November and December 2009
It doesn't seem many weeks ago since I sat down at my computer to compile our article for Kidsgrove News, to let you know what our residents association has been involved with recently. I always find it difficult to make a start and decide what I should report on, invariably I end up speaking to Graham, our chairman, and then I have the additional problem of what to leave out .. this month is no exception!The September meeting started with an update of on-going issues, in particular the control and management of the adjacent lakes and wooded areas.
The Clough Hall estate is surrounded by old established wooded areas and lakes, which although nice to look at and live by, produce many unique problems. Our Chairman and several members of the committee organised a meeting with the Borough Council to discuss the future management of the wooded areas, which includes topping of over mature trees, thinning of coppice growth and grass cutting. Concerns about the graffiti and ongoing problems in Bathpool Park were also raised. The residents of the Clough Hall area consider these to be major issues, which we intend to progress until we have a satisfactory conclusion.
PC Dave Woodward gave a short presentation about current police initiatives and planned activities in the Kidsgrove area.
The first guest speakers were Jane Finnemore, assisted by Nikolia Luyuck who spoke about the Recycling Services provided by Newcastle Borough Council. They explained how the rubbish was processed and clarified what items should be put into the various containers for doorstep collection.
From March 2010 the garden waste service will be extended to all properties with a garden and a separate weekly food waste collection will be introduced; general waste will then be collected every two weeks and should only include items which cannot be recycled.
Our second guest speaker was Rev. Paul Howard who spoke about Christians Against Poverty, a national debt counselling charity with a network of centres based in local churches. Paul illustrated his talk with two short videos, both of which demonstrated the importance of being in financial control.
Our chairman recently attended the "11 Million Take Over Day" at Clough Hall Technology School, a day when children and young people join decision-makers across the public and private sectors to find out what running the country is all about and to offer some wisdom of their own. The campaign is sponsored by the Children's Commissioner for England. (see http://www.11million.org.uk/ ) Congratulations must go to Clough Hall School for hosting the event superbly and to Staffordshire Police for facilitating such an exciting, interesting and informative event.
Finally, we wish you a happy Christmas and New Year and if you live in the Clough Hall area, and haven't yet been to one of our meetings, we will be pleased to see you in 2010.
Carol Singing .. Date and time to be announced (see WEB site).
Carol singing led by the Salvation Army Band will take place on ‘The Green' in front of The Clough Hall Hotel. You are all very welcome to join us and carol sheets will be provided.