SHAWBURY PARISH COUNCIL

PARISH COUNCIL NEWS

The latest meeting of the Council took place in the Village Hall on Tuesday September 13^th. when in the absence of the current Chairman, Councillor Adrian Brown the Vice Chairman took responsibility for chairing the meeting.

Before the official meeting began the Chairman read out the following statement:

Members of Shawbury parish Council would wish to extend their sincere and heartfelt

Condolences to the Royal Family following the sad passing of Her Majesty, The Queen.

We are grateful for and humbled by the many decades of unwavering service which she

has given to the Country.

Members then stood for a minutes silence as a mark of respect.

GOD SAVE THE KING

At the start of the full meeting the Chairman welcomed PCSO Lizz Walmsley from Wem Police who reassured Members that incidents of serious crime in the Parish were low and that the small team of officers based at Wem carried out regular visits to deal with any unwelcome activity. Members raised concern about the monthly reports which seemed to indicate a steady increase in incidents of violence. Lizz felt that this was the result of new methods of recording incidents and most of these were probably related to various domestic or family issues which although serious, did not usually impact on the wider population. However she appreciated Members concern and would see if the recording categories could be amended.

Councillor P. Sharp stated that there was a need to ensure that reports to 101 were dealt with appropriately and efficiently. Lizz pointed out that the local police had no control over the system but gave an assurance that appropriate action was taken on all reports received by the local team of officers.

The Chairman thanked her for attending the meeting.

In the full meeting which followed these items were considered:

·       There had been no response from either Scottish Power or E.ON regarding the outstanding issues with the street lights and the cost of electricity to power them.

·       A Community Speed Watch group had been set up and had identified areas in the Parish where speeding traffic was a problem. Training would take place soon and the team could then begin to undertake traffic checks at various locations.

·       All the Floral Gateways in the Parish had been sponsored for a further year and those giving support are - R. A. Allmark and Sons; TC’s Haulage; SMC Operations and Hazels Farm Childcare.

We are always pleased to talk to other organisations about sponsorship deals.

·       Response from the External Auditors based in London indicating that they had no concerns over the financial and overall management of the Council.

 Details of the audit can be found on the Council’s web site or obtained from the Clerk on payment of a fee of £5.00

·       The Mid-Year Statement of Accounts which was adopted and details of the report can also be found on the Council’s web site or obtained from the Clerk.

·       Over forty items of correspondence which had been received by the Clerk since the last meeting and were actioned.

·       Interesting reports from Shropshire Councillor Simon Jones and F/S Matt Lingham at RAF Shawbury.

As always the minutes of the meeting can be found on the Council web site, which is www.shawbury-pc.gov.ukand issues can be raised with the Clerk at www.shawburypcclerk@talktalk.netor by ‘phone at 01743 236810.

The next Council meeting is in the Village Hall on Tuesday October 11^th.

PARISH COUNCIL NEWS: August 2022

At the August meeting, Members expressed concern at the lack of response received to several of the issues that continue to be raised, with companies blaming either lack of staff or problems related to the Covid epidemic 

However there was encouraging news from Shropshire Council, where officers dealt with a number of repairs which had been outstanding for some considerable time, although some important problems remain. Before the on-set of this protracted summer with no rainfall, complaints had been received about standing water at the A53 roundabout but we have been advised that this is not a Shropshire Council problem, which seems to indicate that the new estate and its surrounds have not been adopted yet. One other major problem is the disastrous state of the road at the AS53/Wem Road junction by the traffic lights. It is understood that this is being caused by a breakdown of the drainage system and the repairs will need to be carried out by Severn Trent with a full road closure!

Issues which have stalled include the failure of the Housing Association’s solicitor to respond to the Council’s solicitor, which means the purchase of the allotment is still on hold and Scottish Power failing to deal with a whole range of problems over powering the street lights and working with E.ON to complete the outstanding project in Bridgeway and Millbrook Their response was to simply send an email stating that shortage of staff means that dealing with outstanding issues will be delayed.

The Council finally recruited sufficient volunteers to enable a request to be made for a Community Speed Watch project – this was helped by three residents from Moreton Mill joining the one volunteer from Shawbury and three Council Members. Training will now take place with the hope that the project will be underway by early autumn. The Council will publish further details when it starts and it was interesting to hear that in many other areas a large number of those who are reported for exceeding speed limits are from local residents. There is still a need for additional volunteers to join the team – just contact the Clerk if you are interested in being involved.

The problem of dog fouling has raised its ugly head again with reports of copious amounts of waste being left on or beside the many pathways which are used by walkers and families. It is an offence not to clear up after your dog so please abide by the code for the benefit of everyone.

Members received disturbing news when it was confirmed that Paul Sharp, a dedicated and hard working Member, was having to curtail some of his activities because of a serious sight problem. He has had to resign from representing the Council at area meetings and for the over sight of the Parish Paths Partnership. Councillor Merv Roberts has agreed to attend the meetings and Councillors John Vernon and Chris Kirkup will be looking after the Parish Paths.

