Council tackles the hot issues in Stockton Heath (From Warrington Guardian)

Council tackles the hot issues in Stockton Heath

DURING the past year Stockton Heath Parish Council discussed and acted upon many projects for the benefit of residents.

Some required Warrington Borough Council's assistance and took longer to come to fruition but here are some of the ongoing and completed projects.

Dog Fouling: The borough council has adopted the Dogs (Fouling of Land) Act 1996 and council employees can now issue fixed penalty tickets to dog owners who fail to clean up faeces. The parish council has arranged for an additional dog bin to be in Alexandra Park, by the Fairfield Road gate.

Community speed campaign: The scheme is still in operation and has helped reduce the speed of drivers in Stockton Heath and Appleton.

Community Support Officers (CSOs): The parish council has introduced with the help of the police, four CSOs, who will soon provide a uniformed presence on the streets. They encourage residents to raise concerns about the village to which they will offer advice and help.

Parking: The new timing/ticket regulations on the Forge car park have increased the numbers of people shopping. On-street parking is still a problem.

Ackers Pit: Together with the Warrington Anglers' Association, the parish council is raising funds to carry out necessary de-silting to protect the pit for the future.

Parish office: The refurbishment of the Sandy Lane Centre is almost finished and an office has been provided for the sole use of the parish council.

Floral arrangements: The troughs and new hanging baskets have been a success despite vandals' efforts. Flowers/plants have now been planted for the winter months.

Safety fencing: A new metal safety fence has been erected on the two link roads on either side of the Cantilever bridge to prevent vehicles and pedestrians crashing down the steep embankments. The parish council helped to secure this important road safety feature.

Emissions: Another testing meter has been installed in the village to test for vehicle emissions, particularly at times when the swing bridge is closed and drivers refuse to turn off engines. A possible sign, asking drivers to switch off has been obtained and provided to the appropriate officer at the borough council and their response is awaited.

Walking Day: The parish council, participating churches, primary schools and residents are concerned about the village's walk in the future, as the police say they cannot now marshal the walk while also providing crowd control and normal routine operational duties. Major changes to the walk could be ahead, due to safety issues, including insurance and training of marshals.