Chairman's Report
ELVASTON PARISH COUNCIL
Annual Parish Meeting: Monday 14th March 2011
Chairman`s report
Introduction
I am now nearing the close of the first year’s tenure of Chairman of the Parish Council and it is with regret that my initial reflections are tainted by the death and illnesses of Parish Councillors who have served this Parish with such enthusiasm, care and pride and with major influence and support to myself.
I refer of course to the recent passing of my predecessor Bill Lythgoe, who will be most severely missed and also that of parishioner Geoff Roberts, who was also extremely active and supportive in the preservation of the local area. In addition we have missed the valuable activity and considerable input of Frank Mitchell, who I have been advised at the time of writing this report has lost his battle with leukaemia. Frank will be considerably missed for his major contribution and also, by those who knew him, for his enlightening stories over a considerable and wide travelled lifetime.
In conclusion we shall miss the considerable input of these individuals who gave so much of their own valuable time, but also take the moment to recognize the developments to which they contributed, not only in maintaining the focus on key issues in the area and community but also to ensuring continuity in the Governance of the Parish.
I must also thank my fellow councillors, for their support in my first period of tenure and also for the positive developments in what can only be described as demanding times.
Thanks also to the efforts, dedication and professionalism of our Clerk, Roger Hill without whom the continued smooth running of the affairs of this Parish could not be maintained.
I must also thank the continued presence and input at the Parish Council meetings of our County Councillor, John Harrison, who despite continued “juggling” and conflicts with other duties at County Hall, still maintains that presence, Further I would like to thank the extremely valuable input and support of our own District Councillor, Hilary Coyle, who, like John, has continued challenges to balance commitments, but still maintains considerable presence on the Parish Council.
Finally but not least, I would like to thank the members of the public for attending through a particularly challenging winter and in particular thanks to those who contribute such valuable knowledge that enables issues to be progressed in the name of the area and the community. Specifically I would like to thank Peter Waters for contributions to the development of the Flood Bank debate and hopefully positive outcome in the not too distant future and also to Stuart Madeley who continues to offer valuable insights to the history and upkeep of the area.
Parish Council
During the year, in addition to the aforementioned tragic losses we have also received the unfortunate resignation of Councillor Harold Wainwright, who for health reasons, had been unable to continue his valuable services, again we thank Harold for is activities to that point. At this stage the Council has a significant deficit in personnel and requires urgently to ensure that the gaps are closed in the up and coming elections in May 2011.
As reported last year the Council has resolved to adopt the objective of having Boulton Moor elevated to separate Parish status with the A50 as the boundary.However until there is sufficient representation and participation on the present council, there seems little point in launching as separate Council, potentially the time will be, when there is the planned expansion of the community and not least the availability of dedicated facilities to support a Council. Clearly at present there is a distinct lack availability of finance to develop such facilities.
Status of key local issues
a) Elvaston Castle & Country Park
- Investment of circa £570,000 was approved in September 2010 and works commenced in January 2011 with “works” on the Moorish Temple and Golden Gates, with extensive plans for other relics in the Park. - The scheme proposed by Highgate Sanctuary for development of the Country Park remains in “abeyance”, the Council will continue to monitor developments and remain in dialogue with the developers.
- The Avenue of Oaks remains a concern and continued focus will remain on the issue in the forthcoming year.
b) Flooding
- Ambaston Flood Bank remains an area of critical focus and particularly as a result of developments anticipated as part of the Derby “Riverlights” scheme. A major meeting during February, attended by the Environment Agency and MP Heather Wheeler, County Councillor, John Harrision and members of the community and Parish Council. This served to highlight the continued need for pressing for development and, fundamentally, the raising of the floodbank, most likely as a result of funding through the aforementioned “Riverlights” scheme.
c) Gravel Extraction
- Planning permission for Tarmac`s extension is little further forward than reported in the Chairman`s report of last year.
Developments
a) Parish Planning Committee & Launch of Parish Plan
- During the year the Parish planning committee developed and issued the Parish Plan (October 2010) in addition, with the support and grants provided by the Parish Council, launched a successful Summer Party on 8th July at Elvaston Cricket Club. I would like to thank Jeff Whittaker and his team for their continued efforts in the Community.
b) Elvaston Parish Website
- In late June/early July 2010, after many months of work, the Parish website www.elvaston-pc.org.uk was launched. Many thanks specifically due to Richard Strand for leadership and inspiration in ensuring the site came to life and that it continues to develop positively. In addition thanks are due to Rebecca Russell and Simon Spenser for their effort and valuable time given to the cause.
