Bolney
Annual Parish
Assembly
Chairman’s Report - May 2010
This report is intended to provide an overview of
the activities of the Parish Council during the past year and also to
look to the future.
It has been another eventful, and quite successful,
year for the Bolney Parish Council. There have been a number of changes
to the Council since our Annual Assembly last May 2009.
During the year we lost the services of Peter
Hopgood and Keith Mayer both of whom decided that they had to leave the
Council for personal reasons. During their time on the Parish Council
both have made significant contributions to our endeavours and they have
been greatly missed.
On behalf of my colleagues and myself I wish to
record out thanks to Peter and Keith for their time with us.
Our compliment was reduced to seven but in October
2009 we were fortunate to gain the services of Tony Steer, who we
welcome again this evening.
However, due to a significant change in his work
commitments we have to say farewell to Tony Smith, who leaves the
Council today. We all thank Tony for his considerable contribution to
the Parish and the Council, we all wish him well for the future and look
forward to his return when circumstances permit.
The Parish Council now comprises;
Joy Dennis Eddie Hazel
Annabel
Moir Brenda Sands
Tony
Steer Frank White
David Williams
Debbie Thomas – Parish
Clerk and Responsible Finance Officer
The Parish Council is now unfortunately reduced to
seven councillors, out of a possible complement of nine, we are
therefore looking for willing and able
Parishioners to join us in our efforts to “Make a Difference” in the
Parish of Bolney.
We continue to enjoy the services of our Clerk,
Debbie Thomas, and the Parish and Council are most fortunate to have her
services as Clerk and Responsible Financial Officer.
Debbie is an extremely dedicated and committed
Clerk and having achieved her ‘Working With Your Council’ accreditation
is now well on the way to gaining her Certificate in Local Council
Administration (CiLCA) qualification, which will mean that for the first
time, in a long time, your Parish Council will have a qualified Clerk.
Well done Debbie.
Training - is still acknowledged and expected for the role Parish
Councillors perform, and all Councillors have undertaken the appropriate
Sussex Association of Local Councils (SALC) Training Courses.
All Councillors have attended courses on the Code
of Conduct and are progressively attending courses on the new Power of
Wellbeing that will extend the powers of the Council when the
‘qualification’ status is attained.
Bolney therefore continues to have a trained and
experienced team to serve you on the Parish Council, and is well
equipped to move forward to address even more issues and initiatives for
the benefit of everyone who resides in the Parish.
Monthly Meetings; Council and Planning –
have been held as usual on the third Tuesday of each month with the
appropriate time allowed for questions from the attending members of the
public before the formal proceedings commence.
The attendance and support of our County and
District Councillors, Peter Griffiths and Sue Seward, has been
invaluable and we look forward to their continued support in the coming
year.
All Parishioners are welcome at our
meetings, and we would like to see more than the few who regularly
attend other than when key issues are to be addressed.
‘Open Door’ Sessions – introduced in
September have proved to be very successful and we have been able to
engage with, seek the views, and listen to the concerns of many
Parishioners.
The ‘Open Door’ will in future be held on the
fourth Wednesday of each month from 10.00 am to 12 noon in the Rawson
Cottage.
Finance – With the indefinite suspension of
the New Village Hall project the council tax collected was returned thus
reducing the current year precept by the amount accumulated. This caused
an anomaly in the Council Tax bills but the actual amount has remained
unaltered for the past three years.
Careful management of the Council activities, and
savings made in certain areas, has meant that we could again keep the
underlying Precept amount at the same level as the previous year and
therefore no percentage increase has been applied for 2009/10.
Planning Applications - we have reviewed and responded to 45
applications this year; 1 less than last year. 40 received our blessing
and it may be of interest that Mid Sussex Planning agreed with us on all
but two of them. One application was withdrawn prior to the MSDC
decision and seven are still awaiting decision by MSDC
Website – www.bolney.com – continues to be
available to Parishioners and others as a source of information.
We are still considering a new website and hosting
service, which will be easier for the users to operate and for us to
maintain.
Patrick George has undertaken this review for us
but circumstances have meant that it has yet to be completed and
commissioned.
Continuity of the website and service is essential,
however it is still the intention to complete this review process and
make the changes.
The website continues to function and if it is not
up to date in any particular area this is probably because we have not
been advised of changes. Please let us know of your amendments.
The New Hall Project – The Rawson
Hall Management Committee have advised that a recent valuation of the
Rawson buildings and site, coupled with the probability that the build
cost could be less in the current circumstances, make them inclined to
revive the project. We have been approached for assistance with this
initiative. The Parish Council, consistent with their commitment, and
responsibility, to respond to matters that concur with the wishes that
are in the best interests of certainly the majority, preferably all, of
Parishioners, will monitor the situation as it develops and engage with
the RHMC as appropriate. However, there are still many issues to be
addressed and overcome before the building of a new hall can be
realistically undertaken.
What else has been done so far?
