Archive for category: News

The Parish Council met on Thursday 6th March 2025 at Walkern Sports and Community Centre. This report covers some of the issues we have been dealing with over the last few months. The full minutes of the meeting will be available on the Parish Council website and on the Parish Council Notice Board outside Budgen’s.

Playground Update

The Council were unanimous in choosing the playground company HAGS to update the High Street playground. This is the company that provided the Fitness Trail and the play equipment at the Walkern Sports and Community Centre. We sought advice from their representative on how play could include physical movement, such as coordination and balance, as well as quiet areas for language development and stimulation of the senses: sight, sound and touch. We were all impressed with the imaginative, detailed and inclusive design they produced which we are sure will enhance the play experience for all children.

We have applied to East Herts District Council to release the funds which will come from S106 monies given by the developer when the new Meers estate was built.

We have been informed that this request has now been forwarded to EHDC’s finance department, so we hope to have the go ahead before too long.

Play Area at The Walkern Sports and Community Centre

Good News! Some weeks ago Abi, our Clerk, applied for a grant from East Herts Lottery Funding to put towards the cost of fencing the play area. We heard recently that the application was successful and we have been awarded £3,000 together with funding by the Parish Council of £400. We were very anxious that the play area should be fenced to prevent dogs gaining access to the site and also to allow families to relax knowing their children are secure.

We would like to thank Tom Deffley, our District Councillor for supporting our application.

Thanks also to Ken Crofton, our County Councillor, who gave us a grant of £450 from his local amenity fund towards the cost of fencing the area.

Once we receive the funds from EHDC we will employ the local contractor TAE Ltd to do the work.

Vandalism and Anti-Social Behaviour

The Council are aware that recently salt bins have been turned over and one emptied on to a private driveway. Several parents have complained about dog mess on the pavements where children and adults have to walk on the way to school. There has been an increase in incidents of graffiti found around the village. This kind of behaviour is not only a nuisance but is also extremely upsetting for the residents involved.

It is a problem in every area of the country and it is extremely difficult to deal with. If you are reading the journal or looking at the Village websites then you have an interest in the local community, but how do you change the behaviour of the few who think it’s fun to make a mess, break things and show little respect for others?

When we talk to the local Community policeman, Paul Chapman, he reminds us that anti-social behaviour and vandalism are seen as an offence and should be reported. The more incidents that are reported the likelier they are to patrol the area. Paul is very approachable so if you see anything please email him and it will be handled in the strictest confidence.

 Suggested Changes to East/North Herts Bin Collections

Councillors recently met with a representative of EHDC to discuss these changes. The village will be losing a small number of waste bins and some will be relocated but overall they were pleased with the meeting and felt that our views have been taken into account.

There are also changes being proposed for all households concerning domestic waste.

Starting in May new bins will be delivered to residents:

180L Purple Lidded bin for non-recyclable waste

23L Outdoor food waste caddy

5L Kitchen Caddy

Collections

Food waste, weekly

Blue Lid Bin for cardboard and paper, every 3 weeks

Black Lid Bin for mixed recyclables, every 3 weeks

Purple Lid Bin for non- recyclables, every 3 weeks

Brown Lid Bin for garden waste for those who subscribe to the scheme

It is proposed to start the new scheme in August 2025

National Association of Local Councils

The Council has welcomed the government’s clarification on parish and town councils’ involvement in developing proposals for unitary local government by local authorities. NALC wrote directly to the local government and devolution minister, Jim McMahon MP expressing concern the recent guidance to local authorities failed to include parish and town councils in a list of local partners, stakeholders and public bodies they should engage with. In response the minister said, ”This government absolutely values the crucial role played by parish and town councils in local government” and clarified that, ”I expect local leaders to seek views from their MPs, as well as ensuring wider engagement with other local partners. This should include parish and town councils in the spirit of that guidance.”

The next Parish Council meeting will be held on Thursday 3^rd April 2025 at the Walkern Sports and Community Centre commencing at 7.00 pm.

Christine Nudds, Parish Councillor

The Parish Council met on Thursday 5th December and Thursday 9th January 2025 at Walkern Sports and Community Centre. This report covers some of the issues we have been dealing with over the last few months. The full minutes of the meeting will be available on the Parish Council website and on the Parish Council Notice Board by Budgens.

Proposed Solar Farm, Beane Valley between Cromer and Cottered Planning Application: 3/24/2245/FUL

Parish Councillors were present at a meeting in Ardley where concerns were raised over the siting and planning application for the Beane Valley Solar Farm. We wish to co-ordinate our response to East Herts District Council with those of Ardley and Cottered Councils. We recognise that solar energy does play a key part in energy security for the UK but the developer’s own survey identified the majority of the proposed site as BMV (best most versatile land). The Parish Council is mindful that in May 2024 the Energy Security Secretary told Parliament that the best agricultural land must be protected for food security, as part of the UK’s national resilience. Solar projects should avoid this quality land and should be developed on brownfield land, contaminated land, industrial land and rooftops so as not to compromise the UK’s food security. We will be sending our response to East Herts District Council shortly, as well as keeping in touch with local Parish Councils and campaign groups.

