The chairman of Earlsdon Neighbourhood Forum, Councillor Allan Andrews, is urging the Council to help combat problems at a troubled subway in Stivichall. The move follows a meeting with residents of Green Lane North who expressed concerns about the state of the subway, which runs under the Kenpas Highway.
Following the meeting, Councillor Andrews visited the subway with residents. He said that the subway is currently in a poor condition, with graffiti, litter and anti-social behaviour a persistent problem. The underpass is also used by schoolchildren attending Finham Park School. Councillor Andrew said that he is keen to find a long-term solution to reduce the problems. He said that he has requested a deep clean of the subway in an effort to rid the small of urine, the removal of litter, and has asked council officers to explore the installation of CCTV cameras.
Cllr Andrews explained: "The subway has been one of those lingering problems for a number of years and I want us to try and find a long-term solution. I have arranged to meet with council officers from street pride and community safety teams, as well officers from highways and our CCTV team, to meet with me to discuss the issues affecting the subway.
"In addition, I have written to the Police to ask if patrols can be increased to try and combat the low-level anti-social behaviour that is taking place.
"Whilst I am hopeful that a number of interim measures will improve the condition and appearance of the subway, such as the deep clean and litter removal, I am keen to engage with the school to see if a project of some kind can be launched that would give youngsters more 'ownership' of the artwork via murals, rather than the graffiti that currently blights the walls. We also need to look at options for the installation of CCTV cameras to act as a deterrent for anti-social behaviour and drug use that takes place."
Adding, Nick Armstrong, who chairs the Green Lane North Residents' Group, said: "The subway provides a safe way for the hundreds of parents and children to go to and from our local schools and we think it should be kept in the best condition possible to deter litter, graffiti and any anti-social behaviour. Based on past initiatives the most appropriate way to do this is to engage the day to day users, for example the children and parents, to ensure they feel that they have a stake in keeping the subway clean and tidy and I welcome Councillor Andrews' initiative.”
The meeting to discuss the issues in more detail is likely to be scheduled for April.
There are 18 neighbourhood forums that meet quarterly across the city. These are attended by Ward Councillors, street service experts and the police and aim to act on local concerns. Anyone can attend. To find out more about your local Forum where you live visit www.coventry.gov.uk/neighbourhoodforums
Following the meeting, Councillor Andrews visited the subway with residents. He said that the subway is currently in a poor condition, with graffiti, litter and anti-social behaviour a persistent problem. The underpass is also used by schoolchildren attending Finham Park School. Councillor Andrew said that he is keen to find a long-term solution to reduce the problems. He said that he has requested a deep clean of the subway in an effort to rid the small of urine, the removal of litter, and has asked council officers to explore the installation of CCTV cameras.
Cllr Andrews explained: "The subway has been one of those lingering problems for a number of years and I want us to try and find a long-term solution. I have arranged to meet with council officers from street pride and community safety teams, as well officers from highways and our CCTV team, to meet with me to discuss the issues affecting the subway.
"In addition, I have written to the Police to ask if patrols can be increased to try and combat the low-level anti-social behaviour that is taking place.
"Whilst I am hopeful that a number of interim measures will improve the condition and appearance of the subway, such as the deep clean and litter removal, I am keen to engage with the school to see if a project of some kind can be launched that would give youngsters more 'ownership' of the artwork via murals, rather than the graffiti that currently blights the walls. We also need to look at options for the installation of CCTV cameras to act as a deterrent for anti-social behaviour and drug use that takes place."
Adding, Nick Armstrong, who chairs the Green Lane North Residents' Group, said: "The subway provides a safe way for the hundreds of parents and children to go to and from our local schools and we think it should be kept in the best condition possible to deter litter, graffiti and any anti-social behaviour. Based on past initiatives the most appropriate way to do this is to engage the day to day users, for example the children and parents, to ensure they feel that they have a stake in keeping the subway clean and tidy and I welcome Councillor Andrews' initiative.”
The meeting to discuss the issues in more detail is likely to be scheduled for April.
There are 18 neighbourhood forums that meet quarterly across the city. These are attended by Ward Councillors, street service experts and the police and aim to act on local concerns. Anyone can attend. To find out more about your local Forum where you live visit www.coventry.gov.uk/neighbourhoodforums