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Barrowden and Wakerley Parish Plan Progress Review December 2005
The Parish Plan Group met to chart the progress which has been accomplished since the publication of the Report in April 2005. This summary is in the same order as the Report. It is great that so much has developed and we trust there will more when there is an annual review. A reminder of the aims of the Parish Plan:
To identify concerns in both villages and to create a representative vision of how residents want their communities to develop. To provide information on local needs and to encourage new community ventures. To prepare an Action Plan so that the Parish Council and Parish Meeting can meet the needs identified, with clear indications of what, by whom and when this can happen.
COMMUNICATION The Parish Council has painted the community notice board by the bus shelter. It requests that the other board is only used for Council notices. The Parish Magazine has changed its format and would welcome more contributions. The Website is being more widely used and the village email register now numbers 60. The Church Welcome leaflet has been prepared and area contact people established. The major regret is the lack of reporting of village news in the local press. Ways to improve this are under review.
ENVIRONMENT It is very encouraging that Local History and Natural History Groups have been established. They need ongoing support. The Environment Group has been very active in improving the village pond and is negotiating for the Mill Pond and the footpath to be enhanced. The path to Wakerley has been much improved. The Environment Group also hopes to work on a village map. The Parish Council has needed to fell a beautiful old horse chestnut tree because of disease and plans more surveillance of all village trees. Many dog owners have concern for others and use the dog litterbins but sadly there are still some who selfishly ignore requests for responsible dog ownership.
SECURITY and SAFETY We are pleased to note the appointment of a new Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator in Barrowden, also a new RCC officer. VAR plans to publish available advice in the Spring 2006.
TRANSPORT The new bus shelters with timetables are appreciated. The Parish Council will put Transport on its agenda for a future meeting, but a Public Meeting has not yet been planned. This may include concerns about evening transport and young people.
TRAFFIC SPEED and VEHICLES The recent survey has highlighted the excessive speed of many vehicles entering Barrowden. The Parish Council is considering the introduction of traffic calming measures. The problem of parking on grass verges and village greens continues to be of great concern but no easy solution has been suggested. Perhaps we all need to be more aware of planning applications, and to ask for adequate parking for all new houses.
KERBSIDE RECYCLING This is said to be on the agenda for RCC so that Barrowden can have what is already established in Wakerley.
EMPLOYMENT There does not appear to be any request or need for additional premises at present.
YOUNG PEOPLE The CHAOS group is delighted to have more adult helpers and has formed a management committee, which has established a constitution to enable them to apply for grants for equipment and facilities. The requests for a Drop In Club, music and drama are not yet on the agenda. The child protection policy has been revised.
FACILITIES The Village Hall has new heating, new comfortable chairs, new crockery and an outside porch light. Additional parking area is being considered by Burghley Trustees. The Surgery has new disabled access and has established a new consulting room. An active group is exploring the possibility of a Community Shop and Post Office. Many consultations have taken place which we hope will result in a positive outcome. Currently Burghley Trustees are considering the suggestions. The Parish Council hosted a meeting for all interested in Allotment use. This was not well attended and a further meeting will be held. Currently one allotment holder has two pigs to help him dig up the land until April 2006. Several new pieces of play equipment have been installed on the Recreation Ground. It is hoped that further developments for some sports activities will take place with the assistance of volunteers and CHAOS.
SENIOR CITIZENS Voluntary Action Rutland transport scheme and information have been made available to senior citizens. For many the highlight has been the formation of a monthly lunch club in the Village Hall. It is open to all ages and much enjoyed. Eleven of the catering volunteers have received the Food Hygiene Certificate thanks to funding from “Community Champions”. A full programme is planned for 2006. VAR have a new scheme for the services of tradesmen for older people. Enquiries are being made for more details.
CHURCH IN COMMUNITY LIFE As noted earlier the welcome scheme for all newcomers is in action. Volunteers have been contacted by the Rector and Churchwardens and those willing to be involved are being much appreciated. Different formats of services are under review to improve the welcome to all who want to worship in our ancient church. The reordering of the bells has been a big project and is much appreciated. New bell ringers are invited.
PARISH COUNCIL Names and contact details have been printed in the Parish Magazine. Councillors have decided it is not practical to have a village diary of PC meetings for the year. The legal requirement is five days notice for the agenda to be displayed, but dates, when planned, will be on the village website. Significant planning applications will be publicised in the same way and details of any public meeting to see the plans with our County Councillors. The Planning Councillor, Debbie Rossell, can also be contacted.
OTHER VILLAGE CONCERNS Barrowden United Charities held a very well attended public meeting in the Village Hall and have produced an information leaflet which has been delivered to all homes.
The final paragraph of the Parish Plan Report reads:
“However the major responsibility rests with each one of us living in these beautiful villages. We have the opportunity and responsibility to make a positive input to the community. The questionnaire has shown there are many people wanting to be more active in a wide variety of ways. So may the next chapter of life in Barrowden and Wakerley be an exciting time of many new ventures but retaining the best of the old and actively caring for the environment which has been entrusted to us.”
Many thanks to all who are responding so positively.
Last updated by the Parish Plan Group: September 2005
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