WEXHAM COURT PARISH COUNCIL
REPORT OF THE CHAIRMAN
COUNCILLOR HENRY EGAN
October/November 2006
Since our last Full Meeting in September 2006 I have the following matters to report:
1. Tennis Courts: The Clerk dealt with a few incidents involving youths misusing the tennis courts for football. On one particular occasion they had taken down the tennis nets. On approaching the youths, the Clerk and I were subjected to a lot of abuse from several of the youths which did them no favours. We ejected them from the courts and I think the message we gave them got home.
2. Invitation to Mayors Parlour: I attended the Mayors Parlour at the Town Hall with several members of the Parish Council and their guests. This was a very enjoyable evening and we spent a lot of time discussing the history of Slough and reminiscing about the past. I would like to thank David MacIsaac for his kind invitation to this event which I’m sure was enjoyed by all those present.
3. NALC Conference (Liverpool): Councillor Davies and I attended the NALC conference in Liverpool; we met with several colleagues and were able to discuss numerous issues which were of concern to us all. We spent quite a bit of time with DEFRA discussing Section 106 which could help us to improve the facilities within our Parish. Furthermore, we were also able to speak with representatives from Kompan regarding outstanding issues with The Cherries Play Area, and also the company who were supplying the Chairman’s Jewel. We attended several sessions about working with Unitary Authorities, and issues regarding the future of Parish Councils. We were also able to obtain additional information to assist new Councillors.
4. Sikh School: This matter is still ongoing; I have put in another formal complaint regarding this development due to the amount of mud being spread along Wexham Road, and also the obstruction of the highway by vehicles delivering material to the site. As yet I have not received any formal response from SBC.
5. Risk Assessment of Parish Hall: I have carried out a review of the previous Risk Assessment and updated the records following recent electrical works. I can report that the Hall has a clean bill of health. Additional work has been scheduled for next year to make further improvements.
6. New Fire Regulations: New fire regulations came into force on 1st October 2006. Councillor Davies and I have spent several weeks reviewing the new regulations and carrying out a Fire Risk Assessment of the Parish Hall. There are a few items that need addressing and these will be dealt with as soon as possible. These include PAT testing of portable equipment such as vacuum cleaners, etc, and some minor maintenance to two doors. We have scrutinised the 145 page document to ensure that we comply with the new regulations.
7. Behind the Scenes: I would like to formally record my thanks to the members of staff who carry out very important tasks on behalf of the Council, and whom some of us never meet - Lynne, our Booking Clerk who receives phone calls, day in, day out, and has people knocking at her door to arrange the bookings at the hall; Neelam, our cleaner, who no one ever sees but we all take for granted; Jim, our Caretaker, who has performed his role outstandingly, is unfortunately leaving us now and will be missed by us all; Mr and Mrs Gale, who run the Allotments ensuring all the tenants abide by the policies of the Council; and last but not least, our two Clerks who behind the scenes run the Council’s Finances and affairs ensuring that we comply with current legislation. Thank you all for your dedication and hard work.
8. Meeting at Parish Hall with Fire Safety Officer: I attended a meeting at the Parish Hall with Councillor Davies, the Clerk, and a Berkshire Fire Safety Officer. The purpose of this meeting was to get an independent review of the Fire Safety Procedures that we have now put into place at the Parish Hall. I am pleased to inform Council that we passed with flying colours.
9. Estate Inspection: Councillor Davies and I met with Chris Spencer our Estate Warden and carried out an inspection of the garage area at Quinbrookes. We spoke to several residents who were annoyed about the amount of fly tipping that had been going on. We took several pictures and SBC was contacted with a view to getting the culprit prosecuted and the rubbish removed. SBC have stated that they intend to take legal action against this individual as a warning to anyone else who may think fly tipping is acceptable. We also carried out an inspection at Edmunds Way Garage site and several other areas around the estate. Reports have been sent to SBC for action.
10. Blue Van Obstructing Almons Way Junction: The blue van that was parked up on the public footpath obstructing the path and the line of sight for other drivers has now been moved. I would like to thank PC Cerrig Shardlow for his actions in getting this vehicle moved.
11. Overgrown Hedges: The hedges either side of the pathway leading from Almons Way to Norway Drive has now been cut back. Once again it has taken SBC several months to deal with this matter and no doubt we will have to go through the same painful process next year. However, the hedgerow on the pathway leading from Mansel Close to Bells Close and Norway Drive which was reported by the Mayor of Slough still has not been cut back. I assume that the Mayor will take this matter up with the relevant officer.
12. Fire at Parish Hall: On Sunday evening at around 10pm the Clerk and I were called out to the Parish Hall as there was a fire in one of the storage sheds. The fire brigade were quick to respond and the damage was minimal. The door to the shed had been forced open and various items were set alight. We lost our Fete bunting and some games, and some equipment belonging to the Tae Kwon Do school was also damaged. The incident was reported to the Police and will be treated as arson. I would like to thank the resident who called out the fire brigade, and also Councillor Davies and the Clerk who assisted me the following day in re‑securing the shed.
13. Local Burglaries: There has been a spate of local burglaries in the area, two in Norway Drive and one in Knolton Way. It is believed that these crimes were committed by the same person and the Police have some leads on who this offender may be. Wexham still has the lowest crime rate in the whole of Slough but I would like to remind everyone to ensure that you lock all doors and windows, even if you are just popping down the garden. One of the incidents took place when the resident was in their back garden cutting grass and had left a front window open. On the run up to Christmas there is a higher risk of an opportunist hanging around just waiting for the right moment. Please be aware of strangers hanging around your area and where possible vary your routines. Don’t give these individuals an easy time, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
CHAIRMAN
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