Summary and other matters
Throughout the year the Council has continued its business and has a number of successes to report;
- Dog litter bins have been installed in required locations
- A Bus Shelter has been procured at no minor cost for imminent installation on the A6. - Confirmation has been received for the widening of the B5010 footpath leading to Borrowash Bridge, subsequent to agreeing purchase of adjacent land and funding release. - The planning permission for Cyclamax Waste incineration scheme at Raynesway has been rejected, however the Council will need to closely monitor any appeals.
- The Parish allotments have had installed water facilities In addition to the above a number of issues have still to be progressed to satisfactory conclusion Boulton Moor
- Play area to accommodate the local community and also to negate issue of BMX “bikers” on local roads.
- Installation of Mail Box on Colwell Drive (OfCom delay in response) - Installation of Grit boxes (Initially denied by local authority)
Crime & Crime Rates
- During Summer of 2010 a significant increase in reported crime was registered and the attendance of PC Deborah Croxall in July/August highlighted that there was an issue which resulted in additional Police presence in the area. It is hoped there is not a recurrence when the weather improves.
Other Issues
- The Council is still finding it difficult to determine who has responsibility for a missing metal grille over Thulston Brook close to the (south to north) avenue of trees between London Road and Golden Gates. A temporary “fix” had been provided but this has also failed. The Council will continue to pursue various authorities to determine responsibility and resultant action to remedy the matter.
- The Parish Council continues to believe that the segregated left turn between the A6 spur (from the A50) and the new Snelsmoor Lane to be dangerous.
In Summary and close I thank all those who have contributed to the activities of the Parish and its council and look forward to the continued active and passionate support over the coming twelve months.
S J Lee 13th March 2011
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Elvaston Parish Council Annual Meeting 14th March 2011 South Derbyshire District Councillors Report – Hilary Coyle
As with the Chairman’s report, my report this year is dominated by the sad losses of Bill Lythgoe and Geoff Roberts. Both of whom will be sorely missed at these Parish Council meetings. As I was writing this yesterday I was informed of the sad loss of Frank Mitchell. When I first joined the parish council over ten years ago Bill and Frank helped me tremendously. They pointed out where I could obtain background information on the meetings and helped me with many insights into the past issues of this council. They were prepared to spend time to help me and I really appreciated this. Between Frank, Bill and Geoff there is a lot of knowledge that is now missing as well as missing their interesting conversations and stories. This council will really miss these three gentlemen for a very long time.
The main issues for Elvaston continue to be:
Ambaston Floodbank: Last year I wrote that this continues to be a real worry for the residents and it still is. There has been a little progress in the year and we are still pushing the Environment Agency to ensure they keep Ambaston in their sights. They are now linking us into the Derby City scheme and are aware of the impact downstream of any change to the city’s flood defences.
Boulton Moor Housing Development: There has been no activity on site yet and an extension for the planning permission has been submitted. As yet I have no knowledge of when this will commence.
Elvaston Castle still seems to linger on in limbo. This year has seen some positive repair work taking place which was extremely welcome. We are still waiting for information as to the future of the castle.
The Elvaston Quarry liaison committee continues to meet bi-annually and is still well attended. We are still waiting to see if the plans to extend the gravel extraction are approved and the existence of this group is essential in the communication for the future.By now most households will have received their council tax notice for the coming year. One of our aims at the District Council is to keep costs as low as possible and yet still maintain our levels of service. The district is focussed on achieving value for money and has taken several steps to reduce costs.
The district elections will soon be upon us in May this year and I can not believe it has been four years since I was elected to represent the Aston ward for the district council.
I have really enjoyed the last four years and I have met many interesting people and hopefully have made a difference to some peoples lives. I have enjoyed the local part of the role immensely. I have also enjoyed working with the other councillors within this ward, Cllr Peter Watson and Cllr Neil Atkin.
I have deliberated long and hard and I have reached the decision that I will not stand for re-election to the district council in May this year. Whilst the last four years have been interesting, challenging and fulfilling my changing circumstances have made it increasingly difficult for me to do a good job. Attending the meetings has always been a challenge with a young family but the opportunity of a full time job was too great to turn down in April last year. I enjoy my lecturing role at the University of Derby however the teaching I need to commit to in the evenings have made it impossible for me to attend many South Derbyshire meetings. With this in mind I do not feel it is right for me to be your councillor when I cannot devote enough time to it.
I would like to thank all the parish councillors and the clerk for all their help over the past year. I would also like to thank all the parishioners who come and contribute to the meetings. The knowledge and integrity of everyone who attends these meetings is second to none and I feel very proud to be part of this parish.
