This is my first formal report since the local elections in May and thank you for all the support I received. I am humbled by the support and never take this for granted. I will continue to engage with the residents of the ward.
There are two ‘live’ consultations regarding pedestrian crossings in the ward. One is on Frankholmes Drive near to Monkspath Hall Road – this is to replace the school crossing patrol but has wider benefits for the community. The second one is for Widney Lane near the railway station. This will help rail users who walk to the station and also help reduce traffic speeds in this area. Details of these proposals can be found via this link: https://www.solihull.gov.uk/roads-pavements-and-streetcare/traffic-regulation-orders
Roads being fully resurfaced soon are Thornton Road (Monkspath) planned for the second week in July, and its great to see the advance notice of works signs in place yesterday. Alderminster Road (Hillfield) is planned for mid-September. These dates may be subject to change, depending on the weather but they will be done. I have asked that attention is given to devoting additional sweeping to Alderminster Road in the meantime.
Other issues:
I do not have a date when the consultation for pedestrian crossings on Widney Laney near to Whitefields Road or Monkspath Hall Road near to Thornton Road will take place. Both projects will be undertaken this financial year.
The Town Centre has started to see the beginnings of its regeneration, with the petrol station and car park (we know it as Beatie’s/House of Frazer) starting to be demolished. When I have more information I will pass this on.
The new draft Local Plan should become known in the next month or two. With the borough directed to build 15,000 new homes in the next ten years we know this is a difficult task.
Monkspath Hall Road at Widney Lane: Some residents have communicated with me about the need for a safer crossing by the roundabout when they walk to and from school. I share these concerns and have found that over 200 pupils at the school reside in the Hillfield area. I raised this at the school governors meeting on Monday evening and have made a formal request to the councils highways officers to undertake some investigation. I will get back to residents regarding this issue.
As always, you can find me on Facebook, in the local community groups and via my dedicated website: http://www.cllrkenhawkins.com . Here I post factual information, staying away from political messaging. Residents can find out about fast moving and important issues via these social media channels. I do have a dedicated Facebook page for the ward residents only and this can be found at St Alphege with Monkspath and Hillfield.
Please do not hesitate to contact me about these, or any other issues.
Ken Hawkins 