Chairman's Annual Report 2019
Halton Holegate Parish Council
Chairman’s Report 2019
Last year I reported that we were in one of the wettest and coldest springs on record. How times have changed as we have just had the warmest February for a long time. The snow drops, and daffodils don’t know where to go
Our village continues to develop at a slow rate with largely infill and existing property extensions. It is still difficult to pass across constructive comments to the planning department and have opinions listened to.
Our Councils are under pressure to reduce costs as in previous years and precept determination has to be looked at very carefully. We still struggle with Highway repairs, but we were pleased with the improvements between Halton Holegate and Halton Fenside. We wish they didn’t get so bad before they are repaired, My thanks to Councillor Sisson for overseeing the finances and budget.
The cut and collect programme for our verges seems to have worked in 2018 but we are not sure if it will be repeated in 2019 as costs are not known.
Triton Knoll have removed topsoil for laying their cables soon, crossing the Fens north of New Leake.
Our school continues to attract local people and is popular from further afield as well.
Our church has a new roof on the north side aisle and were given permission to use stainless steel rather than lead. Our thanks go to the Methodist Chapel for allowing us to hold our meetings in their Hall.
I would like to thank our District Councillor, Councillor Swanson and County Councillor, Councillor Mrs Bowkett for their help and support during the year. They keep us informed about matters which affect our village and future costs that may affect our budget.
Many thanks to our Clerk, Christine Newton, for her help, support and understanding in running our Council business smoothly and thoroughly, many thanks to all our Parish Councillor’s for their help in achieving our objectives in their various roles. It is sad that we have struggled to fill our vacancy on the Council.
Finally thank you for your support to me as Chairman. Our family has struggled under some difficult circumstances just lately, but I look forward to working with you all, if re-elected in the coming election
Cllr James Grant
Chairman