More Trouble With Langley Mill's Teenagers

I recently received an email from Chris, he'd written to the local newspaper - Ripley &Heanor News - half expecting his letter to be included, but not exactly relying on it. It was about the local yoofs and yoofesses of Langley Mill/Aldercar and the damage they cause.

I imagine that much the same is going on all around the country and most of it is down to bad parenting and - as I've said before - the television perpetuating the belief that the child is ALWAYS right and adults are interfering, thick tw*ats.

In some cases the child is quite correct, it's apparently very easy to pull the wool over enough parents eyes so they believe that Junior is sleeping over at their best buddy's house ... these particular parents probably should have been prevented from having children in the first place as they're clearly too thick to phone Buddy's parents to check that Junior is indeed staying there. Either that or they really don't care where their offspring is - out of sight, out of mind - so we end up with them roaming the streets in screaming, shouting, damage causing feral packs all hours of the day and night.

Asda and McCrap also add to the problem by feeding the little darlings throughout the night. Anyway, nothing is ever going to improve because this lot, with zero respect for anyone or anything are the parents of the future. And no, I'm not talking about ALL teenagers, I know most are tucked up in bed and are perfectly respectable. It'sjust the ones who are a complete pain in the ar*e. Unfortunately they give the rest a bad name. It's now at the stage where you daren't even look at them without expecting a gob full of abuse.

Anyhooo, here's the letter:

I thought I would write my story of how the youth of today seems to have a total lack of respect for people and property. I visit family in Langley mill each week.  My van is parked outside and it seems to attract thieves and vandals. Just last week 3 youths, probably 12 year olds decided to zigzag  fishing line across the pavement, wrapping it around several street posts and even wrapping it around parked vehicles, including my own van. 

I saw them hanging around outside for some time and about half hour later went outside to have a look around and saw the fishing line wrapped around everything.

When I saw the fishing line I reported it to the police who came out straight away. Though apparently the youths didn't actually commit a crime. So the only thing they could do, if caught, was issue them a asbo. So there are no real consequences for their actions even though someone could have been injured.

Considering there are elderly and disabled  people living in the adjacent houses, I am actually outraged by what they did.  Not only are they at risk of not seeing the fishing line, it could have necked some passers by. There are a lot of dog walkers out at night also. Its dark and it wouldn't be easily visible.

Best part of the whole event was they did it right outside 3 CCTV cameras which are infra-red so work perfectly well at night and caught the whole thing on camera. Not only are they stupid with the intent of doing harm to the public where there are no laws to prevent it, they are stupid enough to do it in plain sight of 3 night vision cameras.

I fitted the CCTV cameras about a year ago after my van window was smashed and my sat-nav stolen. My sat nav has a lot of my work addresses in it so I can't really do without it. I work as a carpet cleaner in Uttoxeter and my van carries my £2,500 carpet cleaning machine which took 2 days to remove all the glass out of.  If I had missed some glass it would have irreparably damaged my equipment and my livelihood.  Who would end up footing the bill in such a situation?  I had to pay for my window to be replaced along with pulling out millions of fragments of glass out of everything. I also lost 4 days work in total because of it all.

Not long before that I had my side mirror smashed off my van. I of course reported it, but with no evidence who did it, nothing could be done. So yet another bill I had to pay out because of some youths lack of respect for property.  Not only that, I have to drive back to Uttoxeter Sunday night time and changing lanes without a nearside mirror is vary dangerous on the M1. If I had collided with another vehicle as I couldn't see them at 70MPH , I really think someone would have been killed. Do these youths even realise how dangerous the knock on effect is of their actions?

Not only that, we have the usual drinks bottles chucked into our garden most days. Youths clearly have not been educated on how to use a dustbin.  We get the usual shouting and swearing in the early hours of the morning and sometimes find smashed wheelie bins and sick outside our driveway. If I reported every little thing to the police it would be a full time job.

Obviously they did a poor job with the fishing line. If I was doing it, I would have at least got some stainless steel cable and wrapped it back and forth over the road for several hundred meters. Wrapping it around as many cars as I could. Clearly it is no crime to do that.

I personally think the law seriously needs to be changed in relation to young offenders and what is classed as a crime. In my opinion, the intent to do harm should be more than enough for some jail time regardless of age. Such pranks can easily result in someone being injured or even killed. If I had not investigated the fishing line, how many people would it have caught in the face during the night? I really wonder what if someone had lost a eye or two if anything more would have been done. 

