Work to improve the A602 between Tonwell and Watton-at-Stone will begin in mid-June, with roadworks starting along the route this week.

The works will:

• Enlarge and improve the Watton-at-Stone roundabout where the A602 meets the A119
• Realign the A602 between Heath Mount School and Stony Hills junction to smooth out tight bends
• Improve junctions to reduce delays from traffic turning right on this realigned section of the A602.
• Plant new trees and hedges to improve wildlife habitats along the route

The work will be carried out by contractor Interserve Construction Limited and will require a series of road closures including:

• Tues 23 June – Wed 30 September: Ware Road closed from A602/A119 roundabout (western leg) to Watton House Lodge.
• Tues 16 June – Mon 29 June: Whempstead Lane closed from junction with A602 Ware Road to Whempstead Lane
• Mon 29 June – Tues 14 July: Sacombe Pound closed from junction with A602 Ware Road to Sacombe Green Road
• Mon 29 June – Wed 15 July: Night-time works (Monday to Friday from 8pm to 5am) on A119 roundabout with 3-way traffic lights in place
• Wed 15 July (overnight): A119 full closure from 10pm to 5am
• Thurs 16 July onwards: narrow lanes on A602/A19 roundabout in place 24h a day

The most up-to-date information on roadworks will be available on the one.network website.

The county council will also be applying for further planning permission for a cycle path to run alongside a section of Ware Road to connect popular cycle routes in the area.

“With around 100,000 new homes expected in Hertfordshire by 2031, we’re expecting an increase in the number of vehicles on the roads, so it’s vital that we invest in key schemes to improve the road network and keep Hertfordshire moving as the population grows.”

Improvements have already been made to other sections of the A602, including the Hertford Road junction in Stevenage and the Anchor Lane roundabout and A10 junction near Ware. This project is jointly funded by Hertfordshire County Council and Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), which has contributed £20m from the Local Growth Fund.
Adam Wood, Head of Infrastructure & Regeneration at Hertfordshire LEP, said: “Our £20m investment towards the improvement of the A602 is facilitating vital work needed to increase the safety and reliability of this persistently busy section of Hertfordshire’s highway network. The work taking place will improve journey times for road users and the resilience of the route to increased traffic flows as Hertfordshire’s population increases and its economy grows.”

Current COVID-19 restrictions and social distancing guidelines present challenges to normal working practices that may affect the planned completion dates for the works, however we are working with the contractor to minimise the impact on the travelling public.

Message from Linda Sheridan and Clare Hawkins

Dear colleagues,

In the midst of our collective response to the Covid-19 situation, we are very pleased to share with you the news that HCT has once again retained its overall rating of _Good_ from the Care Quality Commission. The CQC’s report has been published today and follows a routine inspection of our services which took place in February and March this year. The Trust was rated _Good_ for four out of the five overall domains – Effective, Caring, Responsive and Well Led – with Safe being rated as _Requires Improvement_.

The CQC’s full report is available from the HCT provider page on the CQC website. Overall, the inspection team were really impressed with the professionalism, care and dedication from all our people. Karen Holland, our lead inspector, said “What was impressive was the passion of all staff to deliver good quality care.”

The inspection report highlights a number of areas of good practice, including:

• Staff understanding of how to protect patients from abuse and effective working with other agencies around adult safeguarding
• Completing and updating risk assessments for patients and removing or minimising risks
• Monitoring of the effectiveness of care and treatment
• Good management of patient safety incidents, including recognising and reporting incidents and near misses
• Good use of monitoring results to improve safety, including the collecting and sharing of safety information with colleagues, patients and the public
• Staff working together as a team to benefit patients
• Giving patients practical support and advice to lead healthier lives

The CQC also highlighted two areas of outstanding practice:

• Our progress chasers in our community inpatient units and how these colleagues help support rapid resolutions, for example to patients’ care package requirements
• The knowledge and practice of our safeguarding leads which the inspectors described as exemplary and with excellent feedback from our stakeholders

There are however areas identified by the CQC where we still need to make improvements, including:

• Ensuring our in-patient teams always administer medicines in line with best practice
• Managers having oversight of clinical supervision to ensure we always comply with our target
• Ensuring staff have easy access to laboratory tests and x-ray results
• Implementing appropriate equality and diversity network groups across all protected characteristics
• Implementing Trust strategies covering workforce, equality and diversity, and patient and carer experience and involvement

Retaining our overall rating of _Good_ is down to the sheer hard work, dedication and skill of everyone in HCT. When we look back at last year, it is a substantial achievement for so many other reasons – the transfer of the Herts Valleys community adult services and 600 colleagues to another NHS provider last October; implementing our new Trust strategy, vision, values and objectives; changes to our Trust Board, and most recently the incredible way that everyone has responded to the unprecedented challenges of Covid-19, something none of us could have predicted. Our Board and executive team are rightly very proud of our teams and of everything they have achieved.  We responded in early March to the CQC’s initial findings and actions and are now working on an action plan to address the findings in the full report.

