Parish Council - Aston le Walls Village Website

ASTON LE WALLS PARISH COUNCIL

The Parish Council has 7 councillors and list can be found on the Council website:

www.astonlewallsparishcouncil.gov.uk

along with their responsibilities. All the Minutes of our meetings are available on the Parish Council website along with notices from West Northants Council, the Police, Neighbourhood Watch and various organisations, along with all the Engagements Works from HS2 / EFKB. Please do have a look.

Feb/Mar 2023

The Book of Condolence for Queen Elizabeth II has been retained by the Parish Council and is with the Village Hall committee for safe keeping and future generations to view.

Following the unsuccessful recruitment of a new Councillor we are delighted Rhiannon Harris has agreed to be co-opted on to the Council.

We continue to chase WNC Highways for our VAS units.

New grass seed has been sown in the Millennium Garden on the earth patch.

We have the new panel for the Memorial Bench in Main Street and hope to have it fitted shortly. We thank David Ogilvie Engineering Ltd of Kilmarnock for giving us the panel free of charge to replace the vandalised one.

We have received a Card of Thanks from King Charles III for our words of Condolence sent to him following the death of his Mother, Queen Elizabeth II. A picture of the card has been placed on the Parish Council and here.

Dec 2022/Jan 2023
The Parish Council would like to thank John and Judith Taylor of Budds Farm for the purchase and installation of the Memorial Soldier placed beside the War Memorial.

As we approach Winter, may I remind you all that the grit bins are for use on the footpaths and the roads, not private driveways. Salt / Grit is available at most DIY centres for personal use.

On the PC website you will find a link to the recent West Northants Council: New Rules Encouraging Responsible Dog Ownership. There has been an increase over the last few months of dog poo not being picked up. The new rules as per the above notice are therefore particularly relevant.

The Council has at the same time been asked to provide dog poo bins. We have investigated the cost of such a move, for 2 bins to be provided and the weekly waste removal cost will be £500 per year ongoing. Given all households have a black wheely bin at home for the waste, we feel it is unnecessary to burden the PC with this much extra cost.

The two Litter bins, one by the bus stop and one opposite the school are for litter only, please do not put dog poo bags in these bins.

Christmas waste and recycling arrangements across West Northants
With the festive season fast approaching, West Northamptonshire Council is advising residents of the arrangements for waste and recycling collections over the Christmas and New Year period.

Waste and recycling collection crews will be working throughout the festive season to make sure services are delivered on time and with no delays.

Downloadable Christmas and New Year bin calendars will be available from the Council’s website at www.westnorthants.gov.uk/bins-recycling-and-waste by the end of November.

But in the meantime, here are the main things to remember:

Waste and recycling collection days in the South Northamptonshire and Northampton areas will not change over Christmas and New Year.
Collections in the Daventry area which were due to take place on Monday 26 December, will take place on Saturday 24 December instead.
Garden waste collections will be suspended from 24 December until 6 January across West Northants.

Real tree collections
Crews will collect real Christmas trees between 9 and 20 January.

Residents in the Daventry and South Northants areas should put real Christmas trees out on the day that garden waste is due to be collected in their area. You do not need a garden waste subscription to put out your real Christmas tree.

In the Northampton area real trees should be put out next to recycling bins, and those on sack collections can present trees beside their recycling boxes and green sacks on their collection day.

Please ensure any trees over 6ft tall are cut in half, so they will fit into the lorries safely.

Additional recycling
Additional recycling can be put out in clear plastic bags or boxes alongside recycling bins and boxes, or can also be taken to the nearest Household Waste Recycling Centre.

These are open as usual throughout the festive period except for Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day, when they will be closed. Centres will also close early on Christmas Eve, at 2pm.

Find out more
People can find out more information about waste and recycling collections here

Oct/Nov 2022
Our standard meeting format has been started again, with no meeting in August or December.
Our September meeting was postponed due to the death of our Queen Elizabeth 11.
The Council followed the guidelines sent to us in the event of the Queen’s death.
The Proclamation was read by the Chairman on Sunday 11th September at 5.00pm outside St. Leonards Church, Main Street as per the flyer delivered to the residents of the Parish. A copy was placed on the Notice Board.

A book of Condolence was placed in the St. Leonards Church and the Village Hall.
A floral tribute was placed in the Churchyard.

God Save the King.

We continue to have dialogue with HS2 and post all their road closure news on the PC website.

West Northants Council / Highways have placed the poles for the VAS units (Vehicle Activated Sign), however we have asked for comment on the one placed in a tree and continue to chase for further information.

Crime prevention advice for darker nights
As the nights draw in and winter approaches, Police would like to remind the public that burglars love it when the clocks go back and to encourage them to make their homes as hard a target as possible to hit.

With many people looking forward to the extra hour in bed on Sunday 30 October 2022, burglars are looking forward to the cover of darkness winter brings, as this darkness helps them to commit their crimes.

We are asking for you to continue to be vigilant and to keep remembering to follow all steps when it comes to Crime Prevention.

