Previous Newsletters

This is an archive of previous Newsletters published on this web site.

Parish Council Newsletters

Community Policing Team Crime Newsletters

These crime summaries from the Warwickshire Police Force take a look at the crimes of public interest that occurred on the Bidford, Great Alne and Long Marston policing area over the last 14 days.

Chairman's Annual Report 2006/07

In 2006 Bidford-on-Avon was named Warwickshire Village of the Year, an achievement to the great community spirit we have in this village which is shown daily in a number of ways.

We have an excellent, award winning Village Liaison Officer, who helps residents in countless ways: a vibrant Bidford Community Group which runs, amongst other things, the very popular Jolly Teapot every Thursday at the Church Rooms; an efficient Parish Paths Partnerships the members of which help to keep our paths in good order to encourage walking in our wonderful countryside; football clubs which enable our youngsters to engage in sports; a marvelous Young Fire Fighters unit, always willing to help; an active Youth Centre who work tirelessly for the youngsters in the village; a Twinning Association, Gardening Society, Tennis Club, St. John's Ambulance, Badgers, History Society, Primary School, Churches and many others - all playing an important role.

Local businesses also play a role in the village by sponsoring events, offering facilities to the local community and giving much need employment to residents, enabling them to continue living in the village

Following the judges' on 23rd April, we now await the final results. But, whatever happens, we should all feel proud of what we have achieved.

Meetings

All Parish Council meetings are held at the Parish Council Meeting room in Bramley Way. The are all open to the public who are invited to speak, should they so wish, during the 15 minute Public Forum that precedes the meeting.

The County and District Councillors are also invited to attend the meetings and they take this opportunity to update both the Parish Council and the local residents on issues occurring at county and district level. It also give members of the Parish Council an opportunity to draw the attention of county and district to particular local issues.

Due to the large number of planning applications the Parish Council receives, it decided to hold separate Planning Committee Meetings. These are normally held on the second Monday of the month. In the year 2005/06 the council received 120 planning applications.

The Parish Council meetings are normally held on the last Monday of the month. Following recent successes, the November meeting was held in Broom Village Hall, which had recently been inaugurated. I should like to take this opportunity to congratulate the residents of Broom for all their efforts in ensuring the new building could go ahead. The Broom Village Hall Committee worked tirelessly obtaining grants, holding fund raising events etc. And, as all can see, it was worth it as they now have a wonderful new building which is well used.

The Parish Council held a total of 28 meetings during 2005/6 for which attendance by Parish Councillors was:

Mike Gerrard - 24
Angie Deacon - 21
Joy Keeley - 26
John Hendey - 22
Fred Hiscocks - 22
Hedley Langston - 27
John Sandle - 24
Phil Smith - 20
Frank Spiers - 22
Karen Varga - 19

Attendance of County and District Councillors was:

Peter Barnes - summoned 16 - attendance 11
Kim James - summoned 28 - attendance 7
Daren Pemberton - summoned 28 - attendance 2
Brian Slaughter - summoned 28 - attendance 7

Village Crier

In October 2006 the Parish Council had the pleasure of appointing Rory Duff as Village Crier, the first in the village, following his recent move to Bidford from Alcester, where he had acted as Town Crier.
Rory does a magnificent job 'crying' news at various points in Bidford, Barton, Marlcliff and Broom. You can read more about Rory and where he cries on the website where you will also find his contact details should you wish to use his services to promote/advertise local events.
I should also mention that he gave a great welcome to the judges of the Calor Village of the Year competition when they arrived in Bidford on St. Georges Day - it was almost Shakespearean in tone and I think the judges were pleasantly surprised.

