NEWBURGH PARISH COUNCIL

A message from the Chairman.

I am pleased to present to you the Annual Report of Newburgh Parish Council for 2005/06.

In last year's Report, we welcomed three new co-opted Parish Councillors, Elaine Pratt, Alex Sunderland and Maureen Turner and I am pleased to inform you that they have participated fully in Council business during the past year.

There have not been any great "celebratory' events during the past year but this does not mean that the Parish Council has not been busy on your behalf. The most visible is the progress of various items under the Village Plan and certain improvements to the Village Green and Conservation Area, which have been undertaken at no cost to Newburgh, these items being grant funded.

It has been brought to our attention that, to some residents, the efforts of the Parish Council appear to be concentrated on the central hub of the village and that very little attention is given to the more outlying parts of Newburgh.

As the Chairman, I can only answer this concern by confirming that the Council's main efforts have been concentrated where it was considered that the most beneficial effect would be made for the majority of the community. However, I can also confirm that every contact made to this Council has been logged, acknowledged, investigated and a solution found, if possible.

I am very pleased to report that our Parish Clerk has acquired Quality Status with eleven distinctions given out of the twenty-five examination subjects. Following this, the Parish Council has also been accredited Quality Status, with both the Clerk and the Council being the first in West Lancashire to achieve these qualifications.

Finally, I wish to extend my thanks to the Councillors and the Clerk for their support and assistance during this past year.

Reg Porter, Chairman.

Your Parish Councillors.

Mr Reg Porter (Chairman), Mrs Rebecca Richardson (Vice-Chairman),

17, Woodrow Drive, Duttons Barn,

Newburgh. Back Lane,

WN8 7LB. Newburgh. WN8 7XB.

01257 462463 01257 463942

Mrs Jackie Citarella, Mrs Clare Gillard,

5, New Acres, 5, Fairhurst Drive,

Newburgh. Parbold.

WN8 7TU. WN8 7DJ.

01257 463621 01257 464533

Mr Chris Moore, Mrs Elaine Pratt,

Church View, Ivy Cottage,

Back Lane, Course Lane,

Newburgh. WN8 7XB. Newburgh. WN8 7UG.

01257 463471 07771 767062

Mr Alex Sunderland, Mrs Maureen Turner,

1, Spencer's Bridge, 26, Course Lane,

Back Lane, Newburgh.

Newburgh. WN8 7UH. WN8 7LA.

01704 893116 01257 462970

ANNUAL PARISH MEETING.

The Annual Parish Meeting was held on 26th May 2005 and we were pleased to record an attendance of 20 local residents. The Chairman delivered his Annual Report following which there was an opportunity for the public to comment or raise issues of concern.

Jamie Quartermaine, Oxford Archaeology North, made an interesting presentation "Discovering our Past – Research in Lathom and its links with Newburgh". He was accompanied by three members of Lathom Park Trust.

PARISH COUNCIL MEETINGS.

Meetings were held on the fourth Wednesday of each month, excluding August, in the School Hall, Back Lane, starting at 7.30pm. The Council was pleased to welcome a number of residents attending Meetings.

The Parish Council received regular updates about the progress being made on various aspects of the Village Plan. The Council representative School Governor provided a progress report on the activities at School and presentations were made by Chris Ingham, Youth Service, Nikki Hennessey, Community Involvement Development Officer, CVS and PC. Steve Hackney, Police and Community Together Meetings.

The important work of Councillors on the Planning Committee and the Finance Committee has once again enabled the full Council to arrive at decisions quickly and effectively.

Councillors took part in the following during the year: -

At each Meeting, there was a slot available for the public to raise any issues of concern. Two controversial subjects were discussed – Licensing Variations at Newburgh Sports Club and the Red Lion Hotel and the proposal to transfer the Council Housing Stock to private control.

The Agenda for each Council Meeting was displayed in both Notice boards and a copy of the Minutes was available for inspection at the Post Office.

DONATIONS AND GRANTS.

The Council responds to requests for money from Organisations it considers has actual or potential benefit to residents, A donation was made to the North West Air Ambulance as well as budgeted amounts to Victim Support, Crossroads and the Royal British Legion.

