23/10/2012 - Permalink

Longden, Ford and Rea Valley LJC – 10 October report

Related topics: Democracy

Whilst welcoming councillors to the Longden, Ford and Rea Valley Local Joint Committee (LJC) meeting that was held at Ford on Wednesday 10 October 2012, the Chair of the LJC, Shropshire Councillor Roger Evans, asked any members of the committee or public present who knew about any recent flooding issues to inform him or Shropshire Councillor Tudor Bebb, so that they could ensure that the appropriate action was taken. 

Shropshire Council’s highways and transport manager Ron Buzzacott attended the meeting to report back on issues from around the area.  Ron reported that tests had been done on the height-activated sign at Lea Cross, but offered to have these tests repeated when a member of the public reported that they were still working incorrectly.

Roger Evans confirmed that the initial formal consultation was in progress for the Hanwood pedestrian crossing as the design was complete, and that hopefully this project will be completed in this financial year.

Financial constraints have delayed the cycle/footpath scheme between Minsterley and Pontesbury, and work will now not be carried out until summer 2013.

Ron Buzzacott also confirmed that the village speed consultation would begin soon and  continue until December.  Parish councils will additionally be asked to attend sessions at Shirehall with the appropriate officers. 

A member of the public asked about speeding on estate roads.  The local Community Support Officer Keith Hadfield requested that people take down the registration numbers of these vehicles and report them to the Pplice using the 101 number.  The police would then be able to speak to the offending car or scooter drivers. 

Mark Pembleton, Shropshire Council’s business and enterprise manager, presented to the LJC about what they are doing to assist local businesses.  He outlined a scheme where Shropshire Council has put £1million into a fund which will support businesses who cannot secure bank loans.  Mark also reported that proposals to change contract rules were being considered, with the expectation that changes would allow more local businesses to successfully win tenders for work commissioned by Shropshire Council. 

The area planning manager Stuart Thomas gave updates as far as was known on what the Government’s new proposals were for house extensions.  His response to a question from a member of the committee about what notice was taken of parish councils’ comments on planning matters was that there was agreement 80% of the time, and that developers were encouraged to have pre-planning application discussions with parish councils. 

Roger Evans commented:- 

“I’m disappointed that parish councils’ objections no longer cause an application to be referred to a planning committee.  In my area I always refer things to committee when a parish council raises an objection.” 

The LJC had £8,407 remaining in the budget ,and agreed to support 6 local community projects at the meeting.  These are:- 

  • Ford Parish Hall, renovate a non-parking strip of land in Ford Parish Hall car park. £800
  • Shropshire Wildlife Trust, Wild Adventure- to provide opportunities for local young people to volunteer at and take part in outdoor challenges. £1,000
  • Rea Valley Local Produce Market, promotional materials. £500
  • Habberley Village Hall, to build an extension housing new disabled toilets and access, additional ladies toilets and a new bar area. £2,500
  • Severnside Housing, providing ‘Pamper Day’ events at 4 sheltered housing schemes. £933
  • ‘Kickz’ Community Dance Project, performing a dance production at Minsterley Parish Hall in March 2013.  £300 

There is £2,374 remaining in the budget for community groups to apply for at the last LJC meeting in this financial year, on 20 February 2013. 

Roger Evans said:- 

“I’m really pleased that all the smaller community grants were granted in full.  I’m especially looking forward to attending ‘Kickz’ dance production next March.  The younger members of our community will be involved in creating and developing a performance which everyone can enjoy, including the older members.” 

For more information about this LJC please contact the community action officer, Rachel Johnson, on 01743 252483 or rachel.johnson@shropshire.gov.uk.