I always find the chairmans annual report both an interesting and difficult exercise . Interesting because it provides an opportunity to look at what we have achieved, as a PC and the events and activities at which this PARISH PC has BEEN involved with and difficult because its hard to make something interesting THAT EVERYONE WHOSE READ OUR MINUTES OR ATTENDED THE MEETINGS WILL ALREADY KNOW.
There are 5themesto my report this evening, starting with Community Safety , then Highways, before looking at planning . After that what I call “the Engagement Profile” this is when Cllrs attend meetings representing the Parish –they can be local issue meetings as well as formally organised affairs . OR even completing Consultations and feedback requests on matters specific to this parish And Finally a selection of key events .
Community Safety
A lot of time has been spent meeting with the Police and learning about their developing Police model for Rural policing .
One of the changes has been Crime stats ; reporting started again in July.
The Police were in our Parish on 3 occasions as part of —Operation Beneke. The first visiting Kymbrook School , the other two meeting with residents to discuss their concerns, to offer crime prevention advice as well as promoting the various Watch schemes.
Speeding has not been mentioned as often but issues were reported on the Pertenhall and Riseley road areas. The police carried out speed checks on Mill hill, Pertenhall Road heading out of Keysoe and also outside the chequers.
Two bus shelter seats were stolen
We also learnt that neither horseriders nor horses are legally required to have any form of lighting or high visibility wear at night time
Highways
The Two notable events these past 12 months took place in Bolnhurst:
1 Last June the 30 mph zone was installed
2 Resurfacing of The bends on St Neots road
Pot holes continue to be an issue A number have been reported –some filled , but others left as they don’t meet the intervention criteria. The Borough have developed their own APP to make it easier for everyone to report issues.
Once again Inconsiderate parking in Row east was flagged but not mentioned again once the Borough reinstated the white lining and new H bars.
Planning
Local Plan 2035 –featured prominently. I did a powerpointpresentation in October. The Plan has now been “Called In”
The Wind Turbine Appeal was rejected –is it really only 12 months ago?
This yearwe were consulted on 20 planning applications all within the Parish , a drop YonY of 10%
The breakdown as follows : 50% Rows 13% Bolnhurst and 38% Brook end /Church End
We also commented on one Lawful Development certificate .
Engagement profile
This Parish has been represented at
The Rural Crime and Fire Summit, The Police Engagement meeting, The Town and Parish Council Network Conference, The Police and Crime Commissionaires Conference, The Rural Crime Conference , Borough Cllr Tom WoottonsWard Forum, and at Alistair Burts Parish Meeting.
As well as accompanying the Police during an Operation Beneke visit
Cllrs Bellamy and Smyth had a productive meeting with Kymbrook School
Cllrs Bellamy Heming and Lucas , met with Highways to discussand resolve various Bolnhurst issues.
We have completed on behalf of the Community a diverse range of consultations and feedback requests which have included : Parish Policing Priorities; Community Safety Partnership and ROW
KEY EVENTS
Cycle 80 was cancelled
The annual Litter pick, was managed by the WI this year who liaised with Cllr Lucas –this was a well supported event. 3 fly tipping areas were identified
Further meetings of the A1 stakeholder group have taken place –more are bound to follow
Jo Meader joined our September meeting and gave a presentation about the role of the PCC.
Shortly after the last APM Ed Richardson resigned ; leaving a vacancy which still remains open
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That brings my presentation to a close , so would now like to ask Gill Wiggs to read us the Kymbrook School report.