Parish Council Report 2008/2009

The year has been one of steady progress by the Parish Council.  Many of the targets that we had set out for ourselves were achieved; unfortunately, as with life, there were also some disappointments.  I have detailed below some of the activities that the Parish Council has been involved with over the last twelve months.

The Speed of Traffic through both Ockbrook and Borrowash has been a cause for concern for a number of years.  Discussion with Derbyshire County Council led to a survey of traffic speed through both villages, and a decision was taken to obtain two speed activated signs to be erected, one at the bottom of Green Lane and one at the top of Bare Lane in Ockbrook. We have been notified by D.C.C. that both signs will be in operation by the middle of May 2009.  A third sign will be obtained and erected on Nottingham Road Borrowash during 2010.

The Weight and Size of Lorries travelling through the villages to gain access to the A52 has also been a serious problem, becoming increasingly so with the opening of T.D.G. depot at West Hallam.  A solution to the problem appeared to be forthcoming when the County Council notified us of their intention to extend the 7.0 tonnes weight limit for traffic around Ockbrook and Borrowash: however, despite much support from local residents, the County Council eventually changed their mind after pressure from Spondon residents.  Should there be a change of Council after the June elections we will again make representations for the weight limit to be looked at again.

Anti Social Behaviour has unfortunately become something residents are being forced to 'put up with' on a more regular basis.  Much of the problem results from excessive drinking, in public places, particularly by young people.  In order to attempt to curb the problem the Parish Council was minded to support a 'SECTION 13' order for the whole of the Borough of Erewash.  This was to be introduced by the Borough Council and has successfully passed all the appropriate stages for adoption by the Borough Council in January 2009.  Notices have been positioned throughout the Borough and the police now have the authority to confiscate alcohol from people of any age found to be drinking in public places and who may be likely to cause problems to members of the public.  We are particularly pleased that this measure has been put into place as young people were coming from many areas outside Ockbrook and Borrowash to drink and cause trouble.  Such behaviour resulted in the closure of the 5 a-side facility at Ashbrook Community Centre, at the request of the County Council Youth Services Dept.  We are hoping to re-open this facility under strict supervision as soon as it is appropriate to do so.

The Parish Hall in Ockbrook has been extensively refurbished with a grant of £30.000 from Erewash Borough Council to make it D.D.A compliant.  The refurbishment was long overdue as it had no proper access for people with disabilities who wished to use the hall.  Many groups, both locally and from outside the area now want to use the facility.  Unfortunately the Parish Council have found it necessary to have a protective fence and gate erected in the car park to prevent young people accessing the rear of the hall for illicit drinking sessions.

The Post Office and Tea Rooms are becoming more popular and have been well used during their first year of business. However Mr Duncan McDonald, the Post Master, will be closing on Wednesdays from the 22nd April 2009 as this is the one day of the week when the level of business does not cover the operating costs.  Please continue to use both the Post Office and the Tea Rooms as they provide a focal point for the local community.  If we don't use them we will lose them!

Memorial Testing has recently been completed at All Saints churchyard and at Balmoral Road cemetery.  This was funded by a grant which the Parish Council obtained.  The work was carried out by an approved contractor in a sensitive and respectful manner.  Over 1.200 headstones were tested with 200 found to be at risk.  Appropriate measures have been taken to secure these memorials and over the next twelve months the Parish Council will try to contact any living relatives to ask if they wish to undertake the necessary remedial work to make them safe.  Should the P.C. have to undertake this work it will cost in the region of £4.000.

The issue of parking in both Ockbrook and Borrowash is raising blood pressure in an increasing number of people.  The problem areas are mainly around schools in both villages.
The enforcement of parking related issues has recently been taken away from the police and is now in the hands of the Local Authorities, as a Civil Enforcement Programme.  A meeting of residents, police and representatives, recently held at the Parish Hall has resulted in a set of proposals to try to resolve these issues being put forward.  They are available from the Parish Clerk, if required.

The Parish Council is acutely aware that keeping people safe, especially on the road, is extremely important. It has therefore decided to pay for the installation of three lighting columns at the bottom of Station Road near the traffic lights.  This is a very poorly lit area and drivers have raised the issue of feeling vulnerable whilst waiting for the lights to change.  We hope to have the three new lights in place by the autumn; ready for the dark nights.

As I pointed out at the start of this report there has been much to keep the Parish Council occupied this year; other activities have included-

The extension of the Summer Play Scheme from one to two weeks, by popular demand.  Over 100 Children tool part in 2008.  Speak to the Parish Clerk for details.

Carr Hill Farm - Waste Aggregate Recycling Plant
The Contentious planning application saw a record number of people attending the Parish Council meeting when the subject was discussed.  Derbyshire County Council turned down the application for a waste aggregate plant at Carr Hill farm, on environmental grounds, but the scheme has gone to appeal and a decision is expected mid-June.

In conclusion, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all my fellow parish councillors for their enthusiastic support and encouragement over the past twelve months.  Also a big thank-you to Heather and Graham for their unstinting work in the Parish Office. Thank- you to all our contractors for their help and advice with our projects.  A special thank-you to Tony Patten who has recently resigned from the Parish Council to live closer to his family.  Tony was a dedicated supporter of the Parish Council and his contribution to local affairs will be sorely missed.  We wish his successor, whoever he or she may be, all the very best for the future as a member of  an extremely hard working and 'quality' Parish Council.

Councillor Mike Wallis (Chairman, Ockbrook and Borrowash Parish Council)

Please click here to download this report