Delightful, isn't it? ...

Blue Plates for Little Dinners

A friend on Facebook commented on a photo I shared - of my dinner at Wetherspoons - that blue plates can be used as an appetite suppressant. It must be noted that I rarely manage to eat all my Wetherspoons dinner, even though it's my first meal of the day and I'm proper hungry by the time it arrives around 2.00pm. There's no real problem there though as I have my very own grumpy dustbin with me and he always helps me out.

Of course I had to have a look at these appetite suppressant claims for myself - well I asked Google ... as you do. Hmmmm, It extends far beyond the plates. Decor is involved too.

My dining room is predominantly yellow/gold with only a smattering of blue/green/orange - oops - and my plates are of a similar hue - oops again. I will have to fetch out my royal blue - with gold stars - Christmas table cloth earlier than usual ... that'll be tomorrow then.

McDonalds - aka McCrap - are playing with our noshing senses by using yellow and red lighting. Even I'm not impervious to the warm glow emanating from the McLitter corner of Langley Mill ... no I don't go in and order anything, but I've noticed by the time I get home that I'm actually dribbling ;)

And if you're a fridge raider, it's recommended that you use a blue light in there ... or simply cover the bulb with the blue chocolate wrapper in your hand.

Fortunately I only go in my fridge when it needs filling or emptying, and isn't the sort of place I'd look for a snack ... on the other hand, the inside of my nut cupboard is gleaming white ... and filled with red (chocolate) tins and orange (Jacobs) cracker boxes where my nut stash is held captive ...

Langley Mill McDonald's Is DEFINITELY Open

... And an accident waiting to happen. Grumpy came back from Heanor last night, and cars from Eastwood were having to go onto his side of the road to get around cars queuing to get into McTrafficJam. As if that roundabout wasn't already bad enough :-/

We have to step over McRubbish just to get in the car.

McDonald's opened Friday morning 15th February ... and just in case you didn't know, it's a 24 hour McMunching parlour.

Their employees need to get around McLangley McMill and clean up their McLitter because the majority of under 40 year olds around here still believe in the litter fairies.

I wonder if the same people - we had a glossy magazine delivered yesterday - who found it 'so encouraging to see another empty space in our parish having an establishment built on it' will be out clearing up the McRubbish ... no? Thought not. And no-one has forgotten about the roadworks from the Asda build as is evidenced by frantic searches for the next spot of roadworks still made on my Mcblog.

Clearly whoever has been given the highly important task of writing the Mc24 hour McLeaflets that have been shoved through our letterboxes, telling us that ... 'The wait is over' needs a few lessons in basic English.

Quote:

Our team have been busy making sure that your look McDonald's is brighter and comfier than ever. So now you can enjoy all your favourites in fresh, new surroundings with free WiFi - perfect!

It doesn't actually make sense as a paragraph, there may be a word missing, I suggest that it's NEW ... and I've decided not to mention the particularly annoying - to me - bit about team have/has. It really ought to have been written by someone who should OF known better. It also reads like it's an old McCrap that has been done up. Oh and Notthingham (back of the coupons) is incorrect.

There, I've had a spiffing time picking fault, it's quite made my day.

I've got nothing against McDonalds or any other fast food eatery. As far as I'm concerned they're all fine for a once every so often treat, but we're getting the same teenagers day after day passing by with what's left of their McLard breakfast/lunch/snack/dinner/tea/supper.

And no matter how McDonalds try to market their McFood as healthy, it doesn't exactly make for a balanced diet ... unless you use both hands of course ;)

McDonald's Langley Mill - Very Nearly Ready

Update 15.2.13:
 Just been told that McDonald's opened this morning at 6.00 ...

It looks like it won't be long before McDonald's is ready to open. They were busy turfing and planting when we passed today.

Hopefully the nice people who pass here being a damned gobby nuisance through the night - who then go on to see how many tunes they can get out of the metal railway bridge by hitting it (hopefully with their heads) - will frequent the 24 hour McDonald's after being moved on by Asda.

I imagine it could even be the same group of delightful teenagers who just throw their rubbish down after an Asda lunch, as witnessed by myself today.

