EDITORIAL No. 40 - MAY, 2002
HONOURED
Our current litter warden, Stan Michaux, is off to meet H.M.The Queen in
METRIC MARTYRS
Some clarification: Since January 2000, retailers have been required to mark or weigh goods in metric measures. Goods can still be marked or weighed in Imperial measures as long as the figures are smaller or equal to the metric figures. Where items are sold by number, not weight, no metric measurement is required. Retailers who refuse to comply after repeated warnings are liable to a maximum fine of £5000. Independent Retail News.
By failing to prepare you are preparing to fail.
LEARN COMPUTING WITH CULM VALLEY COMM. EDUC.
With summer days and lighter evenings coming, why not consider improving your computer skills? You can book into one or more of our IT Workshop sessions and learn at your own pace with the help of an experienced tutor. After Easter we are offering a new Friday morning session in addition to Monday and Wednesday mornings 9.15 – 11.15am, Thursday afternoon 1.15 – 3.15pm and Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings 7 – 9.00pm. If there is space and you want to obtain a qualification (CLAIT, IBT2 or Word Processing) quickly, then you could do several sessions a week. If you can’t attend for any reason, just let us know 24hours in advance and you lose nothing – it’s very flexible! We also have 3 – week introductory courses for complete beginners and introductory courses for those over 50. Ring 01884 38326 for more information.
The difference between involvement and commitment? Think of ham and eggs. The chicken is involved, the pig is committed.
EXTRACTS FROM THE P.C. CHAIRMAN’S ANNUAL REPORT.
Yet another year has all but gone, indeed evaporated. Once again it is the time for me as Chairman of the Parish Council to look around and report accordingly. It may be coincidental but during my period as Chairman it is noticeable how many special events we seem to have been involved with. This year is no exception, as we join together with the rest of the country to celebrate the Queen’s Golden Jubilee. How we as a community tackle this important project is already under way with a number of significant and different activities coming to fruition. This work is managed by a small group of volunteers drawn from the numerous and wide ranging numbers of organisations, who work so valiantly throughout the year. That all embracing expertise and recreation brings much pleasure and it is those qualities that are at the heart of this group, known as the Jubilee Committee.
The Parish Council is assisting the project, with a number of Councillors working together with the Jubilee Committee. The Parish Council had already made provision in this years Precept in order to assist with the financial arrangements. Initially you will all have seen the advertisement in the last issue of the Parish Magazine and more details will obviously emerge as we approach the extended Spring Bank Holiday in June.
Review of the last Year
So to the past 12 months, certainly as far as the Parish Council is concerned it has been a great deal less stressful than the previous period. The balance of the Council has benefited from the two co-opted members (when advertised, there was no request for a bye-election] so assisting in a more structured work programme.
Contained in last years report was the proposal to install a shelter in the Parish Field, the much-heralded unit has now been put in place. As a Council we were well aware of possible acts of vandalism to the construction and those concerns were well founded. In addition to minor structural damage it was soon adorned with graffiti of the most offensive language. This particular offence was made worse by the fact that the unit is clearly visible from the Primary School, whose Governors wrote asking if it could be removed or re-sited. As a Parish Council we tread a very tight path, we are required to try and serve the needs of the community at large, and while it is agreed that the vandalism was indeed offensive, by removing the shelter, would we actually resolve the issue? Any new site may simply have created another area to be vandalised.
The Council by its own investigation established the two main culprits. In a serious attempt to bring about a way forward, a special Council Meeting took place, this meeting was attended by some 14 young people, both boys and girls. The meeting was different, but in the main the young people acted in a strong but respectful manner. After some often frank but effective dialogue, the group stated that they were fed up and equally disgusted, as we were, by the stupid antics of the two idiots responsible. In turn, between them, they would attempt to ensure that such gross acts of vandalism did not happen again. I am pleased to report that generally that arrangement appears to be working reasonably well. That said, I have probably spoken too soon. Other issues emerged from the meeting about improvements to the goal posts on the Parish Field, along with the possibility of a couple of “five a side” pitches, complete with goal posts and nets. I am pleased to advise that funding for this is being actively pursued via Devon C. C.
