Residents' Association Chairman's Notes - Summer 2008
Minutes of Residents' Association Extraordinary Meeting - June 16th 2008
Minutes of Residents' Association Comittee Meeting - April 15th 2008
Minutes of Residents' Association AGM - October 15th 2007

Warwick District Council
Parish Council
Neighbourhood Watch
Burton Green School
Village Hall News
Hodgetts Lane Womens Institute
MEG Monday Eve Group
Burton Green Congregation
Warwick University Links with the Community

Open Gardens 2007

Mine Opposition Group Revival
Oak Trees

Residents' Association Chairman's Notes - Summer 2008

Chris Langton

School Admissions for 2009

Burton Green Residents’ Association AGM

Warwick District Council

As your local councillors we all will be happy to assist in any way we can and if you have a problem please ring or e-mail us.

Michael Coker

Our Warwickshire County councillor is:
John Whitehouse - Liberal Democrat - 01926 512130 - cllrwhitehouse@warwickshire.gov.uk

Parish Council

Police and Neighbourhood Watch

• 30th Jan Incident 472 – a purse which was on view was stolen from a car in Red Lane
• 28th Apr Incident 393 – jewellery stolen from a house in Cromwell Lane after entry was made to a house in mid afternoon by smashing a conservatory window – 2 men in a P reg Metro seen acting suspiciously
• 7th May Incident 250 – a briefcase was stolen from a house in Cromwell Lane – later recovered on the lawn
• 7th Jun Incident 34 – a laptop and TV were stolen around 1 am from a house in Red Lane

If you have information on any of these incidents please contact Warwickshire Police 01926 415000 or call Crime Stoppers 0800 555111. Information on Incidents can be viewed at www.safer-neighbourhoods.co.uk.

For Neighbourhood Watch e-mail alerts please apply to bgra@onetel.com.

Burton Green School

Our New School Library

As the children left for the holidays the builders and decorators moved in. They removed the old sink, a water heater, cupboards and masses of redundant piping. The whole area was redecorated, a new carpet laid and new shelving installed. A beautiful arch window, that was part of the original building, has now become a feature of one wall. It is amazing how different the space now looks! Although not a big area it will enable us to have a dedicated library.

With the decoration complete we commissioned the School’s Library Service to help us audit and organise the stock. Many of our books were very dated and needed replacing and we have drawn up a list of new books that we need to buy. The Friends of Burton Green have done a tremendous job in raising over £5000 to enable us to purchase new stock. Without this money we would not be able to extend the range of books available to the children.

Last week I accompanied the Librarian to a specialist shop in Birmingham to begin the exciting job of buying new books. These should be delivered in the next few weeks and we can then finalise the organisation of the library. We are hoping to have a formal opening of the library later in the term.

The school has it's own website, here: Burton Green School.

Cathy Clarke, Headteacher.

Village Hall News

Fund Raising

Also £350 was raised through a coffee morning and lunch for Macmillan Cancer Support and £340 for Children in Need – Deirdre Vernon thanks everyone for your support.

In August, a fishing competition followed by a ‘fun’ evening at the Peeping Tom raised £3400 in memory of Harry Archer, also for Macmillan – another similar event is planned for this August.

Produce & Pet Show

To book the hall or new meeting room please phone our booking secretary MAXINE VINEY on (01926) 512742 between 5pm and 8pm.

David Line - Chairman (024) 7646 2070

Hodgetts Lane Women's Institute

The WI meets on the second Monday evening of each month at Burton Green Village Hall. For most months a speaker or demonstator is appointed.

The Annual meeting is held in October and the WI Resolutions meeting in May. These business meetings are folllowed by a social. July is Outings month. August is member's month and the Christmas party is held in December.

In addition to these dates members enjoy visits to exhibitions, the theatre and places of interest, craft lessons and events, bowls, darts, rambles, and association with other WIs in the area.

Visitors are always welcome.

Contact the Secretary: Mrs Janet Lewis 01926 858362.

