Cllrs Dominic McGill, Julie Roberts & Michael Wyatt

Cllr Michael Wyatt has reported back on his meeting with senior officers at County Hall where he discussed the concerns of local residents over the lack of action of the construction of the Bardon By-pass, which is desperately needed to help tackle the ever increasing traffic problems, and concerns expressed about the air quality.

County Councillor Michael Wyatt said, “I made it perfectly clear to officers that doing nothing is unacceptable. Many local residents want action to finally see the construction of the Bardon By-pass. Officers reassured me that they are expecting some progress over the next few years due to the possible expansion plans for the Bardon area. I came away from the meeting with a guarantee that a number of steps will be taken to help in the short term, which I hope will go some way to start tackling the concerns of local residents.”

Short term measures agreed

1. More frequent speed checks along bardon Road
2. Air quality checks
3. Site visit with senior officers to look at crossing Bardon Road near Bardon Close

Cllr Michael Wyatt hand delivered the ASDA petition to the council this week, which was signed by 1400 local people. The council initially refused to accept it but Cllr Wyatt was determined to make sure that the voice of local residents would not be ignored. The council then changed their mind and agreed to allow the petition to be submitted to the planning committee after Cllr Wyatt protested at their decision to snub the petition.

Michael said, “I think its an absolute disgrace that the Conservative Bosses at the council have tried to stop this petition being submitted supporting ASDA’s planning application. Once again the council have made a complete mess of allowing local people a say in local matters. Surely they must realise by now that they cannot ignore the wishes of the local residents. I only hope for their sake they pass this application, which will bring local jobs for local people to Coalville.”

Cllr Michael Wyatt along with a group of local residents spent today installing hanging baskets on Meadow Lane, and just off Greenhill Road at the junction of Linford Crescent.

This initiative was put forward by Michael to help to bring a bit of colour to the area. Michael would like to thank everyone for their help and support. Special thanks go toward his Mother who helped put together the hanging baskets.

Michael said, “This initiative is just the start of many we are hoping to put into practice in the Greenhill Ward. Over the next few weeks we will be planting new flowerbeds and installing even more hanging baskets in the area. We are determined to make our area a better place for everyone.”

On 23rd June the Asda petition was to be submitted to the District Council. Unfortunately the Tory Bosses have refused to allow this to happen. Over 1400 local residents have signed the petition calling on the Council to support Asda’s planning application, which will bring local jobs for local people to Coalville.

Michael said, “It’s a disgrace, trying to dictate and censor so many local people is the wrong way to go about showing they are listening to the concerns of local people. I can assure everyone this petition will be submitted come what may, and their voice will be heard. I have demanded that the petition must be accepted otherwise this will be seen as a massive snub to the local residents who wish to express their support for ASDA in Coalville. I am still hopeful that the council will climb down and allow the petition to be submitted to the planning commitee.”

If anyone would like to make an official complaint about the refusal of allowing the petition to be accepted then please send your complaint to the Chief Executive of the Council Christine Fisher, North West Leics District Council, Whitwick Road Coalville Leics or e-mail: christine.fisher@nwleicestershire.gov.uk

This continuing battle to bring ASDA to Coalville is a fight worth fighting. The Tories think they know best but clearly they don’t, the people know best, so why are they not listening? Not accepting this petition is a slap in the face to people’s democratic right to express their views and wishes. The Tories would be wise to listen to the people, give them what they want or suffer the consequences of becoming a Party labelled for their arrogance.

Cllr Michael Wyatt will be having a meeting with Highway Officers at County Hall on Wednesday to discuss how they can progress with the construction of the Bardon By-pass. Michael is keen to start pushing hard to have the Bardon By-pass constructed before the thousands of additional houses are built in the local area.

Cllr Michael Wyatt said, “I promised the local residents of Bardon that I will be doing my upmost to push for the construction of the By-pass as soon as possible. If there was ever a need for the By-pass its now. The ever increasing traffic flow on Bardon Road is making it impossible for many to cross the road at peak time, and the ever increasing vehicle fumes from the traffic using the road is now becoming a major health issue. On Wednesday I will be making sure the Officers understand once and for all that only the construction of the By-pass is what the people of Bardon want and deserve.”

Hanging baskets around the Greenhill Ward will be going up this weekend in several spots to help give the area a splash of colour. Over £200 worth of plants have been donated by local residents towards helping to improve the area in which we live.

Cllr Julie Roberts said, “We are determined to work to improve the area in partnership with local residents, and local businesses. This weekend is the start of making a real difference. After consulting local residents hanging baskets will be installed around the area to help brighten up our streets. We would like to thank local residents for their very kind donations of plants for the baskets and flowerbeds, and the District Council for helping to install the hanging basket trees.”

If you would like to get involved in helping to improve the area then contact Michael Wyatt on 07773341531. Work on installing the hanging baskets will be hopefully completed this weekend.