2008 - 2009
During the last twelve months the Parish Council has been involved with a range of diverse tasks that covers the day-to-day aspects of the village. From encouraging the Cricket Club in their revitalisation, trying to keep track of the status of the lighting on the steps from The Close to the Compton road while convincing a reluctant Thames Water that the liquid pouring from the bridge on the B4009 was theirs, it is all part of the day-to-day. These activities were intermingled with the more regular tasks of planning applications, dog bins, grass cutting and working with the Parish Plan in their endeavours.
This last year has seen the culmination of an idea seeded several years ago by Pamela Betts, the then Parish clerk, to support the desire for additional housing in the village for people who have true and long standing association with the area. A number of rented and shared ownership houses on land originally held by The Gerald Palmer Trust were formally opened in October by The Princess Royal. People who have a local connection will continue to have a higher claim than “outsiders” when the properties come up for rent or sale.
The village website also came into its own. Like a phoenix evolving from earlier incantations the site is now both informative and fresh looking. There are several organisations in the village that actively publish on the site and the small team that manage it are aiming to get most, if not all, the village activities publicised. Expect more content soon from several of the Parish Plan groups.
During the year Sovereign Housing wanted to build a ramped access to the bungalows in The Close, the land where the path was planned was at that time owned by the Parish Council. The Council offered to sell the land for a nominal £1 so that the residents – current and future – may have easier access to the properties. The offer was accepted by the Sovereign board and it is expected that the work will commence in the near future.
The Council needs another councillor! We are one member below our full complement of seven. Anyone who is a resident of Hampstead Norreys and is on the electoral role can apply to be co-opted onto the Council. The meetings are few – but important – and it is an opportunity to contribute to the village. If you are interested please contact the Clerk on 202397 or the Chairman on 200875.