But I rather imagine they'll come up here to chuck McDonald's crap about as a change from Asda crap :(

Hmmm, yes - Asda is still completely devoid of anyone opening the delivery gates actually being in charge of more than one brain cell. Whoever opens them in the night attempts to open the bolts without them squeaking ... this is irritating beyond measure. Whoever does it during the day couldn't care less how much they squeak.

Knowing that they do squeak would normally prompt someone with two brain cells to ask maintenance to grease the bolts ... alas, as I've said, they're sadly lacking in this department so I'm going to have to go across and tell them yet again to get them greased.

Oooooh, I nearly forgot. Would whoever it is that is trying not to squeak the gates in the night, please stop dropping pallets on top of one another. I know that's what you're doing because I've been there, done that and got the T-shirt!

Done whinging now ...

January 2013 Updates in our bit of Langley Mill

Mostly by ALI and just a bit of me:

It seems that this bad weather has sent all the workmen scurrying indoors, as it has gone very quiet around the Asda island over the past week or so.

So will the three weeks allowed be enough to get all the work completed as the McDonalds opening day draws near?

It's rumoured that McDonalds is opening the first week in February, they've been working very late most nights the past week so it shows that the deadline is fast approaching!

.....

Just been looking on the AVBC Planning website about the submission for The Mill Pub.
It's now only 6 Flats and the number of parking spaces are for 13 vehicles max.
I found these 2 headings 2.8 and 3.12 amusing:

2.8 Since it has been vacated the building has been subjected to vandalism and also suffered fire damage. The appearance of the building in its current state is an eyesore particularly in the light of the new development that has taken place on the opposite sides of the roundabout.

Don't you think WE have noticed that too!

And Landscaping 3.12 The site is currently all hard surfaced. The majority of the site would remain hard standing including the rear car park. It is intended however to include a small area of planting on the north west corner of the site adjoining the entrance to enhance the appearance of the site.

Does this mean we will see the demise of our beloved 'tyre trailer'?

Looking at the plans drawn up by Peart Bradley Architects, they look good, but I'm a bit unsure why the project is titled 'The Station Pub, Langley Mill'? .... (ooooh, yes so it is)

Back to me:
I noticed on the application that it is noted that 'the premises may reopen as a drinking establishment without requiring planning permission as this use is longstanding' ... but the opening hours for whatever retail units are proposed is 8.00am-9.00pm Mon-Sat and 10.00am-4.00pm Sun ...

Roadworks Langley Mill January 2013

Just a little warning that from the 7th January next year, there will be roadworks in the area of the Asda roundabout for 3 weeks ... presumably to improve the layout of said roundabout as it's long been established that it's dangerous.

Considering that everyone that uses this roundabout, either falls in the 'oblivious of other road users' category or into the 'second guessing what the first lot are doing' category. This is long overdue.

Of course, I may be totally wrong - who me? - and the promised improvements aren't going to happen at all and they're just making the road ready for McDonalds ...

Update 26th December:

Having been out yesterday via the roundabout at Eastwood - a few yards up the road from Asda roundabout - I noticed the signs there informing us that roadworks to repair the safety barriers start on the same day as the ones in Langley Mill. These will last 12 weeks.

Do neighbouring councils not consult one another about impending roadworks to minimise disruption? ...

Latest Doings In Langley Mill Oct/Nov 2012

As observed by my fellow grumpy ALI ... I don't want anyone to miss these:

