It's been a busy few days. After us pressing for seemingly ages, the Council has announced a crackdown on the use of illegal mini-motos and quad bikes. The Redlands/University police neighbourhood - which takes in a chunk of Katesgrove ward - has also announced a crackdown on flytipping in rented properties - using fixed penalty powers we have pressed the Council to use for some time. It's an initiative I support and will press to have extended to cover the rest of Katesgrove.
This morning on a walkabout I picked up some Housing maintenance issues (though it has to be said that the grass was cut and with one exception the cleaning high quality), reported some rubbish in grot spots (back to the fixed penalties again!); spoke to a few residents; and have spent much of the last hour reporting issues as a result. All in the name of keeping the area clean and green.
Before that I met Reading Council's excellent Empty Homes officer for an update about action on empty homes in the ward. There are a number of successes including long-term empty properties on Winchester Road and South Street brought back into use. All down to the Empty Homes Strategy which - but for the actions of Liberal Democrat councillors - would not be in place.
And I got in a cup of coffee and a piece of Evie's excellent cheese bread in Pau Brasil while I was at it!
Now out for a spot of evening surveying!
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