Points of interest from the meetings held in December 2020.
Fibre Broadband Update.
Openreach are proposing a scheme to lay high speed fibre for broadband within certain areas of the parish. Currently residents who wish to benefit and subscribe to any such new service are being asked to pledge their vouchers towards this scheme. A pledge means you commit to purchase this new service from one of the suppliers once it is installed. There are no other costs involved but you must be prepared to take up a new service once installation is complete for a minimum of 12 months. At the time of going to press the scheme has had around 42% of the required pledges so is on track.
You can visit http://www.openreach.com/connectmycommunity to find out more or read the threads on the Chiseldon Community Facebook page.
Christmas lunch boxes and hampers
Working again with Swindon Scrapstore and with public donations and council funds, we are looking to provide 2 weeks’ worth of lunch box food for any child in the parish who may otherwise go without. We currently have around 16 children on our list who we supply items to when we can.
We will also be supplying a Christmas food box to a number of families in the area.
If you would like to donate to this cause or offer your help with deliveries or shopping then please contact nina.hempstock@chiseldon-pc.go.uk.
Christmas Tree and lights
Hopefully you will have seen our Christmas tree and lights on New Road. They will twinkle 24/7 all the way to the New Year to bring a smile to everyone. The tree was donated this year from someone’s garden and we also received a donation to go towards the cost of the electricity.
Survey – New Road Build Out
If you would like to partake in our survey on how you feel about the New Road Build Out in the 4 years since it was installed then please use this link. You can also find the link on our website.
https://us2.list-manage.com/survey?u=c545df45f3f345091597f51c4&id=451c0f2872
We will send this link on paper to the 200 homes closest to the Build Out to ensure that they are aware of the survey.
Badbury Defibrillator update
SSE have completed the work to the BT box at Badbury to allow the defibrillator to be installed. We hope to get this done early 2021. Once the device is then linked to the ambulance service it will be ready to be used when needed by calling 999 to get the cabinet code.
M4 J15 night closures update
14th and 15th December – A419 southbound to J15 east side slip closed from 8.00pm to 6.00am.
16th and 17th December –A419 northbound from J15 west side slip closed 8pm to 6.00am.
Survey – replacement Recreation Hall and Pavilion
We held an informal survey on Facebook to see what people would like from a new Community hub on the Rec field.
Leading so far are:
Café, indoor spots area for badminton/squash etc, community library space, sports changing facilities with showers, even/party space.
The Parish Council have been setting aside funds for the past few years as the current building is nearing the end of its life. Please email the Clerk if you have any thoughts or expertise to offer with the planning of this replacement building/hub.
Gifts for Children and Care Home Residents
The Spar shop on High Street is currently collecting gifts and small treats for children and the residents of our 2 care homes (Plus cards for the residents of the care homes). If you would like to donate anything, the deadline is 18th December. Wrapping paper and offers to wrap items or deliver them also appreciated.
New Defibrillator on the Recreation field
We are pleased to say that with the help of CTS Electrical who supplied their labour free of charge, we now have a defibrillator on the outside wall of the pavilion at the Recreation Field. Dial 999 to get the access code for the cabinet the device is stored in. The device provides detailed instructions on how to use it and will not shock anyone who does not need it. The defibrillator for Badbury at the BT box will be installed Jan 2021.
New Road surface near roundabout:
Update from SBC:
The Borough Council Highway Asset Management team prioritise and plan the larger scale carriageway works in the Borough. Unfortunately at present there are no major carriageway maintenance schemes planned for New Road within the current 3-year programme. However, the Borough’s Highway Operations team (HCS) are currently investigating the area of significant carriageway deterioration between Mays Lane and Draycott Road roundabout that you specifically mention in your enquiry. This is with a view to potentially carrying out larger scale patch repairs in the area with some possible capital funding support.