Have a look at our crime prevention advice below if you are unsure about any key steps.

At home

Keep front and back doors locked at all times and keep keys and valuables out of sight and reach from cat flaps, letterboxes and downstairs doors and windows
Close, and ideally lock, all windows when you’re not in the room – approximately one in four burglaries in the county still happen because doors have been left unlocked or windows left open
If it’s dark before you get home, use timer switches to turn on the lights – change the times that the lights come on, to create the illusion that someone is moving around inside the house. Plug-in dusk-to-dawn lights are also popular
Make sure your door is well lit and fully visible from the street – dusk-to-dawn lamp adaptors are available from DIY stores
Check existing lighting is in good working order and replace any faulty equipment – remember to check batteries in torches and smoke alarms
Keep shrubbery and hedges at the front of the house pruned to below one metre – remove any cover for a burglar to work unseen and give your neighbours every chance to spot something suspicious
Keep curtains closed at night – if you are away, ask a trusted neighbour to close them for you, and open them again in the morning
On cold mornings, never leave your car unattended with the engine running to defrost the windows
Assess your property’s perimeter and check it is secure. Cut back overgrown hedges and repair broken fences and gates
Secure sheds and outbuildings with good padlocks and consider fitting alarms. Lock all tools and ladders away securely

When out and about

When out in your car, look out for Park Mark accredited car parks and remove all items from your vehicle when you leave it
Don’t leave your keys in the ignitions, even when filling up with fuel or popping into the shop
De-clutter your handbag – take out only what you need and avoid carrying large amounts of cash
When you’re out shopping, keep all bags firmly closed and on your person at all times
Carry wallets and phones in inside pockets of jackets or coats, not in the back pocket of trousers
When using your credit or debit card, shield your PIN and take the time to make sure you safely put away your purse or wallet
Never leave your bag unattended on the back of trolleys or pushchairs

• Don’t be tempted to return to your car and drop off your shopping bags – keep them with you or take them home.
Message Sent By
Susan Fletcher
(Northamptonshire Police, Crime Prevention Officer, NW EN Wellingborough and East Northamptonshire)

News Aug/Sept 2022
Mrs Debra Kirton has taken on the role of the Parish Clerk from Julie Challenor following interview and the Council would like to take this opportunity to welcome her.

The finishing works to the chicanes has been implemented and the additional streetlights put in place. We are still waiting for the VAS units.

We would remind all, trees in the public areas and verges are cared for by the Parish Council only.

Many thanks to all the organisers of the Jubilee Party on June 2nd, it was a huge success as many of you will remember.

The Stagecoach 200 service will now run between Banbury and Daventry until at least the 14th January 2023, it is hoped further funding will extend the timeframe.

News June/July 2022
In April the Annual Open meeting was held the Chairperson gave their yearly report and the Clerk the Finance report.
In May the Annual General Meeting was held and the Chairperson and Vice Chairperson were elected for the next year.
The revisions to the Chicanes are being made.
We continue to have dialogue with HS2.

Wishing you all a wonderful Queens Jubilee, don’t forget our event June 2nd, we give out thanks to Laura Concannon, the Head, for the use of the playing field.

Finally please take your dog poo bags home to your black bin, the litter bins are not the place nor are skips on private land.

News April/May 2022
Our next meeting on the 14^th April is the Annual Open meeting 7.30pm in the Village Hall.

The Chairman gives his report for the last year, the Clerk presents the financial report, we have invited guests and reports from the village organisations.

This year we hope to have our District Councillor Alison Eastwood, Mel Carter from the local Policing Team and a representative from the Ability Bus Scheme.

You may be aware Stagecoach intended to stop the 200 service on April 2^nd. Representation was made by many along the route including your PC. The service will now run until 27th August. In July WNC carry out their own bus services review.

Ability Bus is a non profit service who will collect from the village Mon pm and Thurs am. More details from

https://abilitycic.org.uk/

Their phone number is 01327 604123, there are leaflets in the Village Hall and on the notice board outside.

Welsh Road: the latest Vehicle Activated Sign (VAS) recordings show a decrease in speed since the chicanes were installed. We are still waiting for the new VAS units and final works to be completed.

WNC have agreed to place a proper kerb edging between Butler’s Close and the north chicane, this will help to stop large vehicles using the verge.

Richard Burrows has been awarded the contract for the next 3 years to mow the grass areas in the village on behalf of the PC.

News Jan/Feb
EFKB, the builders of the track bed on behalf of HS2 will be holding a Community Engagement meeting in the Village Hall on Thursday 17th February 6.30 to 8.00pm. It will be a seated presentation followed by a Q&A session. If you have any burning questions please let the Clerk know and we will flags these to EFKB before the meeting.

clerk@astonlewallsparishcouncil.gov.uk

The Neighbourhood Policing Team 3, held a surgery in the Village Hall on Saturday 13th Jan, there will be others later in the year. PC Mel Carter was pleased with the turnout from such a small village compared with some of her larger villages. It is your opportunity to talk to the Police about any concerns you have. Next date will be posted in the usual places.

