As you all know the Annual Town Assembly took place on the 20th April. The meeting was opened by Mayor John Clark,asking for the 2010 minutes to be approved,followed by apologies.
He then went on to present his report.
CHAIRMAN / MAYORS TOWN COUNCIL REPORT
As already noted our Town Council Secretary Cathy Burt is absent tonight,unfortunately she is not well and I am sure you will all join me in wishing her a speedy recovery.
The Town Council’s year is normally busy with continued challenges and the past 12 months has been no exception.
The make-up of the Town Council has changed with Mrs Linda Thomas becoming a Councillor. Because of work commitments,our Chairman and Mayor of last year Vince Bradbury resigned at the end of 2010.
Of course,this year is election time for the whole council. Unfortunately as in several previous years voting for the Town Council is not necessary,with only eleven people putting up for council. My thanks go to the Councillors who are standing down for their work and support over a number of years.
I would like to welcome our new Councillors who will take up their places next month.
Because of Council Bradbury’s resignation,Councillor Mrs Jackie Day agreed to become our representative on the governing body of the Primary School. I am extremely pleased that the school along with Testbourne have received exceptional OFFSTEAD reports.
Turning to work carried out on behalf of the Council;rabbit fencing has been erected at the Allotments at The Weir,almost totally funded by B &DBC. Unfortunately,it would appear that some rabbits have been tramped inside the fence!
At the Cemetery,the paths have been resurfaced and thanks to a late grant from B &DBC we have been able to re erect the Memorial Stone that had to be laid down. We are still waiting to have a vehicle barrier erected in the new access,and a vastly improved soil bay constructed,because of the delayed transfer of the land from B &DBC.
This council will be actively pursuing an enforceable ban on dogs both recreations grounds. We acknowledge that this will be unpopular with many people who pick up their dog’s excrement. I say,don’t blame the Council;blame those dog owners who do not pick up their dogs mess.
We are continuing with the speed limit reminder (SLR) signs. We co-fund a unit with Overton Parish Council,and it is sited within the Parish on alternate months. During this next year we have the opportunity to use a unit showing actual speed to the passing motorist.
One item that is continually popping up in the Town in various guises is of course our painted bollards. Inevitably not welcomed by all,but I feel that they give the town a wonderful splash of colour,creating a lively town. Great interest has come from other parts of the UK,and further a field.
One event in the year that the Town Council was involved in was the BT Broadband Competition. Because of the tremendous work done by a few individuals,we were able to record a 100% result for the Whitchurch exchange for broadband. Broadband will come to us ahead of other areas,along with £5,000 of computer equipment a specific project. Watch this space!
What a lovely sight in Winchester Street / Road in recent weeks. No more potholes!
An even more welcoming sight is that all of our shops are or soon will be occupied. I wish all the best to the owners of the Coffee Shop,Velvet Rose,Daisy Crafts,Bridal Cake Shop and within the last few days,The Veg Patch.
The Town Council’s own website is up and running;www.whitchurchtowncouncil.org.uk I am extremely grateful to Councillor Jackie Day for the setting up and the updating of this.
Many years ago,the Whitchurch Design Statement was generated. The idea was that with all new planning proposals,reference would be made to the Statement in order to continue a linked street scene from traditional to modern. The Design Statement is now out of date and will be replaced with a Town Plan. This will encompass a much greater scope of ideas for the future of Whitchurch. I will not delve further into this,because the Town Plan is the subject of the presentation by tonight’s speaker,Carol Ruse of B &DBC.
This now brings an end to my year as Chairman,but on a closing thought it is has come to my notice,no doubt also to one or two others people,that there is a special wedding taking place in Westminster Abbey in nine days time. I hope that you will all join me in taking this opportunity in wishing Prince William and Catherine every happiness for the future,and to enjoy every minute of their special day.
Thank you.
Mayor John Clark
There was then a presentation from Carole Ruse from B &DBC regarding Town Plan,should you wish to help with this project please contact both Anthony McCarthy anthonymichaelmccarthy@yahoo.co.uk and Jim Seamons jamesseamons@btinternet.com.
This was then followed by various associations and committees from Whitchurch, their reports are below:
The Police:Police report
Cllr. Keith Watts:Keith Watts Report to Annual Town Assembly 2011
Cllr. Eric Dunlop:Eric Dunlop’s report
Cllr. Tom Thacker:no report given
Town Hall Trustees’Report:Town Hall Trustees report to A T Assembly 2011
Whitchurch Association:Whitchurch Association report
Whitchurch Arts:Whitchurch Arts report
Whitchurch Millennium Green Trust Report:MM report to Annual Town Assembly 2011
WADS:WADS Report
Welfare Trust Report:Welfare Trust Report
Parish Hall Management Committee Report: Parish Hall report
Whitchurch Youth Project:Whitchurch Youth Project report