August Parish Council Update

The August Meeting of the Parish Council was held at the Barbour Institute on Monday evening.

The volume of work undertaken by our Parish Councillors and the guidance provided by our new Clerk, is huge.

Family commitments and summer holidays accepted, there was a low turn-out on the part of residents.

Attendance at these monthly meetings gives a real insight into what is happening in our community and provides a much fuller understanding of the work of our Councillors, all of whom provide their time, energy and capacity voluntarily.

The Draft Minutes will be published on the Parish Council Website in due course but some interesting discussions included ...

• The overwhelming success of CarFest North, with 37,000 visitors daily, and the recognition of the positive benefits to our local businesses were noted. Congratulations were extended to Bolesworth Estate. One or two safety issues will be addressed in advance of next year's Festival (YES, it is already confirmed for 2019 – hooray you shout!), not least that 'some locals' paid scant attention to the short term one-way traffic enforcements.
• The redevelopment of Portico House and Bank by Bolesworth Estate was discussed and design-boards were available to view. 7 new dwellings will be provided i.e. 5 x 1 bed and 2 x 2 bed (all for rent), together with an element of affordable housing.
• The recent Scooter Rally, and late night partying that followed (until at least 2.30am), was raised and concern was expressed regarding future Rallies. It was questioned whether application processes and associated licences were required.
• The re-development of the Bear and Ragged Staff was also discussed. Recognising that the current planning application is at variance with our Neighbourhood Plan etc., the PC has already expressed strong opposition to its development as housing. The Car Park specifically is a community asset and evidence will be provided to support it's use by the community.
• There is a lack of Open Public Space in the village, as defined by the targets set by CWaC and exacerbated by the fencing of the School Field. Community access to the School Field and to the future use of the Community Room, requires positive conversations whilst recognising child protection issues etc.
• Confirmation has been received from Redrow, approving the Bus Shelter Scheme on Tattenhall Road – watch this space.
• Flash flooding was discussed. The PC is working with Welsh Water who have been extremely helpful in seeking to overcome the flash flood issues.
• Other maintenance issues were discussed and related to the Gatesheath Allotments, the Flacca Path, the Youth Shelter and the Spinney.
• Training is required to regularly inspect the New Play Area.
• Consideration was given to the proposed parking restrictions on Chester Road (in the area adjacent to the Tilney Gates of the Churchyard).
• It was requested that the Management Team of Gifford Lea be approached to set up an information meeting to clarify their thinking and future plans for the retirement village.
• Our Community Police Officer reported that response officers and partner agencies continue to work on the Anti-Social Behaviour at Keysbrook; that Operation SHIELD continues to be rolled out etc.

For more detailed Draft Minutes, please visit the Parish Council Website in due course