Westbourne Community Trust would like to thank the many residents who attended the drop-in sessions, held on 8 and 9 February at The Meeting Place to inform the local community about plans for new affordable homes in the village. We also give our special thanks to the volunteers who helped facilitate the events.
The events were a great success – over 65 people signed up to become members of the Trust, which has been set up by residents for residents. Membership helps you shape the agenda and get involved in initiatives that benefit Westbourne, plus a vote on decisions at meetings of the Trust. For those who qualify, membership may also help secure an affordable home in Westbourne.
The feedback received at the event was very positive overall and gave a useful insight to the local community’s thoughts and concerns about the proposed development at Mill Road, as well as the various ideas for new facilities in the village. This will be used to develop the Trust’s proposals for the housing and to shape ideas which will be consulted on again in the coming months.
Residents expressed their concerns about car parking on Mill Road, the congestion it causes and the impact of additional vehicles using the road. Concerns about the building process were raised, including the impact of lorries accessing the site. The substandard surface of Mill Road, including the need to improve drainage and utilities were recommended. There were questions about how the affordable homes would be managed and maintained, and how residents would be selected and whether rents would be kept in line with wages. Suggestions were given for improvements to the play area and play equipment, including a sports pitch or court and a youth club for young people. Opening up the play area to the school and engaging with the school community was seen as an exciting opportunity, as well as providing better facilities for the allotments. A car park in the village was seen as desirable to help support local businesses and relieve car parking pressure on the main roads.
If you were unable to attend the drop-in events, there are still lots of opportunities to get involved and have your say. See the full list of comments made by residents during these sessions, along with the Trust’s response, sign up to become a member, and find out more at www.westbournecommunitytrust.org