Forthcoming Programme

14 July

Annual Outing

11 Aug

Member’s Day

8 Sept

Gillian Andrews – historic talk on “Charming SIddons” 

13 Oct

Annual Meeting

MEG Monday Eve Group

Forthcoming Programme

Jun 23rd

The Body Shop - talk and demonstration by Amanda Blanchard

July 28th

Beetle drive and supper evening

Sept 22nd

Mike Miles - Baron Ash of Packwood House

Burton Green Congregation

For more information contact: Jerry Marshall, 7 Hodgetts Lane, 024 7669 4819 or visit www.westwoodchurch.co.uk.

Warwick University Links with the Community

Mine Opposition Group Revival

The now defunct Burton Green Mine Opposition Group played an instrumental role in fighting off the proposals, along with a number of other bodies in Berkswell, Balsall Common and Kenilworth. This ‘Federation of Colliery Opposition Groups’ still exists although it has not met for more than a decade. Prompted by the move of the secretary Mike Tracey to Devon the group was reconvened last month.

On the agenda was the continuation of the Federation, or if disbanded the disposal of the £16,000 remaining in the fighting fund. The constitution requires that this be distributed to charities supporting the protection of the Green Belt.

Burton Green was represented by the chairman of the Residents’ Association where we argued strongly for the continuation of the Federation.

In the remote event of future plans to mine this seam (some 20 feet thick) an infrastructure to oppose this would already be in place.

After much discussion, the majority or groups were in favour of continuing. Accordingly some new officers were appointed and a meeting has been convened for 23rd June to review the constitution and possible distribution of some of the funds.

Open Gardens

Janet Stanworth.

A selection of photos of the Open Gardens 2007, taken by Chris Langton, can be seen here: Photos of Open Gardens 2007.

The next Burton Green Open Gardens event is due to take place in the Summer of 2009.

Oak Trees

News from the Burton Green Resident’s Association

We undertake to only use your e-mail address for the distribution of information directly relating to Burton Green and will not, without your approval, supply your address to any other organisation.

Minutes of Extraordinary Meeting of the Residents' Association June 16th 2008 Present: Chris Langton (Chairman); Judi Hibberd; Janet Hickinbottom; Archie Taylor; Bron Putnam; Janet Stanworth; and John Levett. In attendance: David Line. The meeting had been called to discuss the Options for Growth document issued by Warwick District Council (WDC) and the possible impact of various options on the village of Burton Green. The government believed the current housing stock was insufficient to support the growth in population up to 2026. All councils had to draw up plans to address the shortage. Coventry’s plans were not yet available but WDC’s had been published for consultation and responses were to be submitted by July 10th 2008. Chris had been invited by Cllr George Illingworth to a presentation to Kenilworth Town Council and he felt that all residents needed to be aware of the options and the consultation process. As a result, the meeting had been called to highlight the issues which would then be placed in the forthcoming edition of the Bugle with a request to residents to make a response. Chris showed a slide from the presentation which said: Up to 1976 WDC had built 40,000 houses Between 1976 and 2006 WDC had built 20,000 houses Between 2006 and 2026 it was anticipated WDC would build 10,800 houses Of theses 10800, 2650 had already been built or received planning consent; 5,400 were to be built on brownfield sites; and 2,700 would be needed on greenfield sites. The options in the booklet were considered in turn: Option 1: Focus growth in and around Warwick, Leamington and Whitnash Option 2: Focus growth along the A46 corridor Option 3: Balance growth in and around the four towns Option 4: Disperse growth across the district including within villages Option 5: Direct growth immediately to the south of Coventry It was decided that the following issues should be raised: There was opposition to changing significantly the nature of the village There was opposition to breaking ribbon development (by the introduction of cul de sac type developments, for example) Infilling of ribbon development might be appropriate There is a need to resist erosion of the Green Belt between Coventry and Kenilworth A balance of affordable and executive housing is needed The current road infrastructure does not support a significant increase in housing in our area As a result of these discussions it was decided that Options 1 and 3 might be most acceptable but definitely not Options 4 and 5. there were questions regarding the suitability of aspects of Option 2. There was to be an exhibition of the Options at Cannon Park on Friday June 20th. All of this information would be included in an article in the Bugle which would be distributed on Wednesday June 18th. Residents would be urged to make a response. Chris would draft a formal letter on behalf of the BGRA and the content of this would be informed by any further responses notified by residents. Action: Chris Date of Next Meeting: The next committee meeting would take place at the Village Hall on Tuesday September 30th 2008 at 7.30p.m.

