Chairman’s report to Baxterley’s Annual Parish Meeting 16th May 2024.
This report is by far the most difficult one I have had to compile so far. The sudden and premature loss of Councillor Angela Graham in July 2023 was a devastating blow. Angela was a breath of fresh air, an engaging, intelligent, experienced and enthusiastic person who, in her short time as Councillor added impetus and optimism to BPC. She has left a mark on all of the people fortunate enough to have crossed her path. Plans are progressing to develop an exercise trail in memorial to Angela.
Again it has been a pleasure and honour to continue as Chairman of Baxterley Parish Council for 2023/24, my 10th consecutive year in office.
We continue to monitor external influences on our Parish in a proactive manner to protect the village and its environment. Mutually beneficial links between BPC, NWBC, WCC, JLR our MP Craig Tracey, Warwickshire Police and the Merevale Estate has meant we have been influential and effective in preserving, shaping and importantly, improving our Community. The strong relationship and support from our Borough and County Councillors is pivotal to this and is very much appreciated.
Personnel
Over the year I am pleased that we have retained a core of Councillors with 5 members currently meaning we carry forward two vacancies. Again I’m encouraged by the level of diverse experience, skills, competence and valuable knowledge which makes us a strong and effective team. Andrew Thompson continued in the role of Vice Chairman and is an asset to BPC.
I thank all of our Parish Councillors who have given freely of their valuable time and resources, working to deliver improvements in and around the village while protecting our environment. Each councillor brings their own views, ideas and knowledge to BPC which ensures a balanced debating environment that serves to enhance the overall democratic decision making process.
First Aid training for 3 Councillors was conducted this year and the majority have been DBS vetted to further strengthen our team.
BPC’s Clerk, Alison Stevens has excelled in the job and has gained further significant knowledge and experience since joining us early in 2022. Alison is a highly valued member of the team and I personally thank her for the way in which she has become so competent, supportive and effective in her role as Clerk and Responsible Financial Officer. The move to Unity Trust Bank has been positive with reduced bank charges and worthwhile interest income. The online banking system works well and is effective and efficient. We continue to further improve the way we document and conduct our duties and responsibilities in line with the Transparency Code and Local Government Act.
Events
The 2 Christmas parties we traditionally orchestrate along with the Party in the Park were well received. Gratitude is extended to all who assisted in making these events a success. This coming year I hope we can orchestrate at least 3 events to entertain and delight the members of our community.
The King’s Coronation was celebrated in Baxterley on 8th May last year by way of a morning Brunch served up at the Rose Inn. Around 90 residents of Baxterley turned out to enjoy the food and learn more about BPC and the Neighbourhood Plan we are slowly developing. This was an ideal opportunity and great way to engage with the wider Community.
Planning
Currently there are no known plans for major housing expansion in our Parish. When planning enforcement is an issue and we have engaged with NWBC to raise our concerns over the developments.
Community Fund:
All applications to the Park Top Community Fund (commonly referred to as the JLR Fund) occurred as normal and were decided by full Committee which has recommenced face-to-face meetings at Merevale Hall. The Old School Room project was successful in their application for landscaping. Grendon benefited from money to replace windows to their Community Centre.
As a reminder £10,000 is available every year for community project applications from each of the 4 parishes.
Community Amenity:
Here I list some of the improvements made to our village over the last 12 months.
• Bus shelter and noticeboard maintenance.
• Commissioning of a traffic survey in the village.
• Grant to The Old School Room project - £500
• Grant to Baxterley in Bloom - £2000
• Consultation is continuing on the new play area which is due to be completed ahead of schedule in 2024.
The Baxterley Newsletter continues to be a good source of local information and is a welcome read every month or so. Sue Reilly has produced and distributed the Newsletter with the help of volunteers and I thank Sue for her work creating what is a well received and appreciated publication. This task has, from May 2024 been taken over by Adam Faulkner, the first issue has been delivered this month.
Support to the Community:
The Old School Room project was successful in obtaining a remarkable level of funding to virtually finish off the regeneration. BPC were approached and we made grant funding available amounting to £500. This year we again supported Baxterley in Bloom with significant assistance in the form of grant funding of £2,000.
Britain in Bloom
Baxterley in Bloom continues to be a conduit to improving our environment. Activities have increased and credit here goes to Heide who Chairs ‘The Bloomers’. Gratitude goes to the dedicated volunteers throughout the year who support the regular working groups. Judging took place in 2023 and the result was another Gold Award in category. The village continues to look aesthetically pleasing and long may it continue.
Finances
BPC continues in a financially strong and stable state with adequate reserves and a contingency in case of unforeseen circumstance and emergencies. Some of the reserves are available for grant funding and to potentially support our asset acquisition aspirations should opportunities become available. We have grown increasingly diligent in setting and controlling our budgets and this will of course continue in future.
Progressing into the future:-
Development of the Baxterley Neighbourhood Plan or Village Plan and engagement with the Community are priorities for the coming year. Serious consideration, over recent years has been given to the Old Institute and the potential building renovation for Public amenity. This subject is on the back-burner and further feasibility work will be needed plus buy-in from the Merevale Estate who own the building.
As always, community feedback via our Newsletter, website or through one of the Councillors will be warmly welcomed.
Thank you and well done to everyone who has contributed in anyway to our lovely village and I hope we have another successful year ahead; without unpleasant surprises
David Rollason
Chairman, Baxterley Parish Council 15.05.2024