Chairman's Report May 10 2011
The year has continued with very many issues following on from those listed in last years Chairman’s report. Over the last few years the Parish Council has had to deal with close to seventy planning applications of various sizes, multiple planning applications and Appeals.
Trying to preserve what is most valued in the Parish has become increasingly difficult where profit takes precedent, by developers, over the environmental and overall welfare of the community. Even the Conservation Area and Millennium Green came under threat with the destruction of hedgerow and mature oak tree, these actions appearing to be an attempt to facilitate turning the site into a building plot. The determined actions of the Parish and District Councils, and many in the community have so far protected this area, and the related integrity to the conservation area and Millennium Green.
It is a constant source of concern, taken up with the local M.P. that developers can take years and employ professionals in preparing applications, and have Appeals available, whereas Parish Councils normally have fourteen to twenty one days to respond and do not have funds available to get professional assistance.
The Parish Plan is a very important document produced by the Parish Council and the efforts of many members of the community. It should be part of planning policy, however for a variety of reasons the District Council is still not adopting it.
We are advised that it should be incorporated as supplementary planning policy in the new policies from government being prepared by the district council. The Parish Council will continue to work with the District Council on incorporation.
Many thanks to Bob Patchet for his work on the Parish Plan originally and currently
Regular meetings have taken place throughout the year with the Chairman, Vice Chairman and representatives of Staffordshire Highways. Highways teams visit three times a year to each Parish, to attend to a list of jobs requested by the Parish Council.
However, on larger projects such as twenty miles per hour limit past St Andrews School, progress is painfully slow with lack of funds being given by Highways as the main obstacle.
The village halls in the Parish and the Millennium Green in Clifton continue to be great assets with many events taking place from themed meal nights to kite flying days and litter picks, from beer and skittles to horse shows, and to top it all, the now famous Clifton Campville Country Fair. The Parish Council express most sincere thanks and compliments to the whole community who come together to support these wonderful community events. The Parish Council look to continue to give as much support as possible in these areas.
How blessed we are also to have such an historic feature enhancing the Millennium Green and Village Hall area, St Andrews Church in Clifton, which is approximately three hundred years older than the great wall of China.
The church is surrounded by many other fine historic buildings including the near by, Old Rectory.
The Church Yard itself is an important local feature and connection to many of these facilities and to countryside walks with the many footpaths which cross it, and the Parish Council have taken their responsibilities towards this very seriously.
Another excellent village amenity, the allotments continue to be very well supported with often waiting lists for plots to become available. Congratulations to all for their hard work to produce bountiful crops and it is always a pleasure to attend the presentations and prize giving in the Green Man.
Dog fouling became an issue again with young children playing on the Millennium Green becoming contaminated with uncollected faeces. The Parish Council take this matter very seriously as severe illness or worse can result. Extra notices have been displayed and cautionary items included in the newsletters as well as Lichfield District Council Dog Warden beginning patrols. It is a credit to the many dog owners who go to great lengths to make sure thorough collections are made and a shame they are let down on occasions.
Congratulations must go to Haunton for their continuing participation in the best-kept village competition. The post in Haunton carrying the award plaques is filling up year by year; such is their success in the competition. The Parish Council will continue to support this enterprise and is also trying to encourage for Clifton to consider entering, although with busy lives and the economic climate raising support is becoming increasingly difficult.
Regular Parish Council newsletters are now supplemented by a very attractive Parish website which contains histories and pictures of the area and events taking place, along with full details. The website also has lots of information regarding the area and histories of some of the Parishes most important and prominent buildings.
It is a credit to John and Eve Bainbridge’s hard work that the Parish has such a fine website, fully supported by the Parish Council.
Once again the community came together in early December 2010 to hold a Christmas Fayre. This Fayre took up the full available space of both the Village Hall and the New Rectory and was followed by Carols and Readings in St. Andrews Church.
Compliments to the community yet again for a splendid Christmas function.
The events came to a very happy conclusion with the youngsters and old uns giving most entertaining and inspiring readings in the church between singing carols.
April ninth this year saw the annual litter pick, supported by the Parish Council, which was again a great success with excellent refreshments in the Village Hall afterwards
Many thanks must go to the organisers and to Bob and Pam for again putting up with a heap of rubbish bags at the end of their drive until collected by the District Council.
The Parish Council have been receiving regular weekly updates from the Staffordshire Parish Council Association, however these have become often, several updates weekly and each one containing dozens of policy, planning, meetings, strategies and multitudes of other issues updates, which takes an enormous amount of time to consider. The workload for all is very substantial and increasing
It would be ideal and more appropriate if each Parish Councillor took responsibility for a particular issue and stayed with that issue as appears to be the case with other Parish Councils. This has been raised at previous meetings but with limits on individual’s time available, not least the Clerk, Chairman and Vice Chairman, it is a continuing problem trying to deal with all the issues and administration.
Most gratifyingly, and as usual, an extensive programme of events is scheduled for this year’s community entertainment by the different organisations.
It is a tribute to community spirit and thanks to all who arrange, support and participate.
In conclusion, most sincere thanks must go to Helen, our Clerk and Robert Vice Chairman for their tireless work for the community and most valued support for myself as Chairman and to all those mentioned above.
Thanks go to Matthew Ellis for his many contributions to assist the Parish, including the Staffordshire Flag.
Thanks go to all in the community, including my fellow Parish Councillors, who are involved in arranging, and taking part in the wide variety of activities. We, as Parish Council, take solace in the previously mentioned tremendous community spirit, displayed on so many occasions, and at so many events. Most grateful thanks to you all.
Councillor David A. Lodge
Chairman, Clifton Campville with Thorpe Constantine Parish Council. .