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2007 –
2008
Chairman’s Annual Report
Cllr Christopher Beard
Poynton-With-Worth Parish Council
Firstly, may I begin by thanking my colleagues on the Council for selecting me last year as Chairman for 2007- 2008 and for their advice and support in what has been a very busy, but extremely interesting term.
On a sad note, we were all sorry to hear of the death of fellow Councillor, Tony Parker. All our sympathies go to his family.
Poynton has been facing a new era of change and its voice has been heard clearly in recent times on a variety of issues. The village now has a population of almost 16,000 people which brings some congestion and overcrowding problems – but I am confident that as we go forward into the next few years, this Council and the residents of Poynton will ensure that Poynton’s unique status as a “large village” will prevail.
In recent times, we on the Council, have witnessed how eloquent and vociferous Poynton’s residents can be when they feel the Poynton they know and love comes under some form of threat. As retiring Chairman, I hope to remain confident that the voice of the majority in Poynton will always be heard.
The beginning of my year as Chairman saw the departure of our Parish Clerk, Mr Terry Crosswell to Bollington Town Council. His successor, Mr Brian Hogan, is doing a sterling job with the retention of Hazel at his side as Deputy Clerk. Thanks to both of them.
My wife and I attended several Civic Services from surrounding areas such as Bollington, Macclesfield, Pott Shrigley and Disley and were treated with warmth and courtesy by our hosts.
On our “home patch”, our Civic Service was a highlight, followed on the same day, by a visit to the excellent Coppice Road Allotments Association Open Day and the Poynton in Bloom presentation ceremony. The Gilbert and Sullivan Society gave a really professional performance at the High School theatre and we also attended a magnificent Christmas Concert by Poynton Male Voice Choir at the Methodist Church.
Poynton Show was of course a highlight and my wife and I thoroughly enjoyed the day. Remembrance Sunday was once again a solemn, but busy occasion with attendance vastly increased on previous years. I was personally very proud to lay our Parish Council’s wreath at the Cenotaph. The same week, I attended a concert by the excellent British Legion Concert Band. The newly refurbished Hockley Centre at the old Chapel was attended by myself and other Councillors, where I took the opportunity to impart my local connections with the place. At the same building, I later attended the AGM of the Twinning Association of Poynton and a splendid evening of music and dance was held. Many thanks to Councillors Bartos and Warrington for this occasion.
The Park Lane Christmas Street Festival was a resounding success and I attended as a “Wise Man’s Assistant” to Reverend McClare. The feedback for the event was very positive even though it was hard work for all concerned. Many thanks to the Parish Plan Monitoring Team and Councillors who gave their time and effort.
I took it upon myself, to have a Chairman’s exchange of ideas with Rev McClaren (Chairman of Churches together in Poynton) at the vicarage one Saturday morning, perhaps these meetings may continue?
We welcomed the Mayor and Mayoress of Macclesfield to the Civic Hall where they hosted the Mayor’s Charity At Home.
Planning affairs in Poynton are covered by the report from the Chairman of Planning and Environment, but briefly, I attended most meetings and witnessed a large amount of applications. A main concern was the preservation of Green Belt areas and the preservation of Poynton itself. In my opinion, infilling has caused congestion and now two large supermarkets have targeted Poynton, causing massive public concern. Neither applicant seems to have any appreciation that Poynton is totally congested. In my opinion it is scandalous that the Government is not treating the need for a By-Pass seriously enough. The next great issue for Poynton will be traffic congestion and its effect on Poynton’s quality of life.
Regarding finance – due to the perseverance of several Councillors, the issue of Double Taxation paid by Poynton to benefit other parts of the Borough has gone in our favour and we are receiving rebates. Well done to all concerned – you know who you are. Also thanks to our Clerk and his Deputy. Due to careful fiscal policies, the precept was kept in check, but a concern has been raised by the recent Police hike of 17%. We await further evidence of further improvements from them.
Policing in Poynton. The feedback from Poynton residents continues to be positive in regard to our (still newish) PCSOs and their many activities. Fear of crime appears to have lessened and Poynton’s CAM meetings continue to be the best attended. Graffiti has calmed down but speeding and irresponsible parking and driving continues to be an issue. The Chairman of the Crime, Order and Public Safety Committee will give you a more detailed report.
Parks, Buildings and Highways. Poynton Park has now been passed over completely to MBC, but Poynton still retain the local Byelaws. Several buildings and areas have been put forward for Conservation Area Status and we in Poynton hope they will be considered similarly as for Bollington and Knutsford. Roads continue to deteriorate in this area, markedly different to other areas such as Wales.
