Around Exeter area by area: Community News - 04/12/2014

Around Exeter area by area, the news down your street edited by Anne Byrne. Contribute by emailing Anne on abyrne@expressandecho.co.uk or give us a call on 01392 442233 Alphington New Skoda PLANNING permission is being sought for a 1,000sq m new Skoda car dealership. It will include a one-storey showroom, MOT station, workshop, valet building and car parking areas. There will be parking for 98 cars and, according to the plans lodged with the city council, it will employ 22 full-time and four part-time staff. If given the go-ahead it will be built on the corner of Silverton Road and Thorverton Road. City centre Paris Street A SPECIAL presentation about the proposed road layout changes to Paris Street has been requested by the chairman of Exeter's highways committee. Councillor Jill Owen, who is also the county councillor for St David's and St James' said: "I think we should be consulted as we want to give our views on this." Under plans for the re-development of the bus and coach station it is proposed that the top end of Paris Street, beyond its junction with Dix's Field, would be closed to all traffic. A turning circle for the park and ride buses at this junction is also on the cards. New blue EXETER-born actresses Violet and Dame Irene Vanbrugh are to be honoured with a Civic Society blue plaque. Theatre director and playwright Paul Jepson, who is on the board of Exeter's Northcott Theatre, will unveil the plaque at Broadwalk House, Southernhay. It is on the walkway to the Exeter Blitz Memorial between Roman Walk and Broadwalk House. This is the site of 35 Southernhay Place where the elder sister Violet was born in her grandmother's house in 1867. Irene was born in Heavitree Vicarage five years later. They were two of six children of the Rev Reginald Henry Barnes, a prebendary of Exeter Cathedral and vicar of Heavitree, The plaque is to be unveiled on Thursday, December 4 at 11.30am. City-wide IKEA nears FOR those across the city who are keen for Exeter to have its very own IKEA – here is the latest from the company. An IKEA spokeswoman said: "Following the recommendation of our outline planning application in January we have been working closely with Exeter City Council to tie up the legal agreements needed to allow them to issue the planning consent for the site, which we expect shortly. "Once the planning consent is issued we will work towards providing detailed final designs to the council for approval." A spokesman for the city council told Community News that 'expect shortly' was correct. IKEA is to be built off the A379, just up from Sandy Park and off the Tesco Extra junction on Newcourt Way. Gritting roads RICHARD Westlake, county councillor for Newtown and Polsloe, is seeking answers as to what impact study the county council undertook before recommending a reduction in road gritting and not filling grit bins. He has filed a series of questions and is expecting written replies to them when Devon's cabinet next meets on December 10. In particular, Cllr Westlake wants to know what impact such a policy would have on the RD&E Hospital's accident and emergency unit, school attendance and what would be its economic impact on Exeter. Cllr Westlake said: "This is a very important issue. "I purchased a number of grit bins from my community budget purely because of the problems we had in the bad winter in 2010 because of a lack of grit bins. "There are many steep roads in Newtown and Polsloe and if the bins are not going to be filled then we are going to be in real trouble. "It will be dangerous for the public." Bridge Road TO tackle queuing traffic and reduce journey times from Countess Wear to the Matford roundabout Devon County Council wants to provide two continuous outbound lanes on Bridge Road. Construction is planned to start in late summer 2015. A spokeswoman for the county council has assured Community News that access to all of the existing footpath and cycleway in the area will be maintained throughout the works, with temporary routes constructed where necessary. The spokeswoman added: "Access to all facilities in the area such as the boat club and access to residential properties will be unaffected. The small car-park area at the Riverside Valley Park entrance on the upstream side of Bridge Road will be unavailable for parking but will remain accessible for pedestrians to pass through. "Most of the land affected is owned by bodies such as the Environment Agency and Exeter City Council, although there are numerous small areas of unknown ownership, despite many enquiries. As such a Compulsory Purchase Order process is the only way for us to ensure we can obtain the necessary legal rights to work on this land." Don't forget! A REMINDER that time is running out if you would like to donate to the Salvation Army's Christmas toy appeal this year. Gifts will be distributed to referred children and families in the local area. The gift should be taken along unwrapped, before December 15, to Superdrug in the Guildhall Shopping centre or to Morrison's in Prince Charles Road. Gifts for all ages of children up to 16 are needed. Fiesta time! TO celebrate communities doing innovative economic projects across the UK and Europe, there is to be a fiesta held in Exeter. The event will be held