Minutes of the Residents' Committee Meeting April 15th 2008 Under the Safer Routes to School Scheme, a few minor amendments had been made to proposals and it was hoped the latter would be implemented before the end of the financial year. These would include a pedestrian refuge at the junction of Red Lane and Cromwell Lane; dropped crossings and the build out of kerbs on both sides; and the cutting back of ground level vegetation on Hob Lane. Two or three options were being considered as part of the Village Speed Review including the use of speed cushions. The bridge area was also being considered to see if there was a way of widening the footpath. Councillors’ Reports Warwickshire County Council Cllr John Whitehouse said the Connect2 project had already been discussed. The question now was timing of the implementation of the plans but this information was not yet available. He was asked if the project would include the question of access at the Berkswell end of the Greenway. They did not, but negotiations were soon to re-open on that matter. As part of the upgrading of Kenilworth’s sewers, Warwick Road was to be closed between May and October with local diversions in place. Warwick District Council Cllrs Coker and Blacklock said waste contracts had now been signed and bins ordered in time for April. There would be a great deal of publicity and support available regarding new refuse and recycling arrangements. From April 1st new travel concession arrangements would be available to all over 60s. This would allow free bus transport anywhere in the country. Procedures were changing with regard to Tree Preservation Orders and surveying would take place. Residents would be able to challenge orders. Parish Council There was nothing of relevance to Burton Green to report from the Parish Council. Police Matters and Neighbourhood Watch Neighbourhood Watch Concerns remained over the currency and relevance of information received. The administrator of the system had been contacted and the matter was to be raised again at a forthcoming meeting of the Safer Neighbourhoods Scheme. Village Hall Di Swindells reported on behalf of the Village Hall committee. An Awards for All grant application form was being completed asking for £7,500 to install a hearing loop and to replace the front doors with outward opening ones to conform with the Disability Discrimination Act. The refurbishment of the kitchen would be the next target. Signposts to the Village Hall were being arranged and the only problem lay with the positioning of one at the junction of Hodgetts Lane and Waste Lane. Cllr Illingworth mentioned planning rules regarding a proposed new sign outside the hall and agreed to forward details. Action: Cllr Illingworth An art exhibition would be held on May 17th/18th. Treasurer’s Report Archie reported that there was £470.64 in the deposit account and £562 in the current account. Expenses of £100 had been incurred at the AGM. Bugle Chris had collated articles for the next edition which was about to go to print and would be distributed later in the week. Thanks were extended to volunteers who had agreed to help with distribution and Archie was managing the list. An extra 50 copies were made available for parents of non-Burton Green children at the school. Any Other Business Archie would speak to the owners about the overhanging hedge of Burrow Hill Nursery on Hob Lane. Action: Archie Problems with grit on the pavements had been resolved except that in the process some of this had been swept onto drives in Cromwell Lane. The reflective posts in Hob Lane had been replaced. Litter continued to be a problem and Chris agreed to monitor this. Action: Chris The problem caused by a high hedge near the bridge in Cromwell Lane had been addressed. It was unclear whether there remained a problem with cars parking at the entrance to the Greenway in Hodgetts Lane and blocking access for horses but John Whitehouse was following this up. Date of Next Meeting The next committee meeting would take place at the Village Hall on Tuesday September 30th 2008 at 7.30p.m. (Subject to availability of the Hall.) Action: Judi

