Author: resident

Letter from Robert Troy T.D. regarding council responses to Ashefield-related queries

The following letter from Robert Troy T.D.,  dated  8th May 2011, was delivered to all houses in Ashefield and addresses a number of issues raised at the recent Residents Association AGM:

 

Dear Resident,

I am writing to you further to my attendance at your recent residents association AGM.  Following this meeting I requested my two colleague’s  Cllr. Bill Collentine and Cllr. Ken Glynn to raise the issues of concern to the residents at the next Mullingar Town Council meeting. Please see on reverse of this letter a comprehensive list of questions they asked and the replies given. We will continue to pursue these issues on your behalf.

I am enclosing a card with all our contact details for your information.  Please do not hesitate in contacting any of us should you feel we can be of any assistance to you, your family or friends in the future.

Best wishes,

Robert Troy T.D.

 

Cllr. Glynn:             That Westmeath County Council would maintain the green area at the entrance to Ashefield estate, similiar to the green strip across the road.

Reply:  This is a matter for the Ashefield Residents Association.

 

Cllr. Collentine:              Can Westmeath County Council advise what responsibility it has to ensure that the communal areas of the apartment block in Ashefield are maintained in good order, in the absence of a management company?

Reply:  It is a matter for the residents of the Ashefield apartments to make arrangements for the upkeep of any communal areas.

 

Cllr. Collentine:              Can Westmeath County Council advise that assistance it can provide to the residents of Ashefield under the National Spring Clean competition towards the removal of graffiti?

Reply:   Graffiti removal would not be covered by the National Spring Clean campaign. Westmeath County Council is currently awaiting details of the 2011 Anti Litter and Anti Graffiti Grants Scheme from the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government. When details are received, an application form will be forwarded to Ashefield Residents Association.

 

Cllr. Collentine:             Can Westmeath County Council advise it it has a schedule in place for the roadsweeper to come into the Ashefield estate and if possible to ensure that laneways are swept out as well?

Reply:  This estate is included in the road sweeping schedule and is swept once every three months.

 

Cllr. Glynn:             To ask Westmeath County Council to provide a litter bin at the entrance to Ashefield.

Reply: There is a litter bin at the entrance to the Ashefield. Mullingar Area Office will examine locating another bin at the entrance to TESCO. However, stopping the bin collection vehicle in this area is problematic from a safety view point.

 

Cllr. Glynn:              To ask Westmeath County Council if it will carry out extensive remedial works on the green area between Ashefield and Abbeylands.

Reply: Mullingar Area Office plans to cut the grass in this large open space this year with a heavy duty mower so that it can be maintained by the residents association. Mullingar Area Office also intends to commence a multi-annual programme of landscaping works along the Western By-Pass R394 this year. This section of the R394 will be included in the programme

 

 

Annual contributions for the maintenance of Ashefield – letter from the Treasurer

Dear residents,

It is good to see the evenings getting longer and also the warmer weather arriving. However, it is now the grass growing season and that means more maintenance and grass cutting requirements.
As most of you already know, Ashefield estate was taken in charge by the council in 2007. This means that the County Council have taken responsibility for the estate’s upkeep and maintenance in a number of areas. The chief areas of the county council’s responsibility include

  • Maintenance of the Roads and Footpaths.
  • Public/Street Lighting
  • Water mains
  • Mainline Sewers.

Most other areas are outside the county councils area of responsibility. The most obvious one is grass cutting and general upkeep of the common areas.  Ashefield has some large open grassy areas and I am sure you will agree these offer a valuable amenity and play area for the estate’s children. The downside is that that the grass needs cutting to maintain these areas; and this is now the residents’ responsibility.


The cost of cutting the grass and general upkeep of the grass covered areas came to €1680 last year . There were other sundry expenses like waste removal, bin tags etc., that accounted for a further €100. The full accounts for last year are available online on this website.

 
To cover to the cost of the residents association have been collecting €30 per household.  The association also received a donation from the Mullingar Credit Union.  Thanks to the residents and other groups for their support in maintaining the estate. As you can see online, the income meets the outgoings with a small surplus carried forward to the following year.

 
In order to continue the grass cutting the residents from the association will be circulating around the estate in the coming weeks with a view to collecting a contribution of €30 per household. We realises that times are hard and living costs are climbing but your support is being requested once again this year. When broke down this €30 is approximately 60 cents per week, which I am sure you will agree is a modest sum considering the work it achieves.  This request is being made to all residents; either renting their home or as owners.  However if those renting their home feel that this request is better directed to their landlord, we would appreciate if they forwarded this message to them.

 
We would also like to thank Ms. Margaret Cavanagh for her work on the residents association over the last 11 years. Margaret has decided to step down after her years of hard work.  It is a challenging task that she has left us because Margaret handled most of the day to day stuff involved in the residents association. However, I am sure that we will be able to continue the work she has started.

 
So once again, sincere thanks to all the residents and community groups for their contributions and support.  We are sure that you will do your best to support us in our efforts to maintain our estate.

