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Commentary on activity in our three parishes and may also contain information, which has not yet passed before the full JPC, in which electors may have an interest, all written from the perspective of the JPC, responsible to all three parishes.
The official minutes are written by the Clerk and RFO of the Council, and are not moderated by anyone prior to their approval at a subsequent meeting. Copies of the official minutes are available on this website.
Updated April 2024
SOUTH WARWICKSHIRE LOCAL PLAN :
Preferred Options - The consultation was a busy period for us with several “events” across the two districts. We were most fortunate to get a public meeting arranged in Barford St Peter’s School on February 25th that was attended by Phillip Clerk, the Lead Officer for the SWLP and Cllr Chris King , Deputy Leader of the Council (WDC) and Portfolio Holder for “Place”, which includes planning.
We had a packed hall and an interesting presentation and follow-up questions. It was gratifying to see so much interest in the subject and hopefully many folk will have made formal submissions with their views and concerns.
We now have to wait until all the consultation is analysed and the “submission document” is published later this year for further consultation, prior to being submitted for examination.
Click here to view rhe interactive map to learn more about what is currently going forward.
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UNITARY AUTHORITY:
and Devolution – Following rejection of WCC’s application to move swiftly forward with the formation of a unitary authority there is now considerable pressure for all councils to look at how things may change to meet the HMG target of late 2028.
Both WCC and WDC have staged events for parish councils to start the conversation, with discussions often focusing on the similarities and differences between the north and south of Warwickshire, along with how we do or do not match up with adjacent authorities and potential regional authorities and/or elected mayors.
Parallel to this is the possibility of parish councils assuming more powers and delivering more services – often ones which senior authorities are cutting to save costs – funded through the Council Tax/Precept, which is not capped in the case of PCs, leaving the PCs to judge whether there vis sufficient local support and willingness to pay…
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SOCIAL MEDIA Engagement Trial :
This seems to go from success to success… We currently have over 300 “followers” for our SM and our campaign to raise awareness of the SWLP alone had over 75,000 interactions… WOW!
Meanwhile at the March JPC we identified our chosen provider to create the new JPC website and manage our transition to the .gov.uk world..
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TWENTY IS PLENTY:
Following the update last month, concern was raised at the March JPC by a resident, that the scheme might not be needed and that there had not been consultation with the village.
Cllr Matecki was able to explain that due process was being followed if somewhat delayed and that, once a scheme had been designed, it would then go out for full consultation and would proceed or not depending on the residents’ comments.
Historically it is known that schemes may not be too popular during their instigation. However once installed and operative they usually gain much favour when the benefits are felt.
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CRIME PREVENTION :
At the March JPC we received a short presentation from Police officers Michelle Kimber and Max Christmas regarding increasing vehicle and burglary crime in Barford.
Having surveyed residents it was felt that many would like some form of CCTV surveillance to be considered. Any scheme would be costly to install and manage and they were asked to come back with a suitable outline scheme that we could sensibly consider alongside the cost implications.
Meanwhile it was recommended that everyone should take more responsibility for their own property and implement the usual simple security precautions including locking up properly and considering Faraday bags, or similar, to shield electronic car keys from thieves.
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DEFIBRILLATOR AT BYCC :
The second JPC public access defibrillator has now been installed at BYCC. This has been funded by £1500 from WCC via Cllr Matecki and £500 from the Dads Football group – many thanks.
Fittingly for its location, this defibrillator is also equipped with paediatric pads so can be used on young and small children if needed. Ongoing maintenance and spares will be funded by the JPC.
The pre-existing defibrillator at Barford Village Shop/Barford memorial Hall will still be available.
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MOSS REMOVAL AT KGF :
Over the last few very wet seasons, the amount of moss across King George’s Field, and particularly the tennis courts, has been overwhelming and regular spraying has struggled to contain it, especially as it can only be sprayed in drier (and warmer) conditions.
In consultation with our contractor, we have agreed to add a new brushing system to physically remove both dead and live moss and facilitate more effective spraying. The moss seems to be reacting well to the extra spraying and hopefully we will soon have a much cleaner and safer pair of courts.
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YOUTH ENGAGEMENT :
Cllr Ben Ranner has started looking at a scheme to engage with the younger members of our community and see how they may understand and contribute to our public life. He will bring a consultation paper to the May JPC when we will establish some protocols going forward, and hopefully we can look forward to some lively interaction…
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ANNUAL PARISH MEETINGS :
These are YOUR CHANCE to learn about what is going on – or has gone on – in YOUR parish. They are NOT JPC meetings and are rather less formal. They usually have some reports of activities across the parishes and then have a generous session for YOUR COMMENTS & QUESTIONS.
If deemed appropriate Parish Meetings are empowered to make resolutions and send messages and requests to local councils who can then consider how to take things forward.
Do come along, there is a lot to learn and a great opportunity to share views.
BARFORD – TUESDAY April 8th 19.30 at Barford memorial Hall.
SHERBOURNE - MONDAY April 14th at Sherbourne Church.
WASPERTON – MONDAY April 28th at Wasperton Village hall
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CASUAL VACANCY FOR BARFORD and WASPERTON COUNCILLORS :
Vacancies still remain available for two councillor positions. If you, or someone you know, is interested in becoming a parish councillor, for either village, then please contact any JPC member for more information about the work we do or email clerk.bswjpc@gmail.com – alternatively why not attend a JPC meeting and see some of the work we do and the nature of debate.
The work is interesting and varied and gets you involved in our community.
We are particularly keen to attract younger members to make our councillor mix more representative of our villages. Once you make a formal approach then you can be put forward at a future meeting for existing members to decide on the co-option.
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EMAIL UPDATES :
We can often send out timely reminders, updates and notices direct to your email in boxes. If you do not already receive these AND WOULD LIKE TO DO SO click here to send an e-mail please contact John Murphy so that you can be added to the circulation list.
The list will not be shared with others, will be sent out as Bcc (so not revealing your email) and will only be used for matters which should reasonably interest/ concern you.
It’s free, easy and just occasionally is the only way to get urgent things out to a wider audience – and you can always hit DELETE or ask to be unsubscribed.
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MEMBERS' ATTENDANCE RECORDS :
The Chairman of the JPC has asked that a record of JPC members' attendance be published on the website.
Click here to download record of attendance at JPC meetings in 2023/ 24 (PDF file)
Updated March 2024
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NEXT JPC MEETING :
The next JPC Meeting will be held on Monday 12th May 2025 at 7:30pm in Barford Memorial Hall.
Click here for Notices of JPC and Planning Committee meetings, and the Minutes of previous meetings.
Click here for a list of all JPC meeting dates in 2025.
There is always a session for “ Public Participation ” early in the agenda (four minutes maximum per person) when we are happy to hear and note your concerns or questions.
To attend in person there may be Covid requirements depending on the local situation at the time and at the discretion of the Chair. As a minimum there will be appropriate ventilation and air filtration in place.
Alternatively, you may submit “your views” to yourviews@barford.org.uk or phone/ email the Chairman, John Murphy, on 624421 or 07710 033444 or jvm@jvmurphy.co.uk or the Clerk, Helen Dexter on clerk.bswjpc@gmail.com or contact any of the Parish Councillors about any matters you wish to bring to our attention.
An agenda for each meeting will be posted in advance on village notice boards and on this website. Residents are also encouraged to email myself (see below), or contact any of the Parish Councillors or the Clerk, Helen Dexter.
John Murphy
Chairman 624421 or 07710 033444
Click here to e-mail.
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