NEWBURGH PARISH COUNCIL

 

ANNUAL REPORT

 

2007 – 2008

 

Published by Brian Howard, Clerk of the Council

Avilion, Hillock Lane, Dalton. WN8 7RJ. Tel: 01257 462423

e-mail: newburghpc@btopenworld.com

website: www.newburghlancs.co.uk

 

 

Q

Quality Parish Council

 

 

A message from the Chair.

 

I am pleased to present to you the Annual Report of Newburgh Parish Council for 2007/08

 

During the year, we have completed the development of our Vision and Values Statement in consultation with residents. There is more to do in terms of risk assessment but I am confident that the exercise will be effective in directing and informing our plans and actions for the future in a more focused way.

 

As far as progress on the Parish Plan is concerned, I am glad to report that the SPID (speed indicator device) is now in operation. Unfortunately, the development of the new Play Area has not progressed as quickly as we had hoped but I can assure you that this is a priority.

 

There is obviously no way that I can speak about the year without mention of the Post Office!

The campaign, which the Parish Council led when Newburgh was put on the list for closure was a revelation. I knew beforehand that we were a pretty supportive community but I was bowled over by the response by our people and those in neighbouring parishes.

 

Finally, I want to thank my fellow Councillors and our Clerk for their support during the year. Thank you also to residents who may have been involved in any way – we’re here to serve you and we appreciate your help.

 

Kind regards,

 

Jacky Citarella, Chair.

 

 

Your Parish Councillors.

 

Mrs Jacky Citarella, Chair.                         Mrs Clare Gillard,

5, New Acres,                                                 5, Fairhurst Drive,

Newburgh.                                                                  Parbold.

WN8 7TU.                                                                  WN8 7DJ.

01257 463621                                                           01257 464533

 

Mr Reg Porter, Vice-Chairman                              Mrs Rebecca Richardson

17, Woodrow Drive,                                                  Duttons Barn,

Newburgh.                                                                  Back Lane,

WN8 7LB.                                                                  Newburgh. WN8 7XB.

01257 462463                                                           01257 463942

 

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

                                   

 

 

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ANNUAL PARISH MEETING.

 

The Annual Parish Meeting was held on 23rd May 2007 and we are pleased to report that a number of people attended. In addition to receiving the Chairman’s Report, a Presentation was given on the Parish Council’s draft Values and Visions Statement.

 

This was followed by entertainment provided by folk singer, Mark Dowding.

 

 

PARISH COUNCIL MEETINGS.

 

Meetings were held on the fourth Wednesday of each month, excluding August, in the School, Back Lane commencing at 7.30pm. These meetings are open to the public who are most welcome to attend.

 

The Parish Council received regular updates on the progress being made on the many aspects of the Parish Plan. A number of obstacles have been overcome and much progress is being made. During the year, we received progress reports from PC Steve Hackney.

 

The important work of Councillors on the Planning Working Group, Finance Committee and the Values and Vision Group has again enabled the full Council to come to quick and effective decisions.

 

Councillors took part in the following during the year: -

 

West Lancashire Area Committee.

Lancashire Association AGM.

Lancashire Local – West Lancashire.

PACT Surgeries.

Remembrance Sunday Service.

 

The Parish Council participated in developing plans for improving the working relationship with our District Council through a Charter and is now involved in progressing a similar scheme with Lancashire County Council.

 

Councillors undertook training on Code of Conduct, Building Design, Risk Assessment and Affordable Housing

 

 

PLANNING.

 

The Planning Working Group provided quality recommendations to the Parish Council who responded to 24 planning applications in the past year.

 

Contributions were made to the consultation process on a number of planning issues including Lancashire Police Strategy.

 

We continued to be plagued by mud on Cobbs Brow Lane. Lancashire County Council placed an Enforcement Order on the Quarry to improve their wheel washing facilities. The Parish Council submitted a statement to the Inspector of the subsequent Appeal by the Quarry which failed and we now look forward to improved conditions.

 

 

 

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COMMUNICATION.

 

The Notice board, located near the Post Office, continues to carry information about the Parish Council, local Organisations and events. The Information Boards, located close to the Red Lion Hotel, display details of our footpaths and heritage.

 

Councillors delivered Newburgh News on a number of occasions during the year. In addition, special editions were distributed on a number of occasions, particularly in connection with the Save Our Post Office Campaign.

 

POST OFFICE SAVED.

 

As soon as the Parish Council became aware of Post Office Ltd plans to close a number of Post Offices, we started to prepare a contingency plan to oppose any proposal to close Newburgh Post Office.

 

It was pleasing to learn that we were not on the list for closure but this quickly turned to despair when we were subsequently advised that the reprieval of another Post Office had led to Newburgh being added to the closure list.

 

The rest is history but thanks to the efforts of all concerned, we won our case.

 

 

CIVIC SERVICE, SUNDAY 13TH MAY 2007.

 

This Service was held in Christ church commencing at 10.30am when Rev. David Towler officiated. The theme was again Celebrating Service and to reflect this, uniformed organisations presented their flags and banners. We were pleased to welcome to our Service the Chairman of the District Council, our M.P., County Councillor and other Civic representatives.

 

Refreshments were provided afterwards in the School.

 

 

CAROLS ON THE GREEN, 13TH DECEMBER 2007.

 

The Parish Council and Rev. David Burrows organised this popular event. The Coppull and Standish Brass Band accompanied the singing of carols. The Red Lion Hotel generously provided teas and coffees after the Service.

