Clerk’s Report November 2016

LAPWORTH PARISH COUNCIL REPORT

The October meeting welcomed Stephen Esselmont’s, owner of WillPower Garage, co-option to the Parish Council. Cllr Esselmont is a longstanding resident and business owner in the Parish and brings with him a wealth of knowledge in relation to local matters.

Warwick District Council news – The examination of the Warwick District Local Plan rumbles on at the Town Hall, Leamington Spa, but an outcome is not due until spring of 2017. The refurbishment plans of the Leisure Centres continue and on 17th November a decision will be made by Warwick District Council whether all of Newbold Comyn Leisure Centre and the swimming pool at St Nicholas Park Leisure Centre would be closed concurrently for 22 weeks.

Warwickshire County Council news – C Cllr Compton highlighted the Warwickshire Health Transport scheme which provides transport for people to attend medical appointments. More details are available from 01926 412300 or www.warwickshire.gov.uk/healthtransport. Volunteer drivers are also being sought. For more information contact 01926 412600 or www.warwickshire.gov.uk/hiddensuperhero.

Against a backdrop of significant reduction in Central Government funding, 317 staff had been given notice of redundancy and series of roadshows were taking place to ascertain which service are valued most. Responses tend to vary by demographic and location.

Measures put in place by the Boot Management to alleviate concerns and traffic problems caused by the annual Bonfire Night event seem to have been largely successful with no complaints or feedback being received to date. However late on the same evening as the Boot Bonfire, on the green at the Oaks, a newly planted ‘weeping cherry’ tree was snapped off at its base and broken beyond repair.  The tree had only just been planted to commemorate the Queens 90th Birthday.  The Parish Council has reported this act of wonton vandalism to the police.

A volunteer from the Canal and River Trust attended the November meeting to outline plans for a bid for funding from the District Council to improve the stretch of canal towpath between Kingswood Junction and the Boot to give it a firm flat stone based surface. This section is a ‘missing link’ as the towpath on both sides has been upgraded and this would complete the Lapworth section enabling all to enjoy a much improved meander or march along the towpath. The Parish Council welcomed and supported this initiative and has pledged a donation toward the works. The volunteers of the Canal and River Trust will be undertaking the labour aspect but funding is needed for the materials. Should any local businesses wish to support please contact the Parish Council for further details.

A Public consultation meeting for proposed residential development on Land at Meadow House/Kingswood Farm, Kingswood. The details of the consultation event are as follows:

Venue: Lapworth Village Hall, Old Warwick Road, B94 6LD

Date: Monday 5th December 2016

Time: 4.00pm – 7.00pm

Whilst this application is technically in Rowington, the developers A C Lloyd, have issued an open invitation to all interested local residents.

Another nearby proposed development is one being considered by Solihull Metropolitan Council for the development of new Motorway Service Area, associated highway improvement works and other associated infrastructure. Land Adjacent J4 M42 Box Tree Farm Stratford Road Hockley Heath Solihull. Full details are available on the Solihull website http://publicaccess.solihull.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=summary&keyVal=OFWWSPOE01G00

The Parish Council meets the second Monday of each month at 7.30 in the Village Hall

Meeting dates are 12th December 2016, 9th January 2017, 13th February 2017, 13th March and 2017 Parish Assembly, 10th April 2017, 8th May 2017 Annual Meeting

Parish Council website www.lapworthpc.org.uk

Clerk Contact details – phone 01676 533258 or email lapworthpc@speedwellers.co.uk