Defibrillator Course November 2024

This excellent course, financed by the Parish Council, was run by Neil Froggitt, the brains behind a company specialising in first aid training for all ages and groups of people, as well as leading trail adventures in the UK and abroad. We dealt with basic first aid and how to administer CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) in children and adults. Neil provided a number of dummies so that we could practise the skills needed and also came with practice defibrillators, mini versions of the real thing, so that we could become more familiar with how the machine issues instructions when operating. We were able to fit the defibrillator pads to the dummies and go through the process of administering the electric shock needed to restart the heart of a casualty. A few weeks later the defibrillator in the High Street playground was displayed to those who attended the course so that the size and weight could be compared to the practice machines. As well as listening to the opening instructions we could see that there is a very obvious button to press on the front which will reduce the current when the casualty is a child or young person. The defibrillator is in a yellow cabinet and can be unlocked with a code that will be provided once the emergency services have been called.

Virtual Attendance at Council Meetings

The government has published a consultation paper to allow councils to use virtual attendance at council meetings. We have responded to a government survey supporting the right of councils to hold virtual meetings when the need arises. It would give councillors and residents who may not be able to attend in person the opportunity to listen to council business and it may also allow residents with young families or those caring for others to consider taking part in local government. During the passage of the Levelling up and Regeneration Act in Parliament the National Association of Local Councils secured cross party support for parish and town councils to hold virtual meetings.

Playground Update

Councillors have met on site with representatives from three companies that provide play equipment. We have discussed with them which pieces will be kept and those we would like to see replaced, as well as looking at new and exciting play opportunities. Once we have received all three designs and quotations all the councillors will be able to view and give their thoughts on how we should proceed with the project. The funds will come from S106 monies given by the developer when the new Meers estate was built. These funds are held at present by EHDC.

Priority Traffic Sign for the Bridge

The council is investigating the possibility of installing a priority traffic sign on the bridge near the Walkern Sports and Community Centre. Residents are aware that visibility is difficult on the extremely sharp and narrow bend over the bridge and there have been three serious accidents at that spot in the past 18 month. We have asked Ken Crofton, our County Councillor, to contact Highways to see whether a sign would be possible, how much it would cost and their advice on which direction should have priority.

Councillor Vacancy

There is a vacancy for a Parish Councillor. We are a friendly group of people from all walks of life who care about the village. The work of the Parish Council is wide and varied. Yes, we do look after the waste bins, dog bins and street lights but there’s a lot more to it than that! In the past five years we have obtained grants to improve community facilities as well as owning many of the village assets, such as the sports field, the Pavilion, the allotments and the High Street Playground. There is an opportunity for the public to attend our meetings and see the work of the Council and all are welcome, so if you feel you would like to contribute to the life of the village then come along and meet us.

The next Parish Council meeting will be held on Thursday 6th February 2025 at the Walkern Sports and Community Centre commencing at 7.00 pm.

Christine Nudds, Parish Councillor

The Parish Council met on Thursday 7^th November at Walkern Sports and Community Centre. This report covers some of the issues we have been dealing with over the last few months. The full minutes of the meeting will be available on the Parish Council website and on the Parish Council Notice Board by Budgens.

Inspired Villages (Retirement Homes)

 Representatives from Inspired Villages have been invited to the next meeting on December 5^th to present their proposals to the Council. This is not a formal planning application and therefore the Council will not make a response at this stage. Please check the Parish Council website and face book page nearer the time to see if they have confirmed their attendance and come along If you would like to hear the proposals before they submit a planning application to East Herts District Council.

Vandalism

We need your help as the gate to the High Street playground has been damaged several times in the last few months. Someone has removed the heavy duty bolts holding a metal plate in position so that the gate cannot be forced open the wrong way. This looks like a game but in fact it could have serious consequences as once the gate is stuck open it leaves a gap wide enough for a young child to run through and reach the very busy road.

We have reported this to the police who will visit the park more often but it is very difficult to find out when the damage occurs and who is responsible.

Please talk to family members and neighbours explaining how dangerous this could be for the young children using the park as this is now a police matter.

Councillor Vacancy

Following the resignation of John Wilson there is a vacancy for a Parish Councillor. We are a friendly group of people from all walks of life who care about the village. The work of the Parish Council is wide and varied. Yes, we do look after the waste bins, dog bins and street lights but there’s a lot more to it than that! In the past five years we have obtained grants to improve community facilities as well as owning many of the village assets, such as the sports field, the Pavilion, the allotments and the High Street Playground.