 
With Kind Regards;
Joe Gettings (Treasurer). J.gettings@ymail.com

Minutes of the 2011 residents’ association AGM & record of accounts

Date/Time: April 07, 2011, 20:00

Note: these are draft minutes and may be updated

In Attendance:

Ms. Margaret Kavanagh (Treasurer/Secetary)
Mr. David Conroy (Committee Member)
Ms. Maria Colvert (Committee Member)

Residents – their attendance was recorded on a sign-in sheet

Also in Attendance:
Councillor Ruth Illingworth (Town Councillor)
Mr. Robert Troy T.D.
Mr. Jonathan Darcy (AES)

Agenda:

Meeting opening:

Meeting was opened by Ms. Margaret Kavanagh and all those in attendance were welcomed.

Role of the residents association:

The role of the Residents Association was discussed by Ms. Margaret Kavanagh.

Responsibilities of each resident:

Ms. Margaret Kavanagh reminded those present that grass cutting currently carried out by the contractor only extends to the large green areas. It remains the responsibility of the residents to cut the strip of grass in front of their own house.

Annual contribution for upkeep-of green areas:

Mr. David Conroy proposed that the contribution per house be continued at the current rate of €30 per annum. This was agreed by all those present.  However the possibility of using a raffle to raise funds in the future was discussed. Ms. Margaret Kavanagh said that she had got a two quotes for the cutting of the grass and while the exact cost had not been agreed finally with the tendering parties it was expected that this would be approximately €1400. The large green area adjacent to the C-Link road was discussed and was felt this area needed remedial works. Mr Robert Troy T.D. undertook to write to the County Council and request that these works be carried out.

Ashefield resident and professional fitness instructor,  Eamonn offered to hold a series of fitness classes using one of the green areas within the estate. It was proposed that any revenue generated would be contributed to the estate funds.

Tenants/landlords responsibilities:

It was discussed that as some of the houses are rented there is an issue as to who has the responsibility for the upkeep.  It was decided that the residents should forward the request to the landlord if they were unprepared to pay.

Apartment block:

Ms. Margaret Kavanagh said that the apartment block in Ashefield did not have a management company.  Therefore it was unclear as to who had responsibility for the upkeep of the area around the apartments.

Laneways/anti-social behaviour:

The issue of litter in the laneways and the congregation of people in laneways was discussed.  Councillor Ruth Illingworth stated that it was currently proposed to close off some of the laneways in neighbouring estate Abbeylands. However it was decided that this course of action would not be pursued.  Other deterrent methods were proposed and discussed.

Ashefield website

Ms. Margaret Kavanagh reminded residents that a lot of information regarding the estate and the residents association is currently available on the estate’s website.
http://165.227.235.101/

Financial statement for 2010:

Ms. Margaret Kavanagh presented the financial statement for 2011 (see below).

Election of new committee:

Mr. David Conroy and Ms. Maria Colvert agreed to stay on in their current position. This was unopposed.  Ms. Margaret Kavanagh stated that she no longer wished to remain in the position of treasurer and asked if anyone was willing to go forward.  Mr. Joe Gettings offered to take over this role.
He was accepted into this position unopposed.  Ms. Margaret Kavanagh then handed over the folder containing the financial details of Ashefield Residents Association and undertook to assist in the smooth handover of the accounts to Mr. Joe Gettings.  Ms. Margaret Kavanagh also presented Mr. Joe Gettings with the Associations Petty Cash which amounted to €120.

Closing of meeting:

The meeting was then concluded.

 

Record of Ashefield Residents’ Association accounts for year ending 2010

Date Description Credit Debit Balance
Balance from 2009 €1180.30 *** €1180.30
07.05.10 Community grant €200 Credit Union *** €1380.30
28.05.10 Grass cutting – J. McD *** €360 €1020.30
01.06.10 Contributions €760 (Dave) *** €1780.30
25.06.10 Contributions €440 (Tom) *** €2220.30
02.07.10 Grass cutting – J. McD *** €360 €1860.30
16.07.10 Contributions (Eddie) €60 *** €1920.30
07.08.10 Contributions (Maria) €595 *** €2515.30
07.09.10 Grass cutting *** €600 €1915.30
10.11.10 Grass cutting *** €360 €1555.30
December Miscellaneous items – bin tags, etc. *** €100 cash (not in Credit Union)
December Late payment. No.2 €30 *** €60 to be kept for misc. expenses

Due to new Credit Union rules with regards to withdrawing cash, the present committee has decided to keep a certain amount of money in the kitty for miscellaneous expenses as it is not always convenient for members to get to the credit union.

Notes:

  1. Accounts statement as presented to new treasurer Mr. Joe Gettings on 08 April 2011.
  2. Cash in kitty had not been recently updated and was €120 on 08 April 2011. The possibility of opening a current account is currently being investigated with a view to removing the need to hold cash.