Housing Needs Survey – has been
undertaken to obtain an understanding of both the needs for housing,
particularly affordable housing, and the profile of housing within the
Parish.
This was undertaken in conjunction with Action in
Rural Sussex and the response to the Questionnaire of 40% was very
encouraging. The analysis of the survey and a report will be available
shortly.
Notice Boards
– following the move of the Post Office and the consequent loss of the
window space, four notice boards have been provided around the Parish to
facilitate the posting of notices. These are for the use of Parishioners
and are in addition to the official Council Notice Boards in The Street
and Chapel Road.
The New Sewer
– was finally completed and the disruption is now a distant memory but
the benefits for those who live in The Street are real.
Post Office
continues to operate in The Street at the Rawson Cottage with the full
support of the Parish Council. Efforts have been made to encourage all
Parishioners to use our Post Office so that we do not lose it.
Highways & Roads Maintenance
– the dedicated Focus Group have carried out a survey of road conditions
in the Parish and submitted a list of defects, predominantly pot holes
that require attention, to the WSCC Highways Manager.
We are fully aware of the
frequency and locations of inspections carried out by WSCC Highways and
this list will supplement their own records to ensure, as far as
possible, that the Parish Roads receive attention.
Following overtures to WSCC we
are now reasonably well served by WSCC Highways Rangers, who are
responsible for the Footways [Pavements] and verges.
Fingerposts – I am especially pleased to be able to report that
these also fall under the aegis of WSCC Highways.
An extensive review of
fingerposts in the Parish has been undertaken to identify where
refurbishment or replacement work is needed.
The procedure and responsibility
for the maintenance and care of the fingerposts has been established
with WSCC Highways and a new Protocol Document has now been agreed by
them, and issued. WSCC have agreed to fully replace two fingerposts
which are their ‘historic’ responsibility and the remainder will be
dealt with under a jointly funded County & Parish initiative.
It is the Parish Council’s
intention that all of our fingerposts, which are both an attractive
‘characteristic’ feature of the Parish and directional necessity, will
be fully restored as soon as possible. We wish to recognize the
partnership between WSCC and BPC in making this project a reality.
Footpaths –
since the initiative taken to engage with the WSCC
regarding the maintenance of the Parish Footpaths these have continued
to receive appropriate attention and are in relatively good order
although this winter’s bad weather has not helped the situation.
Inspections are now carried out on a 9 month basis so eventually the
rangers will see the state of footpaths in all seasons.
Police
– a good working relationship with our local police has been established
and continues to be developed. This had been complemented by;
School Safety Zone – The parish council has been working closely
with the school travel committee to ensure the safety of our children
attending the local school.
We have partnered with WSCC to
measure traffic flows and adherence to speed limits in The Street and
Ryecroft Road, and this analysis has allowed to identify initiatives
that will help with keeping our roads safe not only for our children but
for all residents.
The parish council along with
WSCC have been working on the possible installation of a School Safety
Zone in The Street, funding has been approved and currently WSCC are
undertaking the required consultation process before work can begin. We
hope that this might commence later in the year. Once again we wish to
thank WSCC for their valued support in helping to move this initiative
forward.
Help and
Support - The Parish
Council are working closely with Age UK agencies to develop a
working relationship that will provide help and support for the senior
members of our community. To date we have run themed Open Door sessions
and attended a Rendezvous Club meeting to introduce the concept, and it
has been warmly received by those who require advice on many issues.
Village Day
– the Parish Council is taking an active part in the planning of this
event with a representative on the Village Society Committee for the
2010 Village Day and will again run a stall at the event. Of the total
amount of £43.50 raised last year, 10% was donated to the Village
Society with the remaining 90% to the Rendezvous Club.
Public Transport -
the controversial issue of the direction of the
buses along The Street has been resolved. With the exception of the bus
that travels via Warninglid, all the buses now travel in the same
direction. This should have improved the safety of pedestrians,
especially the children, and other road users and also prevent hold ups
and congestion at the lower end of The Street.
In
response to requests from Parishioners, the Parish Council has also
worked with the local community bus service at Handcross to introduce a
new route to Burgess Hill as part of their service. After the initial
trial this route has been introduced as a permanent service and has also
recently received Department of Transport approval for the use of bus
passes. This now provides an additional much needed service for our
community.
Batchelor’s Field –
was reinstated for use and we are pleased to
report that Bolney Rovers again use it as their home ground and also the
Marle Place Wanderers youth team now use the Field regularly.
The Village Day returned to the
Field last July and it is scheduled the take place there again this year
on the 3rd of July
Pavilion on Batchelor’s Field
– we have been engaged in lengthy discussions and negotiations with Mid
Sussex District Council regarding the re-commissioning and refurbishment
of The Pavilion. Unfortunately, their original plans to upgrade the
Pavilion to improve the sports changing rooms and incorporate the
toilets were impaired by the economic situation and the funds are no
longer available. Both the Pavilion and the Public Toilets need to be
made to comply with the Disabilities Act regulations and we do not
intend that this is done by impairing the facilities and space that we
currently have within the Pavilion.
