MOST of those who live in the vicinity of Adelaide House and who attended last week’s Parish Council meeting would go home broadly reassured about the safeguards for local residents to be observed during the internal conversion of the building to its new use as a rehab unit for ex-service personnel.

Work is now expected to start in August and continue for 12 months.

The contractors have undertaken to operate in conformity with a charter agreed with local residents designed to ensure no negative impact on the local community and surrounding area. Its main provisions are that work will normally only take place between on weekdays 8.30am-5.30pm – advance notice will be given of any necessary weekend or noisy/dusty operations; traffic movements between Park Road and Adelaide House will be considerate of neighbours and the nature of the shared access track; site staff car parking will be either within Adelaide house bounds or off site, with no parking on the track; only light vehicles will be used for bulk deliveries – no artics; all building materials and skips will be positioned within the Adelaide House grounds and the site kept tidy at all times.

There was impressive testimony at the meeting from two ex-servicemen, reported in last week’s Gazette. However questions still remain in some minds about the actual running of the facility after refurbishment is complete, something of greater interest and importance in the longer term. Discussions continue, and more information is available on the Rooftop Housing Group website info@rooftopgroup.org.

The Parish Council is looking for a new Footpaths Officer to succeed Robin Whittlestone’ who has done an outstanding job for the past ten years in looking after West Malvern’s 143 footpaths which extend to a remarkable 19 miles. Robin gave notice at the annual Parish Meeting of his intention to strand down next spring, to allow plenty of time to find a successor. He will be pleased to talk to anyone interested and can be contacted on 01684 572384. The appointee would also receive training from the County Council. Formal applications for the post should be directed to Parish Clerk David Sharp on 01684 573213.

Finally a reminder of the Open Air Music Night at the Mathon Court cricket ground tomorrow (Saturday, July 26) from 7pm-11pm, with music from Stewart Puttick and his popular local band No Tools Required There will be a pig roast and bar. Tickets £7.50, are available from the Brewers Arms or from Tony Poyner on 01684 567238.

COLIN JACKSON 01684 577604