In June 2020, FoGA conducted a ‘Facebook Gossip’ to create ideas about how £65.5k (the then amount of annual budget the GACC were spending, and the reserves the GACC were holding. The gossip log is attached below and summarised.
The real issue is that there is no engagement from NHDC (who are Hitchin, Letchworth & Baldock centric), nor from the GACC, who do not engage or consult with the local community sufficiently. Neither is there a vision of how Great Ashby should grow and adapt/absorb the planned new development.
See also FoGA Campaigns: https://friends-of-great-ashby.org/current-campaigns/ The main ideas are:
- Cycle Ways – This is being taken forward as a proposal and NHDC seem to be exploring wider cycling issues now in light of new Government funding
- Disband GACC* – F0GA have explained how this arose see below*
- Basket ball courts – FoGA understand Cllr Tyler is looking at some hoops (and St Nicholas park is being lobbied too)
- Youth Centre & Youth stuff – Conversations have started with SBC
- Closed Playground at Merrick? – This is a request for GACC to respond to L Thomsett request for more equipment in Merrick Close
- Mental Health & Confidence Support – An organisation is ready to put this in place and has previously put in a request to the GACC**
- Doggie play park (as a commercial venture) – This is being explored by a local Social Enterprise support organisation in collaboration with Cllr Tyler
- Tennis Courts – FoGA have asked the school to use the astro turf – A new facility would cost about £65.5k, but investigations show that there is ample provision in NHDC***
- Something wild and free – FoGA are campaigning for the GACC to acquire and protect Green Belt & Ancient Woodland Campaigns: https://friends-of-great-ashby.org/current-campaigns/ ****
- More ASB investment – see the policy submitted to GACC in July 2019 – https://friends-of-great-ashby.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/foga-asb-proposal-1.pdf
- More Woodland walks (Westward extension) – this is subject to land owner permission, which is being investigated
- More CCTV and ASB focus – we understand from Cllrs Jarvis & Tyler and the residents affected (as at 29.06.20) that CCTV is planned & residents permission is being sought by NHDC. Martin Morgan has launched a CCTV scheme in co-operation with OWL https://friends-of-great-ashby.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/foga-cctv-alliance.pdf *****
- More Speed Cameras – a policy is being formulated – the SBC St Nicholas Ward and Woodfield Ward’s have agreed to participate
- Horse Pooh (do we have a policy other than me sticking it on my compost?) -Official policy is that on foot patrols FoGA volunteers will follow and clear up after mounted revellers .
- Pub – a discussion has been started with the Community Centre, who may or may not be amenable to the Café being used. This is to be explored. *******
*** An exchange was held with the residents concerned on an artificial grass version. The strategic plans of NHDC show that there is plenty of provision and investment and that locals simply prefer not to travel. A pop up version has been looked at and will be taken forward
**** See attached Facebook post with Cllr Robert Logan
***** This proposal is being extended into the St Nicholas area too
******* A business case was prepared, but unless manned by volunteers, a pub is not a viable option, instead ways to make the walk across to the St Nicholas feel safe could be explored
Friends of Great Ashby 