does this process stop - should all the roads between Arnold lane
and
> Westdale Lane be blocked too. Having previously lived around
> Perlethorpe/ Besecar Avenue I know the same situation exists
there.
>
> I have objections on many fronts.
>
> 1. The traffic blocked from Cromford will probably be directed
> past my
> house on Westdale Lane. Why do the complaining residents of
Cromford
> Avenue think their peace and quiet is any more valuable than
mine.
> I am
> sure me and my neighbours would quite like the top of Westdale
> Crescent
> blocked off and made into a cul-de-sac so people from the higher
> roads
> have to use other routes on to Westdale Lane. However, I think
that
> would be an incredibly selfish act.
>
> 2. I do not think the problem is as great as they make out. I
have
> driven over the hill from Westdale lane during rush hour and I
hardly
> ever see any other moving cars. I suspect a lot of the traffic
that
> these people object to is in fact residents from the immediate
area
> Darley , Bakewell,Castleton and Buxton Avenues simply going
> to/from work.
>
> 3. I know there have been many surveys in the area. As I
> understand it
> there has never been any accidents on the roads being discussed
> and the
> quantity of traffic does not warrant any road calming measures.
Why
> should a few vocal activists be able to
> buck the system and cause inconvenience to other local residents.
>
> 4. If I want to go to Carlton Forum, The Bowls Club or Tesco's my
> Journey will be at least twice as far if I cannot use Cromford.
> This is
> completely at odds with the Labour governments efforts to cut
carbon
> emmisions and meet the Kyoto targets. People are not going to
stop
> using their cars by such measures, they will just find other
routes -
> along which other council tax payers live.
>
> 5. I Pay my local and national taxes to have roads maintained.
Why
> should I have to pay for Cromford Avenue if I cannot use it.
>
> Thank you for considering the residents outside the immediate
area
> who
> will be affected by such changes. Many ill thought out changes
are
> made
> due to pressure from vocal minorities. It is refreshing to see
> that you
> are consulting your wider electorate in this matter.

name and addresss supplied
-------------------------------------------------

More Traffic for Westdale Lane and Arnold Lane?

Further consultation is being called for on a future bridge which may bring greater traffic congestion and pollution to Westdale Lane and Arnold Lane

A bridge across the River Trent, which many feel may never be built, may bring increased traffic to the Phoenix area. Few residents have actually heard of the bridge
partly because its official name is the “Radcliffe Bridge“.
The £100 million project aims to take traffic out of the City Centre area and increase access to the M1 for those in this
part of Nottingham. The bridge was recently discussed at a public enquiry and a vote is due on the 10th of Feb.
The earliest that cars might be moving on such a bridge would be 15-20 years time.
We believe that further consultation is needed.
We are keen to hear your views on this issue. Please contact us using details overleaf. Many thanks.

Free football initiative at the Forum

We’re giving free football coaching to youngsters at Carlton Forum.
Since September- following an initiative from Cllr Ivan Gollop- after a suggestion from one of the Carlton Forum staff Gedling has used free time on the dri-play pitches to offer many teenagers the opportunity to develop their football skills and keep them off the streets.
The funding has come from Ivan’s Community Safety Fund and has led to a reduction in nuisance and anti-social behaviour in the area. Now we’re looking to extend the scheme to Arnold and Calverton. This time Carlton got the first bite and it has proved to be a successful pilot.
We’re glad to see that the recent Lib Dem leaflet says that they will be supporting the initiative in the future, it’s a pity they didn’t get on board last year when Labour started the scheme!

More Community Support Officers

Gedling has more officers on high-visibility foot-patrols than any of the other local council and it is set to do more. Currently, thanks to Labour Action at Gedling Council (only belatedly and grudgingly supported by the Lib Dems and opposed by the Conservatives) we have a total of 12 PCSOs (Police Community Support Officers). Six are funded by the Home Office and six are paid for from your Council Tax. There are now also 4 Neighbourhood Wardens.
In the last couple of weeks the County Council has offered to match our spending for the next three years. This should mean that in the next few months we will have an additional 30 Officers on patrol compared to May 2003 , that is when Labour took control of the Crime Reduction Portfolio at Gedling.
The Tories opposed the action and the Lib Dems claimed it would never work.

Tory figures on police untrue

A recent Tory leaflet claimed that there would be reductions in police numbers at Carlton Police station. This is untrue. The Local Area Commander Peter Moyes has written to Vernon Coaker to confirm this.