With the new Cheshire East Authority, it is hoped that Poynton will have more control over these issues. We wait to hear what will happen to the Anson Road Household Waste Site with its battered approach road.
Speaking of Cheshire East Authority, the new radical Government changes forced upon us may yet fall to our advantage in Poynton, and great changes are imminent. Some exciting challenges face us now and I look forward to joining colleagues in working to preserve the uniqueness of Poynton.
APPENDIX 1
FINANCE AND GENERAL PURPOSES COMMITTEE (Chairman: Cllr Charles Gorst)
Summary
The year was dominated by the committee’s efforts to persuade both Macclesfield Borough Council and Cheshire County Council to honour their commitments to eliminate the effects of double taxation.
1.This involved supporting our borough councillors and cabinet members which resulted in Poynton Parish Council obtaining a refund of £ 37,969 back dated to 1st April 2007 with continuing savings going forward.
2.The committee decided to use the money by ear-marking funds for future projects including, improvements to general play areas, a PCSO contingency fund for special policing projects in Poynton, street lighting initiatives and additional planting and tubs around the Civic Hall and Fountain Place.
The overall effect was to enable the committee to recommend to full
council, that the precept for 2008/09 be held at the same level as last year,
£37.43p per week for a band D household.
3.The committee then turned its attention to challenging Cheshire County Council over the double taxation suffered by the Parish Council in respect of the street lights which have been owned and maintained by us for some forty plus years. The Council initially received firm rebuttals from the Chief Executive of Cheshire County Council but, being totally convinced of the strength of our arguments, we refused to capitulate.
4.Finally, the County Council agreed to a meeting to discuss the issue. Two meetings were held with Cheshire County Council officers in February and March 2008 with the result that the County Council have agreed to take over 74 % of the street lights currently owned and maintained by the Parish Council which will save approximately £20,000 per annum going forward.
5.As referred to above, the committee recommended the same level of precept for the ensuing year which also includes the provision of £10,000 to finance the new role of an Operations Officer which will help to further improve cleanliness and tidiness of the village amongst other things.
6.The committee also allocated from their funds, grants to the following organisations :
Vernon Building Society Brass Band
Poynton in Bloom
Poynton Commodores
North West Air Ambulance Service
Planting for Poynton’s Future
Poynton Partnership
7.The committee put in place additional audit procedures designed to improve the council’s financial internal controls.
Finally, I believe congratulations are due to each of the committee members in achieving their considerable success in finally resolving the unjust effects of double taxation in the face of sustained and dogged resistance from the two primary councils.
APPENDIX 2
PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE (Chairman: Cllr Laurence Clarke)
1. The Council’s Planning Committee met 25 times between April 2007 and March 2008, which is more than any other Parish Council Committee.
2. 153 planning applications were reviewed and recommendations made to the Borough Council in each case. As planning officers use delegated powers to decide the vast majority of planning applications at MBC, this is the only formal review of most applications by elected representatives.
3. Formal responses were also made to licensing applications, tree preservation orders and similar matters.
4. We have continued to resist the installation of telecommunication masts in the Village, reflecting the views of Poynton’s residents. However, the number of these applications has declined over the last year.
5. The Committee is continuing to press Macclesfield Borough Council to take action to ensure the preservation of Lostock Hall Farm, a listed building and probably Poynton’s oldest structure. The lack of effective action by MBC remains disappointing.
6. The Committee has continued to respond to consultations by Cheshire County Council, Macclesfield Borough Council and the North West Regional Assembly regarding new strategic plans and policies which could affect the people of Poynton. We look forward to working with the new Cheshire East Council.
7. We made a detailed formal response on the Core Strategy Consultation of the new Local Development Framework, which will replace the Local Plan. The Parish Council stressed the need to protect the village environment and maintain the existing Green Belt around Poynton.
8. Macclesfield Borough Council has now approved new Supplementary Planning Guidance for Poynton.
9. We have continued to press MBC on the air quality in parts of Poynton, especially around main roads. Macclesfield Borough Council has supplied results from automated monitoring of air quality near the junction of Clifford Road and London Road South. We are concerned at the existence of significant air pollution in this area, although it is currently just inside legal limits.
10. The most significant planning application over the last year has been that by Tesco, for a store on the Brookfield Hydro site on London Road South. To take account of the significant level of public concern, a special meeting was held to allow a full public discussion and presentations by the applicants and Poynton Against Tesco, followed by the Planning Committee meeting. This was attended by many members of the public in the main Hall. The Committee voted to recommend refusal, and this was supported by the Borough Council, although we understand that Tesco are appealing to the Secretary of State.
11. Another planning application for a supermarket, this time by Waitrose on Park Lane, is currently under consideration. A similar meeting to that held for the Tesco application is scheduled for 16th April 2008.