The long waited for Chicanes, new footpath and bus shelter are nearly completed, there are to be 2 x new vehicle activated signs too.

Please remember the contents of the grit bins are for use on the Highway and Footpaths, not private driveways. Thank you.

Police Liaison Officer – The village is looking for a volunteer to take on this role. It will take approx 5 hours per month of your time. The main requirement will be to establish contact with the Neighbourhood Policing Team in Brackley, and to act as the point of the contact for the Neighbourhood Watch Scheme.

The vast majority of information will be shared electronically (e-mail and social media) with the odd meeting to attend.

OurServicesPosterA4PK2022

POLICE SURGERY
INFORMAL DROP-IN SESSION
ASTON LE WALLS VILLAGE HALL
SATURDAY 15^TH JANUARY 2022
3PM-5PM

COME AND SPEAK TO YOUR LOCAL OFFICERS TO DISCUSS ANY CONCERNS/ISSUES YOU HAVE.
THANK YOU

YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICE TEAM
The below officers are your point of contact for your village which forms part of the Silverstone Beat consisting of the Silverstone race circuit and the following villages:

Abthorpe , Adstone , Aston Le Walls , Astwell , Blakesley , Bradden , Caswell , Chipping Warden , Cold Higham , Cornhill , Crowfield , Culworth , Dalscote , Duncote , Edgcote , Eydon , Falcutt , Fostcote , Fosters Booth , Foxley , Greens Norton , Grimscote , Helmdon , Litchborough , Lower Boddington , Maidford , Moreton Pinkney , Plumpton , Radstone , Silverstone , Slapton , Stuchbury , Sulgrave , Syresham , Thorpe Mandeville , Upper Boddington , Upper Wardinton, Wappenham , Wardington, Weedon Lois, Weston, Whitfield, Woodend

SGT MICKI SIMONS PC MEL CARTER PC MARK MITCHELL PCSO DANNI MORGAN

TO REPORT AN INCIDENT OR CRIME PLEASE USE THE 101 NON EMERGENCY NUMBER or the online reporting form at www.northants.police.uk OR IN AN EMERGENCY always dial 999, do not contact the team directly. All reports must go via the Force Control Room.

If you have any events or should you wish to discuss a particular issue, give us information or meet a member of the NPT then please contact the team via:

NT-SouthNorthantsBrackley@northants.police.uk

SGT 581 SIMONS – 07557 779041- micki.simons@northants.police.uk
PC 911 CARTER – 07557 778579 – mel.carter@northants.police.uk
PC 801 MITCHELL – 07557 778536 – mark.mitchell@northants.police.uk
PCSO 7182 MORGAN – 07973 872805 – danni.morgan@northants.police.uk

Your Neighbourhood Team is based within the Community at Brackley and are often the first port of call for an emergency as the closest Police resource. The teams also have a wealth of other responsibilities in respect of safeguarding vulnerable people, working with educational establishments, crime investigation and intelligence gathering.

Useful Links

Northamptonshire Police Website:
http://www.northants.police.uk/

This link will provide you with useful information to help protect yourself from scams: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/scams/spotting-a-scam/

Trading Standards – Advice and help for consumers – Don’t get caught out, find an approved trader:
http://www.northamptonshire.gov.uk/en/councilservices/Community/trading/Pages/default.aspx

Contact Crime Stoppers anonymously about crime: Telephone 0800 555 111
https://crimestoppers-uk.org/

Fearless – a site where young people can access non-judgmental information and advice about crime:
https://www.fearless.org/

The Team send out a variety of information to keep the community updated using the below platforms:

Twitter: @SthNorthantsNPT

Facebook: Daventry and South Northants Neighbourhood Policing Team

Neighbourhood Alert

an email messaging system that all Schools, Parish Councils, Neighbourhood Watch and Community Members can sign up to. Register your email address to receive up to date information. Sign up to Neighbourhood Alert Messaging System at: www.northamptonshireneighbourhoodalert.co.uk

THANK YOU

Dec/Jan 2021
The reason for the increase in traffic on Welsh Road is due to closing of Appletree Lane, unfortunately this might not change for four years until it is reopened. Also HS2 use Welsh Road and it will continue until they build their bridge on the SAR over High Furlong Brook.

Millennium Garden – ALWPC received email from Alex Blithe (Grandson of parishioners) who volunteered to help maintain the village. Councillors agreed his offer of help is welcome and although we have a contractor, help with Millennium Garden and Pocket Park would be most appreciated.

Welsh Road – work started in November 2021 and should end 17th December 2021. It is thought that the islands may be created at this time but the lights and VAS units will be done in 2022 as no poles for the VAS units are available.

Oct/Nov 2021
We are very grateful that Richard Burrows has taken on the grass cutting for the village until the end of the growing season, after the previous contractor withdrew his services.

The Parish Council is made up of unpaid volunteers, 5 of whom are in full time employment and 2 part-time.

Without a Parish Council, West Northants Council would control the village and we would have no say in any matters.

