LAPWORTH PARISH COUNCIL REPORT
A meeting of local community groups and the County Council’s Community Development Worker Jo Staniforth, was hosted by the Parish Council. The aim of the meeting was to discuss issues of social isolation and fuel poverty in Lapworth. According to the statistics fuel poverty within the Lapworth Area is the highest within Warwickshire but it is necessary to drill down into the data analysed to understand why this is. Potentially due to not being connected to the mains gas, large houses with low occupancy and older less energy efficient properties.
Of more interest to those present was the issue of social isolation and loneliness in the community. There are a number of very active groups within Lapworth. Elderberries, LOPA, the Lees Chapel and St Mary’s church to name a few who would welcome the opportunity to reach out to members of the community. As a starting point it was agreed to compile a directory of all groups that wanted to be included, together with contact details, for publication in the Parish Magazine. If you are member of such a group and wish to be included please contact the Clerk.
A group of residents addressed the Parish Council regarding heightened concerns over incidents of crime in the area. They were representing over 70 people who had attended a meeting at the Punch Bowl to discuss the issues. Due to the increase in social media usage there was an increased awareness of reported crimes in Lapworth and it was felt that both preventative patrolling and effective follow up from the Police were inadequate. The Parish Council agreed to support the raising of concerns to the Chief Constable, the Police Commissioner, the County Council and through local forums and to investigate awareness raising options. It was appreciated that the Police have limited resources but there was a strong feeling that the rural communities were not receiving their fair share of protection.
Following continued concerns regarding a dangerous tree on the public highway along Station Lane the Parish Council are writing to the County to request that appropriate measures are taken as soon as possible.
The November meeting was the last one that Councillor Mrs Smalley was to attend as she had tended her resignation from the Parish Council. Thanks were recorded to Councillor Mrs Smalley for her contributions, not least of all her expert insights into planning matters.
Advanced works to Stanks Island in Warwick–funded by the Government’s Local Growth Fund through the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP) – and the Birmingham Road Improvement Scheme are also due to begin with new road signs reducing the speed limit along Birmingham Road.
County Councillor Cooke drew the following to the attention of the Parish Councillors:
Keep cosy in the cold, get your chimney swept!
Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service were called at shortly before 10pm on 29th October to a chimney fire in Frankton, which was extinguished using a hearth kit, stirrup pump, thermal image camera and small gear. Thankfully no-one was injured as a result.
There are approximately 7,000 chimney fires each year in the UK, most of which are preventable. A clean and efficient chimney is not only the best way to protect against chimney fires but also prevents inefficient burning of fuels which creates dangerous carbon monoxide.
The Parish Council meets the second Monday of each month at 7.30 in the Village Hall. The next meeting is on the 11th December 2017.
Minutes and Agendas for meetings are on the Parish Council website www.lapworthpc.org.uk
Clerk Contact details – phone 01676 533258 or email lapworthpc@speedwellers.co.uk