Still on Play Areas, at long last we have seen the removal of the defunct play equipment from Sycamore Close, re-emerging as a much enhanced, and more popular Play Area in Chestnut Drive. Likewise the long overdue footpath link between Chestnut Drive and Gables Road has been completed. This has brought about a safer route to school for numerous children who previously had to negotiate the dangerous junction by The Gables. The Council is still actively pursuing the need for School warning lights and traffic calming measures as a priority in the area that serves both the Village Hall and the new and enhanced Primary School within Gables Road.
The work of the Woodland Trust continues with great gusto, more new planting along with thinning of the area, which it is envisaged will bring about a much enhanced woodland and its associated habitat. The initial success of both the bat and bird boxes is set to continue, so helping to restore some previously rare and endangered species.
After what seems an eternity, we have at last seen the opening of the over- delayed Composting Site at its permanent home within a corner of the allotments in Jaycroft. The hardcore of dedicated workers did not give up, they may well have faltered, but to their credit they got there. I would place on record my personal thanks and appreciation to those few who despite all, continued the task, eventually overcame all, to reap a much sought after and indeed well deserved reward. The results will, in both environmental and economic terms bring much benefit to the village for years to come.
Much of the detail about Village organisations referred to in this report is given greater prominence through the bi-monthly publication of the Willand Magazine. It is good to see the increased interest as the Parish continues to develop. Such ever-changing publications have to be managed and edited to maximise what is best for each publication - not I suggest a task for the faint hearted. Can I thank both Brian Holmes and Pauline Balaam for their continued hard work. I must also include in that thanks, the dedicated team of deliverers, whose efforts ensure every household gets a free copy.
In addition to the Magazine, the Village now has its own website, This new innovation has been achieved jointly with Mid Devon District Council. Log on and have a look, I think you will be most impressed. Again these projects don’t just happen. Can I thank both Nick Quinn and Geoff Mew from Mid Devon, who together with initially, Dave Maynard, but more recently Tony Wills, have put in many hours of hard work and investigation, to bring the project to fruition. Interestingly Willand is one of only three rural parishes who have ventured into this new area of technology.
In recent years the Parish Council has looked at, and discussed the provision of an Emergency Plan, but that was as far as we seemed to get. Following the events of September 11th 2001, such a provision seemed more relevant than previously considered. I say that not out of over reaction, but more importantly it is to do with where we sit geographically. We have both the main road and rail networks running through the village, we also have substantial local industry. With that in mind and following two very colourful presentations by Peter Brown the local Emergency Officer, the Parish Council under the guidance of Dave Maynard has set up our own such plan.
The Future
This year it is all change for all elected Councillors, with Central Government imposing stringent new codes of practise in place, apparently to reduce sleaze in local government. Speaking personally, I suggest that Central Government practice what it preaches. Again on a personal note, I have to sign up to such an undertaking after each election as a District Councillor, as such it has not given me any cause for concern. At present the Parish Councils operate independently but as a further government initiative, with effect of 27th May 2002 all Parishes will be linked to District Councils. While individuals have some reservations about these proposals, they will, I believe bring about a greater degree of working together, a joint Localised Management Team working to develop the community as a whole. At this time it is very much down to individual speculation, and you can be assured we will be monitoring the whole process as it begins to emerge. So as they say, watch this space.
After many long years of talks and discussions, I am able to advise that subject to some minor hiccups being ironed out, Willand will have its own Village Pharmacy. The proposed site is at “Linacre” in Gables Road and will operate five mornings Monday to Friday, opening at 0930 hours. The permission is a temporary one, while talks continue to bring about a permanent site allocated opposite, next to Gables Lea. Having spent some seven years arguing the need, failure to attract the right level of support could see the current licence not renewed, in effect the loss of this hard earned enterprise. I would urge everyone to make full use of the facility, if/when it is operational.
I have lived in Willand for some 23 years, during which 19 years has seen ongoing major development. This year sees the final phase of what was an outline plan approved pre-1982 and the Meadow Park development. A further 92 homes will be constructed within the area of the Roundabout and the far end of Jaycroft, a continuation of the site which is now nearing completion. Within the 92 homes, with the agreement of the developer and a Housing Association , the Parish Council has managed to get 6 social homes as part of the overall program. These six properties made up of 2 x 2 bed, 2 x 3 bed and 2 x 4 bed and are primarily for those people who cannot afford to buy. These homes will also be finished to a higher standard than the others of the developer. These Association homes are for renting. I would like to say that the homes will go to Willand families, certainly that will be our desire. However, legislation currently in place does not make that desire a certainty. The problem is the size of our fast growing population, over 3000 residents creates its own separate criteria.
