with Margaret Morbey.
Parish Council Meeting Monday November 18
There was a lively public attendance of about 20 residents at this meeting chaired by Nic Brown. During the time allowed(and extra time) for public comment, many concerns were voiced about the upset the Housing Development topic in the Draft Village Plan had caused in the village, that there could be many more houses built in the future than many villagers would like to see. John Lewis, as main co-ordinator of the Village Plan, welcomed all the comments which had been received on it and said that it was always the intention of the committee for the plan to be a reflection of what the village wanted, so that in future planning decisions by Aylesbury Vale Council, the Village Plan could have some weight in swaying any decision made.
There were also heated comments about the publication on the village noticeboard of the names and addresses of villagers who had written to request an election for the new member of the Parish Council. Nic Brown and Mike Heybrook admitted that this had been a mistake and apologised.
Other matters discussed included progress which has been made on having two vehicle activated signs which could be moved to 4 sites on the approach to the village, in an attempt to curb speeding in the village. During a survey, it had been found that over 80% of vehicles entering the village were speeding with more than 50% exceeding 60mph.
Potholes continue to be a problem, particularly in School Lane and white lines around The Green need to be repainted. Lorries delivering to Cedar Cottage in Dark Lane were eroding the banks and John Lewis had been in contact with the owner, suggesting a barrier of orange mesh or similar could be erected around the bank to highlight the problem. The Council has funding and a plan for continuing kerbing of various village roads to prevent the erosion of the banks and would appreciate anyone from the village volunteering to oversee this plan. Please contact Nic Brown if you are able to help.
It was suggested that the Remembrance Wreath should be wired on to the Memorial to prevent its removal. During Any Other Business, it was agreed that the village noticeboard was the responsibility of the Parish council and that a careful check on notices on it should be kept. The state of Chilton Road was commented on and a new salt bin requested for Winchendon Road.
A round of applause was given to Ann Hooton who is leaving the village this week as thanks for the great amount she has done for the village over the past 30 years. Chearsley had improved its achievement in this year’s Best Kept Village, having been awarded a certificate of Merit in 2012 and Runner up in 2013 in the Morris Cup section. These certificates had been framed at the expense of the Chairman who encouraged everyone to do their best for the coming year, particularly in June at the time of judging, to keep the village as neat and tidy as possible. Mike Heybrook reported that the state of all footpaths were fine and that he had been told that Footpath 9 (Church Lane towards and over the railway line) would be upgraded whereby gravity swinging gates would replace styles. It was reported that obscured glass in a window in the new house in Turnip Close still needed to be fitted.
Nic Brown thanked everyone for attending the meeting and encouraged them all to come regularly to interact and contribute to the work of the Parish Council. Next meetings would take place on December 9 at 7.30pm and January 13 at 7.30pm with venues to be announced at a later date.
Electoral Register – If you have not yet completed your details for the electoral register, now is the time to do so. Around 68% of forms sent out in October have been returned, but reminder forms are being sent out to 24,700 Aylesbury Vale residents who have failed to fulfil this legal requirement, failure for which could result in a fine of up to £1,000. For advice and help on registration, visit aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk/elections or call 01296 585807 or call a 24 hour free phone number 0800 1976185. The registration form can be completed online at www.registerbyinternet.com/aylesbury or returned by post.
Winter Light by Bruce Munro at Waddesdon Manor - from now until Jan 1 there is the opportunity to enjoy these 6 large-scale light based installations situated around the gardens at Waddesdon Manor. Wrap up warmly and allow an hour to follow the trail to view them all which are illuminated from 3pm each day. There are late night openings every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from November 29 until December 29 with the last admission at 7.30pm. Car parking for visitors for the house and gardens is in the process of change. The first phase has been launched with a flat area for 450 spaces now in operation. There are 4 shuttle buses operating a “park and ride” system from the car park up to the North Fountain.
Digital Camera – a Nikon digital camera in a case has been found on Aylesbury Road on the evening of Tuesday 19. Please contact Lin on 01844 208373 if it belongs to you.
Christmas Bingo at The Bell – December 3 at around 8.30pm This is bound to be a busy evening, so come in good time to make sure you have a seat. As well as the usual bingo games for cash prizes and raffle for charity, there will be a special prize for the best hat or costume. Fun and laughter guaranteed with our jolly Christmas bingo callers, Paul and Andy.
Christingle - December 8 at 4.00pm this is a service for people of all ages, but particularly for children. During the service the children receive a Christingle composed of an orange, a lighted candle, a red ribbon, raisins and sweets, each part representing a symbol of the Christian faith. The collection will be donated to the Children’s Society.
