Walkern Parish Council Report – March 2025
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 3rd April 2025 at the Walkern Sports and Community Centre commencing at 7.00 pm.
Christine Nudds, Parish Councillor