I hope you are all enjoying the summer. The heat and drought have left our lovely estate looking a little tired, although we can at least be grateful that we are not currently facing a hosepipe ban or wildfires.

A huge thank you to Diana, Lorraine, Annette and Barry, who have been valiantly watering, and to everyone who joined the family watering morning organised by Diana on Sunday 2 August. It was a wonderful community effort, although perhaps not everyone’s idea of a relaxing Sunday morning!

Keeping our trees alive is far more effective, and considerably cheaper, than replacing them. Most are required under the estate’s section 106 planning agreement, so dead trees have to be replaced. As young trees struggle most during hot, dry weather, helping them survive and become established makes good practical and financial sense.

Barry, who planted the orchard on Ezart Avenue, has been carrying buckets of water from his home to keep the trees alive. Thankfully, residents and children along that stretch have now joined his watering team. Ironically, the trees were planted partly to help manage water flowing through the estate and pooling on driveways. At the moment, the problem is getting water to them!

All of this demonstrates the strength of our community and what can be achieved when residents pull together.

The committee has agreed to support the Gardening Club by purchasing extra-long hoses and a large water barrel. Diana and Barry, with support from Pure Block Management, are also investigating communal lockable taps and alternative ways to collect and store water.

Drought and extreme heat are causing serious problems across the country and around the world. Our own difficulties are small by comparison, but it speaks volumes about Spofforth Park that residents are doing their bit to protect the estate and keep it a great place to live.

Gardening Club

Annette, Lorraine and Diana have kindly agreed to form a small project group and act as the main point of contact with Clean and Tidy. This will give the contractor one clear set of instructions, avoid mixed messages and help us monitor the grounds maintenance contract consistently. The group will report regularly to the committee and directors, ensuring proper oversight and accountability.

If you notice missed mowing, weeding or anything else requiring attention, please email Laura at Pure Block Management or post a message in the Gardening Club WhatsApp group. Laura will ensure that the project group is informed. Facebook is wonderful for many things, but it is not the easiest place to manage a contract! Reporting issues through these channels will help us keep a proper record, identify recurring problems and ensure that concerns are followed up.

Bellway update

Negotiations with Bellway remain frustratingly difficult. Spofforth Park should be the jewel in its crown, but Bellway appears remarkably willing to let that crown lose some of its shine through unnecessary pettiness. Outstanding matters are now being referred to the land transfer solicitors so that we can make progress.

Home improvements

We have updated www.spofforthpark.co.uk with more information about the estate, including advice about home improvements. Please check the guidance before making changes. Covenants can cause unexpected problems when a property is sold, usually at precisely the least convenient moment.

The committee does not want to withhold permission. Our aim is to help residents develop proposals that can be approved and avoid difficulties later.

Contacting the committee

Please raise questions, complaints or estate problems with Laura at Pure Block Management first. Laura will bring anything requiring my involvement to me, ensuring that it is dealt with promptly rather than disappearing into the black hole otherwise known as my inbox.

I am always happy to hear from residents, but my day job is particularly busy at present and has to take priority. Yes, I know I was supposed to be retired, but that has not quite worked out as planned!

Wetherby Civic Society needs you

Wetherby Civic Society is not a NIMBY organisation. We support appropriate development, but we also hold developers and those making the decisions to account. We strongly oppose unwanted or poorly planned development around Wetherby’s edges, including the proposed Harrogate Road development.

The Society works to ensure that new development is in the right place, meets high standards and genuinely benefits the town. We need more members, particularly younger ones, by which I currently mean anyone under 67!

Membership costs just £12 a year, roughly the price of two and a half coffees. Please visit Wetherby Civic Society and consider joining. We learn from the past, protect what matters today and help shape Wetherby’s future. We need younger generations to help us shape that future.