The Best Guide for the Neston Area

Residents turn out in force to have their say on speak-up Friday in Neston

Neston was buzzing with activity on Friday January 28th, when several community events took place in and around the Market Square.

A roadshow event located in the foyer of Sainsbury's gave local people the chance to give their opinions on the future of the town centre.

Residents were invited to complete questionnaires relating to the
Public Realm Design Guide.

Landscape Architects and Urban Designers, TEP, have been appointed by Cheshire West and Chester Council to prepare a 'Public Realm Strategy and Design Guide' to include the development of a masterplan and detailed design proposals for key areas of the town centre public realm.

Visitors to the roadshow were invited to complete a questionnaire, asking questions such as:

• How often do you visit the town centre and why?;
• How do you travel to the town centre?;
• Can you suggest things you like and dislike about the town centre, either as a motorist or a pedestrian?;
• What do you think makes Neston special or unique?

Many comments were made about the issues surrounding the Cross area of the town centre, as well as traffic problems in parts of the High Street, loading and unloading of goods vehicles, and much more.

Display boards from Friday's event will now be on display at Neston Library until February 4th, with questionnaires available for local residents to complete.  It is anticipated that residents will have additional opportunities to give their views, with drop-ins to be arranged at Neston Community & Youth Centre and at the Friday market, in early March.

Andrew Miller MP with Sainsbury's Neston store
manager, Tim Hassall

Earlier in the day, Andrew Miller, MP for Ellesmere Port & Neston, called in to the new Sainsbury's supermarket to take a tour and meet members of staff including store manager Tim Hassall.  Against the backdrop of a bustling Friday market he said: "We have been discussing the need for Sainsbury's to work with the smaller local businesses, to share data and support one another in the mutual aim of ensuring the prosperity of Neston town centre.

"Evidence clearly shows that creating a modern shopping environment brings more people into towns of this size, and we must congratulate the planners and architects for using appropriate materials and a design that integrates so well in the heart of the town."

Meanwhile, over in the Town Hall, Cheshire West and Chester Councils were hosting the latest of their regular Community Forums.  Emphasis at this meeting was on sustainability and green issues, so there were opportunities to for local people to speak to representatives from a number of organisations as well as Cheshire West departments on a variety of subjects, including:

• Love Food Hate Waste;
• Safety in the home and on the roads;
• Sustainability and Fair Trade;
• Energy Saving;
• Recycling;
• Cycling and footpaths;
• Community safety;
• Countryside  and tourism.

The event was well attended, and Councillors came away with a number of issues that had been raised by residents, to take back to the relevant departments within the Council.

Perhaps the least effective event of the day was the Cheshire Constabulary Roadshow held in the Belmont Cottage area of the Chester Road Car Park.  Residents who attended had hoped to have the opportunity to speak to senior officers regarding their concerns over budget cuts and the possible effects of these on the policing of Neston.  Unfortunately no senior officers were in attendance, leaving just one local PCSO and some administration staff who did their best to deal with concerns.

However, this oversight was the only let down in what was, in all other respects, a great example of a community taking an interest in current issues, and being willing to give their time to help shape the future of the town.

Coinciding wth a sunny day showing the Friday market at its best, the day proved to be a great reminder of how passionate many local people are about this unique and historic town.

All photographs are © Linda Pelling Photography. 

More opportunities to have your say on local issues:

Plans unveiled for HVDC power cable to run the length of Wirral

Have your say on Cheshire rights of way plan

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Comments

Rob Ward

At 09:36 on 2nd February 2011, Rob Ward commented:

I filled in a questionnaire at Neston Library. It asks what we like and don't like about Neston, as pedestrians and as motorists. It doesn't ask what we like and don't like as bus passengers and as cyclists. I'd better fill in another questionnaire!
Neston is blessed with historic buildings, but narrow streets and no bypass for the traffic. I guess there is no easy answer, but I look forward to some imaginative ideas from TEP.

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Mike H

At 15:03 on 5th February 2011, Mike H commented:

I agree that the Police Roadshow was poorly organised but the fault rests not with Cheshire Police whose staff turned up on time and did their best, particularly local PCSO Jackie Tudor. Blame rests squarely with the Cheshire Police Authority, the people who are supposed to checking on Cheshire Constabulary to make sure they are efficient! I have received a formal apology from them. If you are wondering if we need regulators to watch over the regulators....... don't go there... we cannot possibly afford it.

Mike Heathfield
Chairman, Neston & Parkgate Home watch

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