on Thursday, December 11 at 8pm in St Matthews church hall, Lower Summerlands, Exeter. The organisers are Transition Exeter and special guests will be Inez Aponte, facilitator and storyteller, and Jay Tompt, green business consultant. Both are from the UK and have founded the Well & Good Project which aims to spread innovations in community-led economics, based on genuine human needs and wellbeing. Over the last few years they've been travelling to offer training courses and workshops in social and economic regeneration with community groups in many countries across Europe. The event is an opportunity to gather, share food and drink, enjoy local musicians, and gain inspiration. The fiesta will also reflect stories of economic innovation in Exeter, including the Exeter Pound project and Exeter Community Energy Company. For further details see www.transitionexeter.org.uk Exwick Last chance A DESPERATE Exwick pet owner has set up an online fund in a last ditch bid to save the life of her spaniel. Clair Ireland is the owner of Chance, a male springer spaniel and needs help with vet bills following the onset of immune malicited thrombocytopaenic disease due to possibly having ingested rat poison two months ago. This causes internal bleeding as a lack of platelets means the blood is unable to clot. Clair, who suffers from health problems herself, has been having Chance treated at her local veterinary surgeons and at present the outstanding bill stands at £2,300. Clair is now desperate as the vets have said they can't treat him any further without the bill being significantly reduced. Sadly, as she is unemployed, Clair is unable to do this on her own, however with the help of her friends she has set up a www.gofundme.com page to enable people to help by donating towards Chance's fees in the hope that further treatment will be possible. Clair has had Chance, aged 10, since he was 10 weeks and he has been her constant companion through thick and thin. Clair doesn't want to have to make the decision to stop treatment. Clair is also a foster carer for dogs rescued from Romania and helps to provide a loving caring home for them before a permanent home becomes available. Heavitree Dog bin return THE good news for local dog lovers is that the dog poo bin by the top Hanover Road entrance into Higher Cemetery is to be replaced as a priority. The bin had to be removed for safety reasons after it was vandalised. The city council believes someone was swinging on it, so that the bin ended up bent over at a 90 degree angle. Keith Owen, lead councillor for environment, health and wellbeing, said: "We do get these acts of stupidity from time to time. "The bin should be replaced, as a priority, within the next two weeks. "In the meantime, I am appealing to dog walkers to please use the other dog bins in the cemetery, rather than just leaving the mess where the bin used to be." Christmas fayre THE congregation of St Paul's Church is holding its Christmas fayre on Saturday, December 6. The event will run from 11am until 2pm and will be held in the Rifford Room at St Michael's and All Angels in Church Street. Admission is 20p. There will be craft and cake stalls, draws and light lunches. Free concert DON'T forget the free concert at the parish church in Church Street on Saturday, December 6 from 7pm. Performing will be the Heavitree Team Handbell Ringers, and the church's junior and senior choirs, and the members of the clergy will be reprising the appearance of their band which went down such a storm at the summer concert. There will also be some audience participation in Christmas favourites. Mince pies have been provided by Waitrose. Proceeds from a retiring bucket collection will be divided between Devon Air Ambulance and the upkeep of the church. Newcourt Protest meeting RESIDENTS are planning a protest meeting after a young girl was injured in a road accident near her home. The accident happened in Omaha Drive on the Rydons estate when the child, aged four, was struck by a car as she crossed the road between parked vehicles. Mother of six Cherie Reed, who has lived on the Rydons for five years, said: "Luckily the driver was sensible and was not speeding. The little girl was knocked over and was taken to hospital but was not badly hurt. "We have been campaigning for months for something to be done about the traffic coming through the estate and all the parked cars along the roads. "It is terrible and we need double yellow lines, speed monitors and particularly a safe crossing, zebra or whatever, so children can get to the park safely." To push for improvements the residents are now planning to stage a protest on Saturday, December 13 starting at the community centre. Mrs Reed said: "It has gone on long enough and we need something done. "There are a great many children living on the Rydons. "We have decided to get together to get something done to make it safer for them to play here." Newtown Festive warning DO not hide Christmas presents in garden sheds. That is the warning from local councillor Richard Westlake, who told Community News: "There are opportunist thieves around, particularly at this time of year, and I would like to warn people to be extra vigilant. "Don't leave back gates open and don't hide presents in the garden shed. Every year people are upset