BEESTON PARISH COUNCIL
ANNUAL PARISH MEETING
held at Peckforton & Beeston Village Room 7.05pm 28th May 2024
present: Mike Harrison, Andrew Haydock, Tom Platt, Andrew Evans, Rachel Thirlwall, Helen Exley (Clerk)
Apologies Daphne Weedall
Introduction & Welcome
Mike Harrison welcomed all Councillors to the meeting. Members of public were present.
Annual Report of the Parish Council by the Chairman, Beeston Parish Council.
There had been quite a number of matters dealt with by the PC on behalf of the local community during the last twelve months. MH summarised these –
Planning matters
Wild Boar Hotel
With CW&C granting planning permission to Tabley Homes work has started on site – demolition of the bedroom block to the rear of the site and starting on the infrastructure for the site.
Old Cattle Market site
We continues to enjoy a good relationship with the developers who provide regular updates and are very responsive to any issues / queries put to them by the Parish Council.
Other Planning Matters
The PC have considered about a dozen planning applications and what impact they might have on the area. Where applicable objections / concerns were lodged with CW&C Planning Department.
Highways issues
The number of highway defects has continued to reduce, this is due in part to the continuing regular meetings with the principal engineer which helps to get matters progressed. Unfortunately, there are still a number of ‘old friends’ outstanding. The surveying side of the Department works well. Regrettably the new delivery contactors appear to be a bit hit and miss with the timescales of repairs.
Litter – Peter Wilson has continued to help reduce the amount of litter on our verges.
Speeding on A49 – The Old Cattle Market developer is paying for a permanent Speed Indicator Device to be installed between Deanbank and the entry to the development on the northbound carriageway verge. Currently with Highways as some of the existing road signs will be impacted.
School Transport – withdrawal
We have challenged the withdrawal transport with CW&C and have had no response.
Our FOI about the safety report review has been turned down on the grounds it’s not a good use of taxpayer funds to respond to individual requests when a report is being prepared for public issue in October 2024.
Lake Vyrnwy Adequate Pipeline Maintenance
There has been considerable liaison with United Utilities over their works and we have had success with minimising the impact on the Parish of their works especially the removal of hedges on Moss Lane and footpath closures.
Verge wildflower planting
The pilot scheme in the village was a success. We will (hopefully) see the results of the reseeding done in February and the self-setting from last year’s flowering.
New Sweet Chestnut Tree
The funds which were given to the Parish by the former WI have been utilised in the purchase of a Sweet Chestnut Tree which has been planted near the Commemorative Wreath on Peckforton Road.
Xmas 2023
Lulu Haydock kindly added festive décor to the Village sign and the Peckforton Estate donated us a Christmas Tree which Tom Platt helped erect and decorate.
Engagement with the community
The Parish Council regularly updates its website with information / matters which will be of interest / concern to residents within the Parish.
“Thank you’s”
Finally, MH thanked his fellow councillors for their contributions during the last 12 months and also Helen for her support as our clerk.
Statement on the Parish Council accounts for Year ending 31 March 2022 by the Clerk to the Parish Council.
The Precept was increased very slightly from last year year’s level of £4,150 to £4,241.
The Parish projects for 2023/24 have been the continued planting of the wildflower seeds at a cost of £57. The impact of the planting has had a very beneficial effect, with many locals commenting on it.
Litter picking costs are increased this year with the total cost for the year at £1144.
Further investment was made to the British Legion for the lamp post poppies in the Parish for Remembrance Day.
The Invoice was finally paid to CWAC for the Speed signage. This was a cost of £2520.
All other total costs remained within budget excluding the speed signage cost, so we have ended the year with a reserve of £2,806.
As always, thanks to the Chair and Councillors for their continued support in my role as Clerk to the Parish Council.
To invite the public to raise any matters of interest.
None Raised.
The Meeting ended at 7.10pm