1. I see not many local motorists are prepared to pay the new charges on the former AVBC car park (free). We now get idiots parking anywhere they like on the road and side streets causing a hazard to other drivers ! ... on - Cromford Road Car Park 
2. Just noticed we know have 2 illegal car washes in Langley Mill, the one that opened up on Dean Street months ago has only just applied for 'retrospective planning approval' for their 'car valet business' 5 days ago (11th Oct.) according to AVBC Planning Dept. website. So much for following the legal rules and regs. ... on - The Real Pictorial Langley Mill 
3. Well one high street shop has been sold at auction and we ALL await what delights it will offer to us over the coming Christmas period, that's if it opens by then. I refer to what I still call Sutcliffes newsagents, over the road from the Railway Tavern on Station Road. It was a pleasure to see the smiles on the faces of both of the mature ladies who used to serve in his shop (John Sutcliffe) many years ago when I used to say 'good morning girls' as I popped in to pay my paper bill back when 'papers were delivered, happy days ! ! ! ... on - Latest Doings in Langley Mill 
4. The date that I heard regarding the opening of McDonalds was early in the New year, maybe February, but all this bad weather we are having could have an effect on that, we shall see! ... on -  Bad Manners Maketh The Post Office 
5. I've heard the rumour by a few people locally that the access to the new McDonalds will be over a new bridge crossing the river from the rear of Lidl on the Access 26 site. Looked on the Borough Planning website but unable to spot any details, all I could see was the additional erection of 'pedestrian barriers' on the 3 approaches to the Asda racetrack and adjustment to road markings. I keep my eyes peeled to see if any trees suddenly get felled, to give us more proof of this rumour becoming fact! ... on - McDonalds Gets Go Ahead for Langley Mill - Again 
6. Keep your eye on the car park on Saturday 1st December 2012 for new developments ! ! ! ... on - Cromford Road Car Park
7. Now I believe that Asda made a large donation for the upgrading of the Pottery Lane footpath when the store was granted planning permission. We are now entering the twilight months of 2012 and STILL no sign of an ounce of tarmac being deposited on that sorry path. Now perhaps some Councillors might think that the peasants of this parish will have short memories and forgot all about the £50K+ that is sitting in some bank account and hoping they could put it to better use elsewhere. Well I have news for them, my memory is a damn site better than that and will be keeping a close eye on what, if anything, happens in the New Year ! ! ! ... on - Pottery Lane And Another Moan About Slurry Corner ...

Latest Doings in Langley Mill

 As I've mentioned before, not everyone looks at the comments so here's the latest observations by ALI:

1. The demolition of the former CJ Car Sales building has begun, so the opening of the new store can't be all that far away.
2.  Not many local motorists are prepared to pay the new charges on the former AVBC car park (free) on Cromford Road. We now get idiots parking anywhere they like on the road and side streets causing a hazard to other drivers.
3.  Just noticed we now have 2 illegal car washes in Langley Mill, the one that opened up on Dean Street months ago has only just applied for 'retrospective planning approval' for their 'car valet business' 5 days ago (11th Oct.) according to AVBC Planning Dept. website. So much for following the legal rules and regulations.

.....

Yes ALI, I noticed the retrospective plans last week, I had a little titter at the time. Apparently they had permission for one part of the plans, then decided to go ahead without permission for another bit ... presumably the environmentally unfriendly - lets chuck our water down the drains and hope no-one will notice bit. Obviously some people will always think that the rules don't mean them ...

My Meeting With Councillor Kevin Parkinson re ASDA Island Safety.

By Dayvee

I arrived at the island earlier than planned, and placed my backside on a bench facing the island.  I thought I’d have a few moments watching the traffic and pedestrians go about their business.

The island activity was blistering but then it was peak time, this doesn’t excuse the poor, erratic, selfish driving. 

Not by everyone I have to say, there were some drivers who were courteous to others and used the island as I would term correctly.

Here are some of my observations during a period of only 15 minutes. 

• Some drivers didn’t indicate their intended direction.
•  Many drivers chose the wrong lane and involved cutting other drivers up. 
•  There were drivers who attacked the island as if it was their enemy or race track, they couldn’t get on or off it quick enough.
• One driver went round 1½ times.  He came from Eastwood end, did a complete lap then left for Heanor, a case of wrong lane and no indication.
• Two pedestrians became stranded on the splitter island in the middle of Cromford road; they started from “The Mill” side and were heading toward ASDA with a two wheeled shopping trolley in tow.  They made it quite comfortably to the splitter island but leaving it was a very nerving ordeal for them.  It was a gamble when to leave the island in order to cross the second half.  This was due to the traffic coming off the island and leaving ASDA with and without indication.

 Soon after Councillor Parkinson arrived and our discussion began.

.....

I was told By Councillor Parkinson that: 

