What is going on at Orleton Parish Council – 2023 Election Special
Election of new councillors
Most of those currently on the parish council will remain in post after the May 4th election, with only the loss of Philip Hardwick, who did not stand, and arrival of Ron Gittings who takes his place. All seven places were taken by public nominees who were elected unopposed. This is the first occasion since 2004, where nominees came forward to fill all seven available places – which is very good news. The Parish Council now comprises: Veronica Bishop, Ron Gittings, Brian Powell, Colin Mitchell, Barry Rogers, Mark Simmons and David Lane. We will be joined by our new Parish Clerk Olena Barrett, who formerly acted as Administrator and Clerk to Hereford City Council Planning Committee. Thank you again to Philip for his years of selfless public service as a parish councillor.
The May election represents the beginning of a new four-year term for the parish council. During this period there are a number of issues that will face councillors, not least of which is the need to prepare a new Neighbourhood Development Plan, which will be the subject of extensive public consultation and is crucial in providing a local framework within which county planners must consider future growth.
The parish council will also be trying to get to grips with the issue of flooding in the village and on local roads. This is an issue which is easily forgotten in the long periods between major floods, but has a major impact on the life and economy of the village. We shall be looking at ways to manage flood water better by maintaining watercourses and improving drainage.
Speeding, road safety and road condition are not within the parish council’s powers. They do nonetheless represent a significant local concern. The parish council will continue to do all it reasonably can to press home the message that the county council is not meeting even the most basic expectations of the public with regard to road maintenance and that road safety needs to be improved in Comberton and around The Maidenhead.
Parish Meeting 18 May 6.30pm
There will be a Parish Meeting on Thursday 18th May at 18.30 at the Village Hall. This is an opportunity for members of the public to meet and discuss matters which impact on the community and voice their concerns. It is not a parish council meeting and any votes taken at the meeting are not binding on either the parish council or the county council. They can however be influential in future decision making. They also provide an informal setting for meeting parish councillors. Light refreshments will be served.
Parish Council Annual Meeting 18 May
Following the Parish Meeting there will be an annual meeting of the parish council at which a new Chair will be elected. We hope to present a new programme of work for the coming year at the May and June meetings.
David Lane
Chairman Orleton Parish Council
April 2023