Chairman’s Report
As we all know that the start of 2021 was a continuation of last year in respect to the pandemic but with the prospect of the vaccine that has brought hope for the future. As you may remember from my last report in our winter addition of the Bradwellian the council although unable to operate normally was able to achieve some positive issues. Like many other organisations we have tried to manage the restrictions associated with Covid-19 with a focus on what we can do, not what we cannot.
The council made a decision towards the end of last year that many in the parish have struggled financially and we felt it was inappropriate to burden these residents any more than they have been so it was decided not to increase the council precept for 2021/2022. We recognise it’s only a small saving however with the residential growth in the parish it has resulted in a typical band “C” property seeing a reduction of 2.2% in the precept contribution. With this in mind I would like to tell you some of what we are achieving and what is in the pipe line for this year.
I reported last time on the Community Survey undertaken to identify what improvements you would like to see in our open spaces around the Parish. The second phase of the survey was completed in January this year and I would like to thank all those who participated and supported its achievement. Your top five improvements were; Picnic areas and tables, a Zip Wire, a nature trail and garden, a trim trail and improvements to the Mill Lane Skate Park. I am pleased to inform you that with the support of GYBC Property and Asset Management the first of these are in the process of being organised with a plan to install picnic areas and tables at Mill Lane Playing Field and Green Lane Playing Field. In addition quotations are to be requested for a Zip Wire at Green Lane Playing Field. The remaining improvements are being progressed and I will report as and when we have more information.
The council were very keen when the time was right to assist in the re-start of “not for profit” community service providers across the parish. As the Government Covid-19 Roadmap allowed the reopening of our two Community Centres in May we designed a grant support process whereby those using the Community Centres could apply for a grant towards the costs of the using both Centres. In addition the council felt it was only fair that other “not for profit” community services providers who did not use these centres but provide a valuable service to our residents should also be helped so a separate scheme was created. Both schemes have had a good response and we wish the organisations well.
We are in the process of planning a small event on Green Lane Playing Field in late August. The event will feature at its heart the Bradwell Council Allotments, Flower and Vegetable show. A small team of Councillors and allotment tenants are part of the event organisers and hope to be able to include a number of side events. More on this will be published on the parish notice boards and web site.
Other improvements we have achieved, are as follows;
- We assisted in the provision of covid-19 face visors to the primary schools within the parish
- We have helped the Old School Community Centre on Lords Lane with their improvements to the building.
- New Parish Notice Boards have been installed at Morrison’s, Mill Lane Playing Field and Tesco Express.
- The council’s web site has been upgraded to make it compliant with the accessibility requirements.
- We have recruited two new Parish Councillors, we still have space for you if you would like to get involved.
Stay Well and Safe: Bob Carrier