We also want to thank you and all our partners across the Hertfordshire and West Essex social care system for your support and for working with us so effectively, especially at the current time. Do share the news with other colleagues if you wish.

Best wishes,
Clare and Linda

Acting Chairman’s Statement 07/05/20

 

Having only recently taken over the role of Acting Walkern Parish Council (WPC) chairman, I have found the role both challenging and rewarding in equal measure. The previous Chairman was unable to continue in the role earlier this year and as Vice Chairman I decided immediately to step in and take his work forward so that the WPC could continue to press on with all its various aspects of work on behalf of the residents of the village. The Parish Council wishes former Chairman Steve Wood all the best in his future endeavours.

Having set this year’s precept in line with our plans for the development of the village over the next 12 months and beyond, our main objectives can be defined as follows:

• Communication – WPC recognises the need to better communicate with all residents of the village and with that in mind we have begun an overhaul of our web site and communication strategy in line with what works for other councils and feed back from residents.

Our new web site will be going live in May 2020 and features more useful information both on the village in general, the work of the Parish Council and links into other community areas of the county. We will regularly update this new site with news items and welcome constructive feedback from residents to the ongoing development of our new site.

• Planning – This has proved and continues to be a challenging brief for Walkern Parish Council as some applications are still being sought despite their disregard of both the local plan and our very own Neighbourhood plan. Both plans are designed to protect our village from unwanted and undesirable developments up to 2033.

Some of these applications essentially bring no enhancements to the fabric of our local society or way of life. That said applications that do meet the afore mentioned plans thresholds are welcome and we have a track record of supporting sensible small-scale development by the residents of the village.

We are also fully engaged with the ongoing construction site at Froghall lane (this requires constant monitoring and liaising with EHDC and Mears) and the proposed development of East of Stevenage (EOS) Gresley Park (EHDC recently approved this plan but serious objections remain). We are also committed to attending meetings related to the proposed expansion of London Luton Airport.

Planning remains a complicated area and Walkern Parish Council is extremely fortunate to have Councillor Rist heading up planning responses for us as she brings invaluable knowledge of the Neighbourhood Plan and the village in general. I would like to thank Councillor Rist for all her hard work and diligence in protecting our village.

• Walkern Sports & Cricket Club (WSCC) – As many people will know this facility is owned by WPC but run by a dedicated team of volunteers under the stewardship and guidance of Nigel Bennett, Jo Ransom, and the rest of their team. Walkern Parish Council as landlord has a direct interest in the success of this venue plus the sports fields and is demonstrating this by further investing in new security doors at the facility and repairing damage to the sports field caused by wildlife.

We are also in discussion with Nigel and Jo about further improvements to the interior that will make the venue more usable for different groups that may wish to hire it. WPC will continue to support Nigel and Jo throughout the coming year, and I wish to thank them both for their hard work in making this facility a viable village venue for our residents and the wider WSCC user groups. Furthermore, Councillor Overall who heads up this brief for WPC, has shown real commitment to the WSCC and has taken this brief on for us with real enthusiasm and dedication and I would like to also thank her for her work in this area.

• Grants – WPC will continue to make grants to important groups within the village and help with unforeseen expenses when funds allow us to do so. It is vital that we, as a council work closely with all village groups that need our help and we remain open minded and committed to supporting these village groups.

If any group wishes to apply for a grant, then please don’t hesitate to contact the clerk at least a week before our WPC monthly meeting.

• General – In recent months residents will have noticed that we have installed 2 new benches at the sports field one of which was purchased by friends of Billy Green in his memory. We have also welcomed resident Mary Cannon’s purchase and installation of a third bench at the same site. Again, our thanks go to Nigel Bennet for the concrete base and the installation work.

We continue to install new dog waste bins and general waste bins at various locations around the village as required. Other work involves the management of our village assets and their maintenance requirements. We have also recently engaged Hertfordshire County Council over traffic issues in the high street and we are working with them to come up with solutions to this problem.

• Councillor Vacancy – We were delighted to be joined by new councillor Cristine Nudds in recent months and Christine has shown a real interest in all WPC business and I know she will be a valuable member of our team. We are also supported at our meetings by Councillor James. We do however still have two vacancies that need to be filled.

After a few comings and goings, we think that it would be useful for anyone that is interested to attend a meeting or two. Firstly to see how we do things and secondly to understand what our remit is and also the work we have to do to carry this remit out etc and then if still interested we would welcome any and all applications from any adult over 18 who resides in the village.

