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Lesbury Parish Council Chairman's Annual Report for 2010/2011 now available    ()

 

Lesbury Parish Council.   
Chairman’s Annual Report.    Year ending May 2011.
 
Once more, I am very pleased to report that a number of major projects have been completed.
In some cases, the Parish Council has worked in collaboration with Northumberland County Council, Northumberland Estates, Network Rail or Utility Companies. These projects have all improved the quality of life for the residents of the Parish and include:-
·        opening of the Station car park,
·        total refurbishment of the Steppey Lane pumping station,
·         a new water treatment plant near the beach at the end of Foxton Drive,
·        some power cables relocated underground,
·        resurfacing of the Lesbury end of Longhoughton Road,
·        complete rebuilding of the retaining wall at South View in front of Station Cottages,
·        full occupation of the new houses at Townfoot and the initial problems with deliveries to those houses resolved.
Other works completed by the Parish Council include:-
·        pruning of trees and tidying up the Longhoughton Burn at The Wynd,
·        new railings on the north side of the Steppey Lane footbridge (this being made possible, thanks to a generous contribution from Roger Styring’s Councillors’ Small Scheme Allowance),
·        further improvements in the Pond Field Community Space, in particular the resolving of major drainage problems.
 
Communication problems within this geographically large Parish continue to be addressed by the Newsletter under the leadership of Councillor Bob Dutton. The Parish Council Website was launched in May 2010 and will be continually developed.
 
The Village Shop and Post Office closed on 31st December 2010 but I am delighted to say that it is now operating again as a shop and for the sale of newspapers. The Post Office services are expected to resume in the near future. I must record our thanks to the PCC of St Mary’s Church for the use of the church as a temporary newspaper shop and must also thank the group of volunteers who have helped to refurbish the interior and exterior of the original Post Office building. I am sure that we all wish Carol, Roger, Julie and Mick every success.
 
The last year saw the retirement, after many years of service, of Mrs Glenys Graham and Mr Eric Mansfield.   Mrs Helen Smith resigned when she moved out of the Parish. I would like to thank them all for their very valuable contribution. The Clerk, Mrs Jennifer Trapp, resigned and I extend my thanks to her. I was very pleased to welcome her replacement, Mrs Liz Taylor.
 
The Precept was raised in anticipation of the almost certain devolvement of some responsibilities from Northumberland County Council to the Parish Council and also to enable the Parish Council to continue to improve facilities. It is hoped that small volunteer groups can be formed to take over simple maintenance and enhancement of specific areas.
 
I believe that the Parish Council should review the suggested action plans contained within the Parish Plan and with this in mind, I propose that we meet with members of the Parish Plan Steering Committee, possibly in September or October.
 
The major problem of speeding in all parts of the Parish must also be tackled.
 
Finally I would like to remind you that we must continue to work closely and constructively with Northumberland County Council, Northumberland Estates and other public bodies to maintain the high standards of infrastructure and maintenance within our Parish.
 
I thank my fellow Councillors for their continuing help and support.
  
 
T W Wilson    24/05/2011