Chairman's report for April 2015-2016
Overview of Laughton Parish Council April 2016:
Full council meetings are held each month. A full list of council members and working groups can be found on the Laughton Parish Council website. In addition to the published list, we are pleased to welcome Sue Redshaw as Laughton's tree warden.
After eight years employment for Laughton Parish Council (LPC) our Clerk, Karen Crowhurst has resigned. LPC thanked Karen for her efforts over the 8 years and wish her well for the future.
There are two vacancies for councilors to compliment the five existing members. The post for Clerk is currently being advertised, for further information please visit the LPC website or see the noticeboard next to the village shop. Closing date for applications is: 12th May, interviews will take place on 25th May.
Our next meeting is 18th May 2016, as always, Parishioners are welcome and encouraged to attend.
Summary of the year:
• Since last April we have had between 35-40 planning applications.
• After many years of stability the Parish Precept 2016-2017 has risen by £3.83 per year, on average.
• The village green project, steered by Richard Masefield and his team of willing helpers, was a great success. Thanks must also go to Jean-Mary Crozier for her relentless efforts of fund-raising towards this project. We are pleased to announce that the remaining funds are being held by the LPC towards the Village Centre projects. How this money can be used will be discussed at our next meeting.
• The Roebuck Public House has reopened.
• Brickhurst Pond has had extensive work and has enhanced the look and beauty of the surroundings.
• Both the large and small village hall are being well used. Thank you to Tony Redshaw and his committee for their continued hard work. A special thank you to Rosemary Cook for her commitment with organising and managing bookings.
• The Parish magazine still arrives through our letter boxes every month; thank you to Micheal Slott, Jean-Mary Crozier and the team.
• The village shop continues to be successful and a much valued community amenity. Thank you to the Village Shop Association.
• Rachel West invited us to the opening of the new school bell. A lovely event with a congregation of both current and old students.
• The church is still well attended but is in need of funds to upgrade it's facilities.
• The cricket team is forming a stool ball team.
• The village website has had a revamp and updated information is now easily accessible, thank you to Chris Mortimer for his relentless input.
Parishioners of Laughton, I commend you for your efforts and enthusiasm towards the community. I would personally like to thank Jean-Mary Crozier and her team for their hard work in ensuring the village we live in remains well presented. A special thanks also goes to Peter and Christine Waring for their hard work looking after the plants and a wonderful afternoon celebrating the Queen's 90th birthday. A final thank you to all fellow councilors for your hard work and dedication over the last year.
Cllr Alex Carey
Chairman to Laughton Parish Council