Covid 19 Response

This dreadful and unrelenting illness has changed many of our lives and we support the Governments advice about social distancing and the lock down measures. At the time of writing this we are making progress as a nation but let’s not become complacent as every life is precious.

When the news started to worsen in early March over the potential impact of the virus, WPC took immediate and decisive action to aid all elderly and vulnerable residents of the village. We agreed the following:

• to provide a prescription and food pick up service for all residents that needed this
• to agree to use funds from our “benefit of inhabitants of Walkern charity account” to help people pay for food and essential items if they could not get to sources of money that they might usually rely on e.g. the post office or the bank
• to communicate our service via a leaflet, drop to the entire village

To date we have carried this out and responded to all calls that have been placed to us and we will continue to do this for the foreseeable future. I would like to thank resident Dave Standing for printing our leaflets which showed me just how strong we are as a community when we work together. Also many residents phoned us to offer their support in picking up food items etc and I know we are all keeping a watchful eye on our neighbours so thankyou to everyone who has stepped forward in this way let’s keep it going!

I would also like to thank Chris Todd (Merlin) for keeping the village looking clean and tidy and also James Wakeley and Michelle Hilton for maintaining the war memorial and the village flower beds at the entrances to the village.

Finally, I would like to recognise the important work of our Clerk Heidi Broady for her continued commitment to the WPC.

Heidi’s role is particularly important to the effectiveness and success of WPC as she provides the governance and continuity that allows things to run so seamlessly, despite the comings and goings of many councillors in the past. I am grateful she has remained with us and continues to do so as we could not operate without her.

Councillor Tom Deffley
Acting Chairman

 

WALKERN PARISH COUNCIL

Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on Thursday 7 June 2018

 

The meeting opened at 7.30 pm.

Those present were the Chairman, Cllr S Wood and Cllrs T Betts, M Rist, M James and K Overall. Apologies for absence were received from Cllr T Deffley. Cllr C O’Brien has resigned from Walkern Parish Council with immediate effect.

The minutes of the previous meeting, having been circulated, were accepted as a correct record on the proposal of Cllr Rist and seconded by Cllr Betts.

Matters Arising from the Minutes of the Previous Meeting

Defibrillator (PAD) for Walkern: Due to refurbishment at Walkern Stores it was discussed that an alternative option of placing the defibrillator in the Recreation Ground with a solar panel might now be the best solution. The Clerk has obtained costings for this and will liaise with the Community Heartbeat Trust regarding the most suitable position to place it.

Action: The Clerk

Recreation Ground: All the play equipment has now been painted. Andrew Abrams will continue with the railings and benches as soon as possible.

Village Walkabout: This has been rescheduled for 14 June 2018 at 7.00 pm.

Election of Vice-Chairman

Due to Cllr O’Brien’s resignation the Chairman proposed that Cllr Deffley be elected Vice-Chairman in his absence. Cllr Deffley has previously agreed to take on this position. All agreed and Cllr Deffley was duly elected.

Declarations of Interest Relating to Items on the Agenda

None.

Public Forum

A suggestion has been made to install a bike ramp at the sportsfield. Dan Head will contact the Clerk with more details.

Recreation Ground – Request to Hold a Cake Sale

A request has been made from a member of Walkern Guides to hold a cake sale at the Recreation Ground on Saturday 7 July 2018 to raise funds for the Teenage Cancer Trust. The Clerk has checked with the Parish Council insurers and they are happy for this to take place if a Parish Councillor is present. Cllr Betts has offered to do this. The Chairman will put something on the Parish Council Facebook page with a request for cakes.

Action: Cllr Wood/Cllr Betts

 

 

Walkern Neighbourhood Plan (Referendum) – Update

The referendum process has started and a vote will be taken on 5 July 2018 at Walkern Sports and Community Centre when the village can vote to accept the Plan. Leaflets advertising this and the Walkern Neighbourhood Plan statement are being sent to every household in Walkern and posters put up around the village to inform residents. The documents from EHDC can be viewed at Clarks Garage and the United Reformed Church. All documents will be put onto the Walkern Parish Council website and the Chairman will put onto the Facebook page. A Q & A morning will be arranged at WSCC for anyone to come along to address any queries. The Parish Council unanimously voted to accept to the Walkern Neighbourhood Plan.

Action: Cllr Wood/Clerk

Land South of Froghall Lane – Update

The developers are currently working through the conditions attached to the approved planning applications with no building work commencing until the conditions have been addressed. Cllr Rist stated that it is difficult to get any comment from Fiona Dunning, planning officer attached to the development, when asked to respond to which reserved matters have been considered.