APPENDIX 3
PARKS, BUILDING & HIGHWAYS COMMITTEE (Chairman: Cllr Susan Warrington)
1.Work continued with Macclesfield Borough Council to develop a
protocol for the management and improvement of Poynton Park.
Given that the Community Garden has had to be returned to the site owners we are considering plans to enhance other key areas in the village with planting and street furniture.
2.A new partnership between the Council, MBC, the Parish Plan
Implementation Group and the Police to extend the facilities at Deva Field
has been active, and successful, to a degree, in gaining external funding and
progressing the design and development of improved equipment.
3.Extensive consultation carried out on the Dickens estate by the Parish has
confirmed the need for more playground facilities for younger children and the Council is continuing to press MBC to make progress.
4.The play equipment at Brecon Close and Hockley Road has been
maintained, repaired and secured throughout the year.
5.Much of the Civic Hall has been decorated, new furniture obtained
and a hearing loop system installed in the Council Chamber. Regular bookings and occasional requests for the use of the Hall help to offset the costs of this facility. The fact that MBC has accepted further responsibility for the Information Centre has eased the financial burden of the service on Poynton
residents. The recent belated acceptance, by CCC, of responsibility for around 74% of Poynton's street lights will save us hundreds of thousands of pounds in future maintenance and upgrade costs.
6.Consultation was ongoing with the County Council about the state of the
roads in Poynton and some minor improvements have been achieved but much remains to be done. Several meetings have been held with senior staff from CCC Highways to look at possible ways of improving traffic problems in the village but as yet no major solutions have been found. A request to CCC to consider the possibility of creating a safe bridge to the Industrial Estate from the south end of the Dickens estate has resulted in an agreement ‘in principle’. The circular path round the village is now complete, at least as far as safety allows, and a revised footpath map is at the publication stage. The Inclines, which are now the responsibility of MBC, are in need of some attention but the Parish continues to monitor them and press for work to be done.
The effect of the creation of the new East Cheshire Council is yet to be
experienced but the Committee will continue to operate as effectively as possible in carrying out its brief.
APPENDIX 4
C.O.P.S. COMMITTEE (Chairman: Cllr Howard Murray)
Summary
In this last year the work of the COPS committee has been to consolidate on previous successes and to continue to support the many projects and initiatives originated in earlier years:
1. As a result of continued positive feed back from the public, and a reduction in overall crime, the Parish Council continues to partner with Cheshire Police to co-fund four Community Support Officers (CSOs).
2. Continued support to the Police and a team of Speedwatch volunteers. The scheme has contributed to identifying persistent law breakers and provided statistical evidence for highways officers.
3. Reconfirmed a long term maintenance contract to a local firm for graffiti removal and acted as the focal point for reporting this type of criminal damage in Poynton.
4. Worked closely with the Parish Plan Steering Committee to establish activities and courses focused on young people e.g. Gateway. Awarded a £5000 grant from Cheshire County Youth Services to support this.
5. Continued to pursue and promote the objectives of the ‘Safer Village’ stream within the Parish Plan.
6. Provided support to the Police Community Action Meetings (CAMs).
7. Co-locating the Police facility into the Civic Centre has been put on hold pending the LGR.
8. Continued to support the establishment of more Home watch schemes and support for the Police and Trading Standards ‘No Cold Calling’ pilot projects.
Several new initiatives were progressed, most notably:
1. Becoming only one of three community pilot schemes in Cheshire for a trial in the use of Restorative Justice.
2. Providing the mechanisms and processes to enable vulnerable members of the public and the victims of crime to have loan of a CCTV camera in order to gather evidence.
3. Purchasing a Mosquito device.
4. Earmarking £10k of reserves to provide a COPS contingency fund that would amongst other things allow the payment of overtime to our local Community Action Team in certain prescribed circumstances.
5. Providing advice to Disley Parish Council in order to help them decide upon the employment of two PCSOs in their locality – this benefits Poynton because we import criminality form Disley and vice versa.
ACCOUNTS
2006 – 2007
Chairman’s Annual Report
This has been a very busy year for the Council with a lot of activity covering a variety of issues.
My concern has been the increasing level of our Parish Precept but a lot of debate has taken place over the year to ensure that every penny is spent wisely. Last year we increased the precept substantially to cover the costs of the Parish Council’s contribution to two Police Community Support Officers solely for Poynton. This year our share of the costs has been reduced but your Council took the decision to use this saving to go towards the funding of two additional PCSOs at minimal cost. I think it is worth pointing out here that the reason for the contribution to these costs is because the Police do not receive sufficient funds from central government to cover all the costs themselves. This amounts, therefore, to a ‘stealth’ tax which we in Poynton are having to pay to get the level of service from the Police that we require.
