WELCOME to Whitchurch Town Council’s official website.
As well as information on how the Council operates and the services provided,the site covers the responsibilities and contact details of all the present Town Councillors and Committees,and has been designed so that it can be easily be updated by the Town Council themselves.
The site will grow continually as it responds to what the residents of Whitchurch ask for and expect from their elected representatives.
Have a look around and please send in any feedback on what you find and what you would like the website to contain.
It is here to serve you,the people of Whitchurch.
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INTRODUCTION TO WHITCHURCH
AND THE TOWN COUNCIL
Whitchurch,Hampshire lies in a shallow bowl in the upper valley of the River Test,one of England’s finest trout streams,and is at the crossing of routes between Basingstoke and Andover,(B3400),and Newbury and Winchester,(A34T).
The settlement and evolving economy of Whitchurch has been based on the river since the Iron Age. The weaving industry has employed Whitchurch residents,certainly since 1086,when it was recorded in the Domesday Book. Of the four remaining mills on the river,only one,the Silk Mill,is in operation. It is an important tourist attraction,a working museum,and business spinning and weaving high quality silk cloth.
Town Hall
Most of the old Town is designated Conservation Area,in order to protect its fine old buildings,including the Grade 2* Listed Town Hall,built in the 18th Century. Surrounding the Town are several more recent housing developments dating from the late 1800s to the present day.
The Town Council is the Trustee of the Town Hall,which is a charity for the benefit of the residents of Whitchurch. It is the venue for Council meetings, the Town’s Public Information Point and it provides accommodation for the Citizens’ Advice Bureau.
The Town Council is made up of 12 elected,non-political,volunteer councillors,with one voted to be the Mayor and another the Deputy Mayor,both for a term of one year (May to May). Perhaps,one day,you might decide to run for office?
Alliston Way Play Area
The Town Council is responsible for two recreation grounds,with play equipment,at Alliston Way and Kingsley Park;approximately 100 street lamps;bus shelters,and much of the street furniture throughout the Town. The Town Council is the burial authority and is responsible for the management and maintenance of the existing Cemetery,opened in 1900,and a more recent extension. The Church Yard around All Hallows Church is closed.
The Town Council employs a street cleaner,and uses local contractors for ground maintenance.
In 2004,a group of enthusiastic local people,supported by the Town Council,completed the Whitchurch Design Statement,which was approved as supplementary planning guidance by Basingstoke &Deane Borough Council. With the help of grant funding,the Town Council also instigated a Town Health Check. This led to the creation of the Whitchurch Association to help achieve the projects that arose from the Study and benefit from funding not available to local authorities. The W.A. also manages the Gill Nethercott Centre.
Whitchurch Town Council represents the local community at “grass roots” level. It works in close association with other levels of local and central government to promote the best interests of Whitchurch. This website is intended to provide information about the Council’s activities and aims,and to provide a portal for public consultation.
At all times,your Councillors strive to act in the best interests of the Town,but they can only do this if they are kept well informed of the needs and opinions of the local people. Please let them know your concerns and observations,by direct approach to individual Councillors;by attending Council meetings;by writing,phoning or e-mailing;or by personal visit to the office,where the Clerks will be happy to note and pass on any enquiries or comments.
The Town Council is registered with the Information Commissioner to ensure information is made available about the Council’s activities. Please see the reference copy in the Town Hall entrance,or apply to the Town Clerk.