East Herts District Plan/Gresley Park (EOS) Consultation – Update

The Clerk has been contacted by Pigeon Investment Management, proposed developers of the above site, to request a meeting with the Parish Council to discuss the potential East of Stevenage development. The Parish Council declined as it is opposed to the proposed development and agreed to wait until the Inspector’s report has been published. The Chairman will attend the Master Planning meeting at EHDC on 2 July 2018, as well as the Aston Parish Council meeting on Monday 11 June. He will also seek an informal meeting with District Cllr Ken Crofton and EHDC Leader, Linda Haysey, to discuss further.

Action: Cllr Wood

Highways Matters

Speed Incentive Device: There is no further update at present.

School Drop Off Scheme: For the scheme to work, improvements need to be made to the crossing area at the bottom of the sportsfield, with hedging being removed also. Hertfordshire Highways will only consider spending money on the improvements if there is a guarantee that parents and children will use the scheme. It was agreed that this was something the Headteacher at Walkern School needs to confirm. Cllr Betts will speak to Chris O’Brien regarding further information about a Section 106 agreement relating to Yew Tree Close. There apparently is a small pot of money set aside for use in Walkern.

Action: Cllr Betts

Highways Report/Repairs/Issues: The white lining has been completed in Stevenage Road. Various pot holes have been marked for repairs. The work to the Winter’s Lane/Bockings junction, to restrict HGV’s travelling along Winter’s Lane to the High Street, has commenced.

 

 

WSCC – Update

A further meeting has taken place with Nigel Bennett and Jo Ransom. Cllr Wood, Cllr Betts and the Clerk being present, to discuss the new legal structure of WSCC going forward. Cllr Betts has contacted HAPTC for any advice. A user group meeting has been arranged for 27 June 2018.

Action: Cllr Betts

Parish Councillor Responsibilities/Roles Within the Parish Council Sub-Committees/Employment Contracts for PC Employees

It was agreed that Cllr Overall and Cllr Deffley would join the Executive Committee and Cllr Deffley would join the Planning Committee. Employment contracts are still to be completed.

Finance

Payments made since the last meeting:

Staff costs –                                                                                                                                         £1193.35

James Lungley -WPC Website (annual fee)                                                                            £ 120.00

Mr N Bennett – Wheelchair/pushchair access ramp by WSCC                                        £ 252.00

Zurich Insurance Co – annual PC insurance premium                                                         £1519.46

Luke Stokes Garden Maintenance – hedge cutting at Recreation Ground

(Recreation Ground Charity A/c)                                                                                                                £ 460.00

Walkern Parish Council – reimbursement for work at Recreation Ground

(Recreation Ground Charity A/c                                                                                                 £ 681.00

Mr N Bennett – installation of waste bins x 2 at Recreation Ground

(Recreation Ground Charity A/c)                                                                                                                £ 150.00

 

The above payments were ratified on the proposal of Cllr James and seconded by Cllr Overall.

 

End of Year Annual Return 2017/18:

 

The accounts, having been prepared by Cllr Betts, were sent to Brian Alexander of Tax Assist Accountants, who conducted the internal audit of the annual return for 2017/18. Cllr Betts presented the audit to the Parish Council for approval. This was proposed by Cllr Overall and seconded by Cllr James with all agreeing. The audit forms were duly signed by the Chairman and the Clerk/Responsible Financial Officer and will be sent to the auditors before the due date.

Action: The Clerk

 

Planning

 

Planning Applications received:

 

12/14 Winter’s Lane, Walkern

Erection of a single detached dwelling and detached garage (outline approval reference 3/16/1855/OUT allowed on appeal) No objections.

 

 

 

Planning Applications granted:

 

105B High Street, Walkern                                           Single storey side and rear extension.

 

26-42 Aubries, Walkern                                                 Window replacement.

 

Correspondence

 

From a resident of Moors Ley suffering from allergies due to the long grass on the land at the rear of Moors Ley. She was advised to contact the landowner to request they cut the grass.

From a resident of Walkern keen to attend the User Group meeting at WSCC on 27 June 2018. She was advised to contact Nigel Bennett or Jo Ransom regarding this.

Schedule of Outstanding Items

A review of litter picking and road sweeping to be considered at the next meeting.

The grant to the United Reformed Church for churchyard maintenance is due.

Any Other Business

Cllr Wood will take over writing a resume of the minutes for the Walkern Journal each month.

The book exchange at the Recreation Ground is damaged, although not due to vandalism. The Clerk will contact Dan Head to arrange repair.

A resident of Winter’s Lane has complained about the hedge in Winter’s Lane belonging to the White Lion pub, which is overgrown. Despite requesting it be cut back it hasn’t been. Cllr Betts agreed to speak to the resident.

It was agreed the Clerk should write to Chris O’Brien to thank him for his work and commitment to Walkern Parish Council over the past few years.

The meeting ended at 9.40 pm.

The next meeting will be held on Thursday 26 July 2018 commencing at 7.30 pm at the United Reformed Church hall.