WADHURST PARISH COUNCIL ANNUAL REPORT 2007/08

REPORT FROM THE CHAIRMAN

I am pleased to report another busy and successful year. The precept (our portion of the household rates) was maintained at the same level as the preceding year and we were able to make a further substantial reduction of the outstanding loan which will reduce the outgoing interest payments. Thus our finances are in a healthy state presently.

Our Annual Parish Meeting in May 2007 was successful in terms that we had 74 members of the public in attendance, having canvassed it in the High Street previously. We changed the format and shortened our report by displaying posters around the hall showing our activities. This enabled us to devote almost all of the time to an open forum allowing the public to question, criticise, and table their concerns. Thus satisfying the main objective of this meeting which is to let local residents have their say.

The most pressing issues remain car parking and planning developments. We need to find a solution to the former. People associated with Uplands Community College do occupy a significant number of spaces particularly in the main car park. Discussions are ongoing with the school but our own investigations show that every available practical space is used in the school grounds which are not extensive for a school with over 1000 pupils. The only practical way to solve the parking problem is to find additional space. Discussions have been held with the Fire Service regarding their site and we are also casting around for alternative parking areas within the centre of the village.

The Government is requiring all areas to provide potential for increased housing and Wealden District Council is preparing a ‘Local Development Framework’ providing solutions. We have opened discussions with their policymakers and our Parish Plan will be part of the input. We invited 12 citizens, broadly representing different interests, to help us draft the Plan and ensure the widest views. This will be published at our May 2008 Annual Parish Meeting and will enable a wider audience to react – it is hoped that the final draft will be available for public input this summer.

The work of our Clerk includes both the administration of the Council finance etc. but also a service to the public. A great deal of time is given to advising the public on various aspects of local government; for example, how to respond and record views on planning matters, street lighting failure, nuisance etc. Our Clerk Philippa Hewes, in addition to day to day work, is currently taking an advanced training course on Local Policy run by the University of Gloucestershire and we have been pleased to sponsor this training. The procedures and practices in local government are fast changing and we are fortunate that Philippa is prepared to give her time to ensuring all angles are covered.

I would like to record my thanks to my fellow councillors for their time and effort and to our Clerk for her very strong commitment.  Christopher Price

SPARROWS GREEN RECREATION GROUND MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

The recreation ground continues to be a very popular venue for people of all ages.

Wadhurst United Junior Football Club is based at the ground and continues to grow; it is encouraging to see so many young people having fun and enjoying exercise. The sheer number of visitors to the ground has created a problem in the shortage of parking.

The Parish Council has been working with the Junior Football Club on some possible improvements to the facilities and grant applications were submitted for funding but unfortunately were not successful. The club and council are looking at alternative sources of funding.

A working party was formed to review the Voelcker Land (an area adjacent to the main pitch), to try and maximize the use of this area – thanks to all the residents who responded to the recent consultation. Recreation facilities across the whole village will be looked at as part of implementing the Parish Plan.

The four tennis courts continue to be well used both by members of Wadhurst Tennis Club and by Pay & Play users. The Tennis Club's youth coaching and Return to Tennis evenings have been notable successes. The club has been keen to install floodlighting to increase playing time during the winter and there has been much discussion and focus on this issue. Further landscape planting around the pavilion and courts has enhanced the area.
General maintenance at the site continues. During the last year, the garage doors have been replaced, the changing rooms have been painted, the CCTV system has been upgraded and play equipment has been repaired. There has been a worrying increase in anti-social behaviour and graffiti and the Parish Council is working hard with the police to address these problems.
The lounge is used regularly by many local clubs for pilates, yoga, bridge and art – this provides substantial additional income to offset the cost of maintaining the ground and Pavilion.
The Pavilion is available for casual bookings – enquiries to the Clerk 01892 752111.

NO COLD CALLING ZONE

Wadhurst became a No Cold Calling Zone in March – the aim of the project was to stop unwanted doorstep callers and reduce the overall incidents of rogue trading and distraction burglary. Whilst there is no legal status to the zone, it does mean that residents can say NO to uninvited salespeople. It is pleasing to note that many residents have already reported doorstep sellers to the Police.

ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE

This committee is responsible for the appearance of the village with the main expenditure being amenity grass cutting.

The area of land in front of the Fire Station, known as the Jardin d’Aubers, is leased to the Parish Council and is kept as a garden area for residents to enjoy. There has been much tidying up and maintenance of the area and this will now be done on a regular basis.

The flower tubs brighten up the High Street and we are grateful to the Gardening Club for their hard work and the shop keepers for undertaking watering duties. Thanks also to Magpie as the proceeds from the sale of second hand books go towards the floral displays. Flower containers have been purchased for some of the street lights in the High Street and we look forward to an increased display this Summer.

The allotments at Round Oak are owned by the Parish Council but managed very effectively by the Round Oak Allotment Association. The top of the site which adjoins the recreation ground was very overgrown but this has now been cleared by the Association – a mammoth task involving clearing nettles, rubbish and trees.

If you are interested in having an allotment plot, please telephone the Association on 782324 for availability.

PLANNING COMMITTEE

The Planning Committee met 23 times in the last year and reviewed 157 applications. Comments are passed to Wealden District Council which is the Planning Authority and decides whether the applications should be approved or refused.

Details of applications received are published on the Parish Council’s website and the noticeboard by the library. The Planning Committee meets fortnightly at Carillon Cottage to consider planning applications – the public are welcome to attend.

HIGHWAYS, TRANSPORT AND LIGHTING COMMITTEE

Highways
The Parish Council continues to liaise with East Sussex County Council to try and keep the roads and pavements in good order.

A permanent speed monitoring sign is now in position on the Cousley Wood Road and has helped to reduce the speed of traffic. Speed awareness campaigns have continued throughout the year with the Parish Council paying for regular speed monitoring sessions – these aim to educate motorists on traffic speed. The Police have also undertaken regular speed monitoring and some speeding fines have been imposed.

Fingerposts
The white fingerpost signs around the parish are an important part of our rural environment and the Parish Council has continued a programme of refurbishment.

Replacement Post Bus
The Parish Council joined with East Sussex County Council and Mayfield & Five Ashes Parish Council to fund a replacement bus service following the withdrawal of the Post Bus at the end of December 2007. The bus operates three times a week between Fazan Court, Mayfield and Crowborough. We are fortunate that some funds secured during the Morrisons store development at Crowborough have been allocated to the bus service.

Parking
Parking continues to be a major issue in the centre of the village and the Parish Council is working to try and secure additional parking sites.

For those of you who travel by bicycle, two cycle racks have now been installed at the top of Washwell Lane adjacent to One Stop.

Lighting
There are 159 street lights in the parish and the Parish Council has a contract for their maintenance. Many of the lights are now looking very smart following their 10 yearly paint. The Highways, Transport & Lighting Committee undertakes occasional lighting inspections which are in addition to monthly monitoring by the contractor. Some lighting faults are due to problems with the electrical supply and these can take a long time to sort out – Osmers Hill was in darkness for many months.

Part night cells have been installed in over a third of the street lights to switch lights off after midnight. This has resulted in a reduction in energy consumption and light pollution. The Police have also advised that switching off street lights has not resulted in an increase in crime.

Report street lighting faults on 0845 6080193 or to the Clerk on 01892 752111 – please quote the number which is located on the column.

FINANCE - detailed statement here

A loan of £150,000 was drawn down in 2000 towards the cost of a new pavilion, tennis courts and associated work at the Sparrows Green Recreation Ground. During the last financial year, an additional £30,000 was repaid, leaving the outstanding balance at £27,500.

The precept remained unchanged at £105,000, expenditure was within budgeted expectations and there is now £47,000 in earmarked Reserves for future work and projects.

There was a further revision of the Grants Policy. Applications must be received by the end of September for consideration by the Finance Committee initially with the final decision being made by the full council in November.

WEBSITE

Details of all council activities plus information, contact details, minutes, agendas, planning information and much more available at www.wadhurstpc.info.

DATES FOR FULL COUNCIL MEETINGS

Meetings are held at the David James Building, Uplands Community College at 7.30pm
Members of the public are welcome to attend and will be given an opportunity to address councillors.