AUCKLEY PARISH COUNCIL
CHAIRMAN’S ANNUAL REPORT – MARCH 2009
New member
Mrs L Hunter left the village towards the end of last year and, as a result, resigned as a member of the parish council. A big welcome to Sue Platts who was co-opted at the February meeting to fill the vacancy. We hope she enjoys her work on the parish council, she has some experience having served on a parish council in Nottinghamshire.
Drainage and flooding issues
These matters have been on our agenda for over 2 years and, although we were advised the problems were sorted, unfortunately there was a repeat occurrence last winter. We have been continually in touch with DMBC and Severn Trent Water. The new Neighbourhood Manager, Debbie John-Lewis, is also now involved. An extensive sewage cleanse was organised in January and it was agreed that, if extensive levels of fat deposits were found, then leaflets would be issued advising what should and should not be put into the drains.
We would like to thank our Neighbourhood Manager and her team for the very pro-active way in which issues are being dealt with; this is much appreciated and helps to bring matters to a conclusion much more quickly.
Safety issues
Again, we have been in correspondence with DMBC Highways regarding concerns of pupil safety when walking to and from schools. We asked for a 20 mph limit but were advised that this was not possible because there is an order of priority and Auckley is not currently near the top of the list. However, we will keep trying.
Quarries
DMBC advised there was a slight delay in capital funding in order to reduce the height of the verge on
Gatehouse Lane quarry – there has been much correspondence with DMBC regarding the poor state of the road surface, ponding and sand. DMBC has raised an order to create 2 dykes at the rear of the verge area either side of the entrance and a ditch created to allow water to drain away. After this work is completed, it is the intention to repair the highway surface.
Dog Fouling
This is totally unacceptable and we highlight this anti-social behaviour regularly in the Arrow magazine. DMBC has been upgrading the yellow stencils and we have advised them of nuisance areas. If anyone sees a dog fouling the pavements whilst being walked, please let us know as we have prosecuted offenders in the past.
We would like to thank the majority of very responsible dog owners who don’t allow this to happen or who pick up.
DMBC Enforcement Officers were in the village last month for 1 day to issue fixed penalty notices to offenders caught dropping litter or allowing dogs to foul.
Red telephone kiosk
After some considerable time, we managed to purchase from BT – for £1 – the old style red telephone kiosk on
River
For almost 9 years we have had meetings with DMBC, the Environment Agency and Cantley with Branton Parish Council regarding access along the path which runs parallel to the river. The intention to provide a bridge across the River Torne has unfortunately been shelved for the foreseeable future, because of the rising costs involved.
Recently Auckley and Cantley with Branton parish councils jointly funded modifications to the steel gate which now incorporates a stile so that residents can access the path, as used to be the case for decades. At the moment there is a wooden barrier which blocks proper access along the path and it is hoped, following ongoing discussions that access will soon be opened up.
Finance
This year the precept was increased slightly. This is because we are anxious to carry out our project to provide new play facilities on our area off
Website
We continually update our website: www.auckleyvillage.co.uk and details of agenda, minutes etc can be found on the site.
The parish council has adopted a Racial Equality policy, this and details of the Freedom of Information Act can be viewed on the website.
Land adjacent the Church
We are still in touch with solicitors who act for the owner of the land next to the Church. This has been a very protracted issue and, to date, no firm conclusion has been reached. We have been told that if we were to enter the land to remove the fencing, which we funded, we would in effect be trespassing. We responded to the solicitor advising that it is therefore assumed the land owner will take responsibility for the condition of the fencing/land. Further details are awaited.
Planning application –
We, like other councils in the area, have been given the opportunity to comment on the application to vary the S106 agreement to allow freight to fly at night. We did make some observations, which is the only thing we can legally do; these included noise and problems with increased traffic on the roads at night and in the early hours. We felt the infrastructure is not in place to cope with additional HGV’s on village roads.
It is expected that the Planning Authority will determine the application in mid April.
Thanks
The Gala Committee once again organised a very successful annual gala. This is a much enjoyed community event and our thanks go to all concerned for their hard work.
Thanks also must go to Marilyn Cockett and those residents who organise and assist with the Christmas Market, an event appreciated by visitors both locally and from outlying areas.
Thanks to:
Mr Baker – our handyman who continues to do an excellent job in clearing litter and rubbish in the village
Mr Credland – who plants the tubs on corner of Eastfield Lane and the Garden & Allotments Association for planting out the other tubs on the Green and Pinfold.
PC Pyle and his colleagues, who regularly attend our meetings. Their pro-active approach and assistance is greatly appreciated.
Ward Cllr Mrs P Schofield who regularly attends our meetings, she updates us on various matters and takes forward any issues of concern. We are very grateful for her involvement.
A big thank you to all councillors who give their valuable time to work to help the community and to make Auckley a nice place to live. They represent the parish on various committees and charitable trusts and work hard on your behalf.
Finally, a thank to Marjorie, our Clerk, who continues to be extremely dedicated and efficient.
Chairperson