There is an opportunity for the public to attend our meetings and see the work of the Council and all are welcome, so if you feel you would like to contribute to the life of the village then come along and meet us.

Litter Bins

East Herts have recently contacted the Council about proposals to change and remove a number of bins in the village. When pressed for more information our clerk, Abi, discovered that they intend to remove a large number of the bins, possibly up to 50%, which they say are not fully used.

The Council really cannot understand their position, as we are regularly contacting them to complain that bins are overflowing because they have not been emptied and rubbish accumulating on the paths around them form a health hazard.

Abi has again contacted them expressing our concerns and strongly urging them to review the number of bins to be removed, as this would have a detrimental effect on the village and the wider community.

Virtual Attendance at Council Meetings

The government has published a consultation paper to allow councils to use virtual attendance at council meetings. The National Assossiation for Local Councils is encouraging all parish councils and individual councillors to respond to a survey giving our views. We very much support the flexibility that being able to allow virtual attendance at meetings would give councillors and residents who may not be able to attend in person. It may also allow residents with young families or those caring for others to consider taking part in local government.

A Mighty Thankyou to Jan Fewell

 The Council wish to express our gratitude and thanks to Jan Fewell, who for many months has patrolled and picked up litter along the Stevenage Road. This is no easy job as the road is narrow and twisting but we and many other residents really do appreciate her efforts in keeping the local countryside clean.

 Gate Closure at Walkern Sports and Community Centre

 The gate onto the footpath towards Aston at the WSCC will be closed for 24 hours on 24^th/25^th December 2024. This is not just a whim of the Council but is required by law to comply with the Public Rights of Way Act.

The public can still use the entrance from the High Street to gain access to the field. Also, if it is closed for slightly longer than 24 hours, please be patient as a Councillor is having to leave their family Christmas to open it again!

 The next Parish Council meeting will be held on Thursday 5^th December 2024 at the Walkern Sports and Community Centre commencing at 7.00 pm.

 Christine Nudds, Parish Councillor

The Parish Council met on Thursday October 3^rd at Walkern Sports and Community Centre. This report covers some of the issues we have been dealing with over the last few months. The full minutes of the meeting will be available on the Parish Council website and on the Parish Council Notice Board by Budgens.

Appointment of the Parish Clerk

Although Abigail Brown began her work for the Council on September 13^th this was the first official meeting where all Councillors were present and able to meet her in person. She kindly agreed to write a little introduction for herself to be included in this month’s journal.

Abi writes,

“I was thrilled to recently be appointed as Parish Clerk for Walkern. I live locally with my husband and two children and can regularly be found walking my dog on the many country walks we have right on our doorstep.

I look forward to supporting the beautiful village of Walkern and its Parish Council and getting to know residents and local business owners.

All my contact details can be found on the website so please feel free to contact me if there is anything I can help with.”

Parish Domain Helper Service

I reported last month that the National Association of Local Councils are strongly advising Parish Councils to change to a “.gov.uk” email domain rather than continuing with “.org” which it is at present. This would give added security to Council’s business. We decided to follow this advice. The new contact details for Councillors can be found in this month’s journal and on the website, though emails using the .org address will be forwarded to us.

Councillor Vacancy

Following the resignation of John Wilson there is a vacancy for a Parish Councillor. We are a friendly group of people from all walks of life who care about the village. The work of the Parish Council is wide and varied. Yes, we do look after the waste bins, dog bins and street lights but there’s a lot more to it than that!

In the past five years we have obtained grants for the Fitness Trail, the Playground at the Walkern Sports and Community Centre as well as the provision of young trees that have been planted there. We also give grants and recently the Elderberries, the Cricket Club and other village groups received help towards running costs.

The Council owns many of the village assets, such as the sports field, the Pavilion, the allotments and the High Street Playground. These assets are run directly by the Council or by committees who work with the Council.

We are also approached with the problems of individual householders and can help by raising their concerns at a district and county level.

There is an opportunity for the public to attend our meetings and see the work of the Council and all are welcome, so if you feel you would like to contribute to the life of the village then come along and meet us.

Defibrillator Course

There are two defibrillators in the village, sited at the entrance to the High Street Playground next to Budgens, and at the Pavilion at the Walkern Sports and Community Centre. The Council have arranged a free training course to run from 10am.on Sunday November 24^th at the United Reformed Church. Numbers are limited as there will be a chance to practise using the machine on life size dummies. More information is given in the journal so if you would like to attend

please enquire as soon as possible as it’s on a “first come first served” basis.

To book a place please contact the Clerk:

07584 679526 or

 The next Parish Council meeting will be held on Thursday 7^th November 2024 at the Walkern Sports and Community Centre commencing at 7.00 pm.

 Christine Nudds, Parish Councillor