Overall Development Approach
Thank you for your submission to the Tidy Towns 2007 competition. It is noted once again that you have a youth liaison officer involved in the project and that you are working with the children of the area on litter control and tree planting. This is a very good approach and will greatly assist in your overall tidiness and litter reduction.
The Built Environment
Well done on reducing the number of derelict buildings in the area. It is very difficult when these are private properties and there are still some others that need addressing but you have moved forward greatly on this issue. The building and upkeep work undertaken at the church for its jubilee year has it looking well maintained. Enrights and Stacks are well painted and a great example of shop fronts others should be encouraged to emulate. Some towns hold their own “shop front” award to encourage businesses to improve the appearance of their businesses so this be an idea that would work for Moyvane. The murals at the school were admired.
Landscaping
The replanted flowers at the village welcome sign were appreciated on entry to the town. The initial landscaping of the path to the limekiln is very well done and we particularly liked your use of timber for the path and stone walkway at the kiln. The area had not been completed on the day of adjudication. It is well noted your work to continue adding the to the existing shrubberies and replacing broken trees throughout the area. The trees in the main street are a very fine addition to the landscape. The fresh flowers in the grotto were lovely. The encasing of the oil tank at the church is very good as you don’t notice it.
Wildlife and Natural Amenities
Congratulations on your completion of the nature trail walk to the lime kiln. We look forward to viewing your information board and landscape plantings on our visit next year . The Moyvane nature trail sign needs replacing. It is great to see the trail is wheelchair and pram accessible. This is a lovely walk that connects two sides of the village as well as feeding into the estates. It is noted that there seems to be quite a bit of traffic along an “unofficial” path from the estate to the recycling facilities. It would be good to encourage people to walk to their recycling rather than drive around so it would be worthwhile investigating making this path official and accessible to all. It is great to see picnic facilities available in the park as it will encourage residents to spend time in nature.
Litter Control
Moyvane has taken a good community approach to litter control by holding regular litter cleanups and including residents, the youth club and the national school. It is noted that the Tidy Towns committee has taken ownership of the recycling facilities and it is congratulated on its proactive approach to this. Whilst there is very little large pieces of litter in the town, there is quite a lot of smaller pieces. However, these generally have been washed into some of the areas where pavements are cracked and make keeping the area litter free much more difficult. With the upgrade of your footpaths it will be easier to keep these areas litter free. It is noted that there are cigarette disposal bins outside the public houses which will assist in reducing cigarette litter.
Waste Minimisation
It is good that you are segregating any waste collected during your cleanup day. Information the community on practices via your newsletter and website is also a great step towards minimising your waste. It would be good if perhaps you could hold a workshop showing residents how to reduce waste including how to compost. You could also investigate the possibilities of having a community compost from which you could use compost for community planting areas. This would reduce your waste and the cost of maintaining the planted areas. Education on reducing and recycling at the school and youth club would also help educate the villages youth. Trying to reduce waste at the school by encouraging students to bring their lunches in plastic containers rather than wrappings or bags would also assist in waste reduction.
Tidiness
Your work towards weed control has been well realised as there were very few weeds on any of the footpaths. The church cark park and the school did have some weeds that need to be addressed. The sign in the park is badly damaged and needs to be repaired. The fence surrounding the recycle bins is appealing aesthetically. However, it is important to provide signage so that people who are looking for the bins know where to locate them. Although in this size town most residents would be aware, it is good to encourage those passing through to also recycle any waste they may have accumulated whilst travelling.
Residential Areas
Congratulations on your encouragement and success to promote painting and general upkeep of houses with Moyvane residents. The boarded up house with all the dogs was a bit of a concern as much for the upkeep as well as the welfare of the animals. Generally most areas were well kept with some exceptionally maintained private gardens represent with colourful flowers.
Roads, Streets and Back Areas:
The 7 year plan to upgrade the roads and footpaths around the village with the KCC will greatly assist in improving the aesthetics as well as increasing the usability for these areas, especially footpaths for mothers with prams.
General Impression:
Moyvane has created some wonderful natural spaces for its residents. These contribute greatly to the area. The tree plantings in the main streets are a good choice and add appeal. Most of your shop fronts are well kept. The issue will smaller litter will be assisted with the planned improvements of the footpaths and roads. We look forward to seeing your finalised Limekiln project and hope you will continue to create wonderful natural spaces within your village.
