What is Orleton Parish Council up to?
Flooding at the Maidenhead junction
We are pleased to report that the Head of Highways, Ed Bradford, and a number of senior drainage colleagues visited Orleton on Thursday 8th August, to better understand the local flooding issues. Modeling of the storm flows affecting the B4361 will now take place to establish flood patterns and volumes. The results of this modeling will be discussed in early September with a view to the design of a scheme of works. At this stage it is too early to say what might emerge but we are obviously very encouraged by these activities and by the prospect of action to reduce the frequency and severity of flooding which enters the village via Millbrook Way. As soon as we hear more, we will publish details of the Highway Authority proposals on our website and issue and update in Grapevine.
Telephone Box Refurbishment
Following Martin Bradford’s excellent refurbishment of the telephone box the Parish Council turned its attention to finding someone who would be prepared to maintain it and look after the library inside it. Carole Mitchell has volunteered to carry out these duties (she’s my wife and no she wasn’t cajoled into doing it!) so if you have any books you’d like to donate or any ideas as to improve the library please contact her either on 01568 780283 or e-mail on Pugmitch@gmail.com. Books can be taken at any time and there is no maximum period for their return. It’s a free service so do make use of it.
Orleton Local Plan
Cllrs Lane and Mitchell attended a meeting with Hereford Council Planning Department on Wednesday 31 July 2024, to discus the county council’s plans for potential future housing development in Orleton. Unfortunately, with the election of the new Government their original plans have had to be revised. It is still not exactly clear what Herefordshire’s share of new housing is set to be. Orleton’s proportion is also yet to be determined, but a definitive figure will be issued following public consultation after the end of September. The Parish Council will bring you the figures as soon as we have them.
Parish Council’s Grants for Local Organisations
I read in July’s Grapevine that Orleton Parish Council has refused to provide financial support to the Rec. I must admit that this came as something of a surprise, as no grant application has been received from ORA, nor any determination made by the committee. There is certainly no resolution of the parish council which bars ORA from making a grant application.
Grants are, therefore, available to all organisations within the Parish – including the Rec – and I would urge anyone who has a project that may benefit the Community but which requires financial support, to contact the parish council, either via the Parish Clerk or via the details on our website.
Colin Mitchell
Chairman, Orleton Parish Council
August 2024