Annual Report May 2009
Kettlestone Parish Council Annual Report 2009
The major achievement of the year has been the publication of the Parish Plan. The Parish Council is indebted to the steering group for producing a document that is good to look at as well as being informative and forward looking. Some of the actions have already been set up and others are in the pipeline for implementation.
Our Local Environment:
• Litter day of action 6 Dec: eleven people collected over 100lbs of rubbish from the core of the village. (High Vis vests and badges came from Keep Britain Tidy, tools and sacks from NNDC who also collected rubbish).
• Another litter pick is being arranged for an early evening on 3 June.
• A light pollution statement is included in the responses to planning applications where relevant to request that outside lights comply with specifications from Norfolk County Council and the CPRE Campaign for Dark Skies. The Parish Council hopes to encourage Fakenham Town Council to address the problems of light pollution from the town which impinge on the dark skies of Kettlestone.
About Our Parish and Communication
• The bus shelter was repaired. Information about bus services have appeared in the village newsletter.
• A coffee morning was held in March to provide an opportunity for parishioners to meet councillors in an informal setting. This event also included the showing of a video from the recycling depot at Costessey which was watched with interest.
• The Parish Council uses the Village Newsletter and flyers as a means of informing people of the work of the Parish Council and events that it organises. Thank you to the editors for the hard work that is put into producing the newsletter.
A couple of policies have been adopted
• Freedom of Information Model Publication Scheme (from central government)
• Promoting Local Democracy and Citizenship (supplementing Parish Plan)
• A training plan is in progress
Two substantial donations were made to the Village Hall and to the Church to support their plans for improving the facilities available to the parishioners.
The Parish Council has also provided a measure of support to parishioners, by liasing with the relevant authorities, to deal with a variety of problems including rats, poultry, noise and drainage.
The Parish Council works with other authorities for instance by
• responding in detail to the District Council on planning applications,
• providing feedback to the District Council in respect of affordable housing,
• informing the County Council when roads and signs are damaged, fallen branches or hedges are obstructing the highway, or fallen leaves causing a potential danger to road users.
• The Parish Council is seeking support from the County Council and Wensum Valley Trust to improve the footpath at Langor Bridge.
Much time and effort has been given to Consultations in the past year including
• Minerals and Wastes (NCC); Gyspy and Travellers (EERA and NNDC site); Boundary Review; Model Code of Conduct; Byelaws; Landscape Character Assessment (NNDC)
The Parish Council is currently investigating the pros and cons of applying for Quality Status.
One member has recently resigned so there is a place to fill. If anyone is interested joining this dynamic Parish Council please contact the Clerk or approach one of the present councillors.