•  The island and alterations to the approach roads were constructed with the assumption and expectation that both drivers and pedestrians are aware and use the highway in accordance laid down in “The Highway Code”.
• There is no reported or local knowledge of any incident or accident involving a pedestrian, cyclist or motor cyclist using the island. Asda is a responsible neighbour, and has continued to work with our highways officers since the store opened keeping the island and road safety considerations of pedestrians, which has led to an agreed, set of new highway improvements to the island.’ (This section has been edited by Julie. Apologies to Councillor Parkinson for the error)
•  A blind or vision impaired person will be expected to have a person/partner, guide dog or at least a white stick to aid crossing, it is also expected that drivers will stop for such a person to allow safe crossing. 
• Traffic lights cannot be installed close to the island as it will cause traffic build up, on and off the island which would be hazardous.  The pedestrian controlled traffic lights near “The Railway Tavern” and KFC would have to be removed. The reason being that the light sequence could not be synchronized with those on the island if fitted. If they could It would also be too expensive. 
• The McDonalds build has been approved to go ahead after finalizing and getting approval of the changes to the road/footpath layout. Had the public used the moment more actively and raised their objections at the time of notice being given, then the McDonalds franchisee would have had to re-think.
• He will do everything he can to hold up the building of McDonalds until he is absolutely satisfied that the road/footpath layout meets with his and the highway’s authority approval, at the moment it doesn’t.  All previous road layout plans have been rejected.
• It will be in the interest of McDonald’s franchisee to be patient and come up with the correct solution for customer vehicle access and exit and how it integrates with the island on station road. 
• There will be a clause built into the contract, in that if after a period of time it is found that the island or road layout is not working as well as it could or should, then the McDonalds franchisee will be responsible for the funding to make any necessary changes.
• It would be a good idea to involve and work with the Parish Council.
• Work is on-going to move the car wash lot which is next to “The Railway Tavern”. 
• “The Mill” (derelict building) if eventually sold has or will have restrictions place upon it as to what could be made of it.  It may be that a compulsory purchase order be placed on it with the intention of demolition.

.....

 

After reading the above I can appreciate some of the comments will infuriate certain people and rightly so.

Unfortunately the horse has bolted and we are where we are.

I suggest if you have any questions or clarification relating to the above they would best directed to Councillor Parkinson. Kevin.Parkinson@derbyshire.gov.uk  or on twitter @GreaterHeanor ... I found him to be very obliging and informative.

.....

Do we have any chance to make the McDonald’s franchisee move his restaurant to… http://www.innes-england.com/news_access_26.asp?

I have a slight (very slight) suspicion that McDonalds HQ could be persuaded to advise their franchisee to build down near KFC. Spare land is already there waiting for development.

No brainer to me.  CRAZY ISN’T IT?

I am of the opinion that the restaurant could be open for business sooner if built near KFC, than if they ran the time consuming course of getting approval for the already problematic road layout at the Island which could hopefully go on and on and on.

I think that McDonalds HQ need to know how much we are opposed to their franchisee building on the previous CJ car sales site.  And make them aware of http://www.innes-england.com/news_access_26.asp

If our case encouraged and welcomed the build to be in the same area as KFC as opposed to not having one who knows?

The last thing they need is negative publicity and would prefer it if the public were on their side.

.....

It is possible that we have lost the battle but there is nothing to stop us from continuing with the war and make it very uncomfortable for them by using the almighty weight of the public of whom they will rely on for their business.

.....

 

Below (Where we want to be) ironically, is a section off the McDonald’s web site.

I have underlined, made bold and coloured red which contradicts the CJ site at Langley Mill.

I will be compiling a letter to the CEO, McDonald’s head office; if anyone else cares to add their weight, his address is shown at the bottom.  Surely must be worth a stamp, or you can Tweet @McDonalds  and  #McDonalds and Facebook them, get your contacts/friends to share your FB post.

Dare I say it the more the better, united we stand … 

Where we want to be

http://www.mcdonalds.co.uk/ukhome/Aboutus/Development.html

Due to the growing success of the Company, the intention is to increase the pace of acquisitions with a target of 30 new restaurant openings per year from 2011, which will create up to 1800 new job opportunities annually.

The primary vehicle for this expansion will be freestanding drive-thru restaurants where convenience is key or locations in new or existing retail and leisure parks and transport hubs where visits are often part of a linked trip.

Where McDonald's differs from its Competitors

All leases are taken in the McDonald's Restaurants Ltd name

·         McDonald's take leases up to 25 years

·         McDonald's has a superior covenant strength achieving yields of between 5% and 6%

What are the site requirements

·         Mixed Use/Retail Parks/Leisure Parks/Main Arterial Routes

·         Co-location opportunities with hotels considered

·         Ideal site size is 0.5+ acres

·         All opportunities considered: Standalone units/Leasehold or Freehold - sites up to one acre

·         Pub conversions

For the personal and private attention of

Don Thompson CEO Restaurants Ltd:
McDonald's Restaurants Ltd:

11 - 59 High Road

East Finchley

London

N2 8AW

ASDA Island up for discussion

Something Is Afoot!