Finally, finishing on a positive note Council Members would like to sincerely thank the unknown local resident who took it upon himself to clear away a bush which had fallen and blocked a path in the Glebe area before arrangements could be made by the Council. It is such a pleasure to acknowledge this type of community spirit and hopefully someone can let the Council know who it was.

Parish Council News July 2022

PARISH COUNCIL NEWS - May 2022

On Tuesday May 10^th. two Shawbury Council meetings were held in the Village Hall.  

        
The first was the Annual Parish Meeting which was open to all residents, giving an opportunity to meet with Councillors to discuss Parish issues or raise concerns.  The meeting included interesting and informative reports from the Parish Council Chairman John Kennedy, Shropshire Councillor Simon Jones and Mr. Richard Bailey from the United Charities.

This meeting was followed by the Annual General Meeting of the Council when Councillor Brian Lyon was elected as the new Council Chairman replacing Councillor John Kennedy who was warmly thanked by all the Members for the valued service he had given throughout the past two years which had been a very difficult time.  Councillor Adrian Brown was then elected as the new Vice Chairman.

As usual a wide range of topics were considered including:

Streetlights:                                                                                                                                                     
It was noted that E.ON had converted most of the Councils streetlights so that they automatically switched off at midnight, bringing them into line with the lights managed by Shropshire Council and saving considerable energy costs. E.ON had reported that things were beginning to return to some form of normality and they were intent on getting the work in Bridgeway and Millbrook Drive completed. They had provided a quotation for undertaking work to provide an improved service in Church Street and Members confirmed they were prepared to accept the quote as soon as the other outstanding work had been completed. 
The Council were still having difficulties with Scottish Power who supply the electricity and seem reluctant to enter into discussions with the Council about the very high increase in power costs.

 Highways:

Concerns were raised about the lack of action by Shropshire Council in dealing with the roundabout design at the A53/Oakwood Park location and advertising the new traffic order related to speed limit changes on the A53.

Playing Field Fencing:

It was reported that several more posts were rotting away but this had been anticipated and budgeted for and Councillor P. Sharp agreed to arrange replacements on the same basis as was carried out last year.

Burial Ground:

Councillor K. Pickering reported that he had been spending time working in the area and had identified the need for some extensive work to be carried out on two pathways, which would incur some cost. He indicated that he was prepared to do the work voluntarily but was asked to provide an estimate of the cost of the materials. He was thanked for the work that he was doing.

Planning Applications:

Three new applications were considered and Members supported the revised plans for the development of the proposed sports complex but objected strongly to an application to place advertising signs on the A53 Roundabout and for amendments to the approved plans for land adjacent to 122 Church Street.

The minutes of the meeting which include other items discussed at the meeting can be found on the Council web site – www.shawbury-pc.gov.uk

COUNCIL NEWS – MARCH 2022

The March meeting was held in the Village Hall when as usual a varied programme of business was conducted including:

Streetlights

The main item for consideration was the confirmation from Scottish Power that they were increasing the cost of providing power for the streetlights from 12p to 47p per kWh, which means that the annual account would rise from £2,600.00 to £10,200.00, and have a major effect on the Council’s budget.   

A number of suggestions were considered on ways of reducing the cost but it was finally decided that the most appropriate action was to bring the provision into line with Shropshire Council and many other Parish Councils by operating a dusk to midnight service rather than an all-night one. The cost of converting the lights had been quoted at £3,603.00 but it was anticipated that the annual savings on power would mean this would be paid for in less than twelve months and then give on-going savings. There was a unanimous decision to go ahead with this and to get the conversion of the lights carried out as soon as possible. It was pointed out that the estates in the Parish which are controlled by Shropshire Council are already on the dusk to midnight system.

Community Service Awards

Each year the Council presents awards to residents who have given exceptional service to the Community and in the twelve years it has been running over fifty people have been honoured with the award. A resident in the Parish can nominate anyone who lives or works in the Parish simply by sending details of the person to the Parish Clerk, with the reason they are being nominated. This needs to be done before the next Council meeting on April 12^th. when Members consider and confirm the nominations. We are pleased to acknowledge the support RAF Shawbury continues to give by sponsoring the awards and arranging for a Senior Officer to present them at the Annual Parish Meeting in May.

RAF Shawbury Nomination.

The Council has always been pleased to have a nominated representative from the RAF Shawbury at Council meetings which allows for the exchange of valuable information and this month Members were delighted to welcome F.S. Matt Lingham as the new representative. Matt has been stationed at Shawbury for four years and hopes to be here for at least four more and welcomed the opportunity to become involved with Parish Council activities.

Grants.

Each year the Council sets aside a small budget to allow it to give small grants to deserving Charities or causes. This year £150.00 has been donated to each of the following - Hope House Hospice; The Severn Hospice; Crane Counselling and the Local First Responders.

