Tenants in the Winchester properties in Springvale have been asked to remove bikes, buggies, play equipment and seats and tables from their gardens and flats. After a long battle, Josie’s trampoline was removed by WCC just before Christmas.
Jackie and Malcolm have taken up the case, met WCC officers and have demanded that WCC create spaces for bikes and buggies, and offer play areas nearer to these homes.
Your Lib Dem team is trying to ensure that residents in the Worthys are active and healthy. This policy doesn’t help at all!
Malcolm asked why flat dwellers should be less active that those living in houses?
Jackie said that with the housing crisis more families were living longer in flats, and in fact these suited some families well- but not if they are not allowed the facilities that others take for granted!
Even though Josie’s trampoline has been removed, WCC has agreed in principle to some changes, and Malcolm and Jackie have set deadlines for these improvements. We will continue to press for this to be done.

Focus Update:
Cllrs. Malcolm Prince and Jackie Porter met with Council Housing Officers, to make the point that with the current restrictions on play equipment, bikes, buggies and mobility scooters, it was more difficult for residents living in flats to live active healthy lifestyles. We agreed that although some items could be dangerous and shouldn’t be left out (water filled paddling pols and sandpits for example) other items need to be stored inside to prevent mildew and for security.

‘Garden furniture’
This is covered by the same issues as above. WCC are renovating the Harwood Place garden for general use. A considerable number of items are installed there. It was agreed that WCC would hold a meeting with current tenants (and councillors) to discuss how the changes will be made, and canvass opinion about the items needed.

In summary we agreed that
* flat dwellers should do more to secure potentially dangerous items away from public access
* a new arrangement for wheeled items will be proposed and an action plan drawn up for the whole district, but especially including Springvale
* a plan for installing play equipment for smaller children will be drawn up
* a meeting will be held with Harwood Place residents to decide the future of the communal gardens
* proposals will be made for fencing communal gardens to give security for parents with smaller children

City Councillors asked to see proposals and action plans drawn up within three months.
JP/MP 10.01.2017

   Leave a comment