Your Parish Council met on Thursday 10th March 2022 at the Village Hall by Poors’ Field at 8:00pm.
The Parish Clerk reported that the stocks have now been repaired and reinstated by the junction with Stocks Lane and Blackmore Road. He also reported that following the letter sent by the Parish Council to Thames Water, he has spoken with a representative. 400 metres of sewage pipes were cleared along School Road, and residents are reminded to report any sewage problems directly to them. The Parish Clerk also confirmed a change to his workdays. They are now every Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. The phone line will be monitored from 10:00am to 1:00pm on these days.
Cllr. Gorton reported on the latest meetings from the Environmental Committee. We have received two quotes to replace the roundabout in the Play Area and are awaiting a third. The new roundabout will be wheelchair accessible. The Parish Council ratified the Environmental Committee’s decision to prioritise the roundabout’s replacement, to move the picnic table from Eagle Field into the Play Area, to replace the see-saw and carry out some maintenance works.
Some residents had raised concerns that there may be rats by Swan Pond. Some residents had stated that they had seen Water Voles, which look very similar and are actually a sign of a healthy ecosystem. After discussion, the council voted not to take any further action. The traps used to catch rats contain a bait which can pose a danger to aquatic life.
The Internal Auditor was appointed; this is a duty of the Parish Council. The Internal Auditor independently checks the Parish Council’s accounts and actions to ensure that they are correct and proper.
The Parish Council discussed a letter from residents regarding the provision of a recycling facility for Tetra Paks. The Parish Council decided that if a suitable location in the village can be found, then it would provide this facility. There are residents in the village who have been collecting Tetra Paks so that they can be recycled, and their hard work and civic mindedness is much appreciated.
There has been a recent spate of stickers, posters and signs that are anti COVID-19 vaccination being put on the street furniture and Parish Council property in the village. This is causing criminal damage to the Parish Council’s property and therefore an extra burden to the taxpayer. The Parish Council wants to make it clear that it does not support the information being displayed, nor the costs and time needed to remove them. Any further damage will be reported to the Police. If residents see any signs, posters etc. of this nature, please inform the Parish Clerk who will arrange their safe removal.
The Parish Council will be hosting an event to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee on Friday 3rd June at Poors’ Field and the Village Hall. The Chairman asked all Councillors to provide their proposals of what we will do for this event. This will be discussed and decided at the next Parish Council meeting on Thursday 14th April 2022.
Please do remember that all members of the public are entitled to attend Parish Council meetings. Our Standing Orders provide an opportunity for you to raise your concerns and questions in the meeting.
Mr. Terry Portch
Parish Clerk & Responsible Financial Officer.