Since the previous AGM the community plan team has been actioning and monitoring the implementation of key actions identified in the survey. We have looked to address the items which received the most responses, either positive or negative. The committee has been involved in the following:
Additional Green spaces
The survey identified a desire for additional green spaces and improved conservation.
Action taken
There is an area known as the Old Allotments which the Allotments Trust have been renovating to provide additional green space for the village. As a result of the survey and donations received from residents we were able to obtain a £5000 grant from West Berkshire Council (WBC). This has been used for the following improvements at the allotments and playing field:
- Purchase and installation of a circular bench located in the old allotment area.
- Small bridge installed to enable a safe path through the old allotment area.
- Purchase and installation of a table and benches for use in the old allotment area.
- Purchase and planting of fruit trees to establish a community orchard in the old allotment area.
- Purchase of hedging plants for a portion of the playing field adjacent to the main road.
- Purchase of an outdoor table tennis table.
We were particularly pleased to be able to deliver the outdoor table tennis table as this was requested by the young adults completing the survey.
Cycleway to Mortimer
The survey was supportive of the need for a cycleway to Mortimer.
Action taken
Meeting held with the landowner, Englefield Estates who advised that any infrastructure must be to the same standards as the proposed route from Mortimer to Burghfield. Contact made with the Mortimer team to review method of construction and current estimate. Based on feedback from Mortimer this would make the cost of a cycleway difficult to fund. Other means of improving connectivity are being investigated.
Fly Tipping
The survey identified dissatisfaction with the quantity of fly tipping being experienced on roads around Beech Hill.
Action taken
After discussion with WBC they acknowledged that Beech Hill is a fly tipping hot spot relative to other similar areas. WBC are looking at measures to address the situation, however no further information received from WBC. Residents are advised to keep reporting any fly tipping via the Love Clean Streets App, or via the West Berks website. From the WBC home page select Report a Problem here, then select Report Litter and Fly Tipping.
Road Maintenance
There was a general dissatisfaction about the state of roads and overgrown hedges and verges.
Action taken
WBC are repairing potholes as reported. Please keep reporting potholes and deep drop-off in verges by the Love Clean Streets App, or by the West Berks website using the Report a Pothole option.
Any areas with overgrown hedges and verges should also be reported to WBC by the website using the report a Problem with Grass, Hedges and Shrubs option. WBC will either address directly, or via landowner depending upon responsibility.
Leisure Activities
While the survey showed appreciation for the services on offer there was a desire for more leisure activities to be provided.
Action taken
Several additional activities added to the Memorial Hall including an evening Pilates class, toddler/ baby group and yoga classes.
The possibility of establishing a Youth club facility was investigated with Everyone Active but limited numbers would make it difficult to sustain.
Road Safety
The major feedback form the survey was excessive speed at junctions with limited visibility.
Action taken
Community Speedwatch team established and regular sessions being held.
Bus Service
The survey identified the need for some form of shared transport from Beech Hill.
Action taken
Discussions have been held with district councillors with regards to provision of a bus service for Beech Hill. Mortimer are looking at some additional requirements and Beech Hill will be added to the list for discussion with Reading Buses.
In addition discussions held with Burghfield and Mortimer handy bus. This is a volunteer service and they have a spare mini bus which could be used by Beech Hill. However, following a request for volunteers to drive a mini bus service, no volunteers were were forthcoming. Consequently any further development of a volunteer run mini bus service for Beech Hill cannot be developed.
Existing Footpaths
While the survey showed appreciation for the current facilities there were many comments with regards to restricted seasonal access, either overgrown in summer or too muddy in winter.
Action taken
Any footpaths with limited or restricted access should be reported via the Love Clean streets App, or via the WBC website using the Report a Problem on a Public Right of Way (PROW) option. WBC will either address directly, or via landowner depending upon responsibility.
Health Services
Two issues identified from the survey; waiting time for appointments and difficultly in getting to the medical appointments.
Action taken
Appointment availability is a national problem and beyond the community plan team to influence.
With regard to difficulty getting to medical appointments, contact was made with the Burghfield and Mortimer Volunteer Bureau and they are able to provide transport for anyone who has difficultly attending a medical appointment.
They can be contacted as follows:
Phone 0118 983 1814 between 9.30 and 11.30 Monday to Friday
In addition we have discussed with Swallowfield Medical Practice about the possibility of holding a surgery at the Memorial Hall. SMP advised that the Memorial Hall is not suitable for holding surgery.
Existing Green Spaces
The survey identified that maintenance was required at some existing green spaces, in particular the duck pond.
Action taken
Following discussion with Stratford Saye estate they have confirmed that they are happy for maintenance to be carried out at the duck pond. However, no response was received to the request for volunteers to carry out maintenance work.