Letter from the Chairman - Dec 2022
Chairman John Wood writes:
The Council met on 3 November and there was much to discuss. A long serving member of the council Lucy Gomes has resigned due to work commitments, she has contributed a great deal to the running of the council, particularly as the Planning Representative and will be sadly missed. Cllr Chris Williams reported on his activities with the Wiltshire Council which including the reading of the Proclamation of King Charles at County Hall, meetings on climate change and initiatives regarding the Cost of Living and a register of Warm Spaces. During the adjournment for public comment a representative of the School Governing Body brought a proposal for a Walking Bus initiative which was agreed in principle by the Council. The Council reviewed all the suggestions raised by the recent survey which were presented by Cllr Kelly Earle and have appointed leads to take forward the proposals and present back the cost and timeline for the next meeting in December.
Cllr Lyons provided another upbeat report on the General Maintenance of the village, particularly the efforts of the new Parish Steward who continues to post before and after pictures of the work he has been conducting in the village. Steve has engaged with the Sparkle Team for the Autumn clear up after the successful litter pick in October which was well attended and removed a considerable amount of rubbish. Steve is planning the next litter pick for the Spring. Cllr Thom Earle briefed on the quotations for the new grass cutting contract which was awarded to Idverde for the next 3 years.
The next social date for your calendar is the annual Xmas Big Brunch to be held on 11 Dec, with face painting, balloon sculptures and the prize draw raffle we look forward to seeing you all at the village hall.
On the Speed Watch front it has been a quiet period due to the clock change, weather, and availability of the kit. As always, the Speed Watch team are looking for willing volunteer to swell the ranks and make a difference. Cllr Paul Knowlson reported that the Cadley Road virtual pathway is to be repainted weather permitting by the end of the year.
The alarming increase in the amount of vandalism in the village was discuss, particularly the broken window in the new bus shelter and the repeated damage to the shelter on the village recreation ground. As a result of the continuing vandalism to the shelter, which has been targeted and ongoing for some time the decision was taken to remove the shelter all together to make the area safe. Please if you see any acts of vandalism report it to the appropriate authority. Consideration is being given to siting a Mobil Police Station adjacent to the village recreation ground to provide a presence on the ground.
Our next Parish Council Meeting is scheduled for Monday 12 December 2022 at 7.00 pm at Collingbourne Village Hall. Parish Council Meetings are open events, which members of the public are more than welcome to attend. If any parishioners wish to get involved in any of the activities, including Speed Watch or just want to contact with the Parish Council, do feel free to email the Parish Clerk, Mr Phil Gill, parishclerk@collingbourne-ducis.com.