Hilary Coyle District Councillor for the Aston Ward. 14 March 2011
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COUNTY COUNCILLOR JOHN HARRISON’S REPORT TO THE ANNUAL PARISH MEETING AT ELVASTON ON 14 MARCH, 2011
My report this year must inevitably be dominated by the recent sudden deaths in the Parish of Cllr Bill Lythgoe, a Past Chairman and long serving councillor, swiftly followed by Geoff Roberts, a regular and cogent contributor to your Parish Council meetings, and now only yesterday, after a long illness patiently bourne, Cllr Frank Mitchell, also a Past Chairman and long serving councillor. The contributions made by all three to the wellbeing of this Parish, over very many years, were outstanding. Their intellectual input, analytical minds and determination to deliver the objectives will be much appreciated and long remembered. Our après Parish Council meeting sojourns to the Harringon Arms will never be the same again! My condolences extend to each of their families.
The following principal issues featured in the Parish during the year:
· The Ambaston Flood Bank
The threat posed by the need to raise the height of the Flood Bank hangs over Ambaston Village like the ‘Sword of Damocles’. The campaign has been materially stepped-up during the year with detailed meetings held with the Environment Agency’s Regional Officials and the support of South Derbyshire’s newly elected Member of Parliament, Heather Wheeler, enlisted. The local technical input from Peter Waters and others was, as always, most impressive.
We appear to have established that when Derby City’s flood defences are enhanced, the consequential knock-on impact of settlements downstream, such as Ambaston, will not be ignored. On the other hand, it also appears equally that the Ambaston Flood Bank will not be addressed in isolation. This is of immense concern given the current acute constraints on public spending and the planning arguments in the City over the ‘run-off zones’ on both sides of the river.
· Elvaston Castle and Country Park
It is understood that the long awaited Specialist Condition Survey and also the Options Appraisal, covering both the fabric of the Castle itself but also the future of the adjacent Country Park, is shortly to be released. This is expected to inform authoritatively the future direction of travel.
Meanwhile, iconic features in the Country Park, such as the badly eroded Golden Gates, the damage to the roof of the Moorish Temple, the Terrace and the Haha wall, are all in the process of being repaired by specialist contractors at a cost of over £570k, 80% of which is being funded by English Heritage and the balance by DCC.
Thereafter, housekeeping work on certain trees and shrubs during the year has been the subject of local disquiet.
· Widening of the B5010 footway
At last, agreement has now been reached between the County Council and the owner of the adjacent land which clears the way for the long awaited widening of the footway on the North side of the B5010 to proceed. This development will be warmly welcomed, particularly by mobility scooter users and parents pushing push chairs and the like when accessing the Country Park.
· Housing developments at Boulton Moor
While this significant 1,000 plus housing development is principally a District Council planning matter, the County Council has an interest in its impact on the local community and the infrastructure eg the provision of schooling and roads.
Meanwhile, the planning issues are unclear in the absence of a Local Development Framework (LDF) and the impact of the Localism Act when it finally appears on the statute book. However, it has already emerged that Local Authorities will still be expected to have an underlying responsibility to provide sufficient accommodation to meet the local housing demand and will be offered incentives to do so.
· The realignment of the A6 junction at Thulston
The unheralded appearance of a new bollard and accompanying road re-alignment at the junction of Broad Street with the A6 at Thulston met with a number of protests. The protesters claimed that it was unnecessary, a waste of money and would create problems for steam engines and low loaders etc travelling to the County Show.
In the event, Highway Authority Officers were able to demonstrate that there had been a number of reportable identical accidents which the new arrangement had been designed specifically to eliminate.
· The Elvaston Quarry Liaison Committee
The Quarry Liaison Committee met twice during the year and was well attended by the associated parishes, DCC and SDDC etc. No major issues were reported but the Ambaston Flood Bank was the ever present ‘Elephant in the room’.
· The Nottingham to Derby Kilonothon, 2010
The launch of this event on Mothers’ Day, 2010 caused considerable concern to a fully booked Harrington Arms and the Parish Church as the event, involving a large number of competitors, was scheduled to pass along the B5010 around late morning. In the event, measures were taken by the County and District Councils and others to avoid the worst fears becoming founded.
The 2011 event is not scheduled to pass anywhere near.
In conclusion, I wish to record my grateful thanks to Chairman Steve and Parish Clerk Roger, along with all the other Members of the Parish Council and the regular public participants, for their kind support, cooperation and kindnesses in helping me to fulfil my duties and responsibilities as your County Councillor. I look forward to continuing my work with you in 2011/12. Hopefully our joint efforts will achieve some significant results for the benefit of the Elvaston Parish residents, both rural and urban.
JohnHarrison
County Councillor
for the Aston and
Melbourne Division
Melbourne
March 2011
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