Village Improvements

• Following complaints by residents close to the fields at the rear of Dugdale Avenue that sports users of the field were parking on pavements, obstructing drives and making driving difficult in the area, the Parish Council agreed to install a car park for the various football clubs to park off the road. This appears to have been a success.
• New benches have been installed by the War Memorial as have cycle racks to enable cyclists to park their bikes securely. A bench has also been installed by the bus stop by St. Laurence Church and I am glad to notice it is frequently used by those waiting for the bus.
• The Big Meadow Winter car park and the Cemetery drive have both been resurfaced
• The Parish Council has agreed a street light replacement programme - five street lights will be renewed every year. This year the following were replaced:
  - 8 The Leys
  - 3 Falcon Close
  - 3 Grafton Lane
  - 4 Jubilee Close
  - 3 Mill Lane
• The Parish Council also agreed to change its unmetered electricity supplier to 100% Green Generation.
  It should be noted that Midsummer Gardens was recently adopted and the responsibility of an extra 54 streetlights has now been transferred to the Parish Council.
• Millers Bank, Broom was transferred to the Parish Council at the end of 2006. Regrettably, due to circumstances outside its control, the planned transfer of the equipment to the play area in King's Lane has been delayed until later in 2007. As residents are no doubt aware, in February, District Council started a survey of the whole of the Broom Tip area - this will take some 6 to 7 months and the Parish Council have been advised by its solicitors to delay the installation of any play equipment until such time as the survey is completed and it is advised that the area is “clean”.
  The Council is also looking into the possibility of developing the stagnant pond into a wild fowl refuge and is currently in communication with the Environment Agency to see how this can be carried out.
• Jubilee Close - with the assistance of South Warwickshire Housing Association, the Parish Council has cleared the weeds and rubbish at the bottom end of the play area. It is hoped this will encourage residents to ensure it remains clear of rubbish to enable the grass to be regularly cut.
• Rural Cinema - together with District Council, the Parish Council is actively looking to bring a rural cinema to the village. The Crawford Memorial Hall Committee will be using part of its grant to purchase the necessary equipment, while Broom Village Hall will be using the equipment purchased by District Council and which will be used by villages in the whole area. It is hoped that things will be up and running by the autumn of 2007.
• Central Network Winter Packs
  The Parish Council contacted Central Networks to discuss the possibility of obtaining a number of 'winter packs' for distribution for the old and vulnerable members of the community. I am pleased to advise that we have succeeded in securing at least 100 of these packs which should be available for distribution once the autumn/winter months arrive.
• Welcome Packs
  In collaboration with Mrs. Heather Gerrard, our very active Village Liaison Officer, the Parish council has prepared some Welcome Packs for all those new residents. These are available from the local estate agents and from the Parish Council Office and are packed with local information.

Awards for All

With the assistance of District Council, the Parish Council was awarded a £5,000 grant for 'Connecting our Communities'. This has been used in a number of ways such as:

• A new website design that is more accessible to residents and communities.
• Any group or association which would like to be a part should contact the Clerk (778653/07718628925) to discuss it.
• Computer hardware and software to facilitate communication, contact and information.
• The use of 1 or 2 computers (internet access only) will be available for residents at the Parish Council office

Bidford Fire Station

As you are all aware, there is the potential threat of closure of Bidford Fire Station. The Parish Council is working closely with County and District Councillors, as well as the fire fighters to try and stop this threat.
In February, representatives of the Parish Council attended the Community Overview Protection and Scrutiny Meeting at County Hall and voiced its concerns regarding further fire station closures and the danger this represents. This has been followed by a letter to the Secretary of State for Communities and local Government, Ruth Kelly.

The matter is currently ongoing and the Parish Council will continue with its efforts to stop the closure.

Chairman's Report 2006/07

First of all, and once again, may I take this opportunity to both congratulate, and thank, all residents for achieving the Calor Warwickshire Village of the Year Award 2006. As you all know, this resulted in Bidford being automatically entered for the Regional and National Calor Village of the Year competition and the appropriate entry form was sent. Again, my thanks to all those that made it possible.

We have now been advised of the day when the judges of the competition will be arriving, Monday 23rd April – between 9.30 and 11.30 am. Let us hope that St. George and Will Shakespeare are looking kindly on us that day! I won't dwell too much more on this issue as the manner it which we present the village and its community to the judges is the main subject of this meeting and public participation is most definitely required!

Another important issue that has recently cropped up is the possibility of Bidford Fire Station being closed down. On being advised of this, the Parish Council immediately wrote to:

• Cllr. Hobbs, Chairman of the Fire Service – Integrated Risk Management Plan Policy Panel
• Cllr. Chattaway, Chairman of the Community Protection Overview and Scrutiny Committee
• Chief Fire Officer William Brown
• John Maples MP
• Cllr. Barnes, our County Councillor, was sent copies.

The Parish Council attended the Community Protection Overview and Scrutiny Committee Meeting on Monday 5th February (the day before the Budget meeting) and put the following question to the Committee:

Can the Council give its assurances that, bearing in mind the number of station closures that have already been made in the South of the County, the Fire Service has carried out a full and detailed feasibility study of the consequences of closing down a further six stations, to ensure there are no knock on effects that will endanger the lives of the people of Warwickshire, and that a copy of this study will be made available for full and proper consultation and comment before any final decision is made.

