Highways & Byways January 2019 The News and Views from Mickle Trafford and District Hungry Local Resident www.mickletrafford.org.uk Page 2 Highways and Byways Is it too late to wish you Happy New Year ? ... probably yes, by the time you are reading this. I’ve never been very good at making new year resolutions but this year I have promised myself 3 things and so far, so good. Firstly I hate food waste, it seems so unnecessary, so I am doing my absolute best to avoid this. Secondly I have bought reusable produce bags to take to the supermarket so no more little plastic bags and, for my health, 2 dry days each week. Do you have plans for 2019. If you want to share them we would be happy to hear from you. We’ve not seen any really wintry weather yet. If it’s on its way, then stay warm and safe. No broken bones, burst pipes or damaged cars please. Hopefully if February and March are much colder then winter will be over by our next newsletter. Our next newsletter will come out at the end of March. Please send anything you wish to be included by Friday 8th March to Jenny by email at [email protected]. If you want to chat about anything for the next edition contact Jenny or Roger on 01244 301860. BIG GARDEN BIRDWATCH What birds do you see in your garden? 26th—28th January For more information go the rspb.org.uk The views expressed in Highways and Byways are not necessarily the views of the Parish Council. The inclusion of any products and services within the newsletter does not imply endorsement by the editorial team. Page 3 WHAT’S ON — at a glance Weekend 26th—28th January Big Garden Birdwatch, 1 hour in your garden. Wednesday 30th January Village Club Fun Quiz, 8.30pm Village Hall Wednesdays February St Peter’s Toddler group 10.30—12.00 Village Hall Sunday 10th February Book and DVD Sale 10am—2pm Pre-School Com Rm Monday 11th February Parish Council Meeting 6.30pm Village Hall Tuesday 12th February Installation of the Revd Heather Carty 7.30pm St Peters Wednesday 13th February Village Club Fun Quiz, 8.30pm Village Hall Wednesday 27th February Village Club Fun Quiz, 8.30pm Village Hall Wednesdays March St Peter’s Toddler group 10.30—12.00 Village Hall Sunday 10th March Messy Church 9.45am Village Hall Monday 11th March Parish Council Meeting 6.30pm Village Hall Wednesday 13th March Village Club Fun Quiz, 8.30pm Village Hall Wednesday 27th March Village Club Fun Quiz, 8.30pm Village Hall If you want to make sure your special event is highlighted in this section contact Jenny 01244 301860 Page 4 MICKLE TRAFFORD & DISTRICT PARISH COUNCIL NEWS Based on the Parish Council Meetings held on 10th Dec. and 14th January Open Forum POLICE UPDATE Monthly report from PCSO Makin Speed Watch: I have been targeting the same roads including – Ince Lane in Wimbolds Trafford, A56 in Mickle Trafford, Plough Lane in Christleton and Guilden Sutton Lane and Common Lane in Waverton to name a few. I have also been out with members of the community speed watch for Mickle Trafford completing some speed awareness on the A56 outside the Village Hall. If anybody would like to join me again for this then please let me know as it is a great way to collectively deter speeding along these roads. Young People/ASB Anti-Social Behaviour hasn’t been a problem for our communities, but I am talking regularly to some of the youths around the villages and have had mostly positive interactions to date. My Police Surgery Dates that are held weekly at my Tier 2 Police Base, which is in Mickle Trafford Village Hall . See noticeboards for dates Constable Rob Boulton Following concerns raised by a member of the public after viewing statistics on the Cheshire Constabulary website for the Mickle Trafford area, PC Boulton attended the January meeting to give the Parish Council further information. He had viewed the statistics since August 2018 and agreed that the category headings could well be alarming to residents. As an example, two incidents in August 2018 were recorded under “Violence” but neither incident had warranted any lengthy investigation. He explained that each category covered a spectrum of behaviour from mild to severe. If an incident had been resolved at the time of the incident it would be recorded in the statistics but no further action taken. PC Boulton assured those present that the Mickle Trafford had experienced a low level of criminality. The Chairman then closed the Open Forum. Names of Councillors present, apologies for absence, and Declarations of Interest were recorded. Parish Council Minutes. Minutes of the meeting held on 10th December were