By way of a little more background, in early 2015 SBC completed a large structural carriageway patch in this area. A significant length of this patch area has since failed prematurely, and HCS are arranging investigations into why this area has failed again so soon. The failures are along the carriageway centreline, the nature of which indicates settlement occurring underneath; something like a historic trenchline, or a leaking sewer or water main. It is important that the investigations identify the cause, which may include significant engagement with utility companies, so that the underlying issue is remedied before SBC attempt any longer term carriageway repairs in order to avoid another early carriageway failure.
The investigations have been delayed as a road closure is likely to be required to complete any investigations, the feasibility of which is dependent on fitting in with the needs of the ongoing M4 junction 15 project. This email has been copied to HCS who are arranging the investigations so that they can update you as they progress. They will also be able to let you know if any interim repairs or patching is planned in the area.
BMX track update – new members still needed
We are looking for adults and teenagers who can join the Working Party to investigate the installation of a BMX/pump track within the parish for everyone to enjoy. This group will be working independently of the council but will report back to the council as they will be the owner of the site and manage repairs, insurance and land use etc. This is a long term project and relies on public support to be successful. Anyone with Project Management, Fund raising, budgeting, design etc would be welcome. Please contact the Clerk on the details at the top of this article if you’d like to know more or help us.
Chiseldon Camp Memorial Stone movement
On Tuesday 8th December the stone was moved to a new safe location at the grass at Aisne Road. The Chiseldon History group are thankful to Matt Frost and colleague who moved the stone. We are still assisting the history group on securing the final location for the stone where it can be protected and not have to move again.
Castle View play area – update
Planning permission is not required and the structure has been ordered.
The council approved a new climbing net structure for the play area on 9th November. We await confirmation from Swindon Borough Council as to whether we need any planning permission, but otherwise will aim for installation ASAP.
Memory Café – will begin when social distancing is lifted – dates to be confirmed.
Everyone who has Dementia, and those caring for someone with Dementia is welcome to attend. There is a relaxed atmosphere with singing, and music from local musicians. There is complimentary tea, coffee, cake and biscuits. You can contact 07920 798824 for more details.
Neighbourhood Watch meeting – will begin when social distancing is lifted – dates to be confirmed.
Meetings are held on Monday’s 6.45pm at the Recreation Hall off Norris Close approximately every 2 months.
Recreation Hall on Norris Close & Chapel on Butts Road – temporarily closed
The Hall is available to hire on an hourly/morning/afternoon/evening basis. We can also arrange pitch hire for Football or Softball games– please ask us for details.
The hall has undergone a tidy up and now has new carpet and cleaned/painted walls. It makes an excellent space for a gathering/party/occasion. We can now offer free 4G wifi in the hall for all users.
The Chapel on Butts Road is a fully functioning meeting space, as well as being the Clerk’s office.
There is table space for 10 people with extra seating available. There is access to a projector and screen, large flat screen monitor, microwave and free wi-fi. Tea and coffee making facilities are provided; you just need to bring your own milk.
This useful local space is available for hire for only £35 per morning/afternoon or evening session subject to availability. Discounts are available for registered charities.
Please contact the Clerk for more information.
Community Speed Watch
The group are looking for more volunteers to be trained to do speed watch activities on roads in the parish. Full training is provided and results are given to the police, letters and a police visit can then be triggered when a threshold is met. This is not a Parish Council led initiative but one of our Cllrs heads-up the local group. Please contact the Clerk if you wish to discuss this further and I can put you in touch.
We are currently Co-opting for 5 New Parish Councillors – Community Heroes wanted.
Chiseldon Parish Council needs you! We are calling for community heroes to put themselves forward for one of FIVE vacancies on our local Parish Council. We want people of all backgrounds and experience to represent the community and help #MakeAChange.
There are five simple steps to becoming a Chiseldon Parish Councillor:
- Contact the clerk to find out more information, whether there are any vacancies and register your interest
- Submit your nomination to the clerk — a brief summary of who you are and why you want to be a councillor
- Join a council meeting via MS Teams to meet the team and share your nomination with current members – don’t be daunted by this, we are a small very friendly bunch!