We have also spent a lot of time discussing how best to staff the Civic Hall and the opportunity has been taken to appoint a full time Clerk with effect from 16th April.
We had hoped that by now we would have received a substantial contribution to our budget from Macclesfield Borough Council through a refund of costs that your Parish Council has incurred over the years where Poynton council tax payers not only have to fund services for Poynton alone, through the parish precept, but also to other areas in the Borough where there is no direct benefit for the residents of Poynton
We have been in serious discussions with Macclesfield Borough Council on this issue for about two years and your Councillors are still working towards what I hope will be a satisfactory conclusion in the coming year.
The other major issue on the horizon is Local Government reform with the possibility of one, or two, unitary authorities for Cheshire to replace the existing County Council and six district councils which include Macclesfield Borough Council. If this comes about, and we should know by July of this year, there should be added responsibilities for Parish Councils to take on board. Poynton with Worth Parish Council, which is a quality parish council, is now in a strong position to take up this new challenge.
I have talked here about the major issues as I see them but the attached appendices, which have been written by the chairmen of the four committees, give more detail.
As Chairman of the Council, and with the support of my wife who has been my Consort throughout the year, we have both been very privileged to attend a number of civic functions.
The highlight must have been our own Civic Service which was held at St George’s Church with the Reverend Rob McLaren leading and included a thought provoking sermon. Guests included the Deputy Mayor and Deputy Mayoress of the Borough of Macclesfield and our Member of Parliament, Sir Nicholas Winterton. This is an occasion when all Parish Councillors and their guests are invited and I would like to take this opportunity to thank those who supported me.
During the year both of us were invited to attend several Civic Services of nearby parishes as well as the one held at St Michael’s Church, Macclesfield.
We were very pleased to receive an invitation from the Royal British Legion to the official launch of Poynton’s Poppy Appeal at a concert given by their own Concert Band. On the following Sunday we were honoured to represent the Council at the Remembrance Day Service which was held at St George’s Church and attended by the Royal British Legion, other Councillors and representatives from local organisations.
There were a variety of other functions that we were invited to attend including concerts by the Vernon Building Society Poynton Brass Band, the Macclesfield Youth Band, the Poynton Male Voice Choir and a performance of ‘Iolanthe’ by the Poynton Gilbert and Sullivan Society.
Poynton Show should also be mentioned where we attended as guests of the Show Committee along with the Deputy Mayor of Erd, our twin town in Hungary. This followed an excellent reception for the delegation from Erd which was hosted by Councillor Bartos and his wife in their home a couple of days earlier.
There was also the official opening of the ‘Les and Ena Cawley’ Memorial Building at the Anson Engine Museum and an invitation to attend the eightieth anniversary of the 1st Poynton West Brownie Pack.
Last summer the Poynton in Bloom event included a Garden Safari and we spent a very enjoyable Saturday visiting all of the gardens that the owners had kindly opened to the public. On the following afternoon I was priviliged to be asked to present certificates to everybody involved.
One of the first events we attended was the presentation of prizes to the youth at the Community Garden and more recently the Poynton Youth Safety Project.
Another very enjoyable occasion recently was a special choral evensong held at Chester Cathedral to give thanks for the contributions made by Cheshire’s Town and Parish Councils to the community life of our County.
The Mayor and Mayoress of the Borough of Macclesfield recently hosted a Charity Coffee Morning here at the Civic Hall and I would like to take this opportunity to publicly thank all those people in our local community who helped me and supported this event. We raised £752.70 and the Mayor was delighted.
In conclusion I would like to thank those Councillors who have not only supported me during the year but have also worked so very hard in the committees on which they serve.
Cllr D A Robbie
Chairman
APPENDIX 1
PARKS, BUILDINGS AND HIGHWAYS REPORT
(Chairman: Cllr Susan Warrington)
Business concerning the responsibilities of the P.B. and H. Committee
included the following:
1. Meetings with County Council Highways Department to inform and plan
for works to take place in Poynton, including completion of the gas pipe
replacement programme and safety improvements at Fountain Place.
2. Consideration of plans for CCC bus shelter replacements and the future
of Parish Council owned bus shelters.
3. Maintenance of Brecon Close and Hockley play areas, including consultation
with residents regarding possible provision of a new play area in the Dickens
Lane vicinity.
4. Maintenance of the Inclines and liaison with MBC on the condition of Poynton Park, and the effect of the Byelaws on its use. Involvement of the Chairman and Members in the MBC Leisure Services Review ( report awaited).