The Parish Council added that the important, vital and essential work carried out by Bidford Fire Station had been proven on numerous occasions; that their attendance record was second to none and that Bidford-on-Avon would not accept the closing down of its fire station without a fight.

All this was noted, and I am happy to advise that a reprieve has been won. An independent review is to be carried ] out and presented to Warwickshire County Council in October for its consideration for the 2008/09 Budget. The Parish Council has already written to County Council advising them that it would like to be an active member of this independent review.

So, the fight is not over and it most probably will require the local community to act as one to ensure the survival of our local fire station. What we must look for, is a long time assurance as we do not wish to have to face this possibility every year – not even every 2 to 3 years.

Over the last year, the Parish Council has carried out a number of improvements throughout the village:

• Benches by the War Memorial and by the bus stop
• Cycle racks by the toilets
• Car park facilities on the fields at the rear of Dugdale Avenue
• Repaired the Big Meadow winter car park
• Trees by the Marleigh Rd play area have had their canopies lifted as have the trees along the Big Meadow avenue
• The Big Meadow fence along the Honeybourne Road has been renewed, old hedges and trees removed and a new hedge and trees planted
• Ivy has been cleared from the St. Laurence church wall and the lime trees have had their canopies lifted
• Underlay in the Big Meadow play area is being replaced
• New bus shelter and bin on the Bidford Road, Broom
• 5 streetlights have been replaced in line with the Council’s rolling programme to renew the village’s streetlights
• Members of the Parish Paths Partnerships have been doing a lot of work clearing and renewing paths – hopefully many of you are already enjoying the results and more will do so when the good weather arrives
• Parish Council surgeries are now taking place to give local residents the opportunity to discuss issues that concern them. They take place every 2/3 months on a Saturday morning at the Parish Council Meeting Room – opposite the library – and two members of the Parish Council will be there.

Do you want to be kept informed of what is going on in the village? Then visit the newly redesigned website:
www.bidfordonavon-pc.gov.uk.

You can also received news, agendas etc. by being part of the Village email group – just send an email to info@bidfordonavon-pc.gov.uk and you will be added to the list. Please note your email address will not be distributed to other parties.

The Open Space area at Millers Bank, Broom, was transferred to the Parish Council in November. One this was finalised, the Parish Council was in a position to start transferring the play area from Millers Bank – which the Parish Council had always opposed as the area is prone to flooding – to Kings Lane. At the same time, it was negotiating the renewal of the lease of this play are with Stratford-on-Avon District Council. In fact, these negotiations have been taking place over a number of years and with different District Council officers. Members had hoped that, when Heads of Terms were agreed and approved by Committee in October 2006, the contract could be signed before the end of the year. Regrettably, despite a draft contract being sent by District Council, it now appears the whole thing will have to await until the Environment Department carry out a survey as part of the Council's Inspection Strategy to identify land which may be 'contaminated land' as defined by the Environmental Protection Act 1990. Including monitoring, this will take up to seven months – so, to the great concern of members of the Parish Council, there is a further delay in the installation of a play area in Broom. I can confirm, that members are doing everything possible to see if a conclusion to this issue can be found as quickly as possible. But please remember that the Parish Council has to act responsibly.

Midsummer Gardens was finally adopted on 1st February 2007, and street lighting is now the responsibility of the Parish Council – so any lights that are not working, please contact the Clerk on 778653.

To date, no further news on when the development on Friday Furlong will start, but it is hoped it will be sometime in April.

Finally, don't forget that the Minerals Development Framework is still proceeding. Details of how it is progressing, what you can do etc. can be found on the Parish Council's website.

Cllr. Mrs. Keeley
Chairman of Bidford-on-Avon Parish Council
5 March 2007

Chairman's Report 2005/06

It is hard to believe it is a year since we agreed to fight the Broom Farm Sand and Gravel Planning Application and I am very pleased to be able to stand here today and say how successful we were. A major part of this success is owed to the many residents who wrote to county Council stating their objections - over 500 letters were received - an impressive number I must say - and to the hard work carried out by members of BARG who ensured no stone was left unturned in their efforts to stop the development.

And now we have just started the next process which is the Mineral Development Framework which will set down the plans until 2016. The consultation period has already started with a road show, organised by WCC, having taken place on Friday 10th March at the Crawford Hall. Due to the very natural interest this item has for all of us, the council is constantly keeping its website updated - any information you may need can be found on the Bidford-on-Avon Council website under the heading Minerals Plan or by using the direct link to WCC.

