Welcome to the latest edition of the Moulton Parish Council Newsletter.
The Parish Council Chairman’s Review of the last year.
Once again the last year has not been short of major challenges.
The Richborough Estates Outline Planning Application relating to land off Barnside Way eventually came to a conclusion. We all know the outcome of the Appeal and must now await further developments. We anticipate a Full Planning Application being submitted in the coming months and I can, once again, assure you that the Parish Council will take on board your views and make appropriate representations to the Planning Department at Cheshire West and Chester Council.
Whilst not unexpected, approval of the Outline Application for 70 dwellings off Jack Lane, is a further development that the Parish Council unsuccessfully sought to resist. Again, we await submission of a Full Planning Application to see how the development may materialise.
There is no doubt that, if built, these two developments will change the look and feel of our village forever. Naturally, we will do all that we can to ensure that the impact is limited as much as possible.
Our Neighbourhood Plan is now in Draft Form and being reviewed by Planning Specialists. We envisage having a Finalised Draft Plan available in Quarter 2/3 this year and this will be distributed to every household in the village. Your comments on the Policies listed in the Plan are vital in helping us produce a Plan that reflects your views. When delivered please take the time to read the Plan closely and provide us with your Feedback. The Plan is a “Document for the People, by the People”.
The visit of our MP, Rt. Hon. Stephen O’Brien, drew a large number of you to our recent Annual Parish Meeting. Mr O’Brien took a number of questions from the floor and gave an insight into several aspects of Government Policy that currently affect our village. The Parish Council thanks him for his visit, which was the first by a sitting MP for many years. Hopefully, the exercise can be repeated in the near future.
We are now close to taking over the management of the run down Weaver Road Play Area. There are just a few minor issues to address before the Lease is ready for signature. As indicated previously, our fundamental desire is to create a quiet area, rather than a second play area. A Wildflower Garden is to be planted (in conjunction with Moulton School) and we are also looking at other possible features, including a Community Book Facility. More details to follow!!
At long last we have been able to organise the removal of the dilapidated fence that borders Hillside Lane and the adjacent Footpath. The new fence is much easier on the eye and far more practical. The Parish Council will also arrange for the grass to be trimmed.
Whilst delayed (due to too much sun!), the revamp of the War Memorial Area has been well received. We feel that the area now looks much tidier – a fitting tribute to the brave men named on the Memorial. We are now looking to relay the ground area and further improve the visual appearance of what has undoubtedly become the village centre-piece. By the way, we are assured that the Christmas Tree will definitely grow much taller in the near future!!
Judging by the numbers of children present at school closing time the recently installed Gym Equipment is proving a hit at the Playing Field. The Playing Field Trust will continue to look at ways of improving the facilities on offer.
The IT Training sessions that we ran throughout the Autumn and Winter were a huge success. Subject to further funding, we are looking at arranging further sessions later in the year. Thanks are due to VRDS who provide an excellent Trainer, Giles, and to the School who made their marvelous IT Suite available for our use.
Talking of the School, the “Christmas Tree Lights Switch On Event” last December was a wonderful village occasion. The Carol Singing was first class and the high numbers in attendance were great to see. The Event will be repeated again this year.
In the coming year we are looking at introducing an interactive Moulton Walking Trail. This will encompass all of the village and cover its’ wonderful history, including the Stone Age Mound at Bank Farm. Look out for more details.
We currently have 3 vacancies for Parish Councillors. If you would like more information please contact the Parish Clerk.
Lastly, Allan Aston has taken over as Chair of the Parish Council for 2014/15 and I wish him well in taking forward the various initiatives detailed above. Can I take this opportunity to publically thank all Parish Councillors for their hard work and support in the last year.
Best wishes.
Cllr. Tony Rigby. Chairman of Moulton Parish Council 2013/14
WE WANT YOUR PHOTOS OF MOULTON
The Parish Council is running a Photography Competition in 2014 and it’s easy to enter.
The concept is simple. Just let us have your digital photos of any aspect of “Moulton Life” – the more creative the better. The best 4, as judged by the Parish Council, will be used on a Charity Calendar that we intend to create for 2015. As an incentive we will arrange some Prizes for the photos used on the Calendar.
Just e-mail the Photos (in j-peg format only) to clerk@moultonpc.org.uk. Please also give each of your Photos a title and don’t forget to let us know your name and address. Closing date is 30 September 2014.
CAR PARKING IN THE VILLAGE – A HEARTFELT PLEA!!
Outside of Planning Issues, the biggest area of frustration for most Villagers is poor, thoughtless car parking. We all know that parking spaces in the village are at a premium, but this does not excuse some of the inconsiderate examples of car parking that can regularly be witnessed around the village, including overnight parking at The War Memorial Car Park. Can we please ask, in particular, that drivers refrain from parking on grass verges and in close proximity to road junctions? If you are travelling within the village – the school run or a trip to the shop – how about taking the healthy option and leaving the car at home? Go on, give it a try!
BEST KEPT GARDEN PRIZE 2014
During the summer months Parish Councillors will again be seeking out candidates for this year’s Best Kept Garden Prizes. A Short List will be created from which an Independent Judge will decide the best 3, all of whom will receive National Garden Centre Tokens. The winner also receives an engraved Shield to keep for one year
CROW FAIR 2014
The Crow Fair and Big Gig this year takes place on Saturday 12 July, commencing at 1pm on the Playing Field. The organising committee will shortly be releasing details of this year’s attractions, which we understand will include Birds of Prey, A Roman Legion, Maypole Dancing, Body Zorbing, Donkey Rides and the usual exciting array of static events, stalls and the annual appearance of the legendary Moulton Crows. The Big Gig Music Event will round off proceedings, finishing around 10pm. Look out for more info nearer the Event.
GOT AN IDEA TO MAKE MOULTON A BETTER PLACE?
Then please let us know! We are always looking for ways to improve our Community. Contact details are at the foot of the page.
COMMUNITY AWARDS 2013
As no nominations were received for either Award, their will be no presentations this year.
I’VE GOT A PROBLEM …… WHO DO I CONTACT?
To speak to the right person at the right time please note the following:
- For an emergency requiring rapid response from the Police, Ambulance Service or Fire Brigade Ring 999
- For Police support in a non-emergency situation, e.g. stolen vehicles/damaged property/minor traffic issues/to report drug activity Ring 101
- For Highways Issues requiring attention, e.g. potholes/street lamps not working/uneven pavements/uncut hedges that limit viewing; Refuse Collection Issues; Off Road Footpath Issues, e.g. overgrown verges/obstructions Ring 0300 123 8 123enquiries@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk, or report via www.cheshirewestandchester.org.uk
(see homepage for links to specific report pages). - For Moulton Playing Field issues requiring prompt attention, e.g. broken equipment, glass on the floor
Ring 07910 659510. - For many other emergency contacts see Emergency Contact Page
HOW DO I CONTACT THE PARISH COUNCIL?
There are several ways, all of them very easy to do.Firstly, why not come and meet us at a Parish Council Meeting. Time is set aside for Public Questions at the start of all Meetings. Dates and Venues for Meetings are shown on the Web Site here, and on the Village Notice Board adjacent to the Playing Field. Alternatively, e-mail Phil Sanders, the Parish Clerk, on clerk@moultonpc.org.uk, write to him at 21 Linnet Close, Winsford CW7 3FA or call him on 01606 861748.
Our PCSO Kevin McShane and our 3 Cheshire West and Chester Council members, Cllrs. Elton Watson, Helen Weltman and Gaynor Sinar who contribute to our village are regular attenders.