Another very busy time for local matters with lots of different things starting to move as 2025 progresses.  In addition to the normal routines and requirements of each month here are some of the matters I have been involved with.

On the 4th February, I attended a meeting set up by the management at the Racecourse in anticipation of March Race Week. Firstly, they wanted to assure us there will be a good, strong police presence throughout. In addition more stewards
will be on hand to deal with issues quickly and locally. Management are aware that some of the more unacceptable ‘events’ are caused by walk-in customers (particularly when fuelled by alcohol) There will again be tight restrictions on car parking in and around the race course. A new Park & Ride bus service will be tried out from the Arle Court Hub, as well as the one from the train station, in the hope of both reducing walking numbers and car congestion.

(Just a reminder that the train station car park will be closed for cars as it will become a Park & Ride throughout the Festival). 
The Racecourse is also going to monitor parking in & around Southam & Bishops Cleeve as concerns have been raised in both areas in previous years.
Once again this year I get the strong impression the Management are trying really hard to make the influx of people much more acceptable (or at least less unacceptable ) to local residents. So if you identify any serious problems do please use the Racecourse contact phone numbers which will be distributed locally or go on the racecourse website to find who to get in touch with.  I guess that if they don’t hear from us they will assume everything is working well.

Latest update/ timings on Evesham Rd ‘Cycle Way’ roadworks/delays please see the link below:
https://www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/media/mynivhph/newsletter-progress-update-1-a435-cycleway-section-21.pdf

Councillor Jan Foster and I had a meeting on the 10th February with Mr. David Holland, the Road Safety & Traffic Management Officer,  about the speeding on Southam Road & the junction with Mill Street & Mill Lane. It was a positive meeting. David said he also had  concerns, so to start getting an idea of the extent of the problem he lent us a hand-held speed camera (for a period of around 6 weeks).
There are similar problems around Swindon Village so Jan and I will team up with the Councillors there to make a plan of action.
* if you can spare a little time to help over the period and would like to get involved please contact us by mail / phone *

Update on parking outside the Wilson Centre, Prestbury Road.
There are no parking restrictions opposite the Centre but I have pointed out that a bus stop is located immediately outside and parking has its problems, so I have left it in their hands but will be keeping a close eye on this matter.

I know it is a bit early for this to come up, but I have had a resident contact me about the potential noise from the music at Wychwood Festival later in the year. This has been a problem over the years so I will be going to the Licensing meeting in March to put my concerns forward at this early date. Do let me know if you have any views to put forward.

Very best wishes to all PAB members, hope 2025 is treating you well.
If you need me, do be in touch via the website contact page, by phone or through CBC.

Stan
(Cllr Stan Smith, PAB Prestbury)