The Parish Council is playing a very pro active role in this matter and welcomes any comments, information etc. from all members of the community. It has already completed and sent the first questionnaire and some members will be attending the workshop on Saturday 29th April.

Residents from Broom will have noticed little work carried out by the bridge - this is due to work having been halted following the investigation of the Environment Agency and will not restart until the new license has been obtained. The Parish Council is keeping in touch with County Council regarding the existing Marsh Farm extraction and will advise of any developments.

And talking of Broom, I hope residents have noticed the new 'camera enforcement warnings' which have recently been put up, following the request by a number of residents at a meeting last year that speed monitoring was what they wanted.

And still staying with Broom, congratulations to the hard working Broom Village Hall Committee who has successfully raised enough money to bring the project of a new village hall to fruition. The Parish Council will continue to support them as best it can and urges all the people of Broom to make sure the hall is a huge success.

The Crawford Memorial Hall Committee have also been successful in obtaining a Biffaward which will be used to build a toilet and kitchen extension to the rear thus improving the facilities of the rear rooms, the users of which will no longer have to traverse the hall to go to the loo or make a cup of coffee!

Earlier in the year, the Parish Council joined the Parish Paths Partnership, known as P3 - a partnership between the Parish and County Council to both help raise awareness of the footpaths in the parish and maintain them. A dedicated group of volunteers meet once a month in the Crawford Hall, under the enthusiastic leadership of Jason Norledge. They have already tackled The Pleck and done an excellent job and other footpaths will soon follow.

More volunteers are always welcome - look at the notice boards for notice regarding the next meeting and keep abreast of any progress made on the Parish Council's website where the P3 have a dedicated site with all the up to date news, minutes etc.

The Parish Council has finalised negotiations with County Council for the transfer of the playing fields at the rear of Dugdale Avenue. The transfer became final on 13th February 2006. The Parish Council was very keen to take on the responsibility of this land to ensure it is not used for further housing development - instead the intention is for the field to continue being used as a sports field and the Amenities and Play Area Working Group will be looking at ways the area can be used for the benefit of all the residents of the village - any ideas from residents are most welcome.

Currently the field is being used by 7 a side football teams - the older, 11 a side teams having recently moved to the Big Meadow, together with the Sports Association, where a new pitch was marked out for their use.

The Council is also very pleased to note that the basket ball court is being well used.

Approval for the building of 150 dwellings, a nursing home and medical centre has now been passed by SDC, subject to legal agreement. It is hoped this will be the last major development in the village - at the same time the Parish Council would remind the community that it is not the planning authority - District Council is. However, the Parish Council does recognize it has a duty to its residents to curtail any unsustainable development and it can assure you that it will make every effort to do so. In this respect, may I again request residents to send the clerk copies of any correspondence they have with District Council concerning planning to ensure the Parish Council is aware of any opposition or support.

It is hoped that Midsummer Gardens will soon be adopted by County Council - this will mean the Parish Council taking over the responsibility of the street lights of this development as the lighting authority.

One of the main causes of concern in the village in the last months has been the growing amount of anti social behaviour and vandalism throughout the village. Members of the community have written to the council, or visited the clerk at the parish office, complaining about these. Although this is not within the powers of the Parish Council, it does recognize the problems and has contacted the Police Insp. at Alcester, Emma Walton and has held a meeting with her and other officers to discuss this growing problem and what can be done about it. As you can imagine, there is no instant solution to this problem but be assured the Parish Council is doing all it can to help the police tackle it. You can also help by contacting the police whenever you see incidents of anti social behaviour taking place.

Cllr. Mrs. Keeley
Chairman of Bidford-on-Avon Parish Council
19 April 2006

Breakthrough Breast Cancer Campaign

The annual planting of the Breakthrough Breast Cancer Campaign crocus bulbs, which the Parish Council supports, took place on Saturday 12 November 2005.

Shown in the photographs below are Councillor John Hendey and Broom residents John Ratcliffe and Victoria Barrett.

A Bidford-on-Avon Oak

The Parish Council commemorated Trafalgar Day on Friday 21 October 2005 by planting an Oak Tree, donated by resident Mr Charles James, on Monie Meadow.

Mr James grew the oak from a seed from an oak tree opposite the Fire Station on Bramley Way - so it is a true Bidford-on-Avon Oak!