The potential for the new hall project to be resuscitated is likely to
have an impact on the advancement of discussions with MSDC as the
intention was to demolish the toilets and pavilion when the new hall was
under construction.
Café
- in September last, under the auspices of the Bolney Youth Club, Mr.
and Mrs. Silcock started up a Café in the Pavilion, initially opening
three mornings each week. The Parish Council under-wrote the project for
two six week periods, during which it appeared to be a viable
initiative. Despite its popularity, the inclement weather, the winter
period recently operating costs have caused it to run into financial
difficulties. This may result in a substantial cost to the Parish
Council and negotiations are on-going with MSDC in that regard.
Toilets on Batchelor’s Field
– the Parish Council have taken steps to ensure that they are clean and
maintained in a proper manner by securing and retaining the services of
a Parishioner and by providing the necessary funding for that purpose.
We acknowledge and thank Elaine
Newington for her support in keeping this facility operational.
Local Issues - a
number of incidents have been reported to our County and District
Councils, such as;
The profile of Bolney has been
significantly raised across the board to ensure that we are not
overlooked, that our opinion is sought and considered, and that we get
our fair share of attention and any funds or grants available.
Highways Authority – we have continued to
represent the interest of Bolney on the A23 widening scheme at Handcross
Hill and with various A272 developments and requirements.
Dog Bins review and Signage
– there has been increased attention to the emotive matter of dog
fouling with additional and larger bins provided, improved signage,
posters displayed, articles published in the Mid Sussex Times and a
large notice on the website.
It is hoped that this will encourage all owners to take the necessary
responsible attitude to this matter.
We remind all of our dog owners
that the bins are for use when walking your dogs and not for the
excrement from your garden.
Councillor’s Allowances
– it is again worth a mention that although there is an entitlement to
claim an allowance and expenses for serving on a Parish Council, all of
our Councillors have foregone the allowance and they have not claimed
personal expenses. We all serve on the Parish Council on a purely
voluntary basis.
Serco; Waste and Fly Tipping
etc – Serco continue to be very pro-active
with management of fly-tipping, street sweeping, litter and dog bins.
Problems reported by the Parish Council are dealt with promptly and
efficiently. To report direct any matter of concern please call 01444
477440.
Grants –
to have been made on behalf of the Parish to
Village Societies and Charities;
·
Bolney PCC Churchyard costs
·
Bolney Village Day
·
Rawson Hall
·
Bolney Youth Club
·
Bolney Rovers
·
Sussex Air Ambulance
In order
that we have a consistent approach an application form and procedure has
been introduced for use by any organization or group wishing to apply to
the Parish Council for a grant.
Key Contacts - key contacts have continued
to be identified, their responsibilities established within their
respective organisations, and relationships have been built to provide
services to the Parish viz;
-
WSCC Highways and Rangers
-
WSCC Highways Lighting
-
MSDC; Core Strategy, Rural Issues, Planning, Waste Management,
Leisure etc
-
SALC
-
Police
-
AiRS
With these enhanced communication channels now
established, speedier responses are more likely to problems and issues
we may have within the Parish.
The coming year - as well as continuing with
the activities we are already addressing it is our intention to
concentrate our efforts on the following issues;
·
Housing needs and Development Land in the Parish;
to continue to determine the need for and, if appropriate, create a
Parish Design Statement.
·
School Safety Zone; complete the process and if it
is approved, install the Safety Zone as soon as possible.
·
Parish Fingerposts; to complete the restoration of
all of the Fingerposts in the Parish.
·
Highways and Roads; establish and apply a rigourous
procedure to identify and rectify defects, surface and other, and also
to consider improvements to the roads, signage and lighting.
·
Communication (with Parishioners and Parish &
Village Organisations); to develop closer links and to understand what
they want and expect from the Parish Council, and from the Parish.
·
New Councillors; Recruit two Parishioners to make
up our full compliment of Councillors allowing us to continue to Make a
Difference in and to Bolney
Particular thanks are due to those
Parishioners who continue to work tirelessly in various ways to serve
Bolney and make a significant contribution to the community living and
well being in the Parish and Village of Bolney.
Parishioner Involvement - of course we
realise that we still have much to do and cannot achieve our goals and
objectives without help and support.
Parishioners’ involvement and input into what we
do, particularly working with the Focus Groups, is needed and we welcome
everyone and anyone who is able and willing to join us in our
endeavours.
It is your Parish and Village so please get
involved, particularly with the Focus Groups – there is so much more we
can achieve by working together for the benefit of Bolney.
This concludes my Report for 2010.
But please always remember - Bolney
Still Needs You!
Together we can really “Make a
Difference”
Thank you for your time, attention and
participation.
Eddie Hazel – 18 May 2010