- Current members will vote on approval of your membership (called co-option)
- If accepted, you will sign the declaration of office of acceptance and become a Chiseldon Parish Councillor
Please email clerk@chiseldon-pc.gov.uk for more information or call (01793) 740744, leave a message with your name and number and we will call you back. Many thanks.
What is Co-option?
Co-option is a method whereby a Parish Council elect new Councillors by majority vote. This can happen after an election if not all seats are filled (an un-contested election), or upon the resignation or death of a Cllr between election periods.
Candidates would present themselves to the existing council members at an applicable council meeting who would then vote on the successful applicant.
Local grants and funds available
The Parish Council have set up a short term sub-committee to look into grants and funds that are available to benefit the parish. The committee will look to set up a “wish list” of what the parish needs and can then look at what funds are out there. There is the scope to add residents to this committee so please contact the Clerk in the first instance if you think you can spend some time to help investigate this.
Defibrillators – a reminder
A reminder that the Parish has 3 defibrillators – one outside Cameo Hairdressers on High Street, one outside the Pavilion on the Recreation Field and one outside the Calley Memorial Hall on Draycott Road. All units are accessed by calling 999 to gain the code for the box. You cannot use these defibrillators on someone who doesn’t need it as the machine will not work. It also provides audible instructions on how to use them
Parish Council Grants and Donations fund & Calley Memorial Hall fund
The Parish Council have an annual fund that we can donate to worthy causes within the Parish. If you are a group, charity or society that believe you could benefit from this fund then please contact the Parish Clerk for further details.
The trustees of the Calley Memorial Hall fund are also able to approve grants and donations to worthy causes within the Parish. (This doesn’t have to be connected to users of the Memorial Hall). Please contact the Parish Clerk in the first instance who can provide you with an application form.
(It should be noted that this fund is not connected to the Parish Council)
Home Library Service – check service as may currently be suspended.
There is a Home Library service for Chiseldon Parish. It is run by volunteers and covers all areas of the parish and can deliver books based on your preferences. Call 01793 465 495 for more details.
Next meetings
All Parish council meetings are currently on MS Teams. Please contact the Clerk for login details.
The next Full Council meeting of the Parish Council will be on Monday 14th December 2020. This will start at 7.30pm and will be held remotely. Residents are welcome to login and there is a public recess at the start of proceedings, after which residents can choose to leave the session.
PARISH COUNCIL OF CHISELDON (Chiseldon and Lawn WARD) VACANCY FOR COUNCILLORS
Notice is hereby given that by reason of an uncontested election on 2nd May 2019, a number of vacancies has occurred among the members of the Parish Council.
Any person willing to fill this vacancy should apply to the Clerk in writing (email is acceptable) on or before Wed 6th Jan 2021.
Applicants should be free the evening of Monday 11th January 2021 to attend the Parish Council meeting at 7.30pm for the co-option voting procedure via MS Teams.
Being a Parish Councillor is an opportunity to provide time and knowledge to the area where you live in order to help make it a better place.
You will be working with like-minded people who come together as volunteers for the good of the parish.
The applicants name must appear on the current register of the Voters List or the applicant should during the whole of the 12 months preceding the relevant date have resided in or within 3 miles of the parish or the applicants only place of work during the whole of the 12 months preceding the relevant date is in the parish.
The applicant must not be disbarred from standing as a councillor. Applicants living in Badbury Ward meeting the above criteria are also welcome.
Candidates (if successful) should be able to attend Parish Council meetings which can be seen here: https://www.chiseldon-pc.gov.uk/committees/parish-council/
Dated 11th December 2020
Signed: Clair Wilkinson, Parish Clerk
The Old Chapel
Butts Road
Chiseldon Wilts SN4 0NW