Annual Parish Meeting

The Annual Parish Meeting of the Parish Council took place on Thursday 10^th May in the Committee Room of Winterslow Village Hall.  The Chairman welcomed residents and Professor Wright who gave an informative presentation on the forthcoming Firsdown Music Fayre. This will be held on Sunday July 15th.  There will be no admission charge, a bar, catering and toilet facilities would be available.  The Chairman then presented his Annual Report and the Vice-Chair the Financial Report.  There then followed the monthly Parish meeting.

Councillor Peter James was re-elected as Chairman and Councillor David Green was newly elected as Vice-Chair.  Following the District and Parish Council elections of 3^rd May 2007, Firsdown Parish Council  now consists of five Councillors with two vacancies.  Should any resident of Firsdown be interested in joining the current team of Councillors in this varied and rewarding role then they should contact the Clerk for further details.

Planning

S/2007/650 – 3 Juniper Road, Firsdown – Full application – (flat above garage) fit two Velux windows.  The Parish Council objected to this application.

S/2007/740 – 61 Firs Road, Firsdown – Full application – extension to bungalow and roof conversion.  The Parish Council objected to this application.

S/2007/758 – 6 Maple Drive, Firsdown - Full application – rear conservatory.  The Parish Council supported this application.

S/2007/814 – 40 Firs Road, Firsdown – Full application – conversion of existing garage and lounge new attached single garage.  The Parish Council supported this application.

Play area

The Parish Council would like to make residents aware that the play tiles in the children’s area are in need of major repair in the immediate future and this would of course be a large financial expenditure.  The Parish Council is currently investigating the idea of re-furbishing or replacing the existing children’s play area through the initiative of the “Playful ideas” run by the Big Lottery scheme.  A Wiltshire County Council play advisor will give a short presentation at the June meeting of the Parish Council and any suggestions from local residents would be most welcome. 

Parish Steward

The Parish Steward scheme run by Wiltshire County Council Highways department is proving a valuable service to our Parish.  The Parish Steward designated to our area visits once a month to carry out jobs assigned to him by, amongst others, the Parish Council.  The jobs carried out include those involving drainage, signage cleaning and ensuring that the pathways are kept clear.  We are fortunate in having a conscientious Parish Steward and a number of residents have commented favourably on the work that has been completed.  If any resident has any suggestions as to suitable jobs for the Parish Steward then please inform the Clerk.

Highways

Wiltshire County Council has informed the Parish Council that the Parish Steward will be carrying out weed spraying operations in the Parish during the month of May.  The County Council assures us that the product used will not affect bees, insects or animals as the chemical is not an insecticide, pesticide or fungicide and it degrades to harmless residues.  If you have any concerns or queries then please contact the Wilton Office on 01722 744440 or email southernhighways@wiltshire.gov.uk

Next Meeting: The next full meeting of the Parish Council will be held on Thursday June 7th 2007 in the Committee Room, Winterslow Village Hall at 7.15pm.