Iris Sutton has left Taddyforde

With characteristic independence, Iris was seen today on her way to St. David's having left Taddyforde House without fanfare.  I remember her saying to me some time ago that she would like to live somewhere where "bits don't keep dropping off".

Any of you who have lived here for while will know that Iris, and her husband Bruce, brought up their family here and that Iris has spent an awesome amount of time, skill and persistence in researching the history of Taddyforde (in which she is now an expert) as well as researching the lives of many other people of Exeter when their relatives have tried to seek out their forebears through St. David's Church.

She warned the Residents' Association (as a committee member) that she might not be around much longer, but it's still a shock to find that she has gone.

Exeter's Dustbin on our Doorstep

To Exeter City Planning Department

These pictures (taken today) show the state you have allowed the site to get into, and also show that flytipping is spreading beyond the site up Red Cow lane.  The very public state of the site encourages passers-by to think that this is a good place to dispose of rubbish.  The latest deposit included three large plastic bags full of assorted footwear and several electrical items, deposited outside the electricity substation.  This morning the bags had been emptied and most of the footwear taken.  It is to be hoped that this does not presage Red Cow Lane becoming a kind of unofficial recycling centre.

You will know that Red Cow Lane has not been adopted and has no known owner.  Consequently disposing of rubbish has to be done by local residents.  They all pay the rates and wonder what exactly they are paying for?

Devon County Council's leaflet

You may have received this glossy leaflet on the proposal to abolish Exeter City Council.  If you haven't actually read the Boundary Committee's draft proposals you might find it all seeming very pleasant.  I still don't and have written to them accordingly.

If you are interested you can read my response (Boundary.doc) by clicking on the title of this message.

Neighbourhood Watch

The crime prevention officer for Exeter has had reports that there has been a man cold calling at people's doors trying to sell aerial photographs.  His description is : white male about 6ft tall and of average build.  He has dark hair and a northern accent.  He was carrying a black sports type holdall.

We remind residents to use our bogus caller advice - keep doors locked, use security chains and do not allow anyone into your home that you do not know.  If you have a call like this and are concerned about his selling tactics call:

08452 777 444.

A note of any vehicle he was driving would be useful.  Thank you.

Save the City Council

Did you know that the Boundary Committee has proposed the abolition of Exeter City Council?  They want us to be something like a Devon parish but with no local elections.  The City would be represented by a "board" appointed by Devon County Council.  The consultation period ends on September 26th 2008.

For details of their proposal visit:  www.electoralcommission.org.uk  and look at the Devon pages or click on the title of this message to get to the right page.  You can send your comments through this site or email: reviews@boundarycommittee.org.uk. 

Or send your views to:

Devon Review Manager

The Boundary Committee for England

Trevelyan House

Great Peter Street

London SW1P 2HW

Red Cow Site Gets Worse

As the litter accumulates and strange activity is evident, Exeter City Council officers are still dragging their feet.  Despite the persistence of Percy Prowse, the Council has STILL not issued the formal Untidy Site Notice.  The Senior Enforcement and Projects Officer, Stacey Salter, wrote to Percy Prowse on the 23rd July saying that "This matter will shortly be passed to the Council's Planning Solicitor to prepare and issue a notice."

How long is "shortly"?  And will the Planning Solicitor take as long to issue the notice as it has taken her to request it?