Lawnmower theft

A lawnmower was stolen from a shed at the rear of a house in Ashefield between Friday and Saturday. If you noticed anything suspicious during Friday or Saturday, April 22-23, 2011 in the vicinity of houses #156-164, please do contact Mullingar Gardaí at 044 9384000 or using their confidential line at 1800 666 111

This appears to be the latest instance in a rise in burglaries in the Mullingar area. It would be a good idea to check that your sheds and gates are securely locked, all valuable items are out of sight, and tools or implements that could be used to gain entry to houses or sheds are not left lying around. If you do spot anyone or persons behaving suspiciously in the area, please contact the Gardaí and don’t assume someone else has.

Read more about helping to make your home less attractive to thieves.

Fitness boot camp in Ashefield

From April 19th, local Ashefield resident and trained fitness professional, Eamonn, has kindly offered to host fitness classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7pm.

These will run for 3 weeks and will take place on the square green area in front of houses 60-80; take the first left when you enter the estate from Ashe road.

These will cost just €3 per person/session and proceeds will go towards the upkeep of the estate. This is a super chance to improve your fitness, have a bit of craic, and get to know other residents while you do it.  As a trained instructor, Eamonn can accommodate all fitness levels so why not give it a go!

If you have any questions for Eamonn, he can be contacted at 087 2339387. The flyer can be downloaded here

New waste management option – AES

Representatives from AES Waste Management visited the estate and attended our recent AGM.  They have a new range of pricing structures that may prove attractive to residents.

Two options are available. One is on a monthly fee basis where recycling and refuse are collected every two weeks for €16.50 until up to next year. This includes a glass bin collection service every 12 weeks.

The second option is a pay by lift service, which is the most common option in the estate at the moment with existing waste management companies. They are charging €6.99 for general waste bin collection (up to to 65kg and 18c/kg in excess of 65kg) and €1.99 for a recycling bin.  The duration of this limited period option is not known yet but does represent the lowest cost option when compared to Wallace and Allied Waste at the moment.

Collection day

AES will collect bins on Fridays in Ashefield.

Saying goodbye to bin tags

AES are also offering a pay as you go service if you set up an account with them. This means that the cost of each bin lift can be deducted from your account. You can top this up online, over the phone, or at an outlet, and you’ll receive a text when your balance is low.

Local employment

Some employees of AES live in Ashefield and when AES were asked at the AGM, they stated that they do employ a large number of people from the Mullingar area.

Opportunities for the estate

At the AGM,  AES mentioned that depending on the amount of signed-up customers in Ashefield, skips and cleaning equipment for the estate may be made available on a yearly business for estate spring-cleans  and other clear-outs with free skip collection when full.

So there you are – another option worth considering for bin collection.  If you have any questions, the best option is to call them at 1850 650 655

Plans for a new litter bin near the Ashe Road entrance

Conor, an Ashefield resident, got in touch with Westmeath County Council regarding the litter problem on Ashe Road near the estate entrance and green area.  Their response was:

I refer to your letter re the above and wish to advise that Mullingar Area Office will seek to erect a new bin at the pedestrian crossing on Ashe Road near Tesco entrance.

This will hopefully help to reduce the litter dumped over the wall into the green area.  Thanks, Conor!

Ashefield Residents Association AGM 2011

The next Ashefield residents’ association meeting is scheduled for Thursday, April 7, 2011 from 8pm in the Newbury Hotel, Mullingar.

Every resident is invited to attend,  contribute ideas,  highlight problems,  and have an important say in the management of the estate.  The committee comprises ordinary residents from the estate who volunteer their time and expertise for free.  If you might be considering getting more involved, this would be an ideal opportunity to do so.

The draft agenda is as follows.

  1. Introduction
  2. Why do we need a Residents Association
  3. Responsibilities of each resident
  4. Annual contribution for upkeep of green areas
  5. Tenants/Landlords Responsibilities
  6. Apartment Block
  7. Laneways
  8. Deterring street games and ensuring safety
  9. Ashefield Website
  10. Financial Statement for 2010
  11. Election of new committee
  12. Any other business

More items for the agenda are encouraged. Feel free to use the comments area below or send an email to info@165.227.235.101.

Children playing ball games in the street

A report was received that local children using a wall close to houses near the front of the estate for football have damaged a house window and regularly hit cars with the balls also .  Despite different groups  having been asked on numerous occasions by local residents to use one of the green areas instead, they refuse to.

In one recent case, a resident witnessed a ball cracking the front window of a house and setting off the alarm. 

One solution is to ask parents to encourage their children not to play in the middle of the street and to use the green areas for ball games instead (and under supervision for safety purposes).  In addition to the potential for further damage to property, there exists a real danger  of an incident involving a moving car given that is the busiest point of the estate in terms of traffic.  This problem has been noted for a future residents’ association meeting.

In the meantime, if you have any suggestions, please use the comments area below. In an effort to combat spam and hoax comments, comments may not appear immediately but will appear when approved by a moderator.