The chicanes to slow speed in the Welsh Road and all the other items promised via the HS2 Road Safety fund are due to be started in November and completed late December.

If you see a pothole or poor road condition you can report it and many other things via Street Doctor [use a search engine for Street Doctor and log any problems there.]

Our next Parish Council meeting will be held in the village hall at 7.30pm on the 14^th October.

It is hoped our new District Councillor Alison Eastwood will be attending to introduce herself.

Mel Carter from the Neighbourhood Policing Team based in Brackley hopes to attend too, again to introduce herself.

Agendas and future dates can be found on the Parish Council website and the village notice board.

Aug/Sept 2021
The new Commemorative bench purchased by Buckingham Group as reported in the last newsletter was positioned and unveiled on Friday July 2nd by Goffe Taylor. The bench is in Main Street by the school playing field. Notes on the history of the bench can be found here.

Fusion, also working on behalf of HS2, has purchased a new Stiga mulching mower for the Pocket Park, for which we are grateful.

The final 5 streetlights on Welsh Road have been fitted with their new LED lamps; all lamps in the village are now LED and much cheaper to run.

With great disappointment we have to report the Contractor awarded the contract to mow the common grass areas and the Millennium garden has emailed to say he will not be mowing for us anymore due to change in business operation, a very unsatifactory way to conduct business. We have been looking for a replacement, which will be hard mid season.

The year end accounts, 31^st March 2021, have been submitted to PKF Littlejohn and they are available on the PC website.

We continue to have dialogue with HS2, EFBK and Fusion over all things relating to their works locally.

Road Safety fund update: local farmers and residents of Welsh Road have been sent letters of the intended traffic calming measures, some local road and utilities surveys have been carried out.

Just be aware, when the A361 gets closed due to accidents etc, drivers will think they can use Appletree Lane, until they find it closed, hence more traffic on Main St, and drivers speeding.

June/July 2021
The Parish Council had 7 nominations for 7 seats in the Local Elections, so was uncontested.

A full list of the Council is available on the notice board and the website:

www.astonlewallsparishcouncil.gov.uk along with their responsibilities.

Julie Challenor has taken on the role of Parish Clerk,
clerk@astonlewallsparishcouncil.gov.uk

The Parish Council is delighted that Buckingham Group have purchased on our behalf a VE 75th Commemorative Bench to be placed on Main Street.

Appletree Lane has now been closed for the HS2 works and will be for 4 years. After much communication with Fusion and Effiage Kier the diversion signs have been greatly reduced and better placed.

The footpath AA7 / AE17 has been closed from the Airfield perimeter track onwards towards Chipping Warden, AA8 will be closed soon at the concrete track, the concrete track becoming a designated footpath back to the Appletree Lane giving us a circuit.

Apr/May 2021
The Parish Clerk Mrs Gillian Taylor has decided to retire after 32 years. The current Parish Councillors would like to take this opportunity to thank her for all her efforts, not only over recent years, but on behalf of those who were elected and served on the Parish Council in previous years too.

New Clerk: Julie Challenor, Northfield, Welsh Road, Aston le Walls, Daventry, Northants. NN11 6UD Tel: 01295 660220

Earlier this year we continued with our Street Lighting upgrade, there are just 5 lamps left to change over to LED, which give a better throw of light and are much cheaper to run.

Regretfully Dog mess continues to be a problem caused by the inconsiderate few, especially those who bag it and then throw the bag into the nearby hedges. We continue to have a litter problem and are grateful to those who litter pick as they walk. It is important that everyone respects the countryside.

Appletree Lane will be shut by HS2 in April for possibly 18 months, updates as soon as we have them.

The Annual Parish (Open) Meeting is being held virtually via the zoom platform on Thursday 8th April at 7.30pm connection details:

Meeting ID: 820 4393 3429
Passcode: 225852

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82043933429?pwd=SUtqa2ZpZVRPYXpydGJ3ZlNoTjRkQT09

All reports received will then be published on the parish council website:
www.astonlewallsparishcouncil.gov.uk

HS2 Road Safety Fund
Success
The Parish Council made an application to the Road Safety Fund of HS2.

Any application had to be formally agreed by Northants County Council in the first instance and then HS2.

The application was originally made over 3 years ago and we have finally received approval for the following,

A continuation of the pavement from the Plowden Close junction with the Welsh Road heading out of the village towards the A361. It will go as far as the pinch point opposite the footpath in the field on the left.

Originally the request was to the A361, the path approved is a compromise.

2 VAS units (vehicle activated signs) one at each end of the village on the Welsh Road.

2 Chicanes, 1 between Plowden Close and the Garages. 1 between Butlers Close and Main Street. See note 1.

1 new bus shelter for the school children, positioned better with appropriate drop kerbs either side of the Welsh Road.

With these measures in place the Parish Council hopes the Welsh Road will be a safer place for everyone and the speed of vehicles passing through greatly reduced.