Minutes of the Residents' Association AGM October 15th 2007 Minutes of the Annual General Meeting of the Burton Green Residents’ Association held on October 15th 2007 at the Village Hall. Chairman’s Report The Chairman, Chris Langton, welcomed everyone to the meeting. He explained the key points for 2007 had been: Input and response to the Review of Speed Limits and Safer Routes to School Initiative Continued monitoring and responses to the Coventry Core Strategy: Options Continued monitoring and responses to University of Warwick’s expansion plans through to 2020 Lobbying of Warwickshire County Council (WCC) on various maintenance issues Promotion of “Smartwater” via Neighbourhood Watch In 2008, other key issues would be to: To seek a successful conclusion to the Speed Limit Review and Safer Routes to School initiative Further response to the Coventry Core Strategy when the Preferred Options are issued in December 2007 which will show any likely impact for Burton Green Traffic Proposals WCC had held a Public Consultation in June 2007. There had been an exceptional response rate. The proposals included the reduction in the speed limit to 30mph on Cromwell Lane, Hodgett’s Lane and Hob Lane with traffic calming measures on the straight section of Cromwell Lane. Developments had stalled because of changes in personnel at WCC and the fact that 29% of residents responding had objected to “pinch points” on Cromwell Lane. Hence WCC were reluctant to implement changes. This provoked further discussion in the meeting. Cllr John Whitehouse said it was WCC policy that pinch points (or something similar) would be necessary to ensure that the speed limit is self enforcing. Less controversial elements were due for implementation early in 2008. The Safer Routes to School Initiative was involved in: A pedestrian central refuge at the junction of Red Lane and Cromwell Lane Re-profiling of the junction Clearing of the pavements along Hob Lane Improved signage around the school The Residents’ Association had suggested additional measures: Village Gateway on Hodgett’s Lane similar to that proposed for Red Lane Extension of the 30mph ‘protection zone’ at the top of Red Lane to include the bends Review of signage on the bends of Red Lane Improved safety measures at the junction of Hodgett’s Lane and Cromwell Lane including the railway bridge The next steps were that a revised proposal from WCC would be presented to the Parish Council and the review group comprising members of the Residents’ Association and the governors of the school. Cllr Whitehouse pointed out that it had been agreed to bring forward by one year the Village Speed Review and the Safer Routes to School initiative. Although there were difficulties with the Speed Review, the Safer Routes to School measures were going ahead in the current financial year. Coventry Core Strategy – the Options An “Issues and Options” document had been published in June 2006. A response had been submitted objecting to: Any expansion of Coventry beyond current boundaries Any erosion of the Green Belt between Coventry and Kenilworth/Berkswell/Meriden Noise and pollution created by any potential proposal to develop a southern ring road The original document had been “returned for review” and had been republished recently. The key was a housing expansion plan in a North/South corridor between Nuneaton and Leamington with Coventry at the centre. The target for housing units in Coventry was 34,000 by 2021. No specific proposals were made but hints were included to “release of peripheral Green Belt land.” (Cllr Whitehouse believed these were mainly within the Coventry boundary. He also pointed out that the Warwickshire Local Plan had added land at Crackley into the Green Belt.) There were references to the need for an infrastructure of transport links, schooling and health facilities to support housing growth. The next stage would be the publication of the “Preferred Options” document by Coventry City Council in December 2007. Maintenance Issues The Residents’ Association had sought action to cut back overgrowth restricting the pavement at the bends on Red Lane; and to clear blocked gullies in various places. These maintenance issues remained outstanding. Refuse Collection Proposals Warwick District Council had negotiated contracts for 2008 onwards. New arrangements would include: Moving to an alternate weekly collection scheme for household (residual) waste and recyclable material New wheeled bins to be provided for residual refuse (with alternative arrangements for the infirm and for properties with insufficient storage) The red box system to continue for paper and glass with cardboard and plastic bottles added Green wheeled bins to be provided for garden waste (or garden sacks if insufficient space) and possible use of vegetable waste Collection no longer from house side but kerbside Cllr Coker explained the drivers behind the changes: Essential to increase recycling because of landfill problems Inequitable situation currently as half the district have “green” collections already All waste contracts being renewed simultaneously and costs of continuing current services prohibitive He assured residents that additional staff were being employed to deal with “teething problems.” Publicity was to be increased to ensure success of the new measures. In response to one question, he assured those present that all refuse stays in Britain. Village Hall David Line reported a succession of successful fund raising events. Most recently a Produce Show had been intended as a celebration of 25 years of the