Monday
An evening visit to Arkesden Parish Council, main areas of discussion were Highways and EEC response to a contentious planning application. Then I visited the roadworks taking place in Saffron Walden, chatted with the boss of the crew and ECC Highways representatives, updated as to schedule. I also popped into several of the night time economy venues in the town [takeaways, pubs, restaurants, etc.], I had visited them the previous week to ensure they knew the works were commencing. The diversions in place from 8pm to 5am seemed to be working well.
Tuesday
I visited Cromwell Road to check on a complaint that the speed humps were wearing away, message sent to ECC Highways. In the evening visited Wenden Lofts Parish Council, again main issues were Highways, more emails in their direction.
Wednesday
Meeting during the day with a local business regarding parking in the town, a big topic at present. Then a briefing from ECC Highways re planning matters, before sitting in on UDC Planning meeting to observe an application from developers affecting Great Chesterford.
Thursday
A trip to Chelmsford to substitute for a colleague on a formal committee. A very good presentation and discussion on Essex's Country Parks, the finances of which have been turned around and they are now in surplus, particular congrats to the cabinet member with responsibility for this area, Simon Walsh of Thaxted division.
Friday
Meeting with Councillors Sam Goddard and Howard Rolfe, and ECC Highways in Little Walden to discuss safety improvements to roads through the village, very worthwhile. Then into Walden to check on progress on the repairs/resurfacing, looking good, in particular the new road markings outside the Fire Station, which should aid access and safety, and the freshly reappointed zebra crossing in Hill Street. Quick conversation with workers removing scaffolding from around the old Beales building, I had pushed ECC Highways to get these removed, hopefully all gone within the next few days, or I shall be onto them again. Popped into the Fire Station, they were holding a Fire Break event, this involves young people getting to act as fire officers, including the discipline and teamwork involved in the task. A very worthwhile initiative from Essex Fire Service.
Saturday
This will be a day of rest, going out with my adult daughter in London.
Sunday
Finish off reading through the 300 plus page documents that come with being member of the Essex Adoption panel, on Monday we shall look at the applications from 2 couples who are hoping to be accepted as adopters. Then a lunchtime Conservative branch event, with obligatory raffle.
A fairly typical week, adding in the travelling and admin time some 25 hours, meaningful and worthwhile.