Parish Council Notices and News Items

20 December Parish Council Meeting

At the December Parish Council Meeting councillors decided to speed up the replacement of mercury street lamps within the village and identified lamps in Thrapston Road, High Street and Addington Road as the next ones to be upgraded. Discussion also took place regarding the replacement of the playground fence and methods to prohibit cycles and motorcycles from being taken into the area. The Clerk reported that he understood that the rough ground in the High Street was actually classified as highway and as a result this would have implications relating to the use and improvement of the area. This matter would be followed up with the County Council.

A discussion regarding the Localism Bill took place, this could have far reaching consequences for Parish Councils, especially the larger ones with regard to some types of funding and planning laws.

Crimes in Woodford during November totalled four bringing the total recorded since 1^st April to 40 (total for last twelve months to 63). Councillors discussed the budget for the forthcoming financial year and decided to keep the precept at the same level of £13,900.

December 2011

Charity Calendar
Residents have been baring more than just their souls with a charity calendar entitled "Woodford - as nature intended". The 2012 calendar depicts photos of brave residents wearing little more than strategically placed horse riding and hunting gear. The bold models are raising money for two charities close to their hearts - Cancer Research and Diabetes UK.

Joint Organiser, Di Harvey explained "We hatched the plan in the pub after a very jolly evening last December. It was not until the two photographers turned up with all their kit that we realised we actually had to do it. Quite sobering, a tad chilly, but lots of fun. The men in particular have thrown themselves into it. It's amazing what you can hide behind a twelve bore! Local businesses generously sponsored the printing costs, so all proceeds will go straight to the charities. On its third reprint the calendar is available for £9.50 from Di Harvey, 84 High Street, Woodford, NN14 4HF - cheques payable to Di Harvey, or for cash from Hairtechnix or the Prince of Wales in Woodford, or Dodson and Horrell Countrystore in Ringstead.

reprinted from Nene Valley News (24/12/11)

15 December Theft of catalytic converters 

Over the last few days, the East Northamptonshire area has seen an increase in the number of catalytic converter thefts. 

The most vulnerable vehicles are vans and 4x4s due to offenders having easier access to the converter, however all types of vehicles have been targeted, particularly in rural locations. 

By following the crime prevention advice below, it may help to reduce the vulnerability of your vehicle. 

• If you have a garage, try and park your vehicle inside.
• If you do not have a garage, or are unable to park inside, try to position your vehicle with the front or side up-to or alongside a building wall or fence.
• If you have more than one vehicle, try and park them bonnet to bonnet or alongside each other.

1 December Weather report for November

Yet another below average month for rainfall has resulted in natural ponds nearly drying up and springs no longer running. The ford has very little water in it, especially for the time of year. Rainfall for November amounted to only 27mm - fourth driest month of the year. Rainfall for the three months classified as autumn totalled only 97mm (approx half of average) and was the driest autumn for 90 years. This follows the driest spring since the 1940's. The months average temperature was about 1.5C above normal, as was the average temperature for the months September to November.

1 December Change of Phone number

Northamptonshire County Council has changed it's telephone number to 0300 126 1000. This will be charged at a local rate for all landline calls.

30 November Crime
Two loads of BT cable armouring have been dumped in Old Kettering Rd in the last month. If you can help the Police please ring them on 101 and give them details. Remember it could be Woodford phones that are hit next and it can take up to two weeks to replace missing cabling - could you be without the phone - internet for that length of time. The Police are keen to crack down on this type of crime and would welcome your help - They would also like to hear reports of any cabling work being carried out involving "non BT vans" -especially if after dark - give them a ring and report it telephone 101and report the location.

15 November 2011 Parish Council

At the Woodford Parish Councils November meeting a long discussion took place regarding ways forward to target youth problems within the village. The Police suggested a number of options including funding and these will be investigated at over the forthcoming months. A meeting for young people 11 -18 year olds is also being planned – look out for the fliers and posters.

7 crimes were reported in the month of October; one assault, two thefts of tools, two of criminal damage and two of damage to vehicles.

