Archive for category: News

The Parish Council Meeting was held on Thursday 5th June 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 Budgens shop.

Grants to Village Organisations

The Council receive requests from various local organisations with information on how the grant will be used. We were pleased to agree to the following:

Elderberries: £300

Walkern Journal: £300

Walkern History Society: £300

St Mary’s Church: £750

The United Reformed Church: £600

Playground Update

We are pleased with the positive response received from many residents about the new design for the playground. Those of you who have followed these reports in the Journal and on our website will know that the Council have spent many months planning the project and informing residents of its progress. We wanted to ensure that the S106 money set aside by the Inspector for the Wallace Green Way development should not be given back to the builders and we were also aware that much of the old equipment would not meet with current safety standards. We approached three playground companies for advice and emphasised the need for the new playground to be suitable for all children whatever their physical abilities. The design from HAGS met with all our approval and was subsequently endorsed by East Herts District Council who released the funds. Work began on June 16th and is progressing well, helped by the good weather.
We do hope that the new playground will be open for use by the time schools break up for the summer holidays. Meanwhile we want to remind residents that the play area at the Walkern
Sports Community Centre is there for families to enjoy. It is now completely enclosed with picnic tables inside the fenced area. The Fitness Trail is also available for older children aged 14 upwards, and adults.

Lanvallay Visitors

Several Councillors were pleased to attend the coffee morning on Saturday June 7th held at Walkern Hall to welcome the French visitors. Many of them had visited Walkern before and were staying with families in the village. It was good to chat in informal surroundings to Sophie Troubadours and Thierry Nicolas who are adjoints (deputies) to Bruno, the mayor of Lanvallay and were his representatives. Patrick Ramousse, the Chair of the Friends of Walkern described Lanvallay as a much larger area than our village but it was interesting to hear that they face similar problems, especially in encouraging people to get involved in running local societies and in local politics. Many are too busy with work and family life to commit to anything else. However, we agreed that it is at a local level that the needs of the community are really considered.

The planning and Infrastructure Bill

The Council have received information about the Planning and Infrastructure Bill that is currently being proposed in Westminster from Chris Hinchcliffe, our local Member of Parliament. He has written to all town and parish councils in his constituency setting out the amendments he has proposed to the bill. First, he hopes to improve the planning system so that it will “define and deliver affordable homes and empower local authorities in the planning process” Secondly, he proposes to “reframe the planning system to better deliver sustainable development, encourage spatial development and protect our chalk streams.” The third series of amendments aim to put communities at the heart of planning. These amendments have been supported by several organisations including CPRE, the countryside charity, the Town and Country Planning Association, Shelter and the Wildlife trusts. In his letter to the Parish Council he offered to visit Walkern to discuss these amendments with us and a date has been set for September. The online petition on Planning Reform, which some of you may have signed, was presented to Parliament by Chris Hinchcliffe on June 5th 2025.

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

Christine Nudds, Parish Councillor

The Annual Parish Council Meeting and the monthly Council Meeting were held on Wednesday 7^th May 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 meetings will be available on the Parish Council website and on the Parish Council Notice Board outside Budgen’s shop.

Election of Chair

The Council was very pleased to re-elect Michele Rist as Chair and the Declaration of Acceptance of Office was duly signed.

Annual Parish Report

Michele Rist, as Chair, spoke of the many challenges faced by the Council including changing and updating policies as the responsibilities of local councils increases. The Council, although not at full capacity, works well together assisting each other where they can in all aspects of Council business.

Abi Brown, our clerk, has passed her probationary period and has been successful in obtaining a grant from East Herts District Council to cover the cost of fencing the play area at The Walkern Sports and Community Centre.

Reg Marjason , our Finance Officer, keeps the Council up to date on a monthly basis with clear statements so we are aware of what we are spending and upcoming costs. This year we have had to increase the precept which we receive from EHDC to cover Council responsibilities in order to meet rising costs. However, we have tried to keep it to a reasonable amount as the precept is financed from the local council tax paid by residents.

The Asset Register, showing all sites and buildings owned by the Council has been completely overhauled and will be checked annually. We are in the process of reviewing our contracts with the Allotment Association and the WSCC committee. Michele thanked Elaine Cook and her committee for her work in running the Allotment Association and also The Walkern Fair Committee and all those who helped to run the Fair at the WSCC on Sunday 4^th May.

The History Society is making good use of the Pigeon Hut, a really interesting place to visit, displaying items found in local digs or donated by residents. Michele thanked the society for their hard work and future plans to plant a new area outside the building which will add to the bio diversity of the site.

Michele thanked Michelle Wakeley, employed by the Council, for her great work of general maintenance around the village from tidying hedge rows, cutting grass in the play areas to cleaning the wooden seating at the WSCC and many other tasks besides. She also thanked Michael, who works for the Council in clearing litter in the streets and emptying bins maintained by the Parish Council. Many residents care about the appearance of Walkern and Jan Fewell and her husband and Miki and Andy Phillips who all litter pick were thanked for keeping the Village tidy.

Crime remains low in Walkern but acts of vandalism such as broken glass and throwing of bottles and other litter at the sports field, graffiti on play items or damaging equipment still occurs. We try to respond quickly to such mindless acts.

The Council is about to decide on our grants to the different village organisations that have requested help. These requests range from money to continue ongoing work or one-off payments for a special event.

Ending the report Michele hoped that District Councillors Tom Deffley and Tony Stowe and County Councillor Ken Crofton will continue to give the Parish Council

their advice and support.

Playground Update

Michele mentioned in her Annual Report that the High Street Playground is about to undergo a massive refurbishment funded by S106 monies. Councillors are having a Pre-Start Meeting with Jilly Saunders, the area representative of HAGS, and we hope their representative who will oversee the work on site.

Michele also mentioned that the Book Exchange Box is now back in the playground. Many thanks to John Wilson, who donated a great deal of wood and time to the project and Tony and John Stinchcombe who completed the renovation. Annie Sabido, a Village resident will be keeping the box topped up and the books in good condition.

Play Area at the WSCC

We hope that residents are aware that a fence matching the wooden fencing outside the Pavilion is now in place around the play area. We are very grateful for the grants we have received from EHDC and Ken Crofton to allow this project to go ahead. The fencing will help keep small children safe and keep dogs out of the area.

Gridlock on the Roads to Walkern

The Council are aware of the chaotic situation that took place on Friday 9^th May at about 3.30pm which resulted in a complete gridlock of roads leading from Stevenage to Walkern, Aston and the surrounding areas. Affinity Water are being approached for their comments.

The next Parish Council meeting will be held on Thursday 5^th June 2025 at the Walkern Sports and Community Centre commencing at 7.00 pm.

Christine Nudds, Parish Councillor

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 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