because a thief has taken advantage of a back gate left open." Extended hours WAITROSE in Gladstone Road has announced that it is extending its opening hours in the run-up to Christmas. On December 22 and 23 it will be open from 7am until 11pm. Pennsylvania Tree planting VOLUNTEERS with gardening tools and enthusiasm are invited to join members of the Sylvania Environment and Community Project on Saturday, December 6 between 10am and 1pm for a spot of tree planting. SECP is a group of local residents who volunteer time and enthusiasm tow work in the local environment. The trees to be planted have been provided by the Devon Wildlife Trust. If you want to help, meet up at the zig-zag path at the bottom of Linnet Close. Everyone is welcome. For more details see the group on the internet: sylvaniaecp or email them at sylvaniaecp@gmail.com Pinhoe Better access DEVON County Council is looking to improve access to Pinhoe station. A spokesman for Devon County Council said: "There is lots of new housing at Pinhoe and Monkerton, and with just a seven-minute journey into the city centre the train is an attractive way to travel. "We are looking to improve access to Pinhoe station; however there are no firm plans for a footbridge at the moment." Polsloe Clear drains LOCAL councillor Richard Westlake reports a happy sight – two blokes cleaning drains! Cllr Westlake told Community News: "They told me they are in the area for the next month and will be looking at all the drains, which is great news. "They did, however, say to me that sometimes they can't reach the drains as people have parked over them. "I know people can't always avoid doing this, but if drivers could try not to do this for the next four weeks it would be very helpful." Standing out CHILDREN at Ladysmith Infant School are set to stand out in the crowd this winter thanks to a donation of high visibility vests. The children were given the vests by the local Specsavers store to promote safety at night during Road Safety Week, an initiative by the charity Brake. Deputy head teacher Emma Brown says: "We're very grateful for these vests; they will be put to good use. "The safety of our pupils is one of our top priorities. "These vests will allow the children to walk safely in the dark, as well as be visible to cars on outings and school trips." Store director Jonathan Baumber said: "We hope our donation will help keep parents' minds at ease when they're escorting their children to and from school." Powderham Wet cycle path CYCLISTS have been left pedal-deep in water after using a newly-opened cycle path along the Exe estuary. The new Turf Locks to Powderham cycle track and footpath has been submerged in up to eight inches of flood water in recent days. The flooding had been foreseen by cyclists before the route along side the main railway line was installed, according to veteran biker Mike Bowden. Mr Bowden, of Wrefords Road, Cowley Bridge, St David's, said: "When it was said that the track would be built at the bottom of the bank I pointed out the serious flooding there and was backed up by others. "We were assured it would be catered for. "Raising the flooded parts would have been cheap done during construction. Now it would be expensive – and will probably be 'too expensive'. "The proposed solution is to have steps up the banks at various places so that cyclists can carry their bikes up and down them to bypass flooded sections. "The top path is a footpath which only walkers are allowed on. It is also the fact that RSPB don't want lots of movement on the bank top because of disturbance to birds in a such an important area. "I have seen higher flood levels there than those when it flooded recently, so the track should have been 12 inches higher in the low parts – probably about two per cent of the whole stretch. "We cyclists know from experience of other trails that the very nice Exe Estuary route will draw large volumes of users." A spokesman for Devon County Council said: "The area is constrained by its location and parts of the trail are built on a flood plain so some flooding is to be expected when there is heavy rain coupled with high tides. "We appreciate that this can be frustrating for cyclists but hopefully it won't discourage them from using the trail." RD&E Hospital All lit up! THE Christmas tree outside the main entrance of the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital has been officially lit up by members of the trust's board of directors. The 20ft pine tree is donated every year by the RD&E's League of Friends to bring some Christmas cheer to the grounds of the Wonford hospital. As members of the board and the League of Friends gathered round, the festive lights were switched on by RD&E's chief executive Angela Pedder, who thanked the league on behalf of the board for their very kind donation. Cheryl Hayes, chairman of the League of Friends said: "The League of Friends of the RD&E is delighted once again to provide a Christmas tree for patients, staff and visitors to enjoy. "This has become something of a tradition over the years and we hope this beautiful tree, kindly provided by our president the Earl of Iddesleigh, will bring a smile to everyone who sees it." If you are interested in becoming involved with the RD&E League of Friends please write to: League of