CHAIRMAN’S REPORT

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Judy Lea Clerk to Parish Council, fellow parish councillors, Andrew Davies our county councillor and PC Sturland our local police officer for their support during the year.

On the 1^st April 2009  “One Council for Shropshire” began, it was a huge task involved staffing, boundary and policy changes.

Policies worthy of note are Shropshire Councils Core Strategies, The Local Development Framework (LDF), is effectively a collection of various planning policy document which consider a wide range of important planning issues, such as housing, employment, retail, the environment and transport.  The LDF will play a crucial role in prioritising and shaping development in Shropshire over the next 20 years.       

The latest LDF under the consultation period is the Development Plan Document (DPD)   This policy relates to the site allocations and management of developments.  The Core Strategy seeks a re-balance in rural Shropshire, to strengthen the rural economy and rural communities, and in the process make villages more sustainable whilst continuing to protect Shropshire’s environment.  It is very important and will shape our local area, as a council we will be putting forward our views, concerns and aspirations for Hinstock.

As a council we have a reputation for continuity, we are fair when we make a decision on planning applications, we take into account the village envelope, the design statement and the impact it may have on the immediate area surrounding the application.  Planning this year has seen a mix of domestic and business applications.  In addition we have been involved at the consultation stage of applications that have been submitted in line with a new unitary planning policy - The single plot exception scheme.  To date these application are still in the consultation stage with Shropshire Council.

I, along with other representatives from the Parish Council continue in attending meetings that keep us informed of changes that may affect our parish.  I feel our attendance is paramount for us as a Parish Council to have our say, listen to others and network locally with others. 

In addition, as a Council we have had 3 guest speakers this year:

Lucy Roberts – Community Regeneration Officer Shropshire Council

Emma Jayne – Community Emergency Scheme

Station Commander and Community Officer – RAF Shawbury.

2009 saw new equipment added to the recreation ground, a course of Cycle ramps arrived in the summer.  An extension to the tarmac path alongside the tennis courts to the 5-A- Side area improved accessibility and street lighting around the recreation ground has been welcomed by nearby residents.  The play area adjacent to the Memorial Hall car park had new bark laid in accordance with the annual inspection; a new see-saw was installed and tarmac laid around the play area.  Removing the stones will hopefully see the life of the tarmac car park extended.

Hinstock Parish Council found landowners who were willing to rent a small parcel of land for allotments.  I would like to thank the National Allotment Society and Mr Andrew Wade, agronomist for their invaluable advice on how to set up land that had not been cultivated for over 20 years for allotments. 

The Allotment Society has had a tremendous start due to the amount of time dedicated to this project and grants received.  The Parish Council initially gave them £1000 to start up, paid the first years rent and contributed £900 towards the fencing.  Countless hours devoted to this cause led to a further £5,000 being secured for this project.  In total this project has been extremely lucky to have over £7,000. 

Hinstock has been very fortunate to receive funding from the Local Joint Committee for the cycle ramps and the fencing around the allotments.  Projects have been managed by the council, volunteers and sometimes using a handyman to complete odd jobs and small projects.

Working in partnership with other agencies has enabled the council to move forward to improve its environment, facilities and make changes that will have an impact on Hinstock. 

Last year, the highway authority and this council highlighted a particular area of the village where speed needed to be reduced.  I am pleased to inform you that Lockley Wood now has a national speed limit of 40mph.  In addition a traffic mirror was erected to help drivers joining the A529 from Swan Bank. 

Dog fouling was a problem around the recreation ground, again working in partnership with Shropshire Council a letter drop to residents nearby saw the problem dealt with.  Feedback from Shropshire council to date has been 2 residents willing to name and shame offenders.

The Parish Access Plan is a Shropshire Council plan to open up all Rights of Way in the County.  To date this has been done by volunteers in slow time.  The PAP surveyed all routes in the village and then a contractor on behalf of Shropshire Council erected the necessary finger posts, stile gates and bridges to open all Rights of Way in the village.  At the same time but not wholly connected, 3 rights of way were diverted in the village, Woodlane, Hooks lane and Pixley Lane.

Over the last year, the Parish Plan steering group have worked hard to produce a questionnaire, it will give everyone a say in how their local areas and services are shaped in the future. This is currently at the printing stage and will be distributed during May.  

Our objectives last year were to enhance existing facilities and explore new opportunities within the village.  I feel that the council exceeded their objectives based on the above.  I am very proud to say I live in Hinstock, to be part of the council who are proactive and forward thinking.  Hinstock Parish council will continue to explore new opportunities identified by community needs.