Dennis Jones “It’s been said many times that Woodside isn’t any worse than any other area. There are decent people and then there are those that like to cause vandalism and create anti-social behaviour.”

“The main concerns seem to be that there have been delays on starting work on the centre. Lots of anxiety among young mums about the proposals to re-open the road through by the doctors. It’s obvious that if a road is to be put through the middle of the estate then the developers should have the common sense to provide proper crossings.”

“There have also been lots of rumours about houses being knocked down, people having large car-parks next to them and some people want to know why work can’t start in the centre at the same time as the work being carried out at the bottom half of the estate.”

“Some people have asked what has happened to the Community Support Officers as they don’t seem to see much of them now.”

“The multi-use centre sounds great, but what happens if the youth club night is on the same night as a WI meeting – kids make a lot of noise and I think the 18-22 year olds need somewhere they can call their own.”

Kate Fitchew “Let’s hope that they keep their promise to the older residents who were moved from Wilton Court and give them first choice of returning to the bungalows that are going to be built where the flats were. Many of them have families on Woodside and want to be with them.”

“It might be a good idea for the Madeley Shopping Centre Developers to get together with the Woodside Developers regarding the supermarkets – the regeneration here on Woodside should be keyed into what happens in Madeley – we don’t want two huge supermarkets. However, Woodside will need a well-stocked store for those people that cannot travel out.”

Will Schofield, Chief Regeneration Officer for Woodside about the residents comments:
“Traditionally Woodside has been seen as a particularly deprived area of Telford,” said Will Schofield. “The media have in the past been less than complimentary about the estate and the community living there, despite this being a case of a few people giving the area a bad reputation. The multi-million pound Woodside Regeneration Project will address many of the issues at the root of these problems, including the closure of some of the alleyways and rat runs, and is committed to changing the estate for the good of everyone living there, old and young alike.

The construction of a new multi-use community centre right at the heart of the estate will mean the provision of better facilities for everyone. These facilities will take into account the needs of the different groups that use the centre, from special interest groups and dance troupes, to youth clubs and family actvities. By developing the new centre alongside other new facilities and services such as shops and an NHS dentist, Woodside Centre will become a vibrant and valuable part of the estate.”

One of the plans we are looking at does involve the creation of a new through route past the new local centre,” said Mr Schofield. “This will be done sensibly and safely, with adequate protection for pedestrians, including marked pedestrian crossings, traffic calming measures and lower speed limits generally. Although this will increase the number of vehicles that currently travel into and out of Woodside Centre, it will also open up the estate, and attract better quality shops to the new centre.

“We are also committed to re-housing the elderly residents that we had to move when Wilton Court was demolished. At the time the regeneration project made a promise that they would be re-housed on Woodside as soon as possible and we intend to honour that promise.

“This is an exciting, ground-breaking project that will make a real difference to the lives of Woodside residents, with Woodside becoming somewhere that people will choose to live, and want to stay.”

Sutton Hill Residents’ Association meet on the last Thursday of the month at 6.45 pm in the Community Centre.

If you live in Sutton Hill this is an important date for your diary. Why do I think that? Well the Association is the best (only?) forum to express your views and get some action. The atmosphere is relaxed but business-like and anyone wanting to speak gets to speak.
The agenda includes: Policing Sutton Hill (vandalism, anti-social behaviour, speeding, illegal car selling etc.), Environmental Issues (rubbish collection, street lights, pavements and roads, dog fouling, street cleaning etc.), Children and Young People (Sure Start information, clubs and activities – or lack of them – etc.), The Elderly (bus service, activities, and any issues where help is required).

Thanks to the support and participation of the Borough Councillors, Liz Swift and Alan MacKenzie and the unfailing efforts of Keith Whitton, Neighbourhood Co-ordination Office Manager, we are seeing results. I won’t pretend that things happen as fast as we would like but it is getting better.

Although attendance is good, young mums and dads are under represented. We need to see more at the meetings, identifying areas in need of improvement. The Association recently started a disco (third Friday of the month) for children and need help identifying, setting up and running other activities for the young people of Sutton Hill.

Your Residents’ Association needs you!

Paul M Doyle (Chair, Sutton Hill Residents’ association)

Are you accosting your neighbours?

overgrown shrub I’m sure that nobody would intentionally do such a terrible thing but……..
Have you checked your large garden plants this year? Are you sure they are not trying to take over the paths outside your fences, front and back?

Overhanging trees and bushes can be a nuisance for pedestrians and it is the homeowners’ responsibility to keep them cut back. The Local Authority can and will take action if you neglect this responsibility so go and check your overhang now.

Cllr. Paul M Doyle
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