Many thanks for your feedback on the Commons Advisory Panel’s (CAP) proposals for signage and other aspects about West Common. This note describes the position today, and what LLRA will do next.
To correct a confusion, this is a Commons Advisory Panel initiative, NOT a proposal by LLRA or any associated body, including the (now dormant) Stop Veolia campaign. LLRA is neither driving these changes, nor funding them. However, LLRA is represented on the CAP, and will express your views at its December meeting. We have every confidence that CAP will willingly address any concerns raised by the Long Leys community.
First, where things stand today; then second, what LLRA does next.
WHERE WE ARE TODAY
The key issues appear to be CYCLING on the Common; control of DOGS; feeding stations and more regarding HORSES; and finally OTHER MATTERS, not mentioned in the CAP proposals.
These issues need clarification as some are confusing and in places ambiguous.
LLRA ACTION
LLRA is writing a position paper reflecting your feedback.
Items include changes to the proposed signage to aid understanding. For example, it needs to be clear ‘No Cycling’ refers to the grassed area only, not the West Parade/Long Leys Road path. On dog control, what is ‘close control’; where are ‘ground nesting birds’ likely to be on the Common; etc. And do the proposed horse feeding stations replace or add to existing arrangements, and how to resolve mess and crowding of horses especially around the footpath gates.
We will raise other matters to improve residents’ enjoyment of the Common. There were a number of ideas from the consultation with the community; a measured jogging trail being one and the replacement of missing benches being another.
IN SUMMARY
LLRA will meet to agree our position, based on your comments, and will present your views at CAP’s December meeting.
Please continue to share your feedback; the views are yours – LLRA is your messenger!
Latest Update:
Neil Murray, Chairman of the Commons Advisory Panel (CAP), rang LLRA this evening (Tuesday) to confirm that nothing would change on the use of the Long Leys Road/West Parade path for cyclists. Neil cycles on the path himself, as well as across to Carholme Road, and well understands the value that the Long Leys and West End Communities put on these routes. The original intent was to protect the grass areas of the common but this was not expressed well on the proposed signage; deleting the “no-cycling” icon would probably be the best route forward when CAP reviews things at its December meeting. There will be no requirement for dogs to be on a lead. CAP will review how best to provide guidance for all users of the West Common on how to protect ground nesting birds and other wildlife. Neil was keen to hear some of the ideas from the Long Leys community on improvements. He suggested that use of the West Common should be included as part of the Long Leys community consultation when the Long Leys Neighbourhood Plan is being developed (scheduled for Spring 2019 onwards).
It seems a bit restrictive to only permit cycling on the path, and not the grassed areas – which the suggested signage would prevent. Parts of the common are perfectly usable for off road cycling – including as a link between the footpath and Carholme Road/Golf Course entrance but also around the perimeters. People do use the grassed areas of the common for recreational cycling and there is sufficient space to enable a safe mix of pedestrians, on and off-road cyclists and horses/riders.