CHAIRMAN’S REPORT 2023/24
Good evening and welcome.
Council
As a Council we have continued to work with various organisations including the Village Hall, Bowls Club and the Church, we value the work that these groups undertake.
We have welcomed a number of new Councillors this year but are still short of a full compliment.
Planning
There has been a decline in planning applications in the past year.
The Dogger Bank South wind farm is still ongoing and will impact the villagers of Bentley, something we will very much be keeping an eye on.
The new Jocks Lodge road development has already seen an increase in commuter traffic through the village and we will continue to monitor this.
A meeting was held with National Grid over the new overhead power line between North Humber and High Marham which will potentially impact a number of residents of the Parish.
Grounds Maintenance
We are supported by two handymen Richard and John who have continued to carry out work in and around the Villages/Parish, helping to keep the Parish tidy and equipment painted and replaced.
A new bench has been installed in Bentley near to the pond on Main Street.
A new noticeboard has been erected at the entrance to the Playing Field.
Councillors have again spent many hours on the Playing Fields and funds have been used to replenish the bark levels around the play equipment.
A grit bin was purchased and installed on Walkington Road at the request of a number of residents.
I’d like to thank the litter pickers in and around the Parish who continue to make a fantastic job.
Finance
The Council precept for 2024/25 is £29,400. A slight increase due to increasing costs to Council, rising rents for Playing Field, grass cutting contracts, grounds maintenance and insurance.
Highways
Rowley Road chalk path – a Grant application for funding has been approved to upgrade the chalk path. Huge thank you to Sandra for the work undertaken to get this Grant.
Rowley Road footpath/railway bridge – Bollards are still in place until ERYC legal teams can establish correct ownership and responsibility for the works to be carried out.
Fly tipping unfortunately continues to be an issue in and around the Parish
Playing Field
The old zebra springer was removed and replaced by a new frog springer.
Speed bumps were repaired late March.
The old zip wire had to be removed because of Health and Safety fears.
The container will be removed as and when the weather permits us to travel on the grass.
There is constant and ongoing monitoring of all of the equipment on the Playing Field and repairs and replacements take place as and when necessary.
Christmas Lights
Once again a very well attended event, thanks must go to everyone involved in this annual event. We thank ERYC for supporting our event with a successful grant award.
Finally, I want to thank the Ward Councillors Richard, Colleen and Terry for all their support, help and feedback at our Parish Council meetings.
A huge thank you to all my fellow Councillors, thank you to Simon who has proved to be an excellent vice Chairman. Special thanks to Sandra, the phenomenal amount of work undertaken which resulted in the approval of the Grant for the chalk path on Rowley Road, and for putting up with me and trying to keep me right.