The Parish Council, without the support of MDDC, has through strong and effective dialogue managed to buck the trend yet again. Following local discussions and highly effective bargaining, agreement for a development contribution of £350 per dwelling from the 92 houses has been secured. That is a total of £32,200. This money is for use in bringing about enhancements to the Youth Facilities within the Village. In addition, Prowtings have also made £4,000 available to enhance the new Open Space area within the overall development site. Once the final 92 homes and the associated works are complete, the link between Orchard Way and the roundabout will be activated. It is hoped that this will eliminate the serious congestion in the Village during the morning and evening travel peaks.
On the subject of roads and its associated traffic, it is interesting that Cullompton is making noises about is traffic problems, a subject which for all the right reasons I support. However, as part of the Court Farm development, there is a provision to complete the construction of a new Northern Distributor road, which is the first spur off the first roundabout as you drive toward Cullompton. As a Parish Council, we are strongly opposed to any attempt to remove the existing restriction for heavy lorries, and made that point at a recently held DCC/MDDC meeting. Mrs Jane Campbell, a Cullompton Town Councillor and a District Councillor, pointed out that the original order was not activated to safeguard Willand. It was introduced to bring much needed relief to those housed in Willand Road, Higher Street and the St George’s Well area in Cullompton and she doesn’t see anything wrong with the restriction being lifted. My interpretation of her comments is that if she can resolve any of Cullompton’s traffic problems, it doesn’t matter about the possible/probably impact on anyone else in the area.
I do not subscribe to such parochial attitudes - as I said earlier, we must work in partnership if we are to move forward. Willand’s development was permitted without the necessary infrastructure enhancements. Our services were and remain linked to Cullompton. I have advised Cullompton that as a village, we are fortunate in that we have a ring road, namely the motorway. I have also submitted to D.C.C. the results of a recent lorry survey on South View Road. The findings confirm that at its junction with the Four Cross Way roundabout there are some 49,947 lorry movements in a single year. I must stress that these are lorry movements only, the findings did not include buses or cars, etc., which begs two further serious safety questions. If the present restrictions were to be lifted, what would the impact be on this village’s overall quality of life, in particular on some old properties which front Silver Street? Also, what about the impact on the B3181, where we have a major school entrance? I have also called into question the safety, suitability and adequacy of both the bridge in South View Road and that in Silver Street. Along with John Berry our County Councillor, it is the Council’s intention to monitor any proposals and variances as the next phase of the Court Farm building programme emerges.
Hopefully by the time you are reading this, D.C.C. will have implemented the new Speed Orders for Silver Street and Jaycroft - 30mph will be the limit on both stretches of highway. In addition, it is intended to take the cycle route through the Old Village, via Jaycroft. It is hoped that this reduction in the road width will force vehicle speeds down through the whole of the Old Village.
Detailed proposals to add a local planting scheme to our roundabout have been put forward and subject to the necessary insurance cover, it is hoped that the proposals will get the promised support from local business.
In closing, can I apologise for any serious omissions. I say that, given that this is the Chairman’s own report. It is perhaps worthy of note, the Parish Council are the people who actually carry out the day to day on the ground workings. Gone are days where the Clerk did the work while we did his or her bidding. That is not a dig at our present highly efficient Parish Clerk, Nina Ashley, my grateful thanks for her support, advice and a steadying hand when it is necessary. Nina, that contribution is much appreciated.
As a Council we try and work as a team, that does not mean all agreeing, it is however about working together, bring about what is best for the community. Some members can afford to give a great deal of time, others for obvious reasons give less. The demands on Parish Councillors has shown a marked increase, thus it is sad to announce that Tracey Barfoot has decided to step down in order to concentrate on her young family. That is to be applauded, however it means the departure of a younger member of the Council, which in its own way highlights one of the major problems with all levels of politics - allocated work time to serve the your local community. It is also very sad to report that our Planning Committee Chairman and local Plans expert, has also decided to call it a day. Rowland Steele has in recent months, among other things, been plagued with one illness after another. To his credit in the early stages he carried on doing his best, in what is an exacting task. More recently, however, the problems became more serious, culminating in a three-week spell in Hospital. On returning home we had a discussion, and he advised me that having had the warning, he was going to heed it and enjoy his remaining years. In leaving the Council, he has also given up the majority of the other organisations he was associated with.