LAPWORTH PARISH COUNCIL REPORT At the February meeting the Parish Council was pleased to approve a grant request from Lapworth Cricket Club to support the purchase of an electronic scoreboard to complete ground improvements that the club has implemented over the last 15 years. Also approved was part funding for an umpires’ changing facility as required to maintain membership of the Cotswold Hills League. Thanks and congratulations were extended to the Club for the great work done and achievements within the League. Twice runners up in the Premier League in 2018 and 2019 – 2020 could be the year!
Advance notification had been received the Birmingham and West Midlands leg of the Velo cycle race would be passing through, and closing similar routes as last year, on 21st June. A frequent feature on the Parish Council agenda is speeding traffic and, having listened to residents’ concerns, the Parish Council:
• Has written to the Police and Crime Commissioner to ask that speedchecks are introduced and maintained;
• Is canvassing to have speedchecks on Old Warwick Road and Rising Lane included in the Rural West Police priorities;
• Has an initiative is afoot to create a Lapworth Community Speedwatch Group. Plans are still being developed but volunteers will be needed to commit to training and participate in traffic speed monitoring. Further details will be available in due course but if you are interested in getting involved please contact the Clerk.
The response from the Police and Crime Commissioner’s office signposted back to the Police and on a positive note it has been reported that two Special Constables conducted speed check on the Old Warwick Road at Lapworth on Thurs 30th January. During this period one ticket was issued to a motorist travelling at 43 mph and one ticket was issued for driving without a seatbelt. Cllr Joy Doyle presented a Social Media and Communication plan that has the objectives of:
• Raising awareness of who, what and why of the Parish Council
• Looking outwardly to the community and be needs driven
• Share information, discussions and decisions
With a view to building and strengthening our community. It is hoped to make, and share, progress over the next few months.
District Councillor Hales advised that Warwick District Council’s Officers and a cross-party group of Councillors have developed a plan ‘The Climate Emergency Action Programme’ that advocates strong local leadership and significant investment to change our future for the better. The Plan will enable the Council to be carbon-neutral by 2025 and help the district to also be carbon-neutral by 2030, plus make necessary local preparations for climate disasters such as flooding. Significant investment means there is significant cost to implementing this plan and Councillors believe that the fairest way to raise the money locally is through Council tax. It will therefore be considered at the District Council meeting on 26th February whether to ask residents for an increase of £1 per week (for a Band D property) at a Referendum to be held on 7th May at the same time as the Police and Crime Commissioner election. This is in addition to the £5 increase to cover existing services and would put £3m per year, £12m over a four year period, into a ‘ring-fenced’ Climate Action Fund.
Plans for the Parish Assembly on Monday 9th March at 7.00pm in the Committee Rooms of the Village Hall were agreed. All residents are invited to come to hear important updates from a number of village organisations invited to give a brief presentation of their activities over the previous 12 months.
The Parish Council hope there will be a good turnout from members of the public to hear about key Disrict Council and County Council priorities and the Parish Council plans to: – Sponsor production of a Neighbourhood Plan to help influence the future of developments within the Parish – Create a coordinated Social Media theme across various platforms for all local groups and individuals to share ideas and experiences – Sponsor a local Speedwatch group to carry out authorised speed checks at key locations Parish Council meetings take place on the second Monday of each month at 7.30pm in the Committee Room of Lapworth Village Hall. Minutes and Agendas for meetings are on the Parish Council website www.lapworthpc.org.uk Clerk Contact details – phone 01676 533258 or email clerk@lapworthpc.org.uk