For any queries please contact – chairman2019alw@btinternet.com

Note 1
Below is the response to our query about the positioning of the Butlers Close chicane by Matthew Barratt NCC Highways Traffic Management Team leader

The positioning of the one nearest to Butlers Close was for a couple of reasons. It will have the most effect where we feel it was most required (where footways and drives are present). We also need to ensure that although these are designed to slow and regulate speeds, we cannot place them where approach speeds are still likely to be high enough to cause safety concerns. In between Butlers and Blacksmiths there is very little in the way of footways, accesses or property frontages that is likely to influence a motorists speed. That is why we would prefer to use non-physical measures in this area such as the VAS.

The presence of the bend on the approach to the priority working has been identified but there is sufficient forward visibility available. Should a car be parked on the bend, then an approaching vehicle should proceed with caution accordingly.

Feb/Mar 2021
May 6th 2021 Elections
The current Parish Council has to stand down and offer themselves for re election on the 6th May. In due course a pack will be available from the Clerk (clerk@astonlewallsparishcouncil.gov.uk) for those wishing to stand for election to the Parish Council. Positions on the Council are open to anyone in the Parish over the age of 18 on the day of nomination.

The Council meets 10 times a year on the second Thursday of the month, no meeting is held in August and December, however during the ongoing Covid 19 situation the Council is meeting all 12 months virtually via the Zoom platform. Most meetings are less than 2 hours, Minutes of previous meetings are available on the PC website: astonlewallsparishcouncil.gov.uk these give an insight to the workings of the Council. It should be noted this is unpaid voluntary work.

Grit Bins
The contents of the grit bins are for use on the Highway and Footpaths, not private driveways.
Thank you.

Dec 2020/Jan 2021
The Parish Council has continued to hold virtual meetings via the zoom platform during 2020 and to deal with its routine business. It has also ensured that residents are kept informed of coronavirus updates and guidelines via its website: http://www.astonlewallsparishcouncil.gov.uk

Looking ahead to 2021, the local and parish council elections will be held in May – if you are interested in serving your community as a parish councillor, give it some thought or ask a current member about what is involved. There will be official guidelines available early in the New Year both on ALWPC and SNC websites.

As winter weather approaches, please remember the yellow grit bins contain rock salt provided by NCC which is available for use on footpaths & highways, it is not provided for private driveways.

It has been a difficult year for everyone and the Parish Council would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their support & co-operation and for abiding by the government regulations to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all our neighbours and friends in the parish (Aston le Walls & Appletree). Remember – if anyone needs help, they have only to ask.

Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Oct/Nov 2020
The Parish Council is in constant dialogue with Fusion / Effiage Kier and HS2 and their responses and flyers are posted on the Parish Council website, https://www.astonlewallsparishcouncil.gov.uk/

Notices from the District Council, Northamptonshire County Council, Neighbourhood Watch and the Police Commissioner amongst others can be found here too, together with the latest information on Covid-19.

As you will have seen the road from the Aston le Walls to the A361 is finally open. Please remember to respect the 30mph speed limit when travelling through the village.

Aug/Sept 2020
The Parish Council has successfully held virtual meetings via the Zoom platform since May to ensure its routine business is dealt with. The annual audit of financial accounts 2019-2020 is currently taking place.

All details of meetings are published on its website, together with Coronavirus updates as well as some SNC reports and press releases, Neighbourhood Watch crime prevention alerts and much more – check it out on

https://www.astonlewallsparishcouncil.gov.uk/

Regular monitoring & liaison is taking place with HS2 and NCC Highways regarding the major A361 and other roadworks which have had a big impact on local roads. Please read road signs carefully to ensure you understand what restrictions are in place and keep speed to a sensible level on our rural roads.

During the lockdown, most residents will have enjoyed using their gardens and taking exercise in the village area to enjoy the seasonal weather conditions. The Parish Council would respectfully ask everyone to check their boundaries for overgrown trees (low branches), hedges, climbing shrubs (particularly roses) and anything else that may obstruct footpaths or cause a safety issue to people walking around the village. Please regularly prune back any vegetation that is likely to create a nuisance.

Thank you.

June/July 2020
A Big thank you to all NHS staff, Carers, Support Staff, Truck drivers and shop employees who have kept the Country Safe and Supplied.

Thank you, to all our Community for showing your support with the Thursday clapping for the NHS.

Thank you, for helping those in need by donating to the Food Bank at Comfrey Cottage.

Thank you to all those who pulled together in the community to help all with everyday needs.

Your Parish Council Councillors have been communicating with each other via email during the lock down.

Our Annual Open meeting was cancelled due to the restrictions and our May meeting was held Virtually on the Zoom platform, notices were placed on the PC website.

Highways have filled potholes and surrounds to manhole covers.

We monitor the A361 Crossroads and CW bypass construction, when things go wrong, HGV’s in the village, we make representation to Fusion the overall contractor. The Welsh Road out of the village toward the crossroads is currently CLOSED until July. Vehicles of all kinds are still ignoring the large ROAD CLOSED signs and driving toward the crossroads, then having to turn round and return to follow the yellow diversion signs. A reminder to please keep alert for the next few weeks until the work is completed at the junction.

