Chairman’s Report 2011

It has been another busy year for Horam Parish Council just keeping ahead with all the new policies coming out, it would seem most days there is something new. Sometimes its hard to keep up to date but my fellow councillors are a good team and they make every effort to keep abreast of things. With the harsh weather in November/December it was a test for the Countries infrastructure. This is where we hope the Big Society comes in? With this in mind I would like to thank Derek Roberts from Roberts of Horam for his sterling work in keeping the pavements clear in the High street during this time. At least this way many were still able to get to the shops. This does pale some what when you see what’s happening in New Zealand and Japan. I am sure you will all join with us when send our thoughts and best wishes to the peoples of these Countries.

HPC meets with Highways at least once a year with our list of concerns about potholes/pavements etc.  Sadly we are on the list but where is always hard to tell but we are sure they will finally get around to us. It doesn’t do any harm for residents to report issues as well. We will all need to keep up the pressure.

Allotments

The Council are delighted to report at the Annual Parish Meeting that work has begun on the allotments. There is now a very active committee running this project and I am sure new members will be encouraged to join.

Merrydown / Redrow

At last it has been sold!  It was becoming an eyesore and a draw for those up to no good.  I am sure many of you will be pleased to see what happens next.  In our relief at knowing that something will now happen we mustn’t lose sight of the fact that this a major development and in what form it takes must blend in and benefit the area.  We know  there will be a public consultation in the very near so look out for the venue and dates and come a long and have your input.  We have only one opportunity to get this right.

Clubrooms

I can report that the clubrooms are now sold and the Council and a new Club Rooms Committee will be looking at ways to use the money from the sale to the benefit of  the Village as a whole, working within the constraints set by the Charity Commission.  I am sure a project will come forward.

Skate Park – What Next?

Since HPC took the drastic steps of dismantling the old Skate Park it has been our policy with our partners the Village Hall Committee and some local youngsters to replace this facility with some thing more robust and will be more of a benefit to all who use it. We are still  in early planning stages.  If you or your youngsters have any ideas perhaps in the first instance you could contact the clerk.

Volunteer Data Base to assist in bad weather etc.

After the recent spell of extreme weather an idea was put to the HPC regarding establishing a local data base of volunteers to sign up with HPC so we can ensure the vulnerable are cared for, shopping etc.

Donation/Grants/Precept

This year we at HPC took the decision to keep the precept increase to 4.9% or £1.34 per household  for the year. This will help towards wage increases and a general increase in costs, insurance, litter and dog waste disposal, etc.  Sadly we haven’t been able to donate as much as we would like, Maynards Green School and the local Scout Group being the main recipients.

Elections May 2011

I often hear “they must do something about it”… who are they? we are they! So please make a difference by contacting the clerk and standing for the Parish Elections. You must register by the end of March as the papers need to be in by the 4^th April. This is why your APM is a month early this year so we can the message out -   GET INVOLVED.

Horam Website is a way of letting the Parish know what we are doing and what is happening locally so we always looking for new additions to the site, your group or even local businesses can advertise for free.

Finally, as many of you will know I will be standing down as Chairman in May, after 4 years, but will still remain on the Council if re-elected.  I would to take this opportunity to thank my fellow councillors, Lucy our clerk and residents for their support.  I am confident that whoever takes over your support will continue.

Michael J Cousins

Chairman

March 2011