Apparently Paul Lynch (reporter for Ripley & Heanor News) was at one of the Parish council meetings and has picked up on our plight regarding the island, which was seemingly discussed, to what extent I'm not sure.
From what I can gather Councillor Kevin Parkinson has also fed him some information hopefully on our behalf.

Councillor Parkinson has requested a meeting with me in order to discuss the safety concerns.

Our meeting is to take place on Monday 6th August.
I would be very grateful if anyone can forward to me experiences of concern, problems using the island, even only if witnessed relating to collisions, near misses or confusion whether you were the driver, a passenger or pedestrian.

Any information will need to reach me no later than Monday 6th August at 4pm.

My email is: dayvee16@gmail.com

Update on the Langley Mill roundabout

It has been acknowledged by ASDA and local council that Langley Mill island is not as safe as it could be.
Plans are now afoot to change lane discipline from two to one by removing the white lining as well as hatchings around the centre.
Apparently ASDA have agreed to fund the imminent changes.
Community and public pressure is NOW required and quickly before this minor work is carried out.
We need to press for better traffic control i.e PEDESTRIAN CROSSING WITH LIGHTS.
The island needs to be safer to negotiate for pedestrians  travelling from Langley Mill to Eastwood & visa versa.
There is a good possibility that public pressure can make this happen
Your comments, ideas, opinions and near misses (if any) that you have had or witnessed with regard to the roundabout need to be sent by email to the following

kevin.parkinson@derbyshire.gov.uk          Also copy in the following:
almpcouncil@yahoo.co.uk

These people need to know your views to make a safer crossing happen!!  GET EMAILING

Asda Island Langley Mill: Safe or Dangerous?

This post is written by a fellow Twitterer (and fairly prolific commenter). He was going to do it as a comment but they sometimes get missed, so I suggested he become a blog author: So, meet dayvee ...

.....

It all started for me on 17^th September 2010 when my wife and I was taking our granddaughter out for a walk, well she was in her push chair due to her being only 2 years of age.

Walking along Station Rd heading towards Eastwood we encountered the new roundabout at the junction of Cromford Rd.  Immediately something about the island struck me that this was not a comfortable place to cross to make our way towards Eastwood.

The old zebra crossing had gone with nothing to replace it other than a tactile kerb to give the pedestrian confidence.

There was no other option other than use the opposite side of the road which had and still has no footpath.

I was so concerned that I wrote to Asda, several threads of email were exchanged comprising of many questions aimed mainly at safety including photographs to back up the questions, no satisfactory answers came back.

Communications finished 13^th December 2010 and I dare say by more luck than judgement as far as I am aware there has not been an accident involving a pedestrian.

I would like to know if anyone else is aware of an accident on or relevant to the island.

Because of the “Grumpy Old Woman’s BlogSpot” the topic has been revived and it is thanks to Julie that she has allowed me to write, hopefully to raise more local interest in order to highlight safety concerns to the council which in turn they should place pressure or request those responsible to make the roundabout more safe for pedestrians of all capabilities.

(See below in quote the section underlined)

I have recently opened discussions this time with Councillor Kevin Parkinson who appears to have more interest than those in the past.

I forwarded all previous discussion threads including photographs to him asking for the answers to my questions.  He admits that he is not qualified to answer most of them; however he does write in his final thread “Quote”…

To confirm, Asda were responsible for their build which was approved by Amber Valley Borough Council.
As the highway authority we are responsible for ensuring new developers, in this case Asda, fund any necessary road traffic and pedestrian measures that meet the statutory requirements contained in the regulation and best practice available.

In terms of the existing arrangements I am satisfied they meet the regulatory requirements and confirm Asda is a responsible neighbour which is always crucial to secure necessary highway improvements.

Part of the agreement with Asda carried a clause for us to include any retrospective improvements 'should' any new information or persistent concerns occur.

I can assure you, that as local member; I have consistently reviewed the situation around Asda and consulting with our professional officers, remain satisfied.

We all are reliant upon road users and pedestrians observing good high way code disciplines, and the existing highway arrangements very much factored minimising risks.

In terms of the points you outlined, I am not qualified to respond and have asked officers to respond on my behalf.

As I explained, we are currently working with a new developer and are seriously considering our S278 highway requirements to allow that build and fast food operation to occur.