 

 

BEST KEPT VILLAGE COMPETITION.

 

Newburgh was again entered into this Competition but success eluded us, unlike our previous year. However, the War Memorial was again recognised and was awarded a Highly Commended Certificate.

 

The Parish Council thanks those residents who made the effort to impress the Judges and a particular mention of our Village Assistant for ensuring that the bus shelters and War Memorial were kept in good condition and litter removed on a regular basis.

 

Advance information – we have again entered this competition, which this year is celebrating their Golden Anniversary.

 

 

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OPEN GARDENS, 8TH JULY 2007.

 

This was the second year for holding this event, which was again very successful. Ten gardens were open to the public and thanks are expressed to the owners for the quality of their gardens and for taking part in the scheme. Just over £1000 was raised, a welcome sum to the funding of our new Play Area. Appreciation to Councillor Mrs Maureen Turner for her hard work in organising

this event.

 

 

BEST KEPT GARDEN COMPETITION.

 

This continues to be a well-supported event. Main Winners in 2007 were: -

 

The Kermode Cup, Best Large Garden.                      Mr & Mrs R.M. Clayton, Augusta, Course Lane.

The Cartmel Trophy, Best Small Garden.             Mr & Mrs D.B Allen, 22, New Acres.

The Red Lion Cup, Baskets/Tubs.                       Mr & Mrs N.J. Owen, 50, New Acres.

 

In addition, a Community Award was presented to residents of Cinnamon Nook for the excellent condition of their herbaceous border.

 

These trophies and a number of certificates were presented to the winners on 15th October 2007 in Newburgh Sports Club. 

 

Thanks were expressed to our independent Judges, Mavis Woods and colleague for their enthusiastic participation and making difficult decisions. We again thank Cllr. Mrs Maureen Turner for managing this competition on behalf of the Parish Council.

 

 

 

LIAISON ARRANGEMENTS.

 

Round O Quarry.

During the year we have continued to press the Quarry Management to control mud on the road and reduce vehicular movement through the village.

 

Hoscar Waste Water Treatment Works.

Council representation was present at regular Liaison Meetings held at Hoscar. The main issues discussed being the control of unpleasant odours, speeding traffic and the effect of the large construction project.

This relationship has been most successful and the Parish Council acknowledged this by sending United Utilities a letter of appreciation.

 

ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES.

 

A number of environmental issues were discussed and progressed as appropriate including: -

 

  • ·        Maintenance work on the play equipment, Cobbs Brow Lane.
  • ·        RoSPA undertook their annual play equipment examination.
  • ·        Lancashire County Council were asked to fill in a number of potholes
  • ·        Considered the introduction of a one-way traffic system, Woodrow Drive and Tabbys Nook.
  • ·        Obtained advice on the control of Japanese Knotweed.
  • ·        Involved in a bus service review and pressed for bus service improvements.

 

 

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NEWBURGH PARISH 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.

 

Main areas of progress in 2007 were: -

 

Built Environment.

 

  • Continuation of the Best Kept Gardens Competition and entering the Lancashire Best Kept Village Competition.

 

  • A very successful Gardens Open Day was held in July 2007, raising more than £1000 for children’s amenities in the village. This event will not be held in 2008 as the Parish Council has agreed instead to support the Flower Festival organised by Christ Church.

 

Natural Environment.

 

  • Footpaths continue to be monitored and there is regular liaison with the County.

Occasional guided walks were organised.

           A new Footpaths leaflet has been produced courtesy of a grant from Green Partnership

           Awards.

 

Pedestrian Safety.

 

  • The Speed Indicator Device is now in operation. There is considerable work involved in moving the equipment around the various sites in the village on a regular basis. We have, therefore, employed an appropriately trained Contractor to handle this.

 

Newburgh Website.

 

  • A Parish Council sponsored website www.newburghlancs.co.uk designed to appeal both to residents and visitors, continues to be successful. Since the launch, the site has had over 15,000 hits. Parish Councillors are responsible for updating the site at regular intervals.

 

Welcome Pack.

 

  • A Welcome Pack continues to be delivered by Parish Councillors to all new residents in the village. The Village Directory is now out of date so for the time being, these details are not included in the packs.

 

Young People.

 

  • As reported last year, substantial progress has been made towards the Parish Plan objective of establishing a new Play Area for children aged 4 – 11.

 

All the funding is in place, planning permission for the site between the Vicarage and the School has been granted. After overcoming many problems in determining the ownership of the land, the Lease is now in the course of preparation.

 

 

 

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FINANCIAL REPORT.

 

The Parish Council Accounts for year ending 31st March 2007 were audited and received an unqualified approval.

 

Balance Sheet at 31st March 2007.            Receipts £.                                       Payments £.

 

Brought forward 1st April 2006.                   6960                         Salaries.         4378

Precept.                                                        6590                           Other.          5570

Other receipts.                                             6122

Total.                                                        19672                                                   9948

 

Summary.

Receipts                                                         19672

Payments.                                                        9948

Balance                                                            9724

 

The Precept for 2007/08 was set at £9741 with spending plans summarised as follows: -

 

Administration.                                               6127

Associations.                                                     289

Activities.                                                           625

Speed Indicator Device.                                    2700

Total                                                                  9741

 

£1688 funding was provided by the District Council towards the cost of undertaking village cleaning, maintenance and repairs.

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