Parish Council Newsletter and other relevant information
Clive Howlett’s Open Letter to Chelford Parish Council and residents responses
Click to read Clive’s original letter
Responses:
Andrew Norbury, Chairman of Chelford PC
PARISH COUNCIL CHAIRMAN’S RESPONSE TO MR HOWLETT’S LETTER
I must first apologise for the length of time it has taken to respond but this is a very busy time of the year. I would like to thank Mr Howlett for his comments and, as he says, publishing his views to open a wider debate.
The centenary celebrations were a success and it would be nice to think that in 2108 future generations are celebrating again!
The Vicar’s debate regarding the nature of a rural community is an important one and one that should concern us all as I firmly believe that whether we originate from country, town or city we are very privileged to live in Chelford; a rural village with it’s own Cattle Market, which is a vital part of village life.
The Parish Council has always worked tirelessly on behalf of its residents. One of its major achievements in recent years has been the building of the new school, which provides fantastic educational facilities but which, unfortunately, has not been supported as well as it could have been in recent years.
I agree with the question ‘What really unites every family within Chelford, and provides focus for us all?’ Some months ago a Parish Plan Team was formed and since then it has been working on ideas for the future of the village using responses from parishioners via their questionnaires. Unfortunately, it has taken two years to form this group through lack of volunteers but now that we have eight willing and enthusiastic members, things will be moving rather more rapidly. One of their remits is to engender a greater community spirit within the village and with this in mind; all residents will be able to take advantage of the various community events they intend to hold in the next twelve months. The first event will be a whole village bonfire and fireworks on Wednesday November 5th, followed by Carol Singing on December 10th. There are also plans for a fashion show, Easter Egg Hunt and Scarecrow Shambles competition culminating in a whole village Fun Day and Beer Festival on July 11th 2009. This event will be wholly inclusive for all ages and abilities and will feature activities such as bale tossing, fancy dress bed push, petting zoo, races, football, tug ‘o’ war, children’s entertainment, a card school etc. in the evening there will be a hog roast and live music – something for everyone. Anyone wishing to get involved or provide support will be more than welcome.
Regarding footpaths on and around the estate being overgrown, this is something that has been of concern to The Parish Council for some time now. It is in fact over twelve months since I walked from The Egerton Arms to the Market and back with a Highways Engineer to try and solve the problem. Finally, today, I have received a letter from Macclesfield Borough Council to say that the offending land was still in the ownership of Seddons Properties Ltd but as that company has now been dissolved, it is now Crown Land. The same applies to the embankment on Station Road approaching the station. The Parish Council is taking advice from a local solicitor to see if we can resolve the associated problems. We will then be appealing for volunteers to meet on specified weekend mornings to work on the areas, finishing with a sandwich and a pint in The Egerton.
Remembering that it has taken two years to form The Parish Plan Team and that although there are seven seats on the Parish Council, there are currently only six Parish Councillors, our main problem will be finding the volunteers. This is another reason for holding community events, in the hope that the enthusiasm of the few will filter through to the many.
Having been Chairman of the Parish Council for three years now, I sometimes wonder if some people really know or care about the work that the Parish Council do. All Parish Council Meetings are open to the public and we hold an annual Parish Meeting in May at which the attendance is rarely more than six parishioners. Several residents are on multiple committees due to the lack of interest from others and despite repeated requests for help with the station, it is through the amazing efforts of only FOUR residents that Chelford Station won an award for its tidiness this year. All eight members of the Parish Plan Team have full time jobs and family commitments but they are still prepared to work hard to create a united community. I apologise if my tone seems harsh but it always seems that the same few people step forward to do their bit for everyone else to reap the benefits.
This is a marvellous village, full of wonderful people and if it is to continue to thrive and become even better, we all need to embrace the chance to work together to achieve that. Any contribution, in whatever form, would be very much appreciated.
Andrew Norbury
Chairman Chelford Parish Council
Jane Conquer
Having been a parish councillor for 13 years, until May of this year, I feel compelled to respond to the previous letters.
On several occasions I tried to organise a clear-up day for Mere Court but with very little response. In the end it came down to a few villagers plus my friends.
The pond in Mere Court has been an ongoing project for many years. The fencing was renewed and paths cleared with the help of BTCV (British Trust for Conservation Volunteers),a plaque was erected and sponsors were found to finance the work.
The green covering the water is not algae but duck weed which is fed by the high nutrient content of the water, from the rotting leaf drop each Autumn. Many attempts have been made to clear it, including dragging a rope boom across, barley straw and aquatic planting but to no avail.
Chelford is fortunate to have a long serving and hardworking Parish Council who do their best for the village. Residents can be quick to criticise what is or is not done but significant permanent change will only occur if sufficient numbers of villagers come forward to give their time and become actively involved.
Glyn and Ann Davis
As relative newcomers to not only Chelford, but also Cheshire, it may be pertinent for us to have our say in the community and apologise should we be speaking out of turn or offending the Parish Council or villagers. We have been made to feel very welcome here and thank all those who have contributed to our feeling of acceptance. We totally endorse Clive Howlett\'s comments re a community tidy-up of the village as a whole plus recreation areas and roadside pathways upon which trees and shrubbery appear to have had a tremendous spurt of growth, together with work on the pond and treatment of the algae which covers it in the field alongside Mere Court. Obviously we would need to be provided with skips placed at stragic points plus waders depending on how deep the pond is. We, as a family, would be happy to spend a couple of weekends together with a group of other villagers to this end. Who knows it could become a regular annual event endorsed and enjoyed by all who live in Chelford.
PC Newsletter - February 2008
PC Newsletter - May 2007
PC Newsletter - April 2007
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