approved. Planning/Finance Committee The minutes of the 3rd December 2018 and 7th January 2019 were noted. Page 5 Co-option of Parish Councillor It was proposed by Cllr Taylor, seconded by Cllr Harrison and agreed by all that Mr Cameron Robson be co-opted onto the Parish Council Draft Budget 2019-20 (recommendation from Finance Committee) The recommendation of the Finance Committee that the precept for 2019/20 should be set at £45000 was accepted. Action Update Dog Control – Gowy Woodland Park It was agreed that the contact number put forward by CWaC to report the breaking of any regulations by dog walkers in the Woodland Park should be advertised. The number given is for Regulatory Services and is 01244 973708. It was noted that the Dog waste bins are now being emptied on a more regular basis. 20mph extension – The Street We have been advised that the survey will be carried out early in the new year but results may not be available till February. Pathway Lighting – A56 to Wells Close It was agreed that Cllr Taylor should purchase equipment up to £50 to trial a method that may alleviate some dark areas of the footpath. Shrubs in the area will be pruned to allow light from the main road to cover the area. Flooding – Warrington Road We are awaiting comments from the Highways Engineer for CWaC about the work that has been carried out and their response to a resident’s comments. Drains – Warrington Road We are awaiting comments from Highways Engineer for CWaC about how serious the problem is with the road drains between the Toby Carvery and the Chester Fields. Cllr Woods wished it to be noted that the road drains in Ince Lane were not working properly. Car Park Rental An agreement has been reached with the owner of the land on this matter and the Council is awaiting a new contract before proceeding with further payment. Website / Social Media Cllr Taylor is being assisted by a member of the public to work through issues relating to the operation of the website. The Domain name for the website will be back under the control of Cllr Taylor in the near future. Pathway from Meadow Lea Farm to Railway Bridge on Station Lane CWaC has been asked for suggestions to make this area safer for pedestrians and cyclists. Page 6 Gowy Liaison Meeting on 6th December. Soil import continues to enable capping on the North facing side.. A new cell has been completed ahead of schedule. Planning permission has been approved to allow tipping to commence at 7.30am. Some vehicle movements will occur before that time to enable a prompt start. The usual issues around litter picking, odour, and seagulls are being addressed. Matters raised at the discretion of the Chairman Cllr Parker expressed the need for a committee to take charge of both the day to day running of the Queens Diamond Jubilee Park and its development for the future. See article on page 9. Cllr Spence commented on a rumour that the Gowy Landfill site intend to request a further six years life for the site on Ince Lane. The manager of FCC Environmental was immediately asked about this situation and he advised that there were no plans to continue beyond the current timescale. Date and time of next Parish Council Meeting Monday 11th February at the Village Hall @ 6.30pm Page 7 ST PETER’S PLEMSTALL A friendly church with a warm welcome for all ages Space to be still and know the love of God Worship every Sunday A beautiful setting for weddings and baptisms For full details of our services see the website or newsletter. Monthly pattern: 1st Sunday 9.30am Holy Communion (Book of Common Prayer) 2nd Sunday 11am Family Service 3rd Sunday 9.30am Holy Communion (Common Worship) 4th Sunday 11am Holy Communion (Common Worship) 5th Sunday 11am Holy Communion (Common Worship) New Vicar Announced We were delighted to announce in late November that the next Rector of St Peter's and St John's will be the Revd. Heather Carty. We heartily congratulate Heather on her appointment. She has been our Curate since 2016 and we very much look forward to the continuation of her ministry among us. Heather's official service of Induction and Installation as Rector will take place on Tuesday 12th February at 7.30pm at St Peter’s Plemstall. St Peter’s Toddler Group & Community Coffee Bar Open on Wednesday Mornings, 10.30am –12noon, in Mickle Trafford Village Hall. The main hall will be open for babies/toddlers & parents/carers, with many toys available. The lounge will be open for anyone to drop in for tea or coffee. Everyone welcome. Messy Church The next Messy Church is on Sunday 10th March at 9.45am in Mickle Trafford Village Hall.