current village hall but its success meant it was to become a biennial event taking turns with the Open Gardens. A Produce Show would be held in 2008. The village hall floor had been resanded and polished and volunteers had repainted the room. The Gents toilet was to be refurbished next and all the toilets would have replacement windows. A bid had been made to Awards for All to install a hearing loop and audio system. Now the hall needed replacement front doors which opened outwards to comply with the Disability Discrimination Act. The Village Hall AGM would be held on November 29th and all were welcome. Chris thanked David and all the Village Hall committee members for their tremendous work which had resulted in so many improvements and a resultant increase in bookings. Police Matters and Neighbourhood Watch Chris provided a list of reported crimes in the last 12 months and although there had been relatively few crimes he expressed a need for continued vigilance. John Levett and others attended the Safer Neighbourhoods Scheme meetings where matters discussed had included anti social behaviour; criminal damage and vandalism; graffiti; drunkenness and rowdiness. The focus so far had been on Kenilworth. In response to a question, it was explained that Burton Green was now covered by an Inspector and four sergeants based in Kenilworth and Sergeant Bosworth had recently been replaced during his secondment by Acting Sergeant Ben Smith. An application form for SmartWater was in the Bugle and further uptake was encouraged. County Councillor’s report The Kenilworth Greenway committee had representation from Burton Green. Issues had been resolved involving trees causing problems to both the Village Hall and a number of residents. WCC was committing £15,000 to start a process of upgrading on the Greenway for walkers, cyclists and horse riders. Connect2 is a UK-wide project that aims to improve local travel in 79 communities by creating new walking and cycling routes for local journeys. The Greenway is part of the project which is being promoted by Sustrans for a Big Lottery bid. Residents were urged to support the scheme by voting on ITV later in the year. Cllr Whitehouse was sorry to report that the plans to purchase a piece of land adjoining the school for its use had failed because of what the county considered an unrealistic asking price. He agreed to look at the maintenance issues as they impacted on the footpath. A number of residents had reported problems with being refused entry to the Recycling Centre in Kenilworth when they owned pick up vehicles. The policy of refusal had been in place for a number of years but had only recently been actively enforced. Others who had experienced this problem were asked to contact Cllr Whitehouse. WDC Area committee had made provision of extra funds for additional speed awareness cameras which would be available on a rota system throughout the district. Two suitable locations in Burton Green had been identified in Hodgett’s Lane and Red Lane. District Councillor’s Report Cllr Ann Blacklock said the District Council had changed hands recently with a different political party in charge. She explained the Small Grants Scheme which was available for voluntary organisations or community groups to claim up to £500 as 50% of the cost of new projects. Cllr George Illingworth asked if Burton Green had experienced any problems in times of recent flooding. He was advised of the location in Hob Lane where flooding problems existed. Parish Councillor’s Reports In his role as parish councillor, Chris reported the Parish Council had undergone changes with effect from May 2007: Boundaries of the parish now included properties in Red Lane and Hob Lane formerly in Abbey Ward, Kenilworth Distribution of sets had changed to include Ashow 2 seats (previously 2) Burton Green 4 seats (previously 2) Stoneleigh 4 seats (previously 6) University 4 seats (previously 0) The parish council had been renamed “Ashow, Burton Green and Stoneleigh joint Parish Council.” The four Burton Green Parish Councillors were Chris Langton, Archie Taylor, Graham Williams and Ian de Worringham. Key issues involving the Parish Council had been Coventry airport where expansion plans had been refused but an appeal was being considered; and traffic and speed issues in Burton Green and Stoneleigh village. Treasurer’s Report The audited accounts were presented and copies were available. It was proposed that the accounts should be accepted. Problems with distribution of the Bugle were highlighted and a number of volunteers agreed to help with this. Election of Auditor Peter Tacon was thanked for agreeing to audit the accounts. His re-election as auditor was accepted. Election of Committee members The constitution required that the officers and two committee members should stand down and then all of these were re-elected en bloc. Any Other Business and Date of Next Annual General Meeting Further attention was drawn by Betty Woodward to the drain problems at the junction of Hodgett’s Lane and Cromwell Lane. Cllr Whitehouse agreed to take this up with the relevant department. David Line asked if a sign could be made available pointing people to the Village Hall. Ann Blacklock agreed to enquire about the process. The Burton Green sign in Red Lane would be moved to incorporate the new boundary. A question was raised about replanting daffodils at the junction of Red lane and Cromwell Lane. Because of impending work on the junction, a decision was deferred. The next Annual General Meeting would be held on Monday October 6th 2008.

