Lovely West Parley

West Parley can be a good looking village with its neatly kept houses, the outlook on to fields and river, the many trees, grassy verges and flowers. We all chose to live here, and we would all like it to look its best.

Unfortunately, there are still people who don't care, and throw litter around. It seems a regrettable part of modern life. Also, pavements tend to grow over, leaving no room for two to pass. Or they get blocked by hedges and trees that have got out of control. Councils try to deal with all this on our behalf but - especially in today's financial climate - they don't have the funds and they fall behind with the work.

Let's keep it that way!

Also, we have greatly improved the appearance of the Parley Cross shopping parade, back and front. The weeds have gone, the litter is much less, Elm Tree Walk at the back looks miles better than it did. But the biggest improvement to the Parley Cross area is the flower display, summer and winter. West Parley Residents Association did this on their own initiative, raising money from businesses, councils and residents.

W.P.R.A. bought the planters and pays for the Winter flowers; Golden Acres nurseries generously supplies the Summer flowers. In May 2009 the railing planters are going to be extended, and a row of 24 flower baskets installed across the shop fronts north and south of the lights. We maintain all these flowers - they need constant watering, and a rota of volunteers kindly does this.

West Parley Residents Association has volunteer teams who clear the litter regularly on the principal roads, and who are widening the pavements back to their original width. We have been at this for almost a year, and we have made a difference. Look at New Road. And Christchurch Road on the way to the Airport.