The budgets are settled, after much consultation, and the community charge for Police, County and Borough will rise by 4.9%. The Borough had a number of controversial items on the hit list in its need to reduce spending but sense has prevailed on two of these. Dacorum Heritage Trust will have a slightly reduced grant from the Borough but this will not stop it carrying on its vital role. Charging for the Hemel adventure playgrounds has not been introduced. A top concern is crime. Locally, burglary and nuisance are quite low and I would like to thank PC Bob Healey and Kim Ashworth our County funded Community Support Officer for really making a difference. Bob is often away on other police duties but Kim is out and about keeping an eye on the village and in constant contact with the police.
Love them or loath them, wheely bins are making their mark. In Chipperfield the recycling rate is above 50%. Recycling at the new domestic tip at Waterdale is also nearing 50%. It is absolutely vital we dump as little as possible to landfill for two reasons, rising landfill tax and the lack of new sites. The question has been asked, “Do the recyclables just get dumped anyway?” The answer is no, all the recycled waste has a value and is sold commercially.
The greenbelt north of Harlow and west of Stevenage are under pressure as never before from housing development. The Regional Plan for the East of England is kinder to Dacorum but at 315 houses a year, every year; it is still a tough target to meet. There are no plans for greenbelt development in or around Chipperfield.
Ah, yes, the roads! Some good news. Our new Hertfordshire Highways engineer has been working his socks off meeting residents, answering petitions and generally getting to grips with what needs doing. Issues being addressed are footpaths generally, including improving the position at the bottom of Chapel Croft. Safety and parking issues around the shops at the top of Chapel Croft and parking outside the two Brewers.
The resurfaced Vicarage Lane seemed to have been carried out efficiently and to a high standard which again bodes well for the future. Apologies for the traffic bumps around the schools in Kings Langley but they have had a dramatic and positive impact on reducing speed. 2000 pupils a day wander to and from their schools, on busy roads and I think the calming is very effective.
Finally, elections are here again, County and General, May 5th, so no doubt you will be leafleted, door knocked and cajoled but whatever your colours, please get down to the Youth Club and use your vote. Take care,
Borough and County Councillor Richard Roberts
If you need to get hold of me please call on 01923 262812 or e-mail; richard.roberts@hertscc.gov.uk