The public footpath at the top of the airfield was covered by a mass of soil, since being reported this has now been cleared off the path.

Despite our best effort to make the Pocket Park swings unusable as per lock down measures, the securing chains were cut off. Regretfully we had to pass the responsibility to Parents to keep themselves and their children safe.

Please visit the Parish Council website,

https://www.astonlewallsparishcouncil.gov.uk/

here you will find the latest info we have been given.

Stay safe, do exercise locally.

Newsletter Apr/May 2020
The Parish Council held its meeting on 12th March 2020, as well as the usual business; the agenda included plans for the Annual Parish (Open) Meeting in April. It was agreed that the usual invitations would be issued and a speaker invited to talk about the new community transport scheme ABILITY which some neighbouring parishes have already adopted successfully.

Following a full audit and replacement consumables ordered with assistance from the South Northants Community Responders team, the community defibrillator is in full working order. Anyone new to the village should know this vital equipment is sited by the entrance to the primary school in Main Street.

Among other items discussed were the renewal of necessary IT software, acceptance of a tender for village grass-cutting and an update on repairs and a grant application for the Pocket Park being submitted for equipment and improvements to various access areas.

Some potholes in Appletree Lane and Blacksmiths Lane have been repaired after successful reporting on to Highways via Fix My Street https://fixmystreet.northamptonshire.gov.uk/

A recent Police speed camera visit was undertaken in Welsh Road and the VAS unit has recorded high vehicle speeds in the Appletree/Blacksmiths Lane area.

A major project currently being undertaken by the Parish Council is the necessary replacement of old obsolete street lighting to bring them up to required regulation with LED lamps. A further four lamps have been replaced recently and others will be dealt with as finances permit.

At the time of its meeting, the Parish Council agreed to monitor all updates from County & District Councils and the Northants County Association of Local Councils (NCALC) on how to deal with Government directives during the continuing threat of the COVD-19 coronavirus to the Parish and its residents. The Council will implement any restrictions required of them and it may be necessary to cancel the Annual Parish (Open) Meeting due to the ongoing situation. Councillors are in daily contact with each other via email.

Helpful information is available on the ALWPC website and this is being updated as the situation evolves.

http://www.astonlewallsparishcouncil.gov.uk

NB At the time of writing notification has now been received that the forthcoming Parish Council Election due to take place on 7th May 2020 has been postponed until 2021.

Newsletter Feb/Mar 2020
The Parish Council held its first meeting of the New Year on 9th January. The main topic was finances and a budget has been approved for the 2020/21 financial year. The Precept was set to allow for replacement of some village street lamps to LED to bring them up to regulation standard as the existing ones become obsolete.

The Council continues to meet and discuss with HS2 the need for a Footpath from the village to the A361, permanent VAS units and a better and safer bus stop for Secondary school children. Despite its best efforts it is disappointing that many drivers are still ignoring the 30mph speed limit. This, together with increased traffic flow is presenting a constant safety issue for residents walking on the Welsh Road.

The Parish Council Elections will be taking place on Thursday 7th May 2020. Perhaps you are willing to give some time for the benefit of the Parish – meetings are held monthly. If anyone is interested in putting themselves forward for election, please look out for notices inviting candidates and guidelines are available by contacting South Northants Council website nearer the time.

Should we receive snow in the month ahead, grit bins are for use on roads and footpaths not private driveways.

Please see our website for all other information about the work of ALW Parish Council: www.astonlewallsparishcouncil.gov.uk

Dec/Jan 2019/2020
The Parish Council continues to monitor HS2 activity and the work of Contractors Buckingham at the crossroads.
New meetings will be held with HS2 and Fusion to discuss future developments, so do look out for notices.
There is no Parish Council meeting in December; our next meeting will be Thursday January 9th 2020..

Oct/Nov 2019
The Parish Council reports the data collected from the Vehicle Activated Sign (VAS) to the Police and Road Safety team.

The VAS unit was funded by our then District Councillor, in an attempt to help reduce speed in our village. The data shows currently 60% of vehicles are exceeding the 30mph speed limit.
Are You one of them?

The Road Safety team has with their Camera van prosecuted 36 drivers this year.

Crossroads update, the construction of the new crossroads will start again shortly, advance notice, the road from the village to the A361 will be closed for 8 weeks in November / December.

A diversion will be signed, a meeting is being organised with Fusion and Buckingham for you to see the plan, go to the HS2 page for details of the meeting.

August/September 2019
The Parish Council does not meet in August and our next meeting will be held on Thursday, 12th September at 7.30pm in the village hall.

Neighbourhood watch reports there is continuing reports of theft from rural communities; please take care with open windows and doors during the hot weather.

The PC are disappointed that someone thought it would be fun to uproot all the Nature information boards in the Pocket Park, turn over all the hard plastic seating and damage the entrance board.

