on the button issue 2 | Page 2

October issue I have been delighted and amazed by the fantastic reception our first issue of on the button has been given. This month we have increased the number of pages, adding in news and information that will hopefully be of interest, with more contributions from local organisations. Two big issues dominate our town as we go to press – the expansion of the town, with its effect on all our futures, and a second application to open a gypsy site to the south of Arlesey. We hope you will make the effort to be part of the decision-making on both of these topics as they will affect us all. This month there are lots of things going on, from Arlesey Town playing games in the FA Cup qualifying rounds again, to events at church plus Halloween events. Our advertisers are all local businesses and need your support to exist, so please use local shops and companies and keep them here. If you contact an advertiser from our pages please let them know so they can see how it works for them. If you would like to advertise please contact us (see below). Steve Maddox – editor New Gypsy site application – Residents unaware? A rlesey residents are seemingly in the dark about the new application for a gypsy site. Five houses in the town have had notices about this application from Central Beds Council. Other residents along Hitchin Road knew nothing of this extra site, further south towards Ickleford. The Twin Acres site already has a stop notice on building works. The application number is CB/12/02568/FULL and is for an extension to existing gypsy site to accommodate four families, each with two caravans, erection of two amenity blocks and laying of hardstanding. Although new mobile homes have now been placed on the site. The application has been deferred for consideration – yet to be arranged and residents are being urged to comment on this application which is over and above the agreed amount of ten pitches as allocated to the 197 Hitchin Road site (one pitch consists of two caravans). The image below is of buildings at Timberlands in Pepperstock near Luton. This is a ‘travellers site’ that has been closed down, but is now set for refurbishment and tenders are being sought. Does Arlesey need more pitches over and above the existing agreement, when this one is set to be refurbished? Published by: on the button, 32 Stotfold Road, Arlesey, Bedfordshire. SG15 6XT ©2012 When responding to an advert please let advertisers know that you contacted them through ‘on the button’. Editorial Please send any letters or articles, before 19th October, to ‘on the button’ 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. All copy and payment to be received by 15th October, for inclusion in November issue. Printed by Woodbury Printing Services Limited Image: Tony Margiocchi – www.flickr.com/photos/snapperz Station update The Arlesey station extension is progressing and the platforms are well under construction. The work has been undertaken by Barhale Construction and is projected to finish in late 2012. A statement from First Capital says: the current works at Arlesey are on time for completion in December 2012. The works are for the platform extensions so that 12 car services can stop at Arlesey these will be introduced in the December timetable change. Station Car Park Work will start in the next few weeks on the new station car park. The plans are at the final stages and has had to be reduced in size, by 10%. Trees are to be cut down to make way for the new car park, but others will be planted around the site. Access to the site will be from the west side of Arlesey railway station on the access road off the A507. Rail magazine has reported recently that the car park will hold 390 cars but the figure is now likely to be 300 because of the changes made to the application but is likely to open in spring 2013. Once the car park has been completed this will open the way for new parking restrictions around the north of the town. www.arleseywalks.co.uk Your local conservation group £5 per household per year £30 min for business sponsors Images: Steve Maddox 2 | October 2012 | www.onthebuttonarlesey.co.uk email: [email protected] or phone: [phone] for an application form