The North Area Committee meeting on 25 November saw an outpouring of anger from Mr Michael McDonald of the street’s residents’ association. Mr McDonald listed a litany of complaints about the state of the Close, including the renewal of a parking lease he described as a “dark, dangerous eyesore” that encouraged fly-tipping, drugs use and prostitution. He also reiterated the nightmarish time that residents had suffered during months of building works.
Building works at Rackham Close have been a nightmare for local residents
Local Labour Councillor Mike Todd-Jones backed up Mr McDonald, saying it had been an “awful time” for local residents during the demolition and reconstruction work that had taken place in the close. He underlined that local council rangers had, under pressure from residents and councillors, moved to tackle the flytipping that had taken place, and that he was looking into the legal issues surrounding lighting, security and access to areas in the close, all of which were key concerns for local residents.
Do you live in Rackham Close or nearby? What would you like to see the Council tackle?
Arbury Labour 
Just to add a couple of things; Mr McDonald strongly criticised the Liberal Democrat planning policy which he reported had allowed the development to go ahead with only one parking space. He explained how this was totally impractical given the need for medical and other visitors.
Mr McDonald also complained the council was illegally failing to respond to his Freedom of Information requests in which he had asked for details of the parking leases.
I have asked for a copy of the FOI request, any response sent to-date, and the final response. I wrote via the freedom of information website WhatDoTheyKnow.com as this will ensure the details are posted online for all interested to consult:
http://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/rackham_close_parking_leases
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Richard Taylor
Cambridge