Grants totalling £6870 were received from West Lancashire District Council to fund the Village Green improvements project.

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PLANNING.

The Planning Committee provided quality recommendations to the Parish Council who responded to 23 applications in the past year. The most significant of these were the proposal to build homes on the site of the former mushroom complex on Course Lane and the aggregates recycling facility at Round 0 Quarry.

The Parish Council also contributed to the consultation process on the Lancashire Minerals and Waste proposals.

COMMUNICATION.

We provided written observations on a wide variety of consultation topics.

The two Notice boards carried information about the Parish Council, other Organisations and local events. In addition, the Information Boards displayed Footpath and Heritage details. The latter has again been damaged and will cost the Parish Council money to replace the graphics.

Councillors delivered Newburgh News on a number of occasions during the year. Also delivered were copies of brand new Walks Leaflet and Historic Buildings Leaflet.

CIVIC SERVICE, SUNDAY, 8^THMAY 2005.

This Service was held in Christ Church commencing at 10.30am, Canon David Towler officiated. The theme was Celebration Service and to reflect this, the Guides and Brownies presented their flags and banners.

The Chairman of the District Council, Councillor Mrs Meda Westley and her Consort, Mr Keith Westley were present plus other Civic representatives.

Refreshments were provided afterwards in the School Hall.

CAROLS ON THE GREEN, 15^TH DECEMBER 2005.

The Parish Council and Canon David Towler again organised this popular event. Coppull and Leyland Brass Band accompanied the singing of carols. The Red Lion Hotel generously provided coffees and teas after the Service.

TWINNING NEWS.

We were dismayed in November 2005 to learn that a tornado had swept through Indiana causing much property damage in Newburgh but fortunately, no loss of life. We sent our commiserations on behalf of our residents.

The previously reported acquisition of the "old" library premises and conversion to a "Town Hall" is progressing satisfactorily and the Town Council expects to hold the first meeting in the new chambers in September 2006.

The Newburgh Indiana Town Council extended an invitation to the Newburgh Parish Council to send a delegate to the 50^th Sister Town Anniversary Convention to be held in Washington DC, U.S.A. and to visit Newburgh, Indiana at their expense. Your Parish Council accepted the invitation and unanimously voted Councillor R.E. Porter to attend this event as the delegate for Newburgh Parish Council, England.

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A litter-picking event took place to get the village in good order prior to the visit of the Judges during June and July.

We again achieved some encouraging feedback with Judges remarks as follows: ‑

"This is an attractive village with a mixture of old and new properties. The impression here is that a lot of work has been put into many areas. The Church grounds were well maintained throughout and there seemed to be much local effort and interest. The War Memorial was impeccable and the Post Office too was well maintained. This village deserves high praise."

Thanks are extended to all concerned for making that extra effort to keep Newburgh looking attractive, clean and tidy.

BEST KEPT GARDEN COMPETITION. This continues to be a very popular event, main Winners in 2005 were: -

These Trophies and a number of Highly Commended and Commended Certificates were presented to winners on 3rd October 2005 in Newburgh Sports Club.

Thanks were expressed to Mavis Woods and Teresa Malley who again were our Competition Judges, for their enthusiastic help in making these decisions.

We offer our appreciation to Councillor Mrs Maureen Turner for managing this Competition on behalf of the Parish Council.

Open Gardens.

Local interest was expressed in holding an Open Gardens Day in Newburgh following the success of these events in neighbouring villages. Considerable discussion ensued and a decision was taken to open ten gardens on 23^rd July 2006. Appreciation is expressed to those residents who agreed to open their gardens. Proceeds will go towards community amenities.

Liaison Arrangements.

The main problem with Round 0 Quarry is the movement of heavy vehicles to and from the quarry through the village. The voluntary no left turn out of the quarry seems now to be completely ignored. We have tried without success, to reconvene the Residents Liaison Meeting. However, the recent proposal to introduce an aggregates material recycling facility at the quarry has enabled us to readdress this issue and we are optimistic that a meeting will take place before too long.

Meetings are held at Hoscar MOW to discuss the problems of unpleasant odours and other associated matters. A large construction project is underway at the works and local residents are being kept informed of progress, particularly relating to traffic movement and noise from the construction.

