ROAD JUNCTION REQUIRES URGENT REPAIRS

Councillor Chris Collis has again called on the County Highways Authority to undertake the long overdue re-surfacing of the Nicholls Way junction with Wimblebury Road; Chris made his latest request at a recent meeting of the Heath Hayes and Wimblebury Community Forum. After updating the meeting of the swiftly deteriorating and potentially dangerous condition of this junction, he was again assured by the Highways Officer in attendance that they have agreed to fully re-surface the junction and work will commence as soon as their contractor has completed other work elsewhere.

Councillor Chris Collis Measures Depth of Potholes at Nicholls Way

This is the second time the County Council has given Chris and the residents of Nicholls Way such assurances, our man on the spot will be keeping a close eye on developments and will keep up the pressure on the Highways Authority until this matter is successfully resolved.

Cllr Collis Said, "I am very concerned about the poor condition of the road surface at this junction not only is it causing problems for motorists as they break at the junction, their vehicles are skidding into the Wimblebury Road due to the loose chippings, plus the heavily potholed and uneven nature of the surface posses a very real danger to those with walking difficulties, parents with pushchairs or those dependant on mobility scooters.

Obviously I fully appreciate that the Highways Authority are under pressure as our road network has been poorly maintained for years, however, I believe that Nicholls Way is in such a dangerous condition that it should be given top priority. I will continue to monitor the situation and press for the long overdue work to be undertaken as soon as possible."

JOHN STREET CROSSING - A STEP CLOSER!

Local Liberal Democrat community worker Chris Collis, is pleased to announce that the County Council's Highways Authority, have agreed to take a serious look at providing a pedestrian controlled crossing on John Street, Wimblebury, probably near to the shops. This assurance was given by a Senior Highways Officer at the recent Heath Hayes and Wimblebury Community Forum meeting held on Tuesday 8th September, but only after Chris Collis again made a very strong case for the provision of a crossing on behalf of villagers.

Hardwork Pays Off

The Collis Family Attempt To Cross Busy John Street.

As you will be aware from past editions of Talkback or via the local press Chris Collis with the support of residents and the area's very active Community Speedwatch Team, has been pressing for this particular pedestrian controlled crossing and one for the Cannock Road, Heath Hayes for some considerable time now, and at long last a successful outcome looks highly likely.

Chris Collis said," I have been working on this issue since first elected as one of the village's District Councillors in 2004 and have continued to do so even after losing my seat over a year ago, it has been a hard slog at times to convince the County Council of the need for both crossings; but I never gave up.

"Obviously I warmly welcome the current response from the Highways Authority, however, rest assured I will maintain a keen eye on progress and will not stop campaigning on this issue until the people of Wimblebury get the pedestrian controlled crossing they rightly need and deserve."

NEWLANDS LANE - GATES INSTALLED

We are pleased to report that following the efforts of local Liberal Democrat Chris Collis, several local residents and the District Council, the long awaited gating order which will prevent unauthorised vehicles from gaining access to the already closed portion of Newlands Lane has now been approved and the gates have now been installed. Chris first started working with Cannock Chase Council's Environmental Protection Manager and Environment Leader Councillor Tony Williams on this project whilst he was a District Councillor, and although he unfortunately lost his seat at last years local elections has continued to spearhead the campaign for the erection of the gates.

Chris Collis - Checks Newlands Lane Barriers.

For far too long now this beautiful secluded lane has been abused by mindless individuals to dump rubbish, deal drugs and participate in various other illegal and socially unacceptable pursuits via their vehicles. The lane has also been targeted on many occasions by gypsies whom have left all kinds of disgusting and potentially dangerous debris behind them, which has cost the council a small fortune to clear following every visit.

Chris and Councillor Williams visited the Heath Hayes end of the lane just before work began to install the gates, and are both certain that the barriers which are substantial in size and constructed out of heavy duty steel will prevent unauthorised vehicles from gaining access. Keys will be issued by the Council on a strictly controlled basis to all those who have a legal right to use the lane in order to gain access to their land.

RESIDENTS AND LAND OWNERS THANKED

Chris said," I am so pleased this much cherished lane will be secured in this manner as it will stop those whom wish to abuse the lane from doing so, the gates will also prevent the lane from being used as an unofficial camp site, but most importantly once cleared of rubbish local people will once again be able to utilise Newlands Lane for all kinds of environmentally friendly and socially acceptable activities. I would like to thank all of the residents whom have supported this initiative together with the various land owners whom have given their full cooperation and of course Councillor Tony Williams whom as been very supportive and most helpful throughout this process"

Cllr Tony Williams added," It has been an absolute pleasure to work with Chris Collis and his highly dedicated band of villagers on this extremely worthwhile initiative, I and my Environmental Officers believe that the gates will prevent those intent on using our county lanes to illegally dump rubbish or take part in criminal activity from doing so. Cannock Chase Council is totally committed to protecting our natural environment from such anti-social activity, and will proactively investigate every instance of fly tipping and will always prosecute those responsible where sufficient evidence exists."