I have a meeting shortly with officers responsible for negotiating these requirements and I will ensure your comments are considered accordingly.
I have also included the Parish Council who should be aware of your concerns.

I have replied to Councillor Parkinson appertaining to the above.

You will see within the above written quote that I have underlined and placed in bold a section where I believe that we the public in numbers could pursue and (for want of a better word), force their hand to make the roundabout more safe for pedestrians to include sound and visual aids.

S278 that Councillor refers to is primarily an agreement between the local authority and developer in respect of what work is to be done, the price and other bits and bobs, not necessarily safety crossing aids.  It may be they were not placed in the contract due to price, which in my opinion is not serving the public well.

Change can only be considered if we have hoards of Langley Millers raising issues of complaint

I would also be happy to read your thoughts and ideas regarding the roundabout.

If anyone is interested in viewing all the questions that has been placed to Asda and councillor Parkinson, also the photographs (to get a feel of where we are with it) I will be only too happy to post them, just let me know. 

Only for fear of boring you is the reason why I have not posted them here and now.

As and when I receive information or updates I will post them.

Many thanks GG

dayvee

(David Vowles)

McDonalds Gets Go Ahead for Langley Mill - Again

The most recent planning application for a McDonalds in Langley Mill - AVA/2011/0443 came up at the planning board last night (16th April) with a recommendation that it be passed, so it's fair to assume with AVBC that it would be.

This means that we'll soon be spoilt for choice on which way to waddle for our fast food breakfast/dinner/tea/supper or even a snack if we get peckish in-between.

Of course, I suspect that most of us will go by car ... thus preventing many an unsightly grease splat in the middle of the road - when we get squashed by speeding traffic near the exceedingly dodgy Asda roundabout - because we're not really quick enough to get across (even with pedestrian splitter islands) ... hmmm, or is it only me that gets over-stodged and too tired to walk after the smallest amount of fast food? Which is a shame because I like it - yum.

Mind you, this isn't the first time McDonalds have had a planning application in Langley Mill passed. They got planning permission to build a 60 seater restaurant in 2002, roughly (or even exactly) where KFC now stands ...

Update 26th April:
For some weird reason I keep forgetting to add this pertinent bit of info - probably because the vast majority of this post was written on 19th July last year; in anticipation of it being passed on the 22rd July 2011 as McDonalds expected.

Ahem, not only are we getting this totally unnecessary artery-furring (possibly brutally halal slaughtered) fast food - and I use the term 'food' loosely - restaurant. It will be 'open to the public 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with 3 deliveries a week' - or so it says in the documents over at AVBC.

So there you have it, when Asda wake me in the night, I'll be able to stomp down to McDonalds and calm myself down with a dollop of unhealthy fast food gunk ...

McDonalds Not In Langley Mill ... Again

I have updated in a previous post that the application to build a McDonalds on CJ Cars was refused planning permission because highways said it wasn't safe  - or words to that effect. I did mention this very fact a while back and it would have saved them a lot of manpower and money if they'd only take notice of me.

I updated an old post rather than write a separate one because I found the information by reading another blog - as it wasn't mentioned at AVBC - so wasn't really my information to share.

However, I notice by search terms being used and the subsequent pages being read, that people are still arriving at my oldest post referring to McDonalds and going no further, therefore missing the latest updates - a woman can get fed-up of linking several posts - so I decided to give in and write this and provide a link to where I originally got my info from.

Now go and look there ...

What's Happening At The End Of Cromford Road?

Hmm, because there seems to be a large amount of inactivity - as in empty or closed - at the bottom end of Cromford Road, we're now wondering if a recent rumour that I mentioned at the beginning of my moany 'lack of flowers' blog - businesses at the end of Cromford Road being offered large wads of cash - is in fact true.

If there is a hint of truth in the rumours then we're puzzled about who wants to buy land and businesses there, and what they want them for [Godwins next attempt at McDonalds in case their current plans are thwarted, perhaps].

I can see many days ahead - when sufficiently bored enough, I'm not that nosy ... no, really - of t'Interweb cruising to see what I can find out ... failing that we'll interrogate some likely candidates.

There's still no sign at AVBC that the plans are being passed for McDonalds on CJ Cars plot,  I'm NOT ever so convinced these plans will be passed as - in my humble opinion - that stretch of road isn't safe as it is now, even without a McDonalds there, because the roundabout is too small and drivers from both Asda and Eastwood actually treat Station Road with an 'I've got right of way' mentality and are totally oblivious to Cromford Road.

