Davenham Parish Council

Report 2004/5

It was Harold Wilson who coined the phrase ‘ a week in politics is a long time’ True but in my year as Chairman has seemed endless. Since taking over last May from the much missed Mike Silcock, who left to retire to West Wales, it has seemed more like several years than just 12 months.
In those months I have tried to carry on where Mike left off, some things have progressed well while others have been painfully slow to materialise. The more routine problems that have arisen from complaints by parishioners have been dealt with efficiently by fellow members or by our very able Parish Clerk.
It is often the small items that people are concerned about and if they are dealt with quickly, people think the Council is doing its job or I rather like to think they do!
Anti Social Behaviour continues to cause problems both in Davenham Village and in Kingsmead. The Council has joined forces with Moulton Parish Council, Vale Royal Borough Council and the Police CAT team to form a coordinated approach to tackling the problems.
The opening of the new Primary School in Kingsmead was greatly welcomed by the residents on that side of the A556 and it is to the Council’s credit that it was the first to press for this much needed school. I wish the Headteacher and her staff all the best for the future.
Davenham CE School should also take credit for its high rating in the recent Ofsted report. It is one of the top listed primary schools in the country, yes country, for achievement and excellence. Credit must be given to the Headteacher and his staff as well as the many parents who devote their spare time to extra activities and fund raising. As a governor of the school I am very proud of the school and all who are part of it.
All planning applications submitted in both wards of the parish are inspected by the Council’s planning committee. In 2004 102 such applications were reviewed and comments made to the planning authority.
The Council supported various local voluntary groups with grants totalling £1256.
Two editions of the Newsletter were produced and distributed to every household in the parish.
The village carnival was a great success although the Council itself did not organise the event it did make a contribution by funding a much needed storage container for all the equipment.
Davenham has joined with neighbouring parishes to represent residents in the various enquiries and appeals dealing with the Minosus proposal to store hazardous waste in the rock salt mine which is accessed from Jack Lane. Minosus has been allowed to start operations and a liaison group has been set up. The operation will be monitored closely. The good news is that the Land Fill Tax Credit scheme may provide funds to help village projects. Some small comfort perhaps.
The village gardener and maintenance man, John Price, continues to keep our village garden in superb condition. His planting of still more daffodils around the village has been evident in March
Finally can I once again thank our Parish Clerk for the efficient way in which he has contributed to the well running of the council and also my fellow parish councillors for their individual efforts on the various committees.
I wish my successor all the best for the forthcoming year.

Summary of Accounts 2004/5

David Ravenscroft
Chairman
May 2005