Councillor Tim Hill’s Report to Stewartby Parish Council - For 16th February 2012

Covanta Incinerator

- The latest news on "the grapevine" is that the challenges by Covanta and the Government to the Special Parliamentary Procedure petitioned for by Bedford Borough Council, Central Beds District Council and 23 Parish Councils have failed. However, that is still to be formally confirmed. If it is confirmed a Joint Committee of the Commons and the Lords will review the IPC decision to approve the proposal.

Highways Programme 2012/13

- No update.

Ward Fund

- 2012/13 Ward Fund - No growth in amount available. Please advise of any suggested Projects that may benefit from a Ward Fund contribution.

Ward Name

- Needs to be formally consulted on with all affected residents i.e. All residents of Elstow Ward. This means as little as an article from the Borough Council in both Parish Newsletters.

- Have requested that it be discussed at 14 Feb 12 meeting of Elstow Parish Council. It does not need to be in favour, just to consent to a Parish Newsletter article.

Manor Road, Kempston Hardwick - volume and speeding of cars.

- I have done a consultation exercise by post with allManor Roadresidents. All bar one want action ASAP but with no commonality on solutions. Will be discussing this with Cllr Charles Royden the relevant Portfolio Holder.

Various Highways matters

- Lay-by near railway bridge. Amey have installed the "grasscrete lay by".

- Broadmead Road- Work is now planned for early spring. Still pressing for an earlier start.

Sir Malcolm Stewart Homes

- Double glazing and satellite tv: No update.

- Gritting lorries: Am told they do not do The Crescent. Will be pressing for this.

Village Heritage

- Cllr Doug McMurdo the relevant Portfolio Holder has had a positive response from the Heritage Lottery Fund but none as yet from Heidleburg.

Borough Council

- The Council's Library Service has linked up with Family History Detectives to promote family history at Bedford, Kempston and Wootton Libraries this month. If you get along to one of these libraries this month you will be provided with free access to computers and library online resources including www.ancestrylibrary.com. Those who have been bitten by the family history bug know how fascinating and enjoyable it can be. Through this initiative, it is hoped that people will be able to get even more out of their research at their local library.