on the button issue 1 | Page 2

OTBNews_01_2012_V4:Layout 1 24/8/12 17:21 Page 2 welcome would just like to say hello and welcome to the first issue of 'on the button' news. Our aim is to bring local news, up to date information and interesting features to every house in Arlesey. It will also hopefully enable local business to put their products and services in front of the community, and with their support we can offer a fresh and interesting publication every month. We also need local groups and organisations to add their details, news and events, so please send these in to us. I rlesey Residents Association held their monthly meeting on 22nd August at the Methodist church. The agenda included plans for the Arlesey expansion, the development of Fiveways Corner and a new application to extend the travellers site at 197 Hitchin Road. There was a larger number than usual of residents plus a few Arlesey town councillors who attended, and the items brought forward some heated discussion, with residents voicing their frustration. One item, the expansion of Arlesey, was the subject of a consultation in June where almost 400 residents turned up. The consultation was reflected in a questionnaire, but disappointingly only 79 of the forms were sent in. Chairman Hugh Harper had to call the meeting to order a few times as residents with strong views vented their anger. Items such as parking, traffic calming, the relief road and the amount of houses were big talking points. Central Beds Councillor Ian Dalgarno and ARA member Richard Harris had to point out that the ARA were there to help residents get their points across to the right authority, and channel their anger into positive results for Arlesey. This development will go ahead, but residents need to shape the way it happens. Architects for the development, are to hold a second consultation on the expansion plans later in the year, and residents should attend to put forward their views. Questionnaire results are now online at the Arlesey Cross website: www.arleseycross.co.uk The development should be up for planning consideration by spring 2013 with a possible start by late 2013 or early 2014. Fiveways corner was also up for discussion, with plans on display. Again residents had strong views on the lack of parking for the size of development plus no upgrade of amenities around it. Chairman Hugh Harper stated the development was separate from the overall expansion plans, but it was felt the developer could hold the authorities 'to ransom', by only completing what was needed, to put in the housing and retail units without finishing the roadway. Comments on this application needed to be in by 30th August 2012. The travellers site also created a strong talking point as there was evidence that the landowner had contravened the terms of existing planning plus he had already started development to the north of the site at 197 Hitchin Road without first gaining permission. The existing allocation is for a total of 10 pitches running to the west. 6 pitches have been installed so far and the new plans are for the further 4 to be added, these should be to the west of the site, as originally agreed. Again the residents were urged to make their views known to restrict future plans to what is good for Arlesey. Application number:CB/12/02799/FULL. The overriding feeling, from the meeting, was that residents should make their case loud and clear on all aspects of any of these developments. It is not in the interests of Arlesey to be apathetic A Published by: 32 Stotfold Road, Arlesey, Bedfordshire. SG15 6XT ©2012 When responding to an advert please let advertisers know that you contacted them through ʻon the buttonʼ. Editorial Please send any letters or articles to ʻon the buttonʼ email: [email protected] or write to us at the address above. Advertising Please call for advertising rates on 01462 834265 or visit the website: www.onthebuttonarlesey.co.uk and click on advertising rates Printed by Woodbury Printing Services Limited 2 | Sep t embe r 2 012 | www.onthebuttonarlesey.co.uk Running alongside the local news is the website 'on the button' which has had some very positive feedback in its first year. The website is updated regularly with all sorts of local information and items of interest. So please take time to look at some of the pages and send in comments, ideas and photos if you like. We hope you enjoy reading our first issue of ʻon the buttonʼ and if you have news or something to say please contact us and we will try to add it in. I have loads of people to thank for helping me get the first issue to your door, but have no room to list them all. But I would still like to say a very big Thank You to you all. Steve Maddox – editor St Peter’s Church September Dates • Sunday 2nd: Holy Communion at St. Peterʼs 9.30am • Wednesday 5th: Parish Lunch in St Peterʼs Church 12.30pm • Saturday 8th: Historic Churches BikeʼnʼHike • Sunday 9th: Morning Praise at St Peterʼs 10.00am • Sunday 16th: Harvest Festival at St Peterʼs 10.00am Followed by lunch in the Village Hall • Saturday 22nd: ʻWine, Women & Songʼ Concert – A musical evening of popular classics from two stunning sopranos, a heavenly harpist and a pianist in St Peterʼs Church at 7.30pm. Tickets £10 each (includes wine & n ibbles) available from: Arlesey Resource Centre (01462 731469) or Margaret Thoroughgood (01462 834041) All proceeds from this concert will go to the church restoration fund • Sunday 23rd: Holy Communion at St. Peterʼs 9.30am • Sunday 30th September: Holy Communion at St Peterʼs 9.30am St Peterʼs Church continues to be open on the first Saturday of each month for a 2nd-hand ʻBring & Buyʼ Book Sale, 10am—1pm.