Friends, c/o the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust, Barrack Road, Exeter, EX2 5DW. St David's Richmond Court FOLLOWING on from our report last week about residents appealing to city MP Ben Bradshaw to help secure the completion of the road leading to Richmond Court, the county council has given Community News the following statement. A spokeswoman for the county council said: "Devon County Council is keen to see the entrance into Richmond Court completed as soon as possible, but it is the developer Taylor Wimpey's responsibility for undertaking these works. "To enable construction to begin, Taylor Wimpey has been liaising with Network Rail to obtain the necessary permissions required because the new entrance is being constructed over a railway structure. "Devon County Council will continue to put pressure on these organisations to resolve these permissions so that the long-awaited works can progress soon." Park reminder A REMINDER to Christmas shoppers that the Bartholomew Terrace and Richmond Road car parks are for residents only after 6pm. This means that the city council's free car parking offer over the Christmas period only applies in these two car parks between 5pm and 6pm. Crafts thanks MEMBERS of the parish church would like to thanks everyone who supported their Christmas Craft Fayre last Saturday. They had lots of compliments about the variety of stalls, the music and the atmosphere. They were delighted to have raised £1,170 towards the church's Transformation and Repair project. St Thomas Lights switch on EXETER'S Lord Mayor, Councillor Percy Prowse, will be switching on St Thomas' Christmas lights on Thursday, December 4. The switch-on will be at 6.30pm in the precinct but there will be lots of fun to be enjoyed from 5pm with carol singing, Santa's grotto, face painting, tombola, Christmas hat competition, barbecue and a drink stall. Free concert ON Saturday, December 6, the Summerland Singers will be presenting a concert of Christmas songs and carols at St Thomas Methodist Church in Cowick Street. The concert, which will run from 6.30pm to 8.30pm, will open with some special guests in the form of members of the 45th brownie pack. Harp music will also feature. Festive refreshments will be available in the interval. Entrance is free but there will be a retiring collection for the community peace and sensory gardens which front onto Cowick Street. Winter warmer THE Christmas meeting of the St Thomas Local History group will be on Friday, December 5 when a Winter Warmer social evening will be held in St Andrew's church hall in Alphington Road at 7pm. Members have been asked to bring favourite childhood board and card games and will recall pastimes they enjoyed when young – perhaps Snap, Old Maid, Snakes and Ladders, Ludo, Dominoes, jigsaws and favourite books, rounders, tag and hop scotch. Each person attending has also been asked to take along a plate of food to share. The 2015 monthly programme of speakers and visits will be given to members at this meeting. And a date for the diary –the group will be staging its annual display of St Thomas photographs and memorabilia in St Thomas Library in Church Road on Wednesday January 21 from 10am to 4pm. Topsham Four new homes A PLANNING application has been received by the city council for four homes to be built with the garden of Beech Cottage in Old Rydon Close. University Tidying glass THE University's Student Community Wardens have been collaborating with the Students' Guild to help caddy glass to bottle banks from student premises where the residents have no access to a vehicle. Year 2 student Aimee said: "Like many students, we shop online and have our groceries delivered, and we all tend to shop separately, so we do have more glass than most households. I also chose not to bring a car to the city, so this service is really helpful – particularly towards the end of term." The scheme has gone from strength to strength, with tonnes of glass being efficiently brought to bottle banks in one vehicle. The 'one vehicle' journey also reduces the overall carbon footprint. The glass caddy scheme is one of a range of projects in which the university invests to help support students living in the community. Students on the Move is another major scheme, which involves the university paying for a range of additional refuse collections for students in June and July each year. The scheme was designed to help students who don't complete their tenancy on bin day. This project also helps identify and pass on reusable items to charity, including usable food items, which are donated to Exeter Food Bank. Our 10 Student Community Wardens work closely with the City Council's refuse team, to help inform students about refuse rules and regulations. Wonford Candlelit carols ON Wednesday, December 10 there will be Carols by Candlelight from 7.30pm in the Wonford Community and Learning Centre. There will be free mince pies, tea and coffee served in the interval. Performing will be the Summerland Singers and Exeter's Lord Mayor, Cllr Percy Prowse will also be in attendance. Thank you! THE Pinhoe and Broadclyst Friends of Hospiscare would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who supported their recent Christmas fayre in Wonford Sports Centre. The event raised £462 for the charity.