Safer Routes to Schools & Village Speed Limit Review Proposal Warwickshire County Council is proposing to implement traffic management measures in Burton Green as part of the Safer Routes to Schools initiative and Village Speed Limit Review.  The Safer Routes to Schools initiative encourages pupils to walk or cycle to school by making their routes safer and more convenient.  The Village Speed Limit Review seeks to introduce sustainable speed limits in villages. BGRA Response Following discussions with residents and debate at our Committee meeting of 20th June 2007 we have the following comments: Cromwell Lane We support the proposed reduction in the speed limit to 30 mph. The proposed introduction of road narrowing features has raised particular concerns: We understand that their introduction is principally in order to control the flow of large volumes of traffic. However during the two rush hour periods traffic tends to be self regulating due to the volume and the congestion caused by vehicles turning into Westwood Heath Road. Speeding is not a problem during these periods, rather outside them when the introduction of ‘chicanes’ will be less effective and potentially encourage speeding. Concerns have also been raised that it will extend the congestion along the whole length of the road making access from drives more difficult during the rush hour periods. We understand the logic for only placing pinch points on the straight part of Cromwell Lane. However the rest of Cromwell Lane cannot therefore be ‘self policing’ in the same way and the frustration of delays at the pinch points may result in motorists driving faster on the other sections. This straight stretch of road thankfully has a good safety record in terms of personal injury accidents. There are concerns that the introduction of pinch points will lead to an increase in accidents, particularly if the remaining road space is just enough for two vehicles to squeeze by. We already see this situation when visitors and delivery vehicles park half on the road and half on the pavement. A major point arising from the last Village Appraisal conducted in 2001 was the maintenance of Burton Green as a semi rural area. Any requirement for increased lighting to support the road narrowing features and an increase in light pollution would not generally be welcomed. We are aware of speed reductions introduced in other Villages which have been effective without traffic calming measures. The Residents’ Association would be prepared to support reinforcement of the new speed limit by developing a rota for use of the SID (Speed Indicator Device) during the initial months after the change. Cyclists would potentially be more exposed in negotiating pinch points which is counterproductive in encouraging more children to cycle to school. Views have been expressed suggesting that the speed limit reduction be implemented without engineering measures – but to return to this issue if necessary. Hodgetts Lane We support the proposed reduction in the speed limit to 30 mph. A Village Gateway similar to that proposed for Red Lane is very necessary on Hodgetts Lane as there are no other indicators (such as a view of houses) to signal to drivers that they are entering a residential area. Cromwell Lane/Red Lane Junction We fully support the changes to the junction profile and the introduction of a central pedestrian refuge. Improvement of the existing footway to the school by cutting back vegetation and earth banks also needs to apply to the upper parts of Red Lane and the bends in particular. Red Lane We support the retention of 40 mph on Red Lane, particularly the lower straight section which has a rural feel with housing limited to one side. The introduction of Speed Activated flashing signs on this straight stretch would act as a much needed reminder to drivers. We have received suggestions that the 30 mph ‘protection’ limit change point on Red Lane should be extended to include the section of bends near the top with the change point where the current Burton Green sign is. There is a logic to this in that it is almost impossible to negotiate the bends at much over 30 mph and this stretch of road would be ‘self policing’ in this respect. Almost all of the personal injury accidents including one fatality have occurred on the bends at the top of Red Lane. Improvements to road markings and warning signs are very necessary particularly for drivers unfamiliar with the road. It is known locally as the ‘Cresta Run’ due to its adverse cambers and slippery surface when wet. The banks on the outside of the bends when coming ‘down’ Red Lane from the Cromwell Lane end invariably end in roll-over accidents. If walls/barriers instead of banks were in place this may result in more vehicle damage but reduced injuries. Also a speed activated sign warning of dangerous bends on the downward stretch may act successfully in warning those unfamiliar with the road. We would support improvements to 40 mph repeater signage elsewhere on Red Lane.

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