Beech Hill Newsletter
Community Plan Update
The committee have been meeting on a regular basis to work on the action plans identified in the Community Plan update. A key step has been agreeing responsibilities and interface with other organisations, namely the Parish Council and the Allotments Trust. This is now complete. In addition we have also been monitoring progress on the implementation of the West Berkshire Council (WBC) grant. Of the grant items, the following have been completed:
- 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
We hope you have all had the opportunity to go and enjoy these enhancements to the old allotment area!
The remaining grant items:
- Purchase and planting of fruit trees to establish a community orchard in the old allotment area
- Purchase of trees and hedging plants for rewilding a portion of the playing field adjacent to the main road
- Purchase of an indoor/ outdoor table tennis table
Work has commenced on planting some hedging plants on the playing field adjacent to the main road. However, the Allotments Trust requires willing volunteers to help with the planting of the community orchard this autumn. If you are able to provide assistance could you please contact clerk.bhat@gmail.com
In addition progress on the action plans can be summarised as follows;
Conservation/ Additional Green spaces
We are working with the Allotments Trust to provide support for the renovation of the old allotment area, see also information on WBC grant above.
New Cycleway to Mortimer Station
We are looking to reopen discussions with local land owner with regards to access for a cycleway. The feasibility of a more cost effective option is being evaluated.
Fly tipping
The Parish Councilare looking to initiate discussion with WBC to see if any deterrent measures are available for use at known fly tipping hot spots. In the meantime can you please continue to report fly tipping using either the WBC website westberks.gov.uk, or by using the “Love clean streets” app.
Road maintenance
The Parish Council will look to engagewith WBC estate management team to discuss options for improving the maintenance of hedges and verges.
Some pothole repairs have been undertaken and some road edges with deep drop-offs have been filled. However, can you please keep reporting potholes as they develop, via the Love Clean Streets app.
Additional leisure activities
The Memorial Hall has established an additional evening pilates class and is looking at establishing a parent and baby/toddler group.
Road safety
The Parish Council have established a community speedwatch team, and are just awaiting monitoring equipment to begin regular operations.
Existing footpaths
The Parish Council will engage with the WBC estate management team to discuss options for improving footpath maintenance.
Health services
Burghfield and Mortimer Volunteer Bureau are able to provide transport for anyone who has difficulty attending a medical appointment. They can be contacted as follows;
Phone 0118 983 1814 between 9.30 and 11.30 Monday to Friday
We have made contact with Swallowfield Medical Practice to see if they can hold appointments at the Memorial Hall. Unfortunately, the facilities at the Memorial Hall are not suitable for holding a surgery.
Existing green spaces
We have established contact with Stratfield Saye Estate Office to obtain agreement on maintenance at the duck pond.