And anyway, I have already suggested [ok, rumoured] that Netto would be a much better place for McDonalds - as Asda aren't likely to keep Langley Mill's Netto, which is almost closed - but no-one takes any notice of me.

You'll have to excuse the shortness of this post, but my friends are waiting for me to go out and play [bowls] ... and I still refuse to wear the uniform ...

McDonalds In Langley Mill ... Yet Again

McDonalds have resubmitted a planning application for CJ Cars - Planning Application AVA/2011/0443 - 206 Station Road Langley Mill Derbyshire NG16 4AE. Proposed new fast food outlet on the former second hand car dealers site - Resubmission of AVA/2010/1227.
 
They anticipate a decision by 22nd July 2011.

There are also numerous applications for advertisement consent for totem signs, fascia signs and 14 various other signs. Curiously the decisions on these [three] applications are expected on 21st July [the day before the main plans]  ... it looks serious this time folks.

No, I'm not going to do a nice little link to the planning applications at AVBC. Yes, I do have the technology, but we all need to learn how to find things ourselves - tut, I can be so mean at times.

I've not been desperate or bored enough yet to see if the original plans have been tinkered with [access improvements or otherwise] ...

Update 3rd June:

I've had a few teeny-weeny moments of boredom so took a peek at the above planning application. It didn't take too long to find what I was looking for [first guess]. It could be that the council were as unimpressed with the transport assessment as I was. Another one has been carried out - possibly not as big a fantasy as the original.

Oh, and there's a proposed tweaking of road markings at the bottom of Wesley street [middle of the road, right turn in] so access to McDonalds can be extended.

I stopped being bored enough to look any further - I soon lose interest ... it's my age.

Incidentally, I'm not against McDonalds coming to Langley Mill - I don't actually think we NEED one as much as they think we do - but it does need to be safe for pedestrians and traffic. And I do hope they're a bit tidier than another nearby fast food restaurant - because their litter ends up in the canal ...

Update 11th August:

You know, you can get fed up of checking to see if McDonalds have got their planning permission, I'm using up valuable t'Interweb bandwidth through nosiness.

Although a decision was anticipated by 22nd July, they don't seem to have had one so far, nor can I see that they're up for discussion in August 15th planning board documents - yet ...

Update 18th September:

Having had a quick cruise on t'interweb to see if I could find anything about this application as it seems to be dragging on a bit, I came across another - slightly more professional [no moaning] and possibly totally unbiased - blog, namely 'the best of Heanor and Ripley' - which says the plans have been refused [although I can't find where it says so yet at AVBC] because of highway safety - well there's a total surprise ...

So, I wonder where the next plans for McDonalds will be? ...

Update 17th April 2012:

McDonalds have had their application approved - unanimously apparently.

Hmmm, an easy one to slip quietly through while the deeply controversial 'Ripley Gateway' - lets re-class this ‘agricultural land’ off Nottingham Road as ‘recreational public open space’, in our next step to have all that lovely Morrisons bribe S106 money to spend on Belper - was passed ...

McDonalds Not In Langley Mill

I've just had a nosy at AVBC planning - to make sure I'm up to date with anything that is likely to make me grumpy - and noticed that the application for a fast food outlet ... a.k.a. McDonalds, on a former second hand car dealers  ... a.k.a. CJ cars has been withdrawn. I wonder why ...

Update 1st June:
Plans for McDonalds were resubmitted yesterday

McDonalds In Langley Mill

Plans have just been submitted to AVBC for a fast food outlet at a former second hand car dealer site - 206 Station Road, Langley Mill. Although I say just, the application was registered on 24th January 2011, but dated 2010 - as can been seen by the application number [so must have been in the pipeline for a little while]. No, I'm not suggesting it was a BIG secret - seeing as it was already suspected by most people I know.

This proposal is for the land where CJ Car Sales was, on the new Asda roundabout. And no this isn't a rumour [this time], the application can be found at AVBC:

Planning Application AVA/2010/1227 - 206 Station Road Langley Mill Derbyshire NG16 4AE - a decision is expected on 21st March.

This should be an interesting addition to the already inadequate - and somewhat speedy [30mph ... my a**e] - Asda roundabout ...

Update 16th March: The application was withdrawn

Update 1st June: The application was resubmitted and subsequently refused planning permission