Since May 2011 Brett Herron, a long-time Woodstock resident, is also the Ward 57 councillor (DA) representing the neighbourhood in the city hall(s) of power. He’s to be seen on his website, on facebook, on twitter, and at your local café. Brett thinks ILOVEWOODSTOCK is a great idea, and here he reveals a bit about his experiences, his plans for the ward and his love of Woodstock.
1) What brought you to Woodstock?
I have been living in Woodstock for about 5 years. I moved here from Observatory after I sold my house there at the height of the property boom in 2006. I couldn’t seem to make a quick enough offer on another house in Obs – the market was on fire and houses were being snapped up so quickly (perhaps I move too slowly!). I found a house in Balfour Street that I really liked, put in an offer and ended up moving here. I really didn’t know much about Woodstock at the time but after moving in I felt instantly at home and I am still here!
2) What’s been your most interesting moment or place in Woodstock?
There isn’t really one – the fabric of the entire suburb is interesting. It has a rich cultural and architectural heritage that is fascinating and when it ties together to create an interesting urban landscape that is easy to live in and enjoy.
3) What do you reckon are the biggest challenges in the Ward and how do you want to tackle them?
One of the biggest challenges to the area is rapid development, business creep and unauthorised building work. These pressures have the potential to destroy everything that makes Woodstock so special. I am not opposed to development – a built environment that attracts no development is a stagnant one, and that can lead to urban decay and a whole host of social problems. I would like us – as a community – to plan how development and regeneration takes place in the area, which is why I have been campaigning on the commissioning of a Local Area Development Plan. I want to bring a motion to the Sub-Council (when they are re-constituted) that calls on the City to commission such a plan.
4) What do you like about Woodstock?
There is so much: I love the diversity of the people who live here. I love that it has a sense of community. I love the pedestrian activity…that you see people walking in the streets, with their dogs or children etc. I love its ideal location – it feels convenient to everywhere! I love the mountain (Devil’s Peak) looming as a backdrop. I love the creativity it has attracted or inspired. And, I love that some people are still discovering it.
Thanks Brett!
January 19th, 2012 at 10:38 am
Hi
I’m so disturb right now and I hope u can be of some help. This is not the 1st time my electric cables get stolen and it’s becoming frustrating as our Woodstock police is not much help.
Is there a way that you can arrange that out electric cables get laid into the ground, as this was done to many houses in our area and street but somehow stopped many yrs ago.
When I called at 4:50 the C.Twn electric 24hrs service firstly 24hrs not sure about but had to found a few times and only got through after 5:15 at which the operator told me to get a police case no before they send out any of the vehicles even after I told them about live wires hanging in the street and its dangerous they still insisted on case no> My husband + neighbour went to police station at 05:20 and was told they cannot assist us cause they busy changing shifts and will send some1 at 6:30 to take our statements at home and get us a case no. Well at 7am when I called again I was shouted at from the constable answering the phone stating they have sent a van out earlier… (so why will I be phoning if the van came). The police officer asked what must they do regarding the wire cause they will shock, please note I don’t want you to do anything with the wire I need a case no to give to the electricity department so that they can send a van out to fix my problem…I have to go to work and it seems that nothing is going my way no electricity and also the danger of live wires just hanging there.
I would like to know how you can assist me and the rest of the Woodstock community with this situation as I am very frustrated and unhappy as the police and 24HR PATROL SECURITY IS NOT WORKING FOR ME!!!!
Please note I will be sending this letter to our community news paper as well cause I would like something to be done.
Very Unhappy
[email protected] (pls do not use my name when publishing)
January 19th, 2012 at 10:53 am
Thanks for the post. I suggest you place a post on Brett’s FB page and bring this matter up at the next Woodstock Residents meet asp. if the police are present. The Tatler newspaper will probably be a good option to contact as well. Good luck.