The February meeting was held as normal on Monday 2nd in the Baptist Chapel Schoolroom.
Like all Council meetings it was open to the public.
Reports from the District and County Councillors. Cllr P Bignell reported that he is confident that LGR will proceed, and that much work is being done towards the introduction of the unitaries, with blueprints for the various processes being produced; although nothing is certain until the statutory instruments have gone through parliament. (Which has now happened). The larger towns (incl Northampton) will have Town councils, which is likely to change the dynamics of Town/Parish relationships.
Public Participation. A resident had noted that many runners are avoiding wet paths and verges and running in the road in the dark, many without light or luminous clothing – causing concern that vehicle drivers will not see them. Another resident asked for a speed panel in Furnace Lane as he felt that vehicles were travelling as fast as 60mph past his house. Chair responded that speed cameras were being considered.
PCSO. had supplied a January Report. Councillors were concerned that some residents misunderstood the role of the PCSO and expected too much. Despite some reports on social media he is round and about the village on a regular basis. His work pattern is not made public in advance for obvious reasons. He is shared with Bugbrooke and we pay 1/3rd of the cost against Bugbrooke’s 2/3rd. He has made himself known at the pubs, the shops, the Friday café, the school and Youth Club. Just at this moment we have a remarkably low crime rate within the village; whether that is due to the PCSO being around is open to question, but his presence certainly helps.
Parking issues. There have been complaints about parking on the pavements, partly or wholly. The legality of this is debatable, and enforcement against it unlikely. The Parish Council would ask residents and their visitors to be considerate about their parking, and remember that there are wheelchairs and mobility scooters about, as well as mothers with pushchairs buggies etc who can be seriously inconvenienced or endangered if you have completely blocked a pavement.
Lights. It was reported that 3 suppliers had been short-listed, and that some nominal costs were anticipated. It was hoped to have schemes finalised in mid March ready for an application in April for New Homes Bonus money.
VE day. It is hoped to join in the national celebrations, but nothing definite yet has been planned by any village organisations. The Parochial Church Council and Village Hall Committee are understood to be looking at this at their forthcoming meetings.
Storms and Flooding. The Village has got off relatively lightly during the recent storms, although some damage and inconvenience has been caused.
Reporting Highway and Footpath Issues. The Clerk will report issues that Council is made aware of, but Council would encourage residents to use the FixMyStreet service to report issues themselves as there will then be no time lag and first-hand reports are almost always better than 2nd or 3rd hand reports. The service can be found here: www.fixmystreet.com It is easy to use; you can have your own account and can check up on any issues you have reported.
Parish Council meetings in 2020 will continue to be at the same venue, on the first Monday of each month, (unless a Bank Holiday) and would start at 19.30. The next one is on March 2nd.
Clerk to the Parish Council: Guy Ravine, c/o Old Dairy Farm, Upper Stowe, Weedon, Northamptonshire, NN7 4SH
Telephone: 07935 931787
Email: netherheyfordparishcouncil@gmail.com
For further useful information about Nether Heyford Parish Council and full contact details for the clerk and the Councillors please visit:
The Nether Heyford Prattler 