Points of interest from the meetings held in Feb 2019
Memory Café
The next memory café is Friday 22nd February at the Church Hall from 10.30am. Everyone who is caring for someone with dementia is welcome to attend.
Neighbourhood Watch meeting
The next meeting is Monday 25th March at 6.45pm in the Recreation Hall off Norris Close. All residents are welcome to go along.
Draft SHELAA responses to Swindon Borough Council
Swindon Borough Council has published its updated draft SHELAA document – it can be viewed at www.swindon.gov.uk/SHELAA
The Parish Council also publishes relevant information about the SHELAA and Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on its website https://www.chiseldon-pc.gov.uk/about-the-council/what-we-do/planning/draft-shelaa-consultation-dec-2018/ to help residents stay fully informed.
Handyperson role with the Parish Council
The Parish Council is looking to employ a part-time self-employed handyperson for work around the Parish. Full details can be found on our website or email the Clerk for information.
A brief summary of duties are:
General DIY (No electrical or plumbing)
Painting and Decorating
Weekly maintenance checks of the Sports Pavilion & Recreation Hall
Litter Picking – tools provided
Deliveries around the Parish
Updating Noticeboards
Fortnightly checks on 2 Parish AEDs (Defibrillators) – training provided
Collection of small loads of fly tipping
Meter reading
Purchasing of supplies – refunded as expenses subject to receipts.
Other jobs as mutually agreed between the successful candidate and the Parish Council.
The hours can be flexible and we welcome all applicants. Deadline for applying is Friday 8th February.
We would consider splitting the tasks into 2 roles for the right candidates.
Scam emails
Emails are being sent recently which are scams designed to either scare people into drawing out funds, or register their bank details so funds can be illegally taken.
Two of the recent ones are from the Police and from TV Licencing.
Please be aware of these scams and independently check information before withdrawing cash or providing bank details.
Allotment plot available.
We currently have 2 allotment plots vacant on New Road – please contact the Clerk if you would like to know more.
Green Space at Castle View Road and Strouds Hill
The Parish Council recently voted to investigate obtaining a 99 year lease for these 2 areas of land, with the caveat included of no building on these areas, to ensure they are kept as open spaces for future generations. This is a long process but the Parish Council will start talks with Swindon Borough Council on how to achieve this.
Advanced Notice of charity bike ride on the Ridgeway
On Sunday 2nd June there will be around 300 cyclists starting off at 10.00 in Swindon and cycling all the way to Avebury fundraising for MacMillan. They will be using the railway path along Chiseldon. Signage will be put up for dog walkers and horse riders. It is expected that most will have passed by 13.30.
Grit Bins
Please let the Clerk know if you spot a grit bin that needs filling and we will report it to Swindon Borough Council. You can also go onto the council website www.swindon.gov.uk and report these yourself. The grit bins will only be filled if they are reported.
5 year plan consultation groups
The Parish Council are keen to start work on a long term plan of what changes the Parish and residents would like/need to see. With this in mind we are hoping to set up consultation groups, made up of all demographics of residents from all areas of the parish. More information to follow on how you can get involved to shape the parish for the future.
Defibrillators – a reminder
A reminder that the Parish has 2 defibrillators – one outside Cameo Hairdressers on High Street, and one outside the Calley Memorial Hall on Draycot Road. Both 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
Norris Close new layby parking area
A consultation letter has been sent out to resident’s living at the top end of Norris Close asking for their opinion of the proposed parking layby now that the revised plans have come back from Swindon Borough Council. If you would like to see these plans then please contact the Clerk.
Recreation Hall on Norris Close
The Hall is available to hire on an hourly/morning/afternoon/evening basis. Please contact the Clerk on the details above to make an enquiry about prices, or availability. 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.
Chapel meeting space hire
After its refurbishment last summer the Chapel on Butts Road is now 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 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.
Grants and Donations 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.
Calley Memorial Hall fund
The trustees of this 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)
Mays Lane and High Street Closure
Please see Cllr David Hill’s transport report in this edition for the details of this road closure starting 4th March
Works required within the Parish
We continue to report on any issues that need attention in the Parish, either to SBC if it is their responsibility or to our contractor to deal with.
A full list of responsibilities in being compiled and will be on the Parish Council’s website and linked to the Parish Facebook page so people can understand who is responsible for what items with the Parish.
Home Library Service
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
The monthly Borough Councillors Surgery which will have a Parish and Borough Councillor in attendance will take place on Saturday 2nd March 2019 11.30 to 12.30 in the Calley Memorial Hall on Draycott Road.
This is an opportunity for residents to discuss any concerns with both Parish and Borough Councillors so do come along and say hello.
Our apologies for having to cancel the February surgery, which was the day after the heavy snow. It was felt best to not have people driving and walking to the hall given the road and pavement conditions after all the snow.
The next Full Council meeting will be on Monday 11th March 2019. This will start at 7.30pm and will be held in the Recreation Hall, off Norris Close.
Residents are welcome to attend and there is a public recess at the start of proceedings, after which residents can choose to leave.