chairmans Report May 2010
It seems a rather long time since my last report and we have all endured a colder winter than many recently. It must be that global warming! The County Council did an excellent job keeping the major roads open in the snow although side roads were not gritted, which caused many problems. It highlighted the need for the replacement and replenishment of salt bins, particularly at the top of Glenfield Drive, Wilby Lane and Goodens Lane. We have placed orders with the County Council for these. The snow also had a devastating effect on the highways with potholes appearing. These have been reported to the County Council’s Street Doctor who have arranged for repair work as soon as they can. If there are potholes that need repairing where you live either log onto the County Council website, www.northamptonshire.gov.uk or call them on 01604 236236 to report.
Central Networks commenced work in December to carry out underground cabling in the centre of the village. The snow and the finding of asbestos delayed the work for a few weeks but work has now been completed. Two new Victorian style lamps have been installed and are now awaiting painting. I think you will all agree it is a great improvement to the street scene and we hope that this programme will be continued further in the village.
A series of planning matters have occupied the PC, and to improve our responses and knowledge in this area we have attended a planning advisory course. Representations were made on behalf of the parish against a planning application submitted for housing on land in High Street. It was deemed that this development was not appropriate for the site and the Borough Council agreed with the concerns raised and refused the development. Subsequently a fresh application was submitted for a revised development which was approved by the Borough Council.
The development at 1 Hardwater Road has started with the old property being demolished and the construction of a fence around the site. There was concern raised about this fence, but the Borough Council have advised that the fencing was to secure the site and also for Health and Safety reasons have advised that as long as there were no issues from the Highway Authority then no further action be taken. The Parish Council will monitor this.
The new website,www. GreatDoddington.com has been launched in the summer of 2009 and thanks should be extended to Ian Ross as content editor and Rhod Davies for setting it up. The site contained information about the parish council and other village organisations and Mr Ross will update this on a regular basis.
Both our County Councillor, George Blackwell and Borough Councillor Barry Graves have been active in the village. County Councillor Blackwell has funding available for schemes under his Empowering Councillors monies and Councillor Graves under his Ward Support funding. If you can think of anything that would benefit your organisation please contact either of them to see if they can help you.
Mindful of current financial constraints the Parish Council once again set its precept at £22,000. We are looking at items that may be needed in the village for our 2010 projects so if you have any suggestions please contact the Chairman or one of the Parish Councillors.
As always, my thanks go to all my fellow parish councillors for their support and help throughout the year.
I hope you all had a good Easter and were not caught up in the fallout from the Volcano eruption! Now what effect is that going to have on global warming, I wonder!
Ian Bowers
Please see links below.
Archives of Previous Chairman's Reports will appear here as they arise after May 2009
Chairmans Report November 2009