BISHAMPTON AND THROCKMORTON PARISH COUNCIL
PARISH COUNCIL NEWS: June 2005
Parish Amenities
Well,
due to elections, holidays etc. we missed the June newsletter. However, we
have had two Annual Parish meetings in Bishampton and Throckmorton and my
thanks to those who took the trouble to turn up and congratulations to Throckmorton
who as a percentage of population were nearly six times better than Bishampton.
The attendance for Bishampton was disappointing as there are issues on the horizon that are important to our community. The Parish Plan survey, which is on our web page indicates that the most valued amenity is the shop (Bishampton Stores) and this is clearly under threat. The shop needs to demonstrate a greater return on sales if it is to continue as a worthwhile business and in the near future we shall be attempting to identify what it is that people want from a shop that Bishampton Stores is currently not providing. Don’t say cheaper prices because there is no way in which Steve can compete with the likes of Tesco’s but if people are prepared to pay a little more for the convenience of the service what would they like to be able to buy in the shop? You can expect a survey in the not too distant future so please take the trouble to present your views.
And lest Throckmorton feel left out you also need to support your parishioners who are working very hard to try and ensure a future for the Parish Room – either they succeed in pulling together a viable business plan to obtain grants or face the prospect of closure because the existing building is uneconomic to maintain as a safe environment.
Finally, you may wish to consider what is to happen to our parish churches in Throckmorton and Bishampton. Support for the Church is not high on the Parish Plan survey and it is becoming increasingly difficult for the existing congregations to fund maintenance of these buildings when their primary aim is to fund a ministry of Christian belief. What does the future hold for the upkeep of these buildings – sale to private ownership?
Rupert Segar
We are particularly sorry to lose
Rupert Segar as a Parish Councillor because he is in the process of moving
out of the parish. He will be seriously missed on the council because
of his profound ability to cut through the flannel and identify the
salient issues. We will also miss his journalistic skills in editing the Parish
Council submissions for the Newsletter, a fact that is probably only
too apparent! Rupert was also one of the leading lights in PACT (the
campaign opposing the Throckmorton Asylum Centre) and I believe we
should all be grateful that we had someone of Rupert’s
calibre fighting our corner on that very difficult issue. I am sure I
can extend thanks from not only the PC but both the communities of Bishampton
and Throckmorton for services rendered and wish Rupert and his family
every happiness in their new location.
Councillor Vacancy
I
t will be evident from the above that we now have a vacancy for a councillor
on the Parish Council . Our Clerk will be posting notification in due
course and, should it be required, an election will be held. However, the
more likely scenario is that the vacancy will be filled by co-option. If
you at all interested in putting yourself forward please do not hesitate
to contact either myself (Eric Carter) 462847 or the Clerk to the Parish,
( Anne Boocock ) 11 Babylon Lane, Bishampton.
Licensing Regulations
Hopefully
you will be aware that there is considerable concern in the villages over
the new licensing regulations due to come into force in the autumn. If you
want to be able to enjoy a drink at Village Hall events or buy a beer from
the shop or even win a bottle of wine on the tombola then doing nothing is
not an option – WRITE
TO YOUR MP. Peter Charlesworth , Roger Ockenden , Rupert Segar or myself
will supply details if you require more information about the issue
and how it will affect you.
Village Clean Up
On
Saturday 10th September we are hoping to carry out a clear up of litter from
our village roads. Not that we are particularly plagued with this apart for
the fly tipping but there is the opportunity to raise £500
for Parish funds. Of course we need volunteers so if you feel you could
help please let either myself (462847) or the Clerk to the Parish,
( Anne Boocock ) 11 Babylon Lane, Bishampton know.
Eric Carter