| NEWSLETTER MARCH 2008 |
Chirton and Conock Parish Council
NEWSLETTER
Spring 2008
Old Garage Site
At last there is some movement on this project. The developers have submitted new plans to Kennet District Council, which have been displayed on the notice boards. Kennet has some reservations on them and these are being discussed with the developer. Your council also submitted certain observations, mainly to do with the safety of pedestrians at the junction of the A342 and The Hollow. Work should start in March.
Village Precept
This is the sum of money which is raised from the parish's contribution to the Council Tax. Your council decided not to increase it this year in line with inflation and it will remain the same.
Traffic Speed Survey
Some of you may remember seeing two rubber strips across the road late last year. This was arranged by your council with Wiltshire Police to check on the speed of traffic going through the village. The salient points were these. The survey lasted for seven days (168 continuous hours) during which 5,824 vehicles crossed the equipment. One of the criteria for safety camera enforcement is that 85% of the traffic must be travelling at least at 35 mph in a 30 mph limit. At Chirton it fell below this requirement at 33.1mph. During the entire week only 5 vehicles travelled at a speed that would require the driver to be prosecuted at court. It is reassuring to know that very few of the drivers were exceeding the speed limit but everyone should be mindful of the fact that in some instances even 30mph is too fast! Your council will continue to monitor the situation and request a further check if necessary.
Dog Mess
It is gratifying to see that the incidence of dog mess being left within the village boundaries has diminished. Sadly this cannot be said for Conock where it is still at an unacceptable level. Please remember that any dog mess left where it constitutes a nuisance to the public (i.e. public footpaths etc.) is an offence. So please would all dog owners carry a bag with them and take it home!
Recycling Skips
The next date for these skips is 14 March at Marden Village Hall, 1000-1230. The dates for these skips throughout 2008 are as follows. 25 April - School; 20 June - Miller Close; 15 August - Marden Village Hall; 10 October - School; 5 December - Miller Close; 13 February 2009 - Marden Village Hall. The skips will be on site from 1000-1230. If they arrive earlier it will be a bonus!
Grass outside the School
Once again several unthinking people have been driving on the grass and leaving unsightly marks. Please do try to avoid disfiguring the grass, especially as we try to improve our standing in The Best Kept Village Competition.
Best Kept Village Competition
We have entered this competition again and judging will take place towards the end of June. Apart from making your own gardens attractive we need to keep an eye on the public areas. There has been recurrence of litter along the Marden and Patney Roads. If people who are out walking could carry a plastic bag with them and pick up the offending articles it would make a big difference.
Parking by The School
Your Council has become increasingly worried about cars stopping or parking opposite the School. This corner is particularly sharp and an accident could happen at any time. Thanks to the Head Teacher putting a notice in the School Newsletter there has been a dramatic improvement and we are thankful to parents for their cooperation. Please would everyone take note and avoid parking here at any time.
Annual Parish Meeting
The Annual Parish Meeting will be held at 7.30pm on Tuesday 15 April in The School. This is you chance to meet all the councillors and ask them anything you like about what is being done on your behalf. There are many important developments so please make every effort to attend.
Anthony Mather, Chairman — February 2008
Page posted: 20 March 2008