Chairman's Report

Another busy and interesting year, which is a credit to the Councillors of this Council. Unfortunately, some are leaving us this time but on the positive side we will be welcoming new faces. 

Waste and Recycling

One of the main changes to our way of living was the change in our waste collection. The Council was concerned about the new system particularly the fortnightly collection of the green bins. The recycling trials started in April 2005 and we arranged for the Environmental Health Officers of the borough Council to give a progress report in twelve months time. This was done in July 2006 and they reported that  a recycling rate had been achieved in Eccleshall over twelve months of 48% compared with Stafford Borough Councils' target of 18%. There have been a few teething problems and there is still concern over smelly bins, so the Parish Council will continue to monitor the situation.

Another major exercise was the A519 Route Strategy, the bad news was that the proposed recommendations would not be implemented in their entirety. The good news was that our concerns of safety at the Green Lane/Newport Road junction meant that it had been identified as a major project and traffic lights would be installed some time next year.

After many years of campaigning the pedestrian crossing will soon be installed on the Stafford street, this will be a zebra crossing and should make it safer for everyone.

At last the new Co-op store is open I cannot stress enough how fortunate we are that the Co-op architects took on board our ideas and suggestions for the frontage of the store to ensure that it blends in with the existing buildings on Stafford street. The Co-op must be congratulated on their interpretation of the very old photograph we supplied to show what was originally on the site many years ago.

There will be no elections this year as we are short of candidates in the Town, Croxton and Slindon Wards.

Planning - The most popular planning applications in the past year have been conservatories, extensions and barn conversions. It is important that we continue to have our say regarding planning.

Enhancements - the Eyeswells footpath remains popular and the pictorial meadow will be sown in early May. Conservation standard name plates have been fitted to Stafford Street and Kerry Lane

Traffic Calming posts have been erected on the Elford Heath Car Park.

Two heritage style seats have been installed, one in Linacre Road and one on the pavement opposite Holy Trinity church.

Negotiations continue with the play area at Croxton.

Footpaths - We are still waiting for the creation of an order to establish a public footpath at the area known as 'The Dells'.

Police - Eccleshall has a new Police Officer and now two PCSO's who give an activity report at each council meeting. The Council continues to liaise with the Officers over various problems.

Grants - The Council will continue to apply for as many grants as possible as this helps to keep the precept down. The Council was successful in a bid for a grant from the Staffordshire Parish councils' association of £2950 towards the maintenance of open spaces it manages.

The Council continues to support local groups within the community with grants and advice. Some of the recipients of these grants will be reporting their progress later in the evening.

Finally, it has been an extremely interesting year and I thank all the Councillors for their enthusiasm and commitment and I would also like to thank those who are not standing again this time. 2007 / 08 could be quite exciting and I look forward to bringing our ideas to fruition and also to working with the new Councillors.