In reviewing the last twelve months of Parish Council business, the
focus falls on the Parish Plan which was published in June 2005 having been
endorsed by this parish council in March 2005 as a framework for community
action.
The Parish Plan produced an Action plan, addressing issues which our
community raised. Whilst the Parish Council
takes responsibility in driving many of the actions identified, other
partners are involved. At a parish level, this includes not only interested
local groups such as the Village Hall committee, but also individuals. Beyond
this, success depends on building links with partners such as the city and
county councils.
During the last twelve months the Parish Council has shaped it's
decisions according to this Action Plan. Sub groups were formed in the parish
council, to enable different
councillors to explore and push forward the suggestions for
action. Their work is reflected in the summary below.
Planning
Although the Plan has not been adopted by the City Council as a
document which is accorded supplementary planning guidance, ( Parish Plans have
generally not been accorded that status), feedback suggests it has gained
acknowledgment during some planning decisions. To build on this, the planning
group have held meetings with planning officers, and is investigating
producing a village design statement
which could give stronger weight to the
community's view on planning. The decision however is complicated by new
proposals that are under consultation, concerning the way communities will be
involved in planning processes in the future.
Transport
One of the larger issues arising from the parish survey was the lobby
to re-open Beeston Station. Much credit goes to the groundwork of the Beeston
Transport Needs Assessment Committee.
Our Parish however, is not the only one that would derive benefit from
such an initiative. Whilst we have pursued the matter with transport executives
from Cheshire County council, they have now taken on the responsibility to
instruct rail consultants who will carry out a feasibility study to establish
the demand for improved rail links in re-opening the station.
A leaflet has also been produced for us by Cheshire County
Council. This provides the relevant information and contact details regarding
the bus and related services for our area. Whilst there may still be the
argument that our Parish could be better served – particularly to help the
older and younger members of the community – as the leaflet demonstrates, there
are services out there. We would appreciate any feedback about your experiences
in using these services as it will help our dialogue with the County Council.
Road Safety
The Action Plan builds on issues
which the Parish Council was previously pursuing. There is still much work to
be done – continuing to lobby for safer road junctions and road surfaces. The
problem of larger vehicles turning at Huxley Lane is to be addressed shortly by
widening the access points from the A49.
The problem of excessive speed on
Huxley Lane and the A49, has also been reviewed, and the recent SID results
demonstrate that changing attitiudes of drivers will require further measures.
Safety and
Security
We are grateful to Roger Blake who
is the home watch co-ordinator. Roger liaises with Geraint Davies our rural
officer, and provides information to the Parish council and the home watch
representatives. A walk through was also organised with Geraint in Tiverton
village; further walk throughs are anticipated as they give an opportunity for
residents to raise any issues of concern with their local officer.
Community and
Environment
Whilst the Parish Council has been working to promote issues concerning
the community and the local environment, these are the areas which also call
for a broader involvement, and it is
pleasing to report the positive reaction from residents.
As a first step, a Village Society has been formed. I would like to say
a big thank you to Audrey Povall who over the years has organised village
events, often with minimal assistance. Her contribution to Tiverton life has
been invaluable.The monies which have accumulated from the organisation of
events such as the Village Day are now transferred to the Village society under
the auspices of Maureen Blake and others. It is hoped that residents will feel
confident to put on events, with the support and financial backing of the
village society. Already we look forward to the village day later this summer.
The Christmas carol service at Tiverton Methodist Chapel will also hopefully
become a regular event.
Community involvement also extends to Tilstone Fearnall, and conscious
of this we plan to place a notice board at St Jude's, so we can publicise
parish events. We have submitted a grant application for this, supported by the
Parish Plan.
Similarly the parish plan has supported grant applications for Tiverton
Village Hall to improve access and
install an audio loop. The Plan gives us the confidence for us to seek such
sources of funding,
The protection of our local environment is an issue in which we
all have a stake. The plan showed there
are already those who do their 'bit' in protecting our heritage. Initial steps
following on from the Plan now include individuals who have volunteered to
carry out a hedgerow survey in the area. The Parish council have also been
proactive in seeking tree preservation orders this year and will continue to
assess any specimens that may also require protection.
Keeping our area free from litter is also a concern. We now have a
'recycling champion', Phyllis Armitage, and through Phyllis we now have regular
items in the Parish News to encourage and raise awareness of this issue. A
community litter pick is also planned in the next few months.
Hopefully as these projects evolve, they will gain publicity through
our parish newsletter and website, which serve not just as a voice of the
Parish council, but are also there to receive and publicise community events.
Please do contribute to them as they are an excellent method of communication
within out community.
As we move in to the next Parish Year, there is still much to do and
look forward to. The Parish Plan is a 5 year plan, and many areas are still to
be reviewed. Equally , the Plan is not set in stone; it should also act as a
source of inspiration. But this needs a willingness from residents to take some
part, or provide new and fresh ideas,however small to ensure that the good work
that we have started continues. Above all else, this Parish Council needs to
remain energetic in driving the plan, placed as they are at the centre of the
Action Plan.
It has been gratifying to see these achievements having been with the
Parish Plan since the planning stages. I am however, now stepping down from the
Parish Council., regretfully because of my other commitments. It remains simply for me to give
thanks for the support I have received this year as Chair, and to express my
continued support and good wishes to my fellow parish councilors.