WIXFORD PARISH COUNCIL
CHAIRMAN'S ANNUAL REPORT 2006 - 2007
The Council has had a busy year. This report is a summary of the activities that the Council has undertaken over the last year, April 2006 to March 2007.
Membership
In January 2007 we were sorry to accept the resignation of Cllr Margaret Kember, however in March 2007 we happily welcomed Cllr Lesley Butcher as our Co-Opted Councillor.
Clerk
Karen Parnell became our Clerk to the Council in July 2006. Karen obtained the Certificate in Local Council Administration in September 2006.
Meetings
The Council has continued to meet every two months on a Tuesday evening. Meetings commence at 7.30 pm. Cllrs Kim James and Brian Slaughter have regularly attended meetings, and imparted knowledge and advice.
The Council meetings are open to the public, but over the year very few members of the public have attended.
What have we done?
In January 2007 the parish council adopted a health and safety policy, for the first time.
Village maintenance has been continually reviewed and assessed.
We have been granted £ 5000 from Awards for all to build our own website.
We have worked with Stratford District Council on their Digital Challenge bid.
In February 2007 we were installed on the Speedaware programme, providing a temporary speed visor, at regular occasions, in Wixford. This should calm traffic within the village.
Planning
The Council commented on the following applications:
Construction of new barn at Wixford Lodge Farm. Approved
Garage and store at Wixford Villa . No objections -Granted
Fishing lakes at Moor Hall Farm .Objection-Granted with conditions
Garage and extension at Lodge View . Support - Withdrawn
Licensing
Hot and cold drinks van in A46 lay-by. Objection - Refused
Finance
For the year 2005-06 Wixford received an unqualified audit return from the external auditor.
Karen Parnell is the Responsible Financial Officer to the Council.
The precept was set in November 2006 at £ 5000. This represented an increase of £ 500.
The budget has been set for 2007 - 2008.
Communication with Parishioners
It is very important that the Parish Council communicates well with the Parish. Over the last year the Parish Council has done this in the following ways:
Public participation in meetings.
Regularly updated information on the notice board, including agendas for meetings.
Newsletters published at least four times a year.
The Clerk's postal address, e mail address and telephone number are publicised on the noticeboard and on newsletters.
9th September, 2007