I attended the meeting of the Acorn, Ash and Chestnut Avenues Residents Association at Cheadle Library yesterday evening.

Among discussions of anti-social behaviour (not too much at the moment, thankfully) and dog mess there were a couple I’d like to mention in more detail.

Young people in the area are currently being consulted over whether they’d like to see a games facility of some sort on the park – over near the allotments.

Everyone’s talking about a MUGA – Multi-User Games Area.  I didn’t know what a MUGA was, but now I know – it’s one of those areas with a hard surface, fencing around the outside and lines/nets/facilities for things like football and basketball – all designed to be hard-wearing and long-lasting.

To go ahead, young people in the area will be involved in both deciding what happens and applying for a large chunk of the money.  The idea is that, rather than dropping something from on high, young people get what they want and have a sense of ownership.

The experience we have from elsewhere  – including other sites around Stockport Borough, is that it leads to facilities that are better used and less vandalised.

Another issue that came up is street signs, which are both confusing and misleading as you enter the avenues.  The suggestion has been made to position street signs on the side of houses (one is already).  This will be looked at.

The next meeting will be on Tuesday 13th October, 6.30pm in the Community Room at Cheadle Library.  All residents of Acorn, Ash and Chestnut Avenues in Cheadle are welcome to attend.   The Association is also looking for more people interested to sit on the committee – not too time-consuming.