Chairman's Report 2013

Highwood Parish Council

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I am pleased to present what is now my sixth annual report on the activities of Highwood Parish Council - during the year ending 31st March 2013

The PC has continued to meet every other month to conduct business and purely in alphabetical order, I should like to mention ….

  • Accounts

Up to date accounts have been produced for 31st March 2013 showing that the PC enjoys a bank balance of £25,721 comprising general funds of £11,966, and earmarked reserves of £13,755

  • Affordable Housing

The PC was dismayed that the sites in Highwood they thought they had identified as suitable for affordable housing (when meeting with representatives from CBC - now CCC), failed to appear on the consultation document subsequently issued by the County Council Surveyor. It is noted that the new development at ‘The Nest’ will incorporate a number (believed to be four) affordable homes.

 

  • Allotment site, Radley Green

An article in the parish magazine yielded not a single response from anyone in the parish who wished an allotment; a meeting was held with the current tenants of the site, who agreed an increase in the annual rent paid to the PC.

  • Children’s Playground, Edney Common

The suitability of the site mentioned above for affordable housing notwithstanding, the PC has continued to ensure that routine maintenance guarantees that the play equipment is safe for children to use. The long term plan is either to relocate this playground to the land behind the village hall and, funds permitting, construct a brand-new playground at that location.

  • Churchyard

The PC has continued to fund maintenance of the churchyard to ensure it remains in a tidy and presentable state.

 

  • Clerk

Louise Fuller has continued in her role as clerk, capably managing the affairs of the parish council - and to her I offer continued thanks.

  • Code of conduct

The PC has agreed to adopt the same Code of Conduct as Chelmsford City Council.

  • Councillors

I should like to congratulate John Aldridge on his recent electoral success in the County Council elections. Both he and Chelmsford City Councillor Nicolette Chambers, have continued to offer help and support to the PC, as well as attending our meetings whenever able; to them I offer our continued grateful thanks. The PC lost the services of Cllr Lyn Cook following her resignation forced by pressure from her other commitments. The council is currently on the lookout for another councillor to replace Lyn. No election was demanded (following the piece in the Parish Magazine) – however two residents have put themselves forward as a potential councillor.

  • Essex Police

Although the PC continues to invite a representative from Essex Police to attend each of its meetings, sadly very rarely do they manage to attend. When they have, requests have been made for input for our parish magazine as one way of getting in touch with the public …. but sadly, very little copy has been received.

  • Footpaths

Mr David Taylor has continued in his role as an excellent parish footpaths’ officer; thanks go to David for his sterling work.

 

  • Jubilee

The Queen’s Jubilee was marked with a well attended celebration party in the Village Hall. Celebratory mugs were produced by the PC and given out to all young people living within the parish.

  • Litter Pick

The annual litter pick was scheduled for earlier this year, but had to be postponed at the last minute due to a heavy snowfall the night before. It has been rescheduled for later in the year – but sadly for a time when undergrowth will be at its maximum.

 

  • The Nest

At last, things are starting to happen at this long gestating site. The plot has been cleared and fenced off, and the PC looks forward to commencement of construction of the long awaited houses.

  • Notice Boards

The PC would like to express its thanks to Martin Goddard for continuing to maintain the five notice boards around the parish.

  • Parish Magazine

The PC has continued to fund the production of the monthly magazine - a high quality publication worthy of Highwood, produced twelve times a year. The PC is very grateful to Anne Gooch for her editorship; as well as the small army of volunteer distributors.

However, the PC was recently sad to note that Anne has decided to call it a day from her editorship.

  • Remembrance Day

As in previous years, the PC supplied a wreath for the war memorial.

As has become the norm, the chairman laid the wreath at the 2012 Highwood Remembrance Service.

  • Speeding vehicles

Traffic speed is a recurring theme at PC meetings; the PC notes that the Essex Police ‘Seedwatch’ scheme in which local volunteers use a hand held speed meter to measure speed of passing vehicles has begun. Cllr Peter Latham has been trained in its use, and has conducted several ‘Speedwatch’ sessions.

  • Village Agent

Brenda Smith has attended many PC meetings and has continued to help parishioners with a variety of concerns. The PC wishes to express thanks to Brenda for her continued help.

  • Village Hall

The PC was approached by Chelmsford Council who expressed a keenness to dispose of various plots of land which they own surrounding the city – one such being the area to the rear of the Village Hall. A meeting was held with CCC where it was explained that they would also be looking to dispose of the garages in Sparrows Close still in their ownership (as well as a very small triangle of land adjacent thereto) … and would prefer to do so as one lot. This should ensure future of the land behind the hall is safe for community use.

 

To conclude, I should like to thank my fellow councillors for their help throughout the past year. 2013 promises to be another year in which progress will be made in the parish of Highwood.

 

David Cameron

Chairman – Highwood PC