Web Site:

You are reminded that full minutes of the meeting and a range of other information can be found on the Council’s web site www.shawbury-pc.gov.uk and that issues or concerns can be raised with the Clerk by email on shawburypcclerk@talktalk.netor by ‘phone on 01743 236810

FEBRUARY 2022 NEWS

Council Meeting:

The latest meeting was held on February 8^th. when as usual a range of topics were considered including:

Highways:

There were a number of reports relating to potholes and broken signs but Members were particularly concerned about the two incidents which had taken place on the crossing by the shops, when cars had failed to stop when the red light was on. It has been suggested that the crossing should be relocated but this appears to be the most appropriate position and is was agreed that Shropshire Council should be asked to re-paint all the warning white lines and consider the erection of a warning sign. The Council is still pushing Shropshire Council to make improvements to the roundabout on the A53, which has proven to be not fit for purpose.

Streetlights:

(a)Bridgeway and Millbrook;

In spite of continuous pressure, Eon have still not been able to complete the work and it appears that they are still suffering from staff shortages and the ability to purchase equipment. We can only apologise and hope that the removal of Covid restrictions will enable them to catch up on outstanding work.

(b) Church Street and part of Poynton Road:

Members considered a detailed report prepared by Councillor Adrian Brown which highlighted the need to improve the lighting in this area of the Village. It was decided that a meeting needed to be held with the contractors to discuss the feasibility of the improvements before seeking a quotation for the work.

(c) Electricity Charges:

It seems likely that there will be a substantial increase in the cost of electricity and a detailed survey is being undertaken to try and limit the impact on the Council’s budget.

Litter Collection:

The Council is pleased to announce that Mr. Varndell has been contracted to collect waste from The Playing Field, the car park and the Moat and Glebe areas.

It would help him and all the users of these open space areas if irresponsible dog owners took the trouble to pick up the waste that their dogs leave by using the bags and the bins that are now provided. If they can’t be bothered then it is questionable as to whether they should own a dog

Play Area:

In the latest safety report it was noted that bolts on some equipment had been loosened and this can leave the equipment in a dangerous state. This has happened in the past and it is thought to be an act of vandalism and we would ask you all to keep an eye out for anyone acting suspiciously.

Shropshire Council News:

Shropshire Councillor S. Jones was unable to attend the meeting but had forwarded a detailed written report of Shropshire Council’s activities and this was distributed to Members.

The report covered a range of topics including Economic Development; Children’s Services; Resources and Staffing; Climate Change and Adult Services.  A copy of the report can be obtained from the Clerk

RAF Representative:

Lt. Peters had notified Members that he was unable to attend the meeting as he had been posted and would be leaving Shawbury towards the end of the month. He thanked everyone for their kindness and support and wished the Council future good fortune. The new representative would be FS Matt Lingham and he would be attending the March meeting.

PARISH COUNCIL NEWS January 2022

Having needed to cancel the December meeting of the Council because of unclear Covid regulations, Members were pleased to be able to hold the January meeting in the Village Hall.

Before the official business began, tributes were paid to two long standing parishioners who had been closely involved in Council and Community work but had recently passed away. Gail Matthews had served on the Council for several years and played a major role working the with local young people whilst Trevor Creber, had for the past fifteen years, undertaken the unenviable task of collecting litter from the playing field and other areas and regularly emptying the waste bins. Both will be sorely missed.

The business discussed in the full meeting included:

The Budget for 2022- 2023

The budget prepared by the Clerk in consultation with the Chairman had been sent to Members for consideration prior to the meeting and after due consideration was approved. The Council’s precept was frozen at last year’s level which means there will be no increase in the Parish element of next year’s Council Tax.

Full details of the budget can be found on the Council’s web site or obtained by contacting the Parish Clerk.

Lord Lieutenant’s Garden Party:

Members unanimously agreed that Jenni Jarvis should be the Parish recipient of an invite to attend the planned Garden Party being held in the summer to acknowledge activities carried out to support residents before and throughout the pandemic.

Community Speed Watch:

Are you concerned about the excessive speed of many vehicles on local roads? If so, this is your opportunity to take positive action as the Council is looking for committed volunteers to join a Community Speed Watch team. Team members are trained to carry out checks on vehicle speed and record the registration number of those exceeding the speed limit. These details are passed to the police and the owner of the vehicle is sent a warning letter. If you would like to be involved simply get in touch with the Clerk who will be happy to give you further information.

Queen’s Platinum Jubilee:

It was decided that the Council would not undertake special events for the Queen’s forthcoming Platinum Jubilee but would be prepared to offer support to official organisations in the Parish which may wish to arrange activities.

Pavement Clearance:

It was noted that Mr. John Tait had carried out excellent work in clearing several major pavements in the Parish with many residents making complimentary comments about the quality of the work. This project is part funded by Shropshire Council, who make a grant of £1,500 to the Parish which then has to match fund another £1,500.

Correspondence:

Since the previous meeting of the Council over fifty items had been received by the Clerk on all manner of topics and these had been forwarded to Members for consideration and response.

Reports:

Reports were received from Shropshire Councillor Simon Jones and Lt. Matt Peters from RAF Shawbury details of which can be found in the minutes of the meeting which are published on the Council’s web site or can be obtained from the Clerk.

Contact Details:

Full details of Council activities can be found on the Council web site www.shawbury-pc.gov.ukand the Clerk can be contacted by email at shawburypcclerk@talktalk.netor by phone on 01743236810.

Parish Council News: November 2021