Village Voice - 10th June 2004
CHURCH SERVICES
This Sunday at Preston Capes church: Evensong at 6.00pm.
ANNUAL VILLAGE MEETING
Approximately two dozen parishioners attended the annual village meeting held last month, and the following is a brief report.
Police Presentation – As our CBU was unable to attend the meeting, our resident crime prevention officer Mike Scragg was asked to say a few words. He confirmed that our local police cover an area of 520 square miles, but at the moment a significant amount of their resources was focussed on the drug problems in Northampton. He advised that burglar alarms, good locks and neighbourly vigilance were the best deterrents to domestic break-ins.
Chairman's Report - Gavin Cowan confirmed that the current parish councillors are David Williams, Peter Bull, Jane Arblaster, Elizabeth Dearns, Paddy Little and Mike Eves. He advised that the proposed Rugby airport is now defunct. Our village/speed limit signs have now been tidied up and there have been two checks by the safety camera team, but unfortunately at the wrong time of day. A further check at morning/evening “rush hour” will be requested. All current parish councillors will be up for re-election in May 2006. Regarding planning matters, he confirmed that the PC cannot get involved in neighbours' disputes and encouraged residents to talk to their neighbours before submitting planning applications. Preston Capes is a conservation area, with this boundary drawn as widely as possible, whereas the village confines are drawn as narrowly as possible, and within these confines any development will be looked upon favourably. The village precept has been £2,000 for the last four years. A new mowing contractor has been appointed this year. The noticeboard for Little Preston is now available for installation, and the 30mph speed limit will come into force later in the year. He reminded parishioners that they are able to raise any matters of concern during “public time” at any parish council meeting, and concluded by thanking parish clerk Rosemary Bowden for all her hard work (with thanks also to her deputy, Claire Hughes).
Village Hall Management Committee – Paddy Little confirmed that five events had been held last year, and it is hoped that a start will be made on disabled facilities later in the year.
County Councillor's Report – Gina Ogden was unable to attend the meeting, but copies of her report were available.
District Councillor's Report – David Griffin advised that Daventry District is the largest district in the county, with a population of 73,000. There is a new information service in Woodford Halse for the use of the ward. He confirmed that the proposed central railway now seems extremely unlikely as it does not have government support. Our district council tax is approx. 7.1/2% of the total, with a 15% increase (although 12% of this is due to government policies). There are serious problems with the postal voting for the forthcoming EU/local postal elections – he confirmed that all ballot papers should be posted by 8th June latest, although there may be local collections points available, if required. The West Northamptonshire Development Plan (which provides for 8/9,000 new homes over the next seventeen years) is included in the Daventry plan, but is not yet open to public consultation. This should not affect Preston Capes as no development is planned for south of Daventry.
Preston Capes Educational Charity – The trustees are Gerard Hoare, Michael Pettit, Anabel Lewis-Bowen and Rosemary Haynes. Letters should be delivered shortly to all residents of the parish inviting applications from those aged up to 23. The trustees make ten or so awards each year of varying amounts, totalling approximately £2,000. The trust's assets have increased by 23% over the last year.
Footpaths – Footpaths warden Roger Elkin reported that there were no problems, and that he continues to enjoy a good relationship with Northamptonshire rights of way officers.
Trees – Tree warden Peter Bull advised that one cherry tree has been lost in Little Preston, and this will be replaced in the autumn. He has several trees available for planting, so please let him know of any suitable public places.
Roads – Recently-appointed highways representative Mike Eves reported that he had discussions with WS Atkins to establish working procedures and where pressure can be put. They confirmed that pothole repairs can be carried out quickly if they are advised, and that hopefully quality should improve. Any other repairs are not the responsibility of Atkins, as they have a limited budget. Of the £9 million highways budget for Northamptonshire, only £4 million will be spent. Parishioners should still continue to report road problems (both inside and outside the parish) to the Clarence hotline (or email) and they will be given a unique reference number which can be used to follow up the complaint – if possible, please advise ME of complaints/numbers so that he can build up an overview of the problem for the future. The water leak at the bottom of the High Street will hopefully be resolved by redirecting into drains, and this should be done before the winter.
Any Other Business – The following items were raised by parishioners:
There was no formal report following the visit by traffic management last year: The chairman replied that there was provision for training residents of villages in the use of safety camera equipment, but the parish council did not think this was appropriate for Preston Capes. The priority for safety cameras is red routes/accident black spots, and not small villages.
Broadband Internet Access: Roger Elkin confirmed that, following a campaign organised by John Mann of Everdon, Preston Capes reached its trigger level just before BT closed their registrations. We should now have broadband by January 2005 latest, or possibly earlier.
Fete Raffle Tickets: These are now available – please contact Jane Arblaster.
School Bus : There was concern that the school bus was pulling in on the opposite side of the road to the bus shelter, and that children were having to cross the road. The parish council will investigate.
Refuse Collections – Old Forge Lane: It was reported that there were still occasional problems with this, but that the matter had generally improved.