The December meeting of the Parish Council took place on December 5th at the Baptist Church Rooms.
Mandy Lumb of South Northants Council gave an introduction to the revision of the Conservation Area for the village. Some minor changes had been made, and the consultation is open until Jan 13th. The documents are online at SNC’s site or at the Towcester offices.
Regarding Heygates lorries: Cllr Kirkbride referred to a meeting in Bugbrooke. She reported that a grit bin would be installed in Winston Close, but not by the canal bridge. This area would, however be gritted in severe weather.
Graham Smith reported several awkward encounters on the junction of Middle Street and The Green. He felt that the idea to change priorities at this junction had been sound 10 years ago, but that additional traffic and parking had made a review of the situation urgent.
Allotments. Rent night to be combined with a meeting at the Youth Club on Feb 23rd.
Village Fete Council discussed celebrating the Queen’s diamond Jubilee at the fete in a number of ways. Jubilee tree planting could coincide, but the sapling would need watering. Clerk estimated that a good size sapling with a plaque would cost £350.
Council decided to grant £1000 to the fete organisers towards entertainment for the people of the village for the Jubilee, This would be in addition to the cost of the tree.
Precept
Further to last month’s deliberations, it was felt that money should be set aside for the Jubilee fete, that a realistic view should be taken of Youth club expenses and that heed should be taken of the Internal Auditors warning that reserves were low. It was therefore resolved to set the precept at £50,000.
Neighbourhood Plan Liam McCormack to attend Neighbourhood Plan meeting at SNC on Jan 9th. In view of the importance of this meeting it was decided to rearrange the Council meeting scheduled for Jan 9th to Tuesday Jan 10th.
Youth Club Ray Wray reported that the Youth Club steering committee had had a successful meeting with the Northamptonshire Association of Youth Clubs, resulting in the formation of a new club which would open in February. A constitution had been approved and was examined by Councillors.
Playing Field It had been hoped to negotiate for money from the New Homes Bonus for rebuilding facilities at the playing field, but confusion continues to reign regarding this. The District Councillors feel it unlikely that it will be paid out to Parish Councils.
Flood Warden Colin Thomas had attended a “Flood Fair” and made contact with the Environment Agency. The lower half of the village was deemed a flood risk, but on a once a century basis. Each village is supposed to produce a plan.
The January meeting of the Parish Council will take place on Tuesday Jan 10th at the Baptist Church Rooms.
The January meeting of the Parish Council took place on Jan 10th at the Baptist Church Rooms .
Cllr Kirkbride (NCC) reported that a meeting with Heygates had proposed a routing that would exclude use of Heyford by Heygates vehicles, but this was still under discussion. Fingers crossed then, as this would make a big difference to the village. She had been impressed by the updated online Streetdoctor and recommended that Parishioners use it to report potholes and problems with roads and pavements. I can confirm that it is straightforward to use and seems effective.
Neighbourhood Plan. Cllr Harries (SNC) reported that Neighbourhood Plans could cost between £17,000 and £63,000 to produce. The situation was still unclear, but it was felt that the working party should proceed as some sort of plan would be required. From what the speakers said, in Heyford’s case, it would be worth doing the work, but it is not yet clear if it is worth producing the whole plan; SNC might well accept an outline plan anyway.
Middle Street/Green Junction. Clerk had met Helen Howard of NCC onsite. She felt that the junction was doing what it was supposed to do; namely slowing down traffic, but agreed that the situation needed addressing. Her suggestion was to choose limited areas for yellow lines, which could now be enforced as wardens had to enforce parking in Bugbrooke. Council have asked for 15 yards of Yellow lines at the junction West of Coronation Row.
Youth Club. Due to open on February 6th. We hope that it will be well supported. A lot of hard work has gone into this project.
Dog Fouling. Yet again this unpleasant subject has to be raised. The Playing Field Association have reported problems on the Playing Fields. Please remember that no dogs are allowed in the Playing Fields at all – let alone to foul it as there is a byelaw prohibiting dogs on the Playing Field
The linkman has asked me to point out that some people (presumably Parishioners) are putting large bags of dog mess in the ordinary bins – even though there are now three dog bins on the green. This is unnecessary as dog waste – properly bagged – can be put in your domestic waste
Guy Ravine, Tel: 01327 340410
E-mail: g.ravine@btinternet.com
