May 2022 Chairman's Report
Firstly we warmly welcome two new members of staff, Tony Shaw as our Clerk/Finance Officer and Karen Rippin as our Environmental Officer. They both come with a wealth of knowledge and experience and lots of fresh ideas for the Council and the 3 villages.
The Parish Council made a zero % precept increase for 2022 as it was felt that residents have had a difficult few years with Covid-19 and its effects. We will strive to provide services despite this budget freeze, and will look to grant funding and economies wherever possible.
The Village Hall has been redecorated inside, additional kitchen equipment purchased, a parish office created, a new defibrillator and bleed kits installed, noticeboard and benches refurbished and picnic benches purchased for outside. Work to the CCTV has been commissioned to improve night vision, including the camera facing the Square.
A new walkers’ bench has been installed at Grainsby with a memorial plaque for the late Tim Stone, who served the Council for many years.
The Parish Council reviewed the grass cutting contract and I am sure all will agree that the new contractors have done a great job at keeping the green spaces owned by the Parish Council neat and tidy. New planters brighten up the village resulting in the village winning joint first in the ‘newcomer’ category in the Best Kept Village Competition 2021. A full tree survey has been completed and all recommended works undertaken to ensure the safety and health of the trees on parish land. A new dog bin by the sports field has been installed.
The Play Park safety inspection took place with some repairs being done already, and others including the roundabout scheduled to take place as soon as weather permits. A grant enabled the purchase of new soccer nets.
A team of wonderful volunteers, the Magpies, have been supported by the Parish Council with funding for litter pickers, safety equipment and first aid kits.
An educational Metal Bird Trail interpretation board designed by Cllr Fisher was installed in the Memorial Garden and the trail has proved a big hit with families.
The much-loved ‘North Thoresby News’ published and printed by the Parish Council and edited by Cllr Rob Burnett continues to provide information to every resident several times per year. A huge thank you to Cllr Burnett who has just edited his 25th edition!
A 2022 North Thoresby calendar, designed by Cllr Fisher, will be hanging in lots of your homes after a great response to the calendar photography competition.
The Parish Council website has had a revamp and will continue to be updated throughout the year.
As we came out of lockdown, we have been able to hold some events, including a Remembrance Day event, a Christmas lights switch on at the Village Hall, and some Live & Local concerts. We look forward to the community coming together for the Platinum Jubilee.
Committed to reducing speed in the village, a team of volunteers coordinated by Cllr Wyatt has been out on the road-side with speed guns. The results of the speed surveys has led to the Parish Council agreeing to purchase and install vehicle activated speed signs for Station Road.
Finally, the Parish Council undertook a village wide survey, and the results will be used to form our plans for the coming year.
We thank residents for their support through what has been a difficult two years for everyone, and we look forward to continuing the good work done by parish councils for the benefit of their communities.