5. Consideration of the possible co-location of the Police NPU in the Civic Hall and extension of services provided by the MBC Information Service. On-going maintenance of the Civic Hall facilities, including hearing loop and IT provision in the Council Chamber, and scheduled redecoration of the Vernon Room and Main Hall in 2007/08.
APPENDIX 2
PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE
(Chairman: Cllr Laurence Clarke)
1. The Council’s Planning Committee met 21 times during 2006/07, which is more than any other Parish Council Committee.
2. 192 planning applications were reviewed and recommendations made to the Borough Council in each case. As planning officers use delegated powers to decide the vast majority of planning applications at MBC, this is the only formal review of most applications by elected representatives.
3. Formal responses were also made to licensing applications, tree preservation orders and similar matters.
4. We have continued to resist the installation of telecommunication masts in the Village, reflecting the views of Poynton’s residents
5. The Committee are pressing Macclesfield Borough Council to work for the preservation of Lostock Hall Farm (probably Poynton’s oldest building).
6. The Committee has responded to consultations by Cheshire County Council, Macclesfield Borough Council and the North West Regional Assembly. regarding new strategic plans and policies which could affect the people of Poynton
7. We are particularly concerned to ensure that the new Local Development Framework, which will replace the Local Plan, protects the village environment and especially the integrity of the Green Belt around Poynton.
8. Macclesfield Borough Council is currently considering new Supplementary Planning Guidance for Poynton. We welcome this additional guidance.
9. The Committee has opposed Cheshire County Council’s plans for a Waste Sorting Site in Adlington, right on the border with Poynton.
10. We are concerned at the air quality in parts of Poynton, especially around main roads. Macclesfield Borough Council staff recently presented us with the interim results from automated monitoring of air quality near the junction of Clifford Road and London Road South. The provisional results confirm the existence of air pollution in this area, although it is within current EU limits.
APPENDIX 3
F & GP COMMITTEE
(Chairman: Cllr Charles Gorst)
The main function of the F & GP Committee is to prepare the budgets in order to make a recommendation to the full Council of the amount of precept to be levied for the ensuing year.
This year the Committee made 2 major recommendations 1) To include the financing of a full time Clerk which the Council considered was essential in order to properly administer the increased workload being handed down from central government and 2) the provision of an additional 2 PCSO’s dedicated to Poynton.
The result of these important 2 initiatives was a recommendation to increase the precept to £225,960, an increase of 19.5% over the previous year – equivalent to 71p per week for a Band D household.
It is worthy of note that the whole of the precept is dedicated to providing services for Poynton people and that the parish councillors do not claim any payment for their services or expenses.
Another important matter which engaged the minds of the committee during the year was the issue of double taxation. This is the situation where Poynton residents pay twice for particular services. By way of example, Poynton Parish Council owns the Civic Hall, fully financed via the precept on Poynton residents, but they also pay towards the maintenance of other civic halls or equivalent throughout the Borough.
The committee argued its case forcibly at the first annual meeting of town and parish councils held in October last and hosted by Macclesfield Borough Council.
This was followed up by the committee writing directly to both the Borough Council and the County Council reminding them of their individual commitments given by them in the previous year to take steps to eliminate double taxation within a two year period.
We believe that the pressure we have exerted, combined with the efforts of our borough councillors, has been instrumental in persuading the Borough Council to include a provision in its budget for a double taxation reserve.
Further discussions are being carried out to determine how this provision is distributed.
Discussions with Cheshire County Council continue but here the issues are not as clearly defined.
APPENDIX 4
C.O.P.S. COMMITTEE
(Chairman: Cllr Howard Murray)
1. As a result of a significant reduction in cost, positive feed back from the public, and a reduction in overall crime, Community Support Officers (CSOs) numbers have been doubled to 4.
2. Continued support to the Police and a team of Speedwatch volunteers. The scheme has contributed to identifying persistent law breakers and provided statistical evidence for highways officers.
3. Let a long term maintenance contract to a local firm for graffiti removal and acted as the focal point for reporting this type of criminal damage in Poynton.
4. Conducted a review of the Poynton part of the MBC CCTV system to determine its effectiveness and recommended potential improvements.
5. Worked closely with the Parish Plan Steering Committee to establish activities and courses focused on young people e.g. the Youth Safety Project. Awarded a £5000 grant from Cheshire County Youth Services to support this.
6. Continued to pursue and promote the objectives of the ‘Safer Village’ stream within the Parish Plan.
7. Provided support to the Police Community Action Meetings (CAMs).
8. Conducted initial evaluation and information sharing discussions with Cheshire Police regarding the potential benefits of Co-locating the Police facility into the Civic Centre.
