Dear  Resident,

Since the last newsletter I am pleased to say new dropped crossing on the Cotes Park Industrial Estate have been approved.  This has, I know, been a problem, for sometime now, for many people wanting to access Pennytown Ponds in wheelchairs, on disability scooters, and parents with young children.  I am also pleased at the news that Pennytown Ponds has retained the Green Flag.  This is a real tribute to everyone who has worked to improve the area, and that it is now a place to be really proud of.   I have been working with the Council and the Police to reduce problems on the horse field just off Parkside, and you will have noticed the scrub and lower branches of the trees in the copse have all been removed to open up the area so that it is not an enclosed area where no-one can see what is happening.  I have also had the hedges and trees cut back from Parkside through to Park Mews so it is not so dark and intimidating for people walking through.   I am still awaiting a decision on the extra light for that area.   I have been asked a number of times about the incinerator proposal at Pye Bridge.  Since I managed to have the application deferred the company has requested that the proposal is not progressed at this time.    I don’t know when it will go back to Planning for a decision but will keep you informed of any news.   

I have given a number of grants to voluntary groups in my electoral division over the past year to help them carry on their vital work via the County Council Community Leadership Scheme.  As well as the Parish Council supporting worthy organisations, Derbyshire County Council also support groups through a Community Action Grant.  If you would like to apply, Contact Kath Walker at Derbyshire County Council on 01629 580000 for further information. 

We have also just had the decision that the County Council are going to replace the bus shelter on Leabrooks Road opposite the Lighthouse Shop, going towards Swanwick.  I am sure this will benefit many passengers while they are waiting for the bus to arrive during our glorious summers.

Due to the closure of the post box at Leabrooks I have been in contact with Royal Mail regarding a replacement post box facility  around the Leabrooks corner area.   Hopefully something will be in place shortly.

Regards
Paul Smith