| a) To welcome RAF representative
Squadron Leader Martin Young gave his report as follows:
“Apologies that I was unable to attend the meeting
on 8th August but I was recovering from an operation.
Still waiting to hear from WCC Highways Dept about when the
revised speed restrictions on the A3102 were likely to come
into force. (Aware that Mr Andy Humm has attempted to hasten
them by email)
I am very pleased to report that our Unit
Beat Officer – PC ‘Jarra’ Brown has
just started work at Lyneham this week and will be visiting
various local contacts to develop mutually beneficial relationships.
Although his work will primarily be on the Station and around
Families’ Quarters areas, his presence should pay dividends
for the whole of the Lyneham community (unless they break
the Law!). Clearly, it will take him a little time to settle
in and make his presence felt – I do not wish to raise
unrealistic expectations.
Criminal damage – several of the bollard lights leading
to the Youth Shelter on Slessor Rd playing field have been
vandalised (believed to be over the last weekend). The bollards
have been knocked over despite their concrete bases, revealing
electrical cables underneath (these have now been made safe).
Another bit of good news is the improvement to the Route
55 and 55a bus service, which goes through Lyneham. The RAF
Community Development Worker (and others) played a key role
in getting this improved service, which will benefit many
in the local area.
From Thursday 7 September - for the next 2 weeks - there
is likely to be an increase in flying activity in the local
area which may include early morning and evening flights.
These aircraft are US Air Force Hercules (very similar to
our own). The extra activity will be as a result of an American
exercise which is taking place in the UK. US Air Force and
Army personnel may be seen in the village.
I can confirm that our Grounds Maintenance Contractors have
been asked to ensure that noise is kept to a minimum, early
on Saturday mornings.
Confirmed that the RAF Lyneham Bonfire and Firework Display
will be held on Friday 3 November. Although the fireworks
are paid for by RAF Lyneham welfare funds, friends, neighbours
and families from Lyneham and Bradenstoke are very welcome,
free of charge. Once again hot food will be provided from
3 BBQ points – all profits this year will go to local
charities (including the Lyneham Scout Group). Approximate
timings – food available from 5 pm, bonfire lighting
6pm, fireworks 6.30pm.
b) To receive questions on RAF matters:
I was asked to examine the possibility of the RAF moving the
bench seat located at the end of Preston Lane to the grassed
area at Bradenstoke Corner – will report back at the
next meeting.
There was a complaint that HGVs were parking for several
nights in the old NAAFI car park. PC Brown will include this
area on his patrols but the RAF cannot justify expenditure
at the moment to put up barriers or height restrictions to
prevent HGVs using this site. The RAF had no objections to
removals vehicles using this location prior to delivery of
furniture; the alternative would be that they would probably
park in the narrow roads around Lyneham - creating a greater
hazard.
There was concern that on Families’ Day Wilts Police
had placed no parking cones in the road gutter outside the
station main entrance along the Calne Rd – thus reducing
the width of the road. Several cones had been knocked over
by heavy vehicles, causing difficulty for other road users.
I will pass on these comments to the Police.”
The Chairman thanked Squadron Leader Young for his report.
|
