Points of interest from the meetings held in August 2018
Neighbourhood Watch
The next Neighbourhood meeting is 24th September 2018 at 6.45pm at the Recreation Hall off Norris Close. Everyone is welcome to attend.
Dates for 2018 will be on the Parish Council website and also on the noticeboards at New Road by the Spar, at Hodson, Draycott Foliat, Ridgeway View and at Badbury
5 year plan consultation groups
The Parish Council are keen to start work on a long term plan of what changes the Parish and residents would like/need to see. With this in mind we are hoping to set up consultation groups, made up of all demographics of residents from all areas of the parish. More information to follow on how you can get involved to shape the parish for the future.
Crime Stats
The July crime stats for Chiseldon area show 29 crimes, 19 of which were “drive-offs” from the Esso Station.
Of the remaining 10 crimes, 4 were burglaries. The Wiltshire Police website doesn’t provide further detail but this can include homes, vehicles and outbuildings. This serves as a reminder to make sure you keep all of the above locked at all times, with valuables out of sight in sheds and vehicles.
Beat the Street Scheme
A free walking, cycling, running scheme started on 12th Sept and runs until 24th October.
You need a card registered with your details and you then follow a map, tapping your card against the “Beat Boxes” found in 170 locations in the area. You can win prizes or join up with a group and they get your points. Chiseldon Primary School has a group set up that cards can be linked to.
Find out more and register online at www.beatthestreet.me/swindon
Sign up a team by emailing team.swindon@beatthestreet.me with a team name, name of team leader and contact information.
Parking Restrictions
In October new parking restrictions will come into force in the area. This includes parking over driveways and dropped kerbs. These can be reported to Swindon Borough Council who can take enforcement action. We will report on the detail as we know more.
Castle View Play area
A new bench has been ordered for the play area and the council approved a new see saw in the August meeting which has also been ordered. Further plans will hopefully then be made for 2019.
Castle View Play area football goals
Local residents are trying to raise funds for a set of permanent football goals on the green area in Castle View Road. They already have a fundraising page where you can donate, or check the Chiseldon Community Facebook page for their fundraising updates. https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/julie-thompson-2
2019/20 Precept & budget
The budget and precept planning for 2019/2020 is already well underway. The public are reminded that they are welcome along to all council meetings where the precept is discussed; you can contact the Clerk for a list of dates or look on the council website. We hope to get a communication out later in the year detailing the work done so far.
North Wessex Downs AONB 5 year management plan review
The North Wessex Downs AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) are undertaking a public consultation on their 5 year management plan which expires in 2019.
The public can comment on the draft plan by going to:
http://www.northwessexdowns.org.uk/about-us/management-plan-review.html
You can either complete the survey on-line, email them your thoughts or print off a copy of the survey to post back to them.
Norris Close new layby parking area
Progress is pending the amended drawings from SBC and also confirmation of whether planning permission is required. We are talking to SBC and will get information out to residents of Norris Close when we know more. We will undertake a full consultation with residents before any work is agreed on.
Swindon Borough Council Waste Strategy consultation
The levels of materials recycled in the Borough have dropped from 48% in 2011/12 to 38% in 2016/17. The Borough Council wants to increase these levels to their target of 50% by 2020.
They are developing a waste strategy to look at ways of improving these levels and also making sure the waste is recycled in an efficient and environmentally friendly way.
You can look at the proposal and provide feedback at www.sustainableswindon.gov.uk until 19th October or go to one of their drop in events:
West Swindon Library Tuesday, 9 October 10am – 1pm
Highworth Library Thursday, 11th October 10am – 1pm
North Swindon Library Saturday, 13 October 1pm – 4pm
Park Library Monday, 15 October 10am – 1pm
Central Swindon Library Tuesday 16th October 10am – 1pm
Or email them at wastestrategy@swindon.gov.uk
Scarecrow trail 2018
What an amazing first year effort from Amy Standen and everyone who took part to make a scarecrow. An impressive 34 scarecrows were displayed and funds raised from the map sales are being donated to Prospect Hospice.
Parish Council Chair, Caroline Brady commented:
“The imagination and effort put into the scarecrow trail by the residents, and Amy who organised this is exceptional. The Parish Council wish to congratulate them all on their efforts and we hope to see even more scarecrows next year”.
The organiser of the event, Amy Standen, had this to say:
“I wanted to this because I’ve always loved taking part in scarecrow trails. I think they’re such a simple yet creative thing to do but a really enjoyable experience! I wondered why Chiseldon didn’t have one so thought I’d just start it…..and it snowballed from there! It’s been more successful than I could even imagine! The profits will be donated to Prospect Hospice (The total I’d like to keep as a surprise) But it’s also really benefited the local community – groups of friends and families out and about has been really lovely to see! I can’t wait to see what next year brings”
Some of our favourite scarecrows were:
Allotments on New Road
Is there anyone interested in being a new allotment holder? We are working our way through the waiting list at the moment. Please be advised that a plot is a lot of work and commitment – time will need to be regularly dedicated to keeping the plot up to standard. Email me at clerk@chiseldon-pc.gov.uk to add your name or call or write to the details above. Please be advised we can only take names of people living within the parish. Thanks
Recycling in Swindon (From Swindon Borough Council)
The government has set a target for the UK to reach a 50% recycling rate by 2020. Right now, our recycling rate is 38% which has fallen from 48% in 2011/12.
Recycling can be confusing but it doesn’t have to be. To start, why not check out our website: www.swindon.gov.uk/recycling where you can find a handy guide to what can and can’t be recycled. We carry out recycling collections every two weeks and you can find when your collection day is on our website.
The simplest way to recycle is to split your recyclables (excluding plastics) into two boxes. Put your cardboard and paper in one box and your glass bottles and jars, tins, cans, foil and empty aerosols in another. Don’t worry if you only have one box, it’s completely fine to put everything in together but try to group them into different sections in the box. You can recycle fabrics and shoes too, just pop them in a tied up plastic bag on top of your recycling box. Apart from that, all you need to do is make sure your recycling is clean and dry. Large pieces of cardboard should be broken into smaller pieces, about the size of a suitcase, but it’s best not to put broken glass in your box as it is dangerous for our collectors.
Then just leave your box on your property boundary (usually the part where your home ends and the road/pavement begins or designated collection point if you live in flats) by 6.30am on collection day with the lid firmly on the box.
Recreation Hall on Norris Close
The Hall is available to hire on an hourly/morning/afternoon/evening basis. Please contact the Clerk on the details above to make an enquiry about prices, or availability. We can also arrange pitch hire for Football or Softball games– please ask us for details.
The hall has undergone a tidy up and now has new carpet and cleaned/painted walls. It makes an excellent space for a gathering/party/occasion.
Chapel meeting space hire
After its refurbishment last summer the Chapel on Butts Road is now a fully functioning meeting space, as well as being the Clerk’s office.
There is desk space for 10 people with extra seating available. There is access to a projector and screen and free wi-fi. Tea and coffee making facilities are provided; you just need to bring your own milk.
This useful local space is available for hire for only £35 per morning/afternoon or evening session subject to availability. Discounts are available for registered charities.
Please contact the Clerk for more information.
Grants and Donations fund
The Parish Council have an annual fund that we can donate to worthy causes within the Parish. If you are a group, charity or society that believe you could benefit from this fund then please contact the Parish Clerk for further details.
Calley Memorial Hall fund
The trustees of this fund are also able to approve grants and donations to worthy causes within the Parish. (This doesn’t have to be connected to users of the Memorial Hall). Please contact the Parish Clerk in the first instance who can provide you with an application form.
(It should be noted that this fund is not connected to the Parish Council)
Works required within the Parish
We continue to report on any issues that need attention in the Parish, either to SBC if it is their responsibility or to our contractor to deal with.
A full list of responsibilities in being compiled and will be on the Parish Council’s website and linked to the Parish Facebook page so people can understand who is responsible for what items with the Parish.
Home Library Service
There is a Home Library service for Chiseldon Parish. It is run by volunteers and covers all areas of the parish and can deliver books based on your preferences. Call 01793 465 495 for more details.
Next meetings
The monthly Borough Councillors Surgery which will have a Parish and Borough Councillor in attendance will take place on Saturday 6th October 2018 11.30 to 12.30 in the Calley Memorial Hall on Draycott Road.
This is an opportunity for residents to discuss any concerns with both Parish and Borough Councillors so do come along and say hello.
The next Full Council meeting will be on Monday 8th October 2018. This will start at 7.30pm and will be held in the Recreation Hall off Norris Close. Residents are welcome to attend and there is a public recess at the start of proceedings, after which residents can choose to leave.