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Various pictures of the children enjoying the play equipment...
Keith's thought's on the Upwood Play Area controversy.
WHAT THIS WEB PAGE IS - In my capacity as a parish councillor I have been asked many questions by concerned parents. This web page is my reply which I will keep updated. As a councillor it is my duty to act in the best interests of the parish. This web page will allow me to do just that, by my being informed and staying informed on this important issue. Where views are expressed, these are entirely mine.
WHAT THIS WEB PAGE IS NOT! - This web page does not represent any pressure group. Neither do I represent any such group. I am just a local councillor trying to do what is best in an issue that has divided our community. This web page is NOT approved by the Parish Council, it is mine alone.
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OUR PARISH COUNCIL:
In my opinion the council has always acted prudently for the best interests of the community and cannot be faulted. This web page is not aimed at the council but to inform all who have an interest on a subject that is divisive and where strong opinions are held. Thus this web page is NOT designed to influence our Parish Council, who are more than capable of forming their own decision in this affair.
It is for our Parish Council to decide the outcome and I will support their final decision how ever they decide to settle the matter, until then I intend to participate robustly in the debate, which I like others have every right to engage in.
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It seems the play area is to stay, but with modifications! This is welcomed news and makes sense.
What can be done to try to alleviate some of the problems?
* The Megaphones and Binoculars which have caused offence can be easily repositioned.
* Hedging can be provided to prevent line of sight into peoples residences and dampen the sound, this can with ease be placed around our Play Area.
* If required, By-laws can be introduced to place a maximum age of of say twelve or fourteen years and a time at night when the equipment should be vacated.
Also welcome news is that Muir Housing, part owners of the land at Farm Close have offered, tentatively, to provide a play area and some equipment.
Placing additional equipment in Farm Close is an ideal solution that we have two play areas, as clearly we do not have a large enough space and Bentley Close. Also, it would stop children having to cross the Rat Run (Longholme Road) which commuters and others use to race from South Lincolnshire and elsewhere to reach the A1, Huntingdon and Cambridge. We know after the terrible tragedy on the Huntingdon Northern Bypass (A141) that mixing youngsters and vehicles does not work! There is no street lighting, speed calming measures but plenty of twists in the roads and a nasty junction.
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Various pictures of the children enjoying the play equipment...
Photography - pictures are by Keith and Thomas Sisman.
Group photos were taken on the press day when the equipment was handed over to the community. Single pictures were taken by permission.
Copyright, this remains with Keith and Thomas. Views expressed are those of Keith Sisman alone and no other person or organisation.