Eckington (From Tewkesbury Admag)

Eckington

SCOUTS AND GUIDES: A jumble sale will be held on Saturday, June 24, at 2pm at headquarters, Pershore Road and donations will be welcome. The AGM will be on Wednesday, May 17, at 8pm at headquarters.

PARISH COUNCIL: PC Stuart Toms provided an update on his role within the Wychavon area. The geographical area he has to cover has been reduced slightly in size, and it is hoped that by the autumn he will have the additional resource of a community support officer. PC Toms stressed the need for all residents to report to the police any disturbances or incidents of vandalism, and stressed the need for any incidents of trespass on the railway track to be reported, as there had recently been a worrying trend of people being seen near the track.

The council is keen to hear of any safety concerns residents may have, and urges any electors/residents to raise any issues or concerns that they may have with either Arthur Ore or Diana Ball, the clerk.

The unlawful gipsy site off the B4080 had deteriorated considerably and was an eyesore. Wychavon District Council was being asked to actively pursue restoration of the land.

Highways: A licence for the installation of planters in Pershore Road and Tewkesbury Road by the village nameplates has been granted. It is hoped that the planters will simulate a gateway into the village and will help prompt drivers that they are entering a village and slow their speed.

Parish Lengthsman: It is felt that this has been a worthwhile scheme, with the parish able to target many minor highway issues that would not otherwise have been addressed. This has included the regular siding out of the footways in New Road and Pershore Road, and the prompt clearance of gullies, particularly after periods of heavy downpours. The council has signed an agreement with Highways Partnership Unit to extend the scheme until the end of March, 2007.

Councillor Vacancy: Paul Sinnott has been co-opted onto the council to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Jim Lee.

ANNUAL PARISH MEETING: The meeting was chaired by Cilla Cameron, who gave a brief report on the parish council activities during the previous 12 months.

An update on the progress towards the action plan resulting from the parish plan was also given. Many areas require long-term action, but in brief some of the points achieved this year have been due in part by the community addressing some of the areas. A welcome pack/brochure was recommended, this was met by the WI undertaking an initiative to produce a pack detailing the services and contacts within the community and surrounding area. The recreation centre committee continues to look at the redevelopment of the centre, and has recently produced revised plans which are under discussion with the planning department at Wychavon District Council. The council is committed to seeking affordable housing options within the parish, and continues to put pressure on Wychavon District Council and the housing association for a resolution on the proposed site in Pershore Road. A positive working relationship with the community police officer has been established, and he provides regular contact with the council and updates on any issues that may affect the community. The feasibility of street lighting for Eckington was discussed and the cost implications for the parish were also discussed.

THURSDAY CLUB: Elected at the AGM were: Chairman - Joe Mole, vice-chair - Rose Andrews, secretary - Margaret Draper, treasurer - Janet Vaughan. The next meeting is in the village hall at 2pm on May 25 when the speaker is Margaret James, a former primary school teacher on Laughter, Learning and Lavatories. Non members are welcome. For information ring Janet 750066 or Margaret 750316.

CAR BOOT SALE: A sale will be held on Sunday, June 11 at Eckington Recreation Centre 2pm in aid of Eckington School; £5 per boot. Call Liz on 751613 for more information.