Police reported that cable theft is a continuing problem especially in country lanes and they welcome receiving reports of suspicious behaviour.  If you are aware of repeated visits to areas of the village by scrap metal dealers, then any details you are able to supply will also be appreciated. These can be rung through using the new non emergency telephone number 101. Just mention that the message is for the East Northants Central  community policing team.

The possibility of a Parish Plan was briefly discussed but the discussion was deferred until next year. Plans for a new fence around the playground were discussed together with the potential funding sources.

Councillors agreed to place a small bench on the village green close to the Nene Way Cairn for a trial period of time to hopefully reduce the number of people who sit on the War Memorial.

A number of street lamps have been referred for repair. If you are aware of any further lamps which are not working please contact the Clerk. The Parish Council owns all the lamps and is not planning to turn any off!

1 November  - October Weather Report

Rain fell on only 8 days during October totalling 28mm with 13mm falling on the 27th. Average rainfall is 67mm measured since 2000. The average temperature was 12.5C against an average of 11C. Average Maximum was 17C compared to an average of 15C. The warmest day was 1 October when the temperature hit 28C and the coldest night was 14-15 with a temperature of minus 1. There were 2 air frosts.

 19 October

Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service Community Update-

Smoke plume and fire at Black Bridge Farm, Burton Latimer 19/10/2011

Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service continue fire fighting operations at the Black Bridge Farm recycling site with fire crews and officers working in co-operation with site staff.

The agreement made between the Environment Agency, the Environmental Health Departments and NFRS has been for a fine balance of controlled burning and putting sections of the fire out. This minimises the impact on the environment from contaminated water run- off and aims to limit road closures and the smoke plume. The operation to put the fire out has included systematically breaking down the bales of waste product using mechanical plant machinery to extinguish the fire. This method is proving to be the most effective way in extinguishing the fire and reduces the need for significant NFRS resources to be on site ensuring that they are still available for other incidents which may involve a serious threat to life.

From today the materials involved in the fire are able to be broken up further to let them burn out more quickly. This may create an increased smoke plume depending on weather conditions. Due to the large amount of product involved, in is anticipated that NFRS will be on site until next week. This will be reviewed and further updates will follow.

The smoke has been blowing in a North East direction – towards Cranford and Grafton Underwood area. But other villages in the area have also been affected depending on the wind direction.

Current health advice from the Health Protection Agency:

Air Quality monitoring undertaken has indicated that the risk of adverse health effects to the population is low. However, any smoke can be an irritant and as such residents in areas affected by the smoke should remain indoors and keep their doors and windows closed, where possible. If people need to be outdoors, they are advised to avoid outside areas affected by any smoke or ash, or to limit the time that they spend in them.

 In general terms, substances present in smoke can irritate the lining of the air passages, the skin and the eyes. Respiratory symptoms include coughing and wheezing, breathlessness, sputum (phlegm) production and chest pain. People with pre-existing respiratory conditions, such as asthma, may experience a short-term worsening of their condition if exposed to smoke and are therefore advised to keep their inhalers with them as a precaution. If symptoms occur, people should seek medical advice from their GP or contact NHS Direct on 0845 4647 or www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk/

October Parish Council

At the October meeting of the Parish Council Councillors learnt there had been four recorded crimes in Woodford during September including a burglary and a robbery. Further details available on www.woodfordpc.co.uk. Incidents of anti-social behaviour at the Working Men’s Club were also discussed. Councillors discussed the provision of a seat on the village green in order to provide an alternative to sitting on the War Memorial. The suggested location is on the main green near the stone cairn.  Councillors agreed to replace mercury street lamps (white lamps) in Highfield in the near future.

Accounts for last year (period ending 31 March 2011) had received an in depth audit this year and no major issues had been raised by the auditors.

Other items discussed included the state of roads in Highfield, blocked drains in High Street, Club Lane and Bakers Lane, damaged double yellow lines at junction of Church Green and Addington Road. The provision of a Wi-Fi hotspot near the village green was also discussed although initial investigations reveal this could be an expensive project with potentially little use at certain times of the year. Further investigations will take place.

15th October First Air Frost of winter

The air temperature dropped to minus 1.1C overnight, remaining below freezing until an hour after sunrise requiring some car windows to be scraped for the first time this winter. This was measured on the outