Points of interest from the meetings held in September 2018
Neighbourhood Watch
The next Neighbourhood meeting is Monday 3rd December 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
Inspector Dave Hobman from South Swindon police force advised that in July 2018 the force received the highest number of 999 calls in 6 years and attended the highest number of incidences in over 3 years. There is no one particular trend to account for this increase.
Coate Roundabout improvements rescheduled for later this month
The resurfacing and relining of a busy Swindon roundabout will now take place in a fortnight’s time after the original work was rescheduled. Coate Roundabout was due to be improved in August, but contractual issues meant the work was put on hold. Following a retendering process, the new surface will be laid overnight from Monday, 15 October. The scheme is expected to take eight nights to complete (excluding the weekend of 20 to 21 October) and will be carried out between 8pm and 6am. There will be a full closure of the roundabout from all approaches during this time, with no access to Coate Water Country Park. Signposted diversion routes will be in place and emergency vehicles will still be able to access the Great Western Hospital at all times, although other vehicles will have to follow the diversion routes to access the hospital. Arrangements will also be made to maintain access to businesses adjacent to the roundabout.
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.
SHELAA – Strategic Housing & Economic Land Availability Assessment from SBC.
The start of the SHELAA consultation has begun with Swindon Borough Council. Area’s identified as possible locations for development within the Parish include the area adjacent to New Road and the area on the final bend on Hodson Road.
The Parish Council are looking to hold a public consultation to advise residents on what this could mean for the area. We are still looking to confirm a date, hopefully in early November. Please look on our website or on the Community Facebook page for details, or contact the Clerk.
Parking Restrictions – bulletin from Swindon Borough Council:
Drivers to be fined for inconsiderate parking as council takes action
Residents will soon be able to report inconsiderate drivers as the Council implements new powers from October.
After asking residents to comment on the proposal earlier this year, the Council will be issuing Penalty Charge Notices of up to £113 from 1 October under the Traffic Management Act, if drivers block dropped kerbs and driveways or double park.
The enforcement action is being introduced following concerns raised by residents over the effect this type of parking has on pedestrians with pushchairs, mobility scooters, those with visual impairments and households with driveways.
Residents can let the Council’s Parking Team know of any instances of this type of parking by reporting the offence online and officers will then attend areas where complaints are raised.
The powers do not apply to vehicles parking on the pavement unless they are obstructing a dropped kerb or driveway.
Vehicles being used for loading and unloading, emergency services, waste collection, and roadworks are among those exempt from the restrictions. Residents blocking their own driveways are also exempt as complaints need to be raised by the resident who is blocked in.
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 draft budget and precept for 2019/20 is now on the Parish Council’s website (website address above) and the Council are inviting comment from residents. The deadline for comments is 7th November 2018.
Norris Close new layby parking area
Progress is still 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.
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
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 table 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 3rd November 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 12th November 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.