9. Completed the signage project for the local Byelaws.
10. Continued to support the establishment of more Homewatch schemes.
11. Provided financial support for the Police and Trading Standards ‘No Cold Calling’ pilot projects.
12. Formed a working group to determine what can be done to encourage young people to become engaged with the Civic processes.
2005/2006
CHAIRMAN'S
ANNUAL
REPORT
The past year has been one of continued success and progress. The new Councillors from last year have integrated well into the group bringing new skills and experience. Both the new Crime, Order and Public Safety Committee (C.O.P.S.) and the modified Parks, Buildings and Highways Committee under the Chairmanship of Cllr Howard Murray and Cllr Mrs Susan Warrington respectively, have worked very effectively in fulfilling their new roles.
The following are the main achievements of each Committee:
C.O.P.S. COMMITTEE
(Chairman: Cllr Howard Murray)
1. Community Support Officers (CSOs) have completed their first year which will be extended for the next 12 months. They have proved to be both popular and effective.
2. The introduction of alcohol free zones around the Village is unique in Macclesfield Borough outside Macclesfield town
3. The adoption of a range of new byelaws affords enhanced protection to the people and amenities of Poynton
4. Working with the Police and a team of volunteers, the Speedwatch scheme has contributed to the solution of speeding vehicles on the streets of the Village
5. Significant progress has been made in eradicating the problem of graffiti around the Village
6. Full support has been given to the now annual litter pick by volunteers around the Village
7. Challenging other agencies regarding their performance on some of the above issues
8. Increased facilities for the collection of litter and dog waste
9. Worked closely with the Parish Plan Steering Committee which has been complimented by Macclesfield Borough Council as one of the best Plans in the Borough
10. Fully supported and co-hosted the Community Action Meetings (CAMs) which the Police report are the best attended in the whole of Cheshire
11. Worked with local Police and Cheshire County Council to initiate a new Young Persons’ Cycling Safety Scheme
FINANCE & GENERAL PURPOSES COMMITTEE
(Chairman: Cllr Charles
Gorst)
1. Managed the setting and agreeing of the annual Budget. This year it resulted in an increase of 10p per week for a Band D household
2. Took up the issue of Double Taxation which has now been extended to all parts of Macclesfield Borough
3. Diligent management of Council reserves and other budgets included in the Parish precept
4. Integrated the cost of the PCSOs into the annual budget
5. Included a modest amount in the budgets for numerous grants to local organisations within the Village
6. Critically reviewed all aspects of the Council’s expenditure to ensure that costs are minimised and income maximised to ensure that best value for money is achieved for the residents of Poynton
7. Successfully applied for a grant to improve the site of the former Texaco garage on London Road South, together with the landscaping of Fountain Place
PARKS, BUILDINGS & HIGHWAYS COMMITTEE
(Chairman : Cllr Mrs Susan Warrington)
1. Negotiated successfully with Macclesfield Borough Council to offset the liability of the running costs of Poynton Park for the residents of Poynton
2. Worked with ‘Friends of Poynton Park’ in developing a policy for the future of the Park
3. Active in the establishment of a circular footpath around the Village and a link between Dickens Lane and Poynton Industrial Estate
4. Continued management of the trees and paths of Poynton Inclines
5. Maintenance and management of the Brecon and Hockley Play Areas
6. Control, management and development of the Civic Hall, including promotion of its use to maximise income
7. Involved in the highly successful ‘Poynton in Bloom’ and the Community Garden (former Texaco Garage site)
PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE
(Chairman: Cllr Laurence Clarke)
1. The Council’s Planning Committee met 21 times which is more than any other Parish Council Committee
2. The number of applications is one of the highest in the Borough – 168 applications were considered
3. The installation of telecommunication masts in the Village has been consistently resisted, reflecting the views of Poynton’s residents
4. Macclesfield Borough Council sought the views of the Committee in the implementation of the Government’s new licensing laws, which offer extended opening hours. Establishments with a history of disorderly behaviour were recommended for refusal
5. Illegal activities such as tipping on land adjacent to Glastonbury Drive were successfully stopped
6. The Committee pro-actively campaigned for the preservation of Lostock Hall Farm (probably Poynton’s oldest building)
7. The Committee consistently responded to various consultations by Cheshire County Council, Macclesfield Borough Council and the new North West Regional Assembly, regarding strategic plans and policies which could affect the people of Poynton
8. Cllr Laurence Clarke expressed delight that the Parish Questionnaire indicated the support of 95% of respondents to the preservation of Green Belt land around the Village
SUMMARY
It is remarkable that so much can be achieved in 12 months for a Council Tax Precept of £31.42 per Band D house.
