A lively and well-attended meeting with a great deal of interest in the plans for Burbage, Houndkirk and Hathersage Moors. The plans were largely well received, see the Telegraph for more.

The proposal for a refuge on Abbeydale Rd South was deferred following a petition from residents. The refuge is also likely to be redundant now as a crossing is expected to be included in the development of the Park and Ride just down the road.

The installation of a footpath on Totley Brook Road to help pupils walking to school was agreed, with the scheme amended in light of concerns raised about trees. Construction to begin May or June 2011.

The assembly agreed to go ahead with consultations and costings for 20mph zones covering residential roads in Dore and Totley ward.

All these decisions reflect how much better it is to have these kinds of decisions made in the community, in front of the people to whom councillors are accountable, and listening to their concerns and objections, rather than in the Town Hall hidden away from such scrutiny, by people less interested in the local area. The policy to bring these community assemblies in is proving to be a great success.