PC Chairman's Report to AGM, 2021
Chairman’s Annual Report 2021
As part of the statutory requirements of a Parish Council, I have a duty to report on the activities in which Marston Parish Council has been involved during the past year. It therefore gives me great pleasure to present my fifth report to this Annual Parish Council Meeting.
As a result of the restrictions imposed during the corona virus pandemic, we were unable to hold an Annual Parish Council Meeting in 2020 so for completeness I have included some items from 2019/20.
The Council’s accounts, records and systems for 2020/2021 have been internally audited. Financial documents are available for inspection as in previous years.
A precept of £5047 was raised with South Kesteven District Council for the Financial Year 2020/2021. Additional income to the value of £1367 was received from other sources. The total expenditure for 2020/21 was £6576.19.
The budget for 2021/2022 has been agreed by Members and a precept of £5420 has been requested.
In April 2019 we appointed a new Village Cleaner. The Parish Council has purchased a mower and he has expanded the grass areas that he cuts. He now carries out litter picking, strimming and cutting of the grassed areas and cleaning of the road signs in the village. He has also started a program to refurbish the benches in the village. The Parish Council are indebted vario parishioners for their efforts in keeping the parish looking neat and tidy and thanks once again to Councillor Watson for organising a very successful village litter pick.
In October 2019 the Marston Village sign was received and erected on the village green. A large number of favourable comments have been received and we hope it will be an asset to the village in years to come.
Following some easing of the planning regulations we have received applications for 11 new houses, one of which is completed, one under construction and ground works have started on a small development of five properties on Main street at the rear of Glendale. It is anticipated that detailed plans for four new properties on the Old Corn Dryer site at the rear of Pinfold Lane/ Toll Bar Road will be received this year.
During the year we utilised some aspects of the Emergency Plan to provide assistance to villagers during the restrictions caused by the pandemic. Councillors delivered leaflets to all houses in the village with details of names and telephone numbers to call if someone needed help with collection of prescriptions, shopping or anything else. The system worked very well and people pulled together to support those that needed it.
The Parish Council has now installed finger post signs directing the public to the Riverside Walk. It has had more visitors during the pandemic and a further section of the hedge has been laid. The remainder will be completed later this financial year. Some wildflower seeds have been planted and Councillor Stephens is liaising with the school with a view to establishing a nature trail.
I wish to thank all the Councillors and the Clerk for their time, devotion and continued support to Parishioners throughout the year. In particular I wish to thank Councillor Robert Morley who left the Council in September for his help, hard work and advice to me over the last six years. A warm welcome to Andrew Barradell who has succeeded him. Be assured your Parish Council will continue to strive to do what it believes is in the best interests of the community.
Finally, may I remind everyone that the Parish Council welcomes members of the public to its meetings. It is important that we are kept aware of issues that affect the parish of Marston and I would encourage you all to participate where you can as it is our job to represent the interests of the community and we can best do this if we hear directly from you.
Philip Cartwright
Chairman to Marston Parish Council
Date: 11 May 2021