This is one of the reasons that Poynton Parish Council was one of the first seven Councils in the whole country to achieve ‘Quality Council Status’ as well as the first in Cheshire.
With such an excellent record I have found it to be a pleasure and privilege to have presided as the Chairman of the Parish Council for the last year.
Roger West
2004/2005
CHAIRMAN'S
ANNUAL
REPORT
The
past year has seen some major changes at the Parish Council with the
arrival of seven new councillors following the elections last June and a
re-organisation of our committee structure.
The
objective of this was to set up a new committee, Crime Order and
Environment (C.O.E.) This having been identified as a major issue in the
village. As a consequence of this, the former Parks & Buildings and
Street Lighting and Highways committees were merged into one to maintain
four committees.
This
has led to somewhat longer committee meetings, exacerbated by the
seemingly increasing workload being put on parish councils. Central
government has identified parish councils as having a more influential
role to play by virtue of them being closely in touch with local people.
The
C.O.E. Committee, chaired energetically by Cllr. Howard Murray, wasted
no time in building on the work carried out over the previous two years
by pushing for additional policing in the village. The outcome was for
the Parish Council to fund 2/3 of the cost of two Police Community
Support Officers (PCSO) dedicated to Poynton and they will be taking up
post shortly.
This
initiative is intended to increase the overall numbers of police
operating in Poynton over and above that which would otherwise have been
provided. It is to hoped that this will not be seen by the police simply
as a means of funding their over stretched resources.
Progress
has also been made on another front. In our efforts to combat
anti-social behaviour, the Borough Council has recently finally
given the green light to measures to prohibit alcohol consumption in
designated places in the village.
As
always, the Planning Committee under the experienced chairmanship of
Cllr. Laurence Clarke has had a very busy workload, successfully working
with others in the village in the campaign against extended opening
hours at the Kingfisher pub. Throughout the year this committee has
considered an increasing number of applications from mobile telephone
companies to site masts in various parts of the village in totally
inappropriate locations. Such is the strength of feeling against these
masts, it is not uncommon for in excess of thirty people to attend the
committee meetings at which the applications are considered.
It
is a great pity that central government has not been prepared to
introduce regulations to protect the public against the potential health
risks as well as the permanent defacement of the landscape caused by
these masts.
Cllr.
David Robbie successfully chaired the Parks, Buildings and Highways
Committee,
whose
work included the completion of a further phase of street-lighting
improvements and the partial refurbishment of the Civic Hall providing
modern lavatory facilities and increased space for both hirers and
staff.
High
on the current agenda is the overall issue of
Poynton
Park
. The future use, management and financing of the Park is currently
being reviewed by the Borough Council but the Parish Council is
determined to ensure decisions are not made without the proper
consultation of local residents and councillors.
The
Finance and General Purposes Committee was also successfully chaired by
Cllr. Chris Claxton. This committee is responsible for setting the
guidelines and agreeing the annual budget, this year’s increase is
just over 9%. Most of which is related to the funding of £40,000
towards two Poynton PCSO’s mentioned earlier.
Under
the wings of this committee is the Poynton in Bloom initiative run in
partnership with the Residents’ Association. All the hanging baskets
and flower displays were very well received in the village and I feel
sure this will help in our efforts to encourage as many people as
possible to take a pride in their village. The event will be continued
this year as well as a village “spring clean” on 14th May in which
we hope to involve as many volunteers as possible to make the village
tidier.
The
Parish Council demonstrated its ability to bring people together in a
common cause with the holding of a charity coffee morning in aid of the
Mayor of Macclesfield’s Charity Fund. This was a very enjoyable event
and raised £400 which will be added to by the Mayor and distributed to
local Poynton charities.
Finally,
I wish to thank all councillors and council staff who have given their
time during the year in order to improve the lives of all who live in
Poynton.
Charles
Gorst
2003/2004
CHAIRMAN'S
ANNUAL
REPORT
I
will start my report by saying what a tremendous privilege it has been
for me to lead the Council during what has turned out to be a momentous
year for Poynton with Worth Parish Council. I am, of course,
referring to the award of Quality Council status, which is the result of
many years of hard work by Councillors, together with our Clerk and her
staff. We also acted as hosts to representatives from the town of
Erd
in
Hungary
for the purpose of signing the twinning agreement between our two
communities. Dr Bela Docsakovszky led the Erd party, and he and I
signed the historic agreement witnessed by the Hungarian Ambassador and
our MP, Sir Nicholas Winterton.
Other
highlights included the visit by the Rt. Hon. Alun Michael, MP, Minister
for Rural Affairs, who came as a result of our quality achievement.
