Tag Archives: Councillors

Miscellaneous

GHRA Updates for November 2017

Although updates have been slow here, behind the scenes it’s a different story as the Galley Hill Residents Association is continuing apace and things are happening in Galley Hill.

The Galley Hill noticeboard in its new home

Firstly, the noticeboard by the school has finally been moved to its new position. Cllr Mick Allsopp and our Chairperson Nyomie were there to see the result of months of badgering the council to get the first of the GHRA projects completed.

We have also seen the bench carving project funded and the carving begun. The bench carving from the fallen tree has begunThe local St. Mary St. Giles school in Galley Hill has been asked to involve the children in designing a theme for the carver to decorate the bench with.

There has also been a very welcome closer relationship between GHRA and both of our Councillors for the area, with all 3 working together to put pressure on the various Councils to get the necessary repairs done in Galley Hill. We are now getting a better response when issues are raised, such as when the park trampoline needed to be repaired. MK Council were contacted by several residents, the case was highlighted to both Councillors by the GHRA, and Mick Allsopp and Paul Bartlett both put additional pressure on the council to get a speedy response.  The same thing happened when the park surfacing material was vandalised, again we had the backing of the councillors and again a prompt response.

Some things however still get short shrift from MK Council such as missing street name signage at Clailey Court and Redbourne Court, potholes, and tree damage to redway paths, despite the concerted efforts by residents, GHRA and our councillors. We continue trying to motivate the Council to stop passing the buck and to carry out much needed repairs around the estate anyway.

Finally we are looking for thesingers among you to volunteer to sing in the carol services being organised by our secretary Joy, and court reps Sue and Kate. They are proposing to hold the carols on Tue, 12th December, starting ~6pm and would also like to hold a general rehearsal on Thurs, 23rd November. Please volunteer if you have the time, contact them by email secretary@ghra.uk or buckley@ghra.uk 

Thanks for your support from all at GHRA

GHRA Meetings

GHRA Meeting Report Thursday 15th June 2017

The first thing to say about the meeting was that everyone was pleased to see Mick Allsopp there. For those who don’t know already, our local councillor and outgoing vice chair of Galley Hill Residents association, Mick, had another heart attack a couple of weeks ago and was hospitalised. He has once again bounced back and was in tremendous form for the meeting, so much so that at one point several of us were concerned at his level of enthusiasm and tried to get him to settle back for fear of further setbacks!

The meeting had an uncertain start as the small meeting place hall was filled with another group of people, eventually an executive decision was taken to use the kitchen area for our meeting as we weren’t expecting a huge number to attend as it was a committee meeting. That was also a bit of a misjudgement as several court reps also turned up, which despite the cramped conditions was very welcome as it shows the people of Galley Hill do care and the Residents Association does have strong support.

The meeting started with the usual H&S blurb about fire exits and evacuation etcetera, then moved swiftly to the Any Other Business portion of the proceedings to get that set aside quickly.  The items discussed were

  • the new application for a License to sell alcohol by the Peri Peri take away in Barford
  • Antisocial behaviour in several of the local courts and any action which could help to settle disputes
  • Neighbourhood watch scheme which has been enthusiastically received
  • Concerns over the possibility of Galley Hill becoming a listed area
  • Stony Stratford Town Council rate increase and if they go unchallenged does this pave the way for ever larger increases?
  • The possibility of other Councillors representing Galley Hill turning up to meetings and being more visible to the people they represent. (the point at which Mick Allsopp became worryingly vocal and passionate giving us all cause for concern)

The committee has also recognised that more could be done between meetings to speed up some decisions by using email and smaller meetings to discuss and action some of the more minor details. Motorcycle noise, vulnerable residents and security cameras were also briefly discussed with more in depth discussion to follow.

The reason it had been decided to move AOB to the front and get it put to bed as quickly as possible so the matter of raising issues at the upcoming SSTC meeting could be discussed. This is important as it is the residents chance to grab the attention of the local Council and get any problems aired with a view to getting some assurances of action from the Council. 3 people are to stand up and state the case for the following issues to be addressed:

  1. Adam to speak on the issue of trees needing cutting back and leaves being left on the ground creating a slip hazard in the Autumn.
  2. Debbie to bring up the poor maintenance of the pathways and Red Routes around GH
  3. Nyomie to speak on behalf of Mrs Reidy on poor waste management by neighbours in the area leaving rubbish bags out at the wrong times.

Following the organisation of these much appreciated volunteers we moved on to the possibility of a disco taking place in September. So far we are in agreement that this needs planning but we need funds to purchase the necessary public liability insurance to cover the event. Once again Dave has pulled together an issue of the Newsletter which will be printed and delivered soon. Speed limits and dealing with those who blatantly disregard them was also discussed along with some possible alternatives to speed bumps to slow down repeat offenders but not inconvenience everyone in the area.

Full details will be available in the minutes which will be posted soon but we did have a little time to discuss that the GHRA is now recognised by the MK Council and we have been added to the list of Residents Associations on their website. The next meeting will be on 20th July 2017, two days after the SSTC meeting, both of which will be held in the small meeting place above the shop and which we would like as many residents of Galley Hill to attend.

As always, thanks for your support.
The Committee Of The Galley Hill Residents Association.