Last nights meeting went ahead as scheduled and a number of issues were discussed;
Highways have carried out the phase 3 assessment of the entrance to the site and will be adjusting the kerb-line again to make it more difficult for vehicles to turn left into Lodge Road.
The show home is shooting up and it is expected to open in February of next year with the first units available shortly afterwards for occupation.
The mud on Lodge Road was the most contentious issue of the evening. Persimmon advised that the back to black machine had been used and the road had improved. The ongoing plan was to sweep the road at least once per day and if there was additional excessive buildup, the road would be swept again as required. In addition, a wheel washing facility has been delivered to the site and set up on a hard stand near the entrance so all vehicles leaving the site will undergo cleaning. (This does not stop vehicles arriving with mud already on them!). It was pointed out to Persimmon that it was a condition of commencement and their own Code of Construction, that wheel washing was in place prior to works been carried out but Persimmon stated that the equipment had to be ordered in specially and this has caused delays, for which they do apologise. Councillor Matthews informed the meeting that Central Beds WILL enforce the conditions by all necessary means. The pavements also require cleaning and Persimmon said they would look at this as well.
We may not like it but we do have to remember that this is a construction site and until an alternative access can be established, there will be some level of mud and inconvenience to the village as a whole and Lodge Road residents in particular. However, Councillors Matthews, Clark, Bastable & the Stakeholders Group will monitor it closely and work to keep the issues to a minimum.
The date for the next meeting has not yet been set but will be in mid January.