A Councillor attended the latest Liaison Meeting held at the Forum, Towcester. It is understood with Buckingham Construction now engaged to complete the works on the crossroad and the Chipping Warden bypass, the work will be completed in the spring of 2020.

Our request for a paved footpath from the village to the A361 from the HS2 Road safety Fund is on hold pending further notice of HGV movements along the Welsh Road.

June/July 2019
The Parish Council held two important annual meetings during April and May.

The first, in April, was the Annual Parish Meeting at which the Parish Council presents a report on its work undertaken during the previous period and a summary of its expenditure.

Parishioners are always warmly invited to attend and village organizations give brief reports about their activities. The community is fortunate to have had both the County (Ian Morris) & District Councillor (Mrs M A Sergison-Brooke) in attendance to give details on their appropriate local government organization. The meeting was well attended by residents, lively & constructive discussions took place and various concerns were aired.

In May, the Annual Parish Council Meeting took place at which Charles Lees was re-elected as Chairman and Mark Hazelton elected as Vice Chairman. All Councillors were happy to continue to undertake their various delegated responsibilities, the meeting formally adopted various Statutory regulations as a legal requirement and the Parish Clerk has prepared the financial accounts 2019/2020 for audit.

All information regarding these and other Parish Council meetings is available at www.astonlewallsparishcouncil.gov.uk together with a wealth of useful information for parishioners.

APRIL/MAY 2019
A meeting was organised for HS2 and their partners Fusion and Effiage Kier to update the Village on all matters HS2 and the A361 crossroads and Chipping Warden bypass.

The meeting was held on Thursday 21st March 4.00pm to 7.00pm, approx 30 villagers attended the ‘ drop in ‘ style meeting. Maps were available to see and explanations of the next steps and likely local issues during construction.

Dawnus Construction, the Fusion approved constructor for the Bypass and Crossroads have gone into Adminstration, therefore there will be a delay before they are completed. All the Heras fencing will remain in place as the site is deemed a construction site and has to meet regulations.

Most attendees voiced their real concerns about the crossroads current design.

It is hoped to have Ian Morris our County Councillor attend our Parish Council ‘ Open Meeting ‘ on Thursady 11th April, his portfolio is Highways and Transport.

The Annual Parish (Open) Meeting will take place on Thursday 11th April at 7.30pm in the Village Hall, where both the County (Ian Morris) and District (Mary-Anne Sergison Brooke) Councillors have been invited to attend and are always happy to answer any queries and questions about local government services.
The Parish Council will present a summary of its work and expenditure during the 2018/2019 year and village organisations will be invited to give brief reports about their activities.
It is a good opportunity for all residents to hear what is happening in the parish, all are very welcome to attend and speak up about their concerns or ideas.

A Reminder to all Dog Owners – The litter bins in Main Street and Welsh Road are for rubbish, not dog poo, please take it home and dispose of it in your black wheelie bin. Thankyou.

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2019
After a short break for December, the Parish Council resumed its schedule of meetings in January, dealing with routine business, two planning applications and a thorough discussion in preparation for its budget for 2019/20. Following recent cutbacks and changes in NCC policy regarding grit bins, the Parish Council now has responsibility for a third of the three village grit bins, (the bin situated at the Butlers Close/Welsh Road junction), the two other bins in Main Street remain the responsibility of the NCC Highways. This is therefore an opportunity to respectfully remind residents that the grit/salt provided in all the bins is for use on public roads and footpaths, not private driveways. Salt is readily available for purchase for personal use at all good DIY stores.

The Parish Council will be replacing the broken public footpath map board in Main Street in the spring. Please continue to check and use correct rights of way and public footpath routes when out walking, a laminated copy of the official Definitive Map is available to see in the Village Hall. Any queries – please contact clerk@astonlewallsparishcouncil.gov.uk.
Anyone interested in finding out more about the Northamptonshire Association of Youth Clubs should email yd@nayc.org for more information about groups in this area.
An important reminder to all dog owners – please DO NOT USE the Litter bins in Main Street or Welsh Road to dispose of dog waste. The correct procedure is to wrap the dog waste in a plastic bag and place in your own black wheelie bin. (South Northants Council operatives are responsible for emptying the village Litter bins but should not be expected to deal with dog waste).
Check out www.astonlewallsparishcouncil.gov.uk for the latest parish council news and other useful information.

DECEMBER/JANUARY 2018/19
The Parish Council is pleased to report that it is now up to full strength, having recently filled its vacancy. A new list of members is available on the website and also village noticeboards, please contact any Councillor if you have a concern or query or email clerk@astonlewallsparishcouncil.gov.uk.

A great deal of routine business has been completed over the last few months, two new LED street lights installed in Blacksmiths Lane, participation in the Local Plan 2 final consultation process, updating of the Emergency Plan and even some long term potholes have been repaired in the village following regular reporting to NCC Highways via Street Doctor. Residents are encouraged to use www.northamptonshire.gov.uk/streetdoctor to report potholes anywhere they are travelling in the county.