During his visit we had a lively exchange of views on issues relating to
Parish Councils.
We
are already beginning to reap the benefits of our new status as
Macclesfield Borough Council have invited us to suggest areas where we
may wish to undertake the provision of services currently being carried
out by themselves. Indeed, this is an exciting time for Parish
Councils, as it is apparent that they are seen by central government to
be ideally placed to take on an enhanced role in service provision and
to have greater influence in the decision-making process.
One
of the first major initiatives we have instigated since our Quality
Council award has been to set up the Steering Committee which will
produce a Parish Plan for Poynton. The Parish Plan aims to
identify the community’s key issues and concerns for Poynton and its
future development, and to produce an Action Plan which will help to
deliver these aims and objectives. Areas identified so far include
affordable housing, public transport and youth issues.
2004
will also the beginning of the preparation for Poynton’s entry into
the “
Britain
in Bloom” competition. The Parish Council has set up an Advisory
Committee of local residents and elected members who will oversee this
task, and has set aside funding for this purpose.
Turning
to the various Parish Council committees – they have all had a very
busy and interesting year, and have marked up some notable successes.
The
Finance and General Purposes Committee, chaired for the first time (and
very successfully) by Cllr Rick Simpson, set up the aforementioned
“Poynton in Bloom” advisory Committee. It was also responsible
for inviting representatives from Cheshire County Council and
Macclesfield Borough Council to address members on the implications of
the various options proposed by the Boundary Committee for the future of
local government in
Cheshire
. Sensing the mood of the public at large, the Committee also
undertook to restrict the rise in the Parish Precept to 3.1% in line
with the average rate of inflation over the past year.
The
Planning Committee, chaired by Cllr Laurence Clarke (who gives such
strong leadership) has dealt with nearly 300 planning applications.
It appears that people see that extending their properties is the best
and most cost effective way of remaining the village. Surely this
is an indication that our efforts to improve the quality of life in
Poynton is worthwhile. A major success for this Committee was
their support of the Borough Council in having the appeal by developers
for a very unsuitable planning application at the former Spinney Hotel
rejected.
Cllr
John Barber, Vice Chairman of the Parks and Buildings Committee, stepped
into the breach owing to the ill health of the Chairman, Alan Wall.
(I am very pleased to say that Alan is making a good recovery).
With John’s hard work and influence at Borough level, the committee
has been successful in attracting matched funding from the Borough
Council towards the Civic Hall development plan. This will give
the Civic Hall a much-needed update – to include additional space for
hirers, dedication accommodation for the confidential counselling
service, You & Yours, proper rest room facilities for council staff
and better, refurbished lavatories. The committee has also
installed picnic benches and seats at Brecon Close play area to provide
a facility for older children, and at the same time deterring vandalism
at the site. Similarly, alleygates have been installed at the
Civic Hall to deter nuisance behaviour.
As
always, Cllr Kate Walton has chaired the Street Lighting and Highways
Committee with skill and tenacity. The committee has dealt with a
wide variety of issues, including lobbying successfully against car
parking charges at the Civic Hall car park, involvement in the fight to
retain the 191 bus service – a vital lifeline for some Higher Poynton
residents – and providing a new bus shelter at
Fountain Place
and new noticeboards throughout the Parish. Other matters in the
pipeline which will shortly come to fruition include the next phase of
the street lighting improvement plan, and the re-marking of the Civic
Hall car park by the Borough Council, due in late spring/early summer
this year.
The
above represents a snapshot of a great deal of hard work carried out by
many Parish Councillors over the past 12 months. I feel it is
important to point out that we are happy to do this without receiving
any financial reward for our efforts.
On
a sad note, this year sees the retirement of 5 long-serving councillors
– Denis Beasley, Ralph Burgess, Mrs Terry Gill, Les Burridge and
Grahame Mitchell – all former Chairmen of the Parish Council.
Their vast experience will be sorely missed, and I would like to thank
them for their hard work and service to the people of Poynton. We
wish them, and Cllr Rick Simpson, health and happiness in the future.
At
the same time, “Our Clerk”, Anne Jenkins, will be leaving the
Council at the end of April to take up a fresh challenge as Town Clerk
to Barnstaple Town Council in
North Devon
. She has been Poynton’s Clerk for 14 years and during this
time, with her outstanding abilities and effort, the Council has gone
from strength to strength. On behalf of all Councillors, I wish
Anne health and happiness and continued success in her new appointment.
Finally,
my thanks go to all my fellow Parish Councillors and all Parish Council
staff who have worked so hard during this remarkable year for Poynton
with Worth Parish Council.
C
A GORST
CHAIRMAN
POYNTON WITH WORTH PARISH COUNCIL
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