Conservation Area Review.

This was undertaken during 2005 and the key feature to emerge was to make improvements to the Village Green. The District Council asked the Parish Council to manage the project and provided a financial grant to carry out the work. In consultation with local residents a plan was agreed which resulted in the thinning out of the trees, the removal of unwanted street furniture and some general improvements. The general feedback has been positive with The Green now providing a much more open aspect.

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NEWBURGH VILLAGE PLAN.

In 2003 Newburgh Parish Council sponsored production of a Village Plan, funded by the Countryside Agency and the Parish Council. The Plan has been adopted by the Parish Council, who now oversees actions from it. The Steering Group of Parish Councillors and residents continues to review the Plan.

Main areas of progress in 2005 were: -Built Environment,

· How the village looks: Plans to improve the Village Green were completed, following a review of the Conservation Area and a successful bid for funds by the Parish Council.

· Continuation of Best Kept Gardens Competition and entering Best Kept Village Competition. Plans were made for a Gardens Open Day in July 2006.

Natural Environment.

· Footpaths continue to be monitored and there is regular liaison with the District Council.

· Progress on a proposal for Blue Billy Field awaits advice on the potential to acquire a lease with the owners.

Pedestrian Safety.

· A comprehensive response has been received from Lancashire County Council to our proposals on pedestrian safety. Data has been provided explaining the criteria for traffic control measures. Liaison with the Police has resulted in the occasional provision of a traffic speed indicator and the possibility of purchasing a device has been proposed to the Parish Council. An approach is being made to British Waterways to see whether the southern side of the canal could be adequately improved to part of a safer route to Parbold – a scheme in which the County Council continues to exhibit some interest.

The response from the County Council and the Parish Council's view of it will be communicated to residents in due course.

Young People.

· The plan to have a new play area on the Newburgh School side of the A5209 awaits a decision by the Church and the Diocese on the possibility of using land between the Vicarage and the School. A welcome contribution to the funding of the scheme has meantime been received from Newburgh Fair Committee.

Sports Development.

· The possibility of a further review of the potential for extending sports facilities in the village is to be explored.

Newburgh website.

· A website designed to appeal both to residents and visitors, is to be launched in June 2006. Welcome Pack.

· This pack, which contains the Village Directory and other informational material, is now delivered as a matter of course to all new residents in the village.

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ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES.

A number of environmental issues were progressed including: -

· Maintenance work on the Play Area, Cobbs Brow Lane.

· Removal of redundant wooden climbing frame from Play Area courtesy of members of Newburgh Sports Club.

· RoSPA undertook their annual play equipment check.

· Lancashire County Council asked to fill a number of potholes.

· Seeking a site for a new dog faeces bin on Tabbys Nook.

· Sightline problems at the junction of Beacon Lane and Cobbs Brow Lane.

All matters of concern or complaint raised at Meetings or with individual Councillors or the Clerk are recorded so that outcomes can be monitored.

CHRISTMAS TREE AND LIGHTS.

We are most grateful to a group of residents for erecting the tree and installing the lights for Christmas 2005. it has emerged that new lights are required and important safety work is necessary on the electrical connection. In discussions with the local residents it has been decided that the most economical and practical way ahead is for the Parish Council, in conjunction with the District Council, to handle all the arrangements from Christmas 2006.

Thanks again to local residents who, over the years, have undertaken this task on behalf of the community.

FINANCIAL REPORT.

The Parish Council Accounts for year ending 31^st March 2005 were audited and received an unqualified approval

Balance Sheet at 31^st March 2005.	Receipts E.		Payments E.
Brought forward 1^stApril 2004.	3524	Salaries.	3046
Precept.	5773	Other.	9030
Other receipts.	7852
Total.	17149		12076
Summary.
Receipts	17149
Payments.	12076
Balance	5073

The Precept for 2005/06 was set at £6430 with spending plans summarised as follows: -

Administration.	5568
Associations.	307
Activities.	495
Donations.	60
Total	6430

£1598 funding was provided by the District Council towards the cost of undertaking village cleaning, maintenance and repairs.