The Parish Council will be looking ahead to its 2019/2020 budget requirements. It will need to deal with rising costs in many areas of responsibility as well as various items being devolved to local level from the County Council as a result of the dire financial situation at NCC. Please check the ALWPC website www.astonlewallsparishcouncil.gov.uk for the latest information about the proposed Unitary Status developments as well as other useful general information for the benefit of all residents.

The next Parish Council meeting is scheduled for Thursday 10^th January 2019 at 7.30pm.

Latest News
The next Parish Council meeting will be held in the Village Hall on Thursday 10th January 2019 at 7.30pm.

The Parish Council currently has a vacancy. Anyone interested, please contact the parish clerk at:
clerk@astonlewallsparishcouncil.gov.uk.

August / September 2018
The Parish Council has been extremely busy over the past few months, dealing with new procedures for the Annual Audit, General Data Protection Regulations, and most recently consultation in respect of a Local Government Review, as well as its usual business. The difficulties at Northamptonshire County Council have had a knock on effect on some important rural services, and unfortunately the local bus service County Connect is being discontinued at the end of July. The Parish Council will be objecting strongly via our County Councillor, Mr Ian Morris to this in particular and to the reduction in other services (libraries & highway gritting among others) within the county.

Earlier in the year a vacancy arose for a Parish Councillor and we are pleased to report that Mark Hazelton has now been welcomed as a new co-opted member to fill the role and will bring additional welcome skills to the council. There will now be a short summer break, no meeting is scheduled for August. Please check out our website for all the latest parish council information and other helpful links www.astonlewallsparishcouncil.gov.uk

Information about the Parish Council
The Parish Council meets in the village hall at 7.30pm every second Thursday of the month. Residents are welcome to watch the proceedings and are given the opportunity to contribute at the start of the meeting. Minutes of the most recent meeting are displayed on the notice board outside the village hall and can also be viewed by contacting the Parish clerk, Gill Taylor, the new email contact for the Parish Council (2018) is clerk@astonlewallsparishcouncil.gov.uk.

Previous Reports
Following the Parish council election on 7 May 2015 the following have been elected: John Blyth, Tom Boston, Charles Lees, Sally Lord, Dick Stephen, Goffe Taylor, Jo Wilson

The ANNUAL PARISH OPEN MEETING is held on a Thursday in April 2016 at 7.30 pm in the village hall. On this occasion all the organisations within the village are invited to give a brief report of their activities over the past 12 months. Also invited to speak are our County and District Councillors and our Community Police Officer.

Parish Clerk is Gill Taylor who can be contacted on 660363

As 2014 is the centenary of the start of WW1, it is planned to have the names on the war memorial cleaned and repainted with other repairs being made. For further information about our memorial and others in the UK please follow the link below.

www.warmemorialsonline.org.uk

The Parish Council carefully manage our funds and continue to support the village organisations as much as we can, including the Pocket Park, the Village Hall, the War Memorial and the Film Club.

The Parish Council meets 10 times a year, we do not meet in August or December and I thought it would be useful to let you know some of the things we have to do. Planning decisions, street lighting, Highways matters, Foot paths, winter management, emergency planning, grass mowing and tree maintenance, receive and answer lengthy documents from SNC and NCC, Joint Core Strategy, Police and crime commission survey, NCC Asset Management Survey, Campaign to Protect Rural England – workshops to visit, Community Enhancement Gangs questionnaire, support and attend AGM of the Northamptonshire County Association of Local Councils.

Some of these have little bearing on Aston le Walls, but nevertheless we have to respond, they can run to many tens of pages and mostly are to do with planning for the next 15 to 20 years. The Community Infrastructure Levy is important, as any new development has to pay £per sqm into the New homes fund.

Millennium Garden
We have also asked for funding to freshen up the Millennium Garden, it is looking a little tired and your Parish Council are doing most of the work themselves to save money. Pruning, planting, path restructuring and refurbishment to the bench and reinstating the Paver ring. We also applied to the Land Registry for ownership details of the land the garden is on. It is owned by the Sutton Close developer.

Pocket Park
The Lease for the Pocket park is due to end in April 2015, the Parish Council approached during last year the NCC to see if the Lease would be renewed, they have agreed a new lease could be implemented straight away, this has been going on all year for various reasons, I can confirm we have now had the lease read by a Solicitor on our behalf and we are now in a position to sign it.

Highways
One of the Council is the designated Highways warden for Aston le Walls, basically taking on anything to do with Highways and reporting pot holes, sign cleaning, incorrect signage (like the new ones on the A361). All pot holes are reported to Street doctor, but the more people who complain, the greater the speed of repair. All information collected by the Vehicle Activated Sign is forwarded to the Police at Brackley and the Road Casualty Reduction officer at NCC.

HS2
HS2 continues to be a worry and I must thank Jo Wilson our representative on all things HS2 for her continued hard work, organising meetings, whether they be with HS2, NCC and SNC.

Finally I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the Members of the Parish Council for their help and support during this year and especially Gill our Clerk who is continually fighting the waves of electronically delivered paperwork.

Thank you.