NEWBURGH PARISH COUNCIL

 

ANNUAL REPORT

 

2008 – 2009

 

 

 

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 2008/09.

In the course of the year, we were sorry to lose one of our Councillors, Elaine Pratt, who resigned in May 2008 due to family and work commitments. I would like to record my thanks to Elaine for her excellent work whilst on the Council.

Jean O’Keefe was co-opted and joined us as a replacement and she has already proved to be a valuable and welcome addition to the Council.

 

It was with regret that we learned of the closure of the Strawberry Field Farm Shop. We will work closely with residents to communicate any plans that may emerge for the development of the site.

 

We have further developed the Values and Visions project to produce a detailed work plan, which covers both maintenance and specific tasks. I am confident that this will prove valuable in helping us to concentrate on and monitor annual targets. It will also make our work increasingly transparent to residents who will be able to hold us to account more effectively.

 

I am delighted to report the commencement of building the new Play Area on Back Lane. This is the culmination of a number of years work and I want to pay tribute to Chris Moore who has worked tirelessly in leading this initiative for us.

 

I am looking forward to seeing many of you at the Annual Parish Meeting with the theme of “Celebrating Local Living” – it should prove to be an interesting and informative evening.

 

Finally, I want to thank my fellow Councillors and our Clerk for their support and hard work throughout the year. Thanks also to residents who have been involved in any way – reporting problems, coming to meetings, etc. We’re here to serve you as a community and appreciate your input.

 

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 Jean O’Keefe,

Church View,                                                             Quarry View,

Back Lane,                                                                Course Lane,

Newburgh. WN8 7XB.                                          Newburgh. WN8 7UB.

01257 463471                                                           01257 463630.

 

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 21st May 2008 and we are pleased to report that a number of people attended. The Chairman’s Report included: -

  • The successful campaign to save our Post Office.
  • The development of the Values and Visions project.
  • Progress on objectives included in the Parish Plan.

 

 

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.                District and Parish Council Civic Services.

Lancashire Association AGM.                          District Face to Face event.

Lancashire Local – West Lancashire.                District Council Charter celebrations.

PACT Surgeries.                                                      Health and Well-being events.

Remembrance Sunday Service.                                  CVS. AGM.

 

The District Council Charter designed to develop working relationships, is now working well and we became actively involved in progressing a similar scheme with Lancashire County Council.

 

Councillors undertook training on Code of Conduct and Affordable Housing.

 

COMMUNICATION.

 

The Notice Board, located near the Post Office, continues to carry information about the Parish Council, local organisations and current 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 several times including important information about highway closures.

 

The Parish Council adopted a new version of the Freedom of Information, Publication Scheme, on 26th November 2008. Details can be obtained from the Clerk or seen on our website.

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PLANNING.

 

The Planning Working Group provided quality recommendations to the Parish Council who responded to 16 planning applications in the past year. Contributions were made to the consultation process on a number of issues including the Joint Lancashire Mineral and Waste Development Framework.

 

We were very sorry to see the closure of the Strawberry Field Farm Shop, which has been an important asset to the village over a number of years.

There was concern when Cockwill & Co. Ltd on the instruction of the owners of the Strawberry Farm, were asked to consult on the potential change of use of the Farm Shop together with possible use of land for a small affordable housing development.

Residents were invited to an informal public consultation held on 7th March 2009 and we know that many residents were not shy at expressing their views.

Residents should note that this was a fact-finding mission only and if any firm proposals are received, all concerned will be advised immediately.

 

We were pleased to learn that the Red Apple Community Trust Ltd has taken over the former Hare Nursery on Cobbs Brow Lane with an emphasis on the development of a Plant Nursery and a Care Farm. We are impressed by the Community Trust Business Plan and now watch for the development of their ideas.

 

Lancashire County Council advised that, under Part 1 Commons Act 2006, implementation in Lancashire, there is a Review of Registers of the Common Land and Town and Village Greens. We have received confirmation that the Village Green, located in the triangle of Course Lane, Cobbs Brow Lane and Smithy Brow is already recorded in the Register of Town and Village Greens.

 

The Parish Council was most concerned about the poor communication arrangements employed by Lancashire County Council regarding the closure of the A5209 in the Parbold area in July 2008.  We made strong representation to the Highways Department and were pleased when a more effective communication system was put in place in connection with the work on Course Lane, which was undertaken earlier in 2009.

This gave us the opportunity to advise our residents and businesses so that alternative travel and business arrangements could be made well in advance.

It is now hoped that adequate notice will be provided for any future planned closures or disruption.

 

CIVIC SERVICE, SUNDAY 18TH MAY 2008.

 

This Service was held in Christ Church commencing at 10.30am when Rev. David Burrows 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, 11TH DECEMBER 2008.

 

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.

 

 

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BEST KEPT VILLAGE COMPETITION.

 

Newburgh was entered in this Competition but success again eluded us. However, Christ Church was recognised and was awarded a Highly Commended Certificate.

 

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

 

 

BEST KEPT GARDEN COMPETITION.

 

This continues to be a well-supported event. Main Winners in 2008 were: -

 

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

The Cartmel Trophy, Best Small Garden.             Mr & Mrs R.D.J. Lawrence, 28, Woodrow Drive.

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

 

These trophies and a number of certificates were presented to the winners on 20th October 2008 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 seen improvement in the control of the deposit of mud on the road. Two meetings have been held with the Quarry Management, one of which included a site visit.

 

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.

 

 

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
  • ·        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 2008 were: -

 

Built Environment.

 

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

 

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 but this has been withdrawn because of disputed access to a particular route.

 

  • A section of footpath, near the Bluebell Wood, has been fenced off by the landowner and, due to considerable concern expressed by residents and other footpath users, the Parish Council submitted a claim to include in the Definitive Map, the footpath from Public Footpath No 33 & 40 to Public Footpath No 39 & 34.

22 Evidence Forms completed by long time footpath users, were submitted and Lancashire County Council has indicated that the date for the determination of the claim has been fixed for 30th October 2009.

 

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. There is a question about the effectiveness of the device, as the battery appears to drain after a very short period of time. This matter is scheduled for investigation.

 

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. However, as house sales have slowed down over the past few months, not as many packs have been required.

 

Young People.

 

  • The new Play Area is nearing completion and for the record, attached is a copy of Newburgh News Special, which summarises the development of this complex project.

 

 

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VISIONS AND VALUES.

 

The Parish Council has adopted the Visions and Values Statement and below is a summary of our Visions: -

 

  • Promote a safe and healthy environment for all residents to enjoy.

 

  • Protect our heritage, landscape and environment.

 

  • Promote the heritage and cultural strength of Newburgh, recognising our sense of identity and the local pride of our residents.

 

  • Ensure effective interaction with residents and provide opportunities for them to make known their views and raise issues of local concern.

 

  • Work with partners to identify opportunities and actions to improve the quality of life in the neighbourhood.

 

  • Work with organisations and statutory bodies to influence the development and delivery of services and amenities, which are accessible and of consistently good quality, with an emphasis on their effective and efficient delivery and on value for money.

 

  • Support local organisations in achieving their objectives in meeting the needs of Newburgh.

 

  • Develop a positive relationship with employers and businesses.

 

 

WORK PLAN.

 

The Parish Council agreed to combine the action items from the Values and Visions project with the Parish Plan actions detailed on the previous page. A copy of the resultant Ongoing Workload statement is attached.

 

In addition, a 2009 Priority Actions statement has also been prepared and a copy of this document can be collected at the Annual Parish Meeting.

 

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FINANCIAL REPORT.

 

The Parish Council Accounts for year ending 31st March 2008 were audited and received an unqualified approval.

 

Balance Sheet at 31st March 2008.            Receipts £.                                       Payments £.

 

Brought forward 1st April 2007.                   9724                         Salaries.         4567

Precept.                                                        9741                           Other.         9049

Other receipts.                                             6402

Total.                                                         25867                                            13616

 

Summary.

Receipts                                                         25867

Payments.                                                      13616

Balance                                                          12251

 

The Precept for 2009/10 was set at £10045 with spending plans summarised as follows: -

 

Administration.                                               7347

Associations.                                                     297

Activities.                                                           737

Speed Indicator Device.                                    1664

Total                                                                10045

 

£1845 funding was provided by the District Council towards the cost of undertaking village cleaning, maintenance and repairs.

 

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