BRANCEPETH PARISH COUNCIL
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT: 2010-11
The Parish Council continues to meet monthly (with the exception of August) on Monday evenings in the Village Hall.
The village allocation for councillors is seven and numerous requests were made to villagers for nominations during the year to obtain the full quota. At the March 2011 meeting, Paul Fitchett was co-opted. Geoff Smith and Lynne Rowland continue to provide the council with excellent service and advice as Clerk and Deputy Clerk.
Various regular issues were attended to by the Parish Council and progress is outlined below.
Recreation Area The recreation area is now regularly maintained and the quality of grass is improving. A celebration was held on Sunday 19 September 2010 to not only mark the return of this area to village use but also to raise funds for the Help the Heroes charity. Good weather prevailed and villagers had a fun filled day raising £1,665. This area continues to be used by villagers on an ad hoc basis and a further event is also planned for 2011.
Allotments The 10 year lease on the allotment area was renewed with only a slight increase in cost. The informal arrangement for use of the one plot owned by the Golf Club was also formalised with a license agreement being signed. Discussions were held with the Allotment Society to review the Allotment Regulations and these are now in place. The provision of allotments for villagers is appreciated and area is very well maintained. The Allotment Society continue to maintain the village tubs and are funded by the Council to do so.
Road Traffic Although the village now has a 30 mph speed limit this is not always recognised. The Parish Council contributed to a speed visor but it has yet to be installed although it is hoped that this should happen over the next few months.
Village Grass Areas A new contract was placed at the start of the year with a local supplier for the maintenance of the verges. The quality of the work was not up to standard and various discussions were held with other possible suppliers including the Golf Club. A new contract has now been placed with a larger commercial firm. Progress will be reviewed on an ongoing basis.
Planning Following a number of concerns being expressed by councillors regarding planning permission for the felling/trimming of trees a member of the planning team attended a Parish Council meeting. Further concerns were then expressed later in the year when a large number of trees were felled for a new property which the council had not had sufficient time to review. Discussions are progressing with the planning department.
Quality Parish Council The Council are still working towards this standard and the clerk and assistant has made progress on the necessary documentation required.
Many thanks to all councillors for their support over the past year. Thanks also to Geoff Smith and Lynne Rowland for their support and advice.
Sheena Murray
23 May 2011