Council officers have confirmed that the long awaited park at the end of Bottleacre Lane should become a reality by May as they propose to start the work at the end of April. I would like to thank residents who have tirelessly campaigned to ensure that the project came to fruition. It looks like all the hard work will soon be realised.

I am asking a question at full council on Monday to ensure that we get an appropriate response and also a definite time line.

The first public Area Forum meeting took place at Fearon Hall on Tuesday. The turn out was good and there were presentations from the local NHS trust, Youth Services and representatives from both the borough and county councils and police on hand to answer any questions.

Topics discussed included youth services and provisions, grants to local organisations in the area and also the possible relocation of NHS walk in centre.

I would encourage all to attend the next Forum and I will post the date, time and location here.

Parking seems to be the biggest issue after housing at the moment. I would like all residents who have a parking issue, especially residents parking to get in touch so that I can raise concerns with officers at the council and to get issues resolved.

There is also the ongoing issue of the parking by the train station and I will be raising concerns with Mike Jones our County Councillor about the situation.