BISHAMPTON AND THROCKMORTON PARISH COUNCIL

PARISH COUNCIL NEWS: FEBRUARY 2007

Roadworks

Christmas Lights

Dog Fouling in Bishampton

Bishampton Junior Play Area

Bus Times

Spatial Strategy

Allotment

Elections

Fly Tipping

Meet Councillors

Roadworks
Severn Trent representatives attended the January parish council meeting to talk about the roadworks which have closed the village and will continue in two phases into April while the aged and collapsing sewer system is replaced. The first phase will see the road closed from the bottom of Abberton Road to the shop and phase two will see the road closed from the shop to the pumping station by Moat Farm Lane. The works will move in sections through the village, taking up the full width of road, and temporary pipes will mean no homes need to be cut off from the sewers as they go. There is a site office stationed at the Abberton Road end of the works which is manned during working hours.

Christmas Lights
For those who didn’t know, the new Christmas lights which appeared in the village were provided thanks to E-On, Central Networks, which kindly provided the parish council with a grant for £2,500. This was spent on the Christmas tree in the village centre, lights for the Villages Hall and lights on the Throckmorton Parish Room.

Dog Fouling in Bishampton
From the number of complaints and the gathering evidence on the pavements, it is very apparent that some dog owners are totally undeterred by the prospect of a £1000 fine. The Parish Council has tried through various means to make dog owners aware of the problem and, through Wychavon and the assistance of some parishioners, provided dog bins and collection bags.
H
owever, since the problem is persisting, the Parish Council will now adopt the policy of reporting the known offenders to Wychavon Environmental Services with the recommendation that they should proceed with a prosecution if there is satisfactory evidence.
The Parish Council would also encourage parishioners to report offenders with as much supporting evidence as possible (witnesses, photographs etc.) to Environmental Services at Wychavon District Council 01386 565015 or, in the event of a significant mess which needs clearing, they should report it to Client Services at Wychavon District Council 01386 565018.

Bishampton Junior Play Area
Plans are on display in the shop for the Junior Play Area. Members of the play area committee are currently gathering funds for the project. Anyone who would like to help or can contribute, can contact the clerk as below.

Bus Times
Some bus timetables changed at the start of January and more are set to change in February. To find out more, call 01905 765765 for a timetable or see www.worcestershire.gov.uk/bustimetables

Spatial Strategy
The unexciting name 'Regional Spatial Strategy' hides a plan whereby the West Midlands Regional Assembly is looking at building about 20,000 new homes in Wychavon – about the size of another Evesham. Councillors have been attending workshops to learn more about the plans and are preparing a response. To find out more, see the Strategic Planning section at the Worcestershire County Council website. www.worcestershire.whub.org.uk

Allotment
A parishioner has enquired about allotments, but unfortunately all the church land and village charity land has been given up for growing and let out as paddock. If anyone has a garden they need tending or some land they can provide for a keen gardener, please contact the clerk, as below.

Elections
Elections are taking place on May 3rd for Wychavon District Council as well as the Parish Council. See notice boards for information if you would like to stand as a councillor, or contact the clerk for more details.

Fly Tipping
Fly tippers are being targeted by Wychavon District Council. Phone 01386 565656 to report offenders, who face a penalty of up to £50,000 fine or a jail sentence. Wychavon points out that householders are responsible for their waste if it’s found tipped illegally, whether they have done it themselves or employed cowboy workmen.

Meet Councillors
Meet county councillors, hear about council/policing/planning developments in the Pershore area and let them know your views at the Pershore Area Forum taking place on March 1st at Pershore Civic Centre, 7pm.

The next parish council meeting is scheduled for March 5th at 7.30pm at the Village Hall, Bishampton. It will begin with an open forum session when people are welcome to raise issues for consideration by the council. Alternatively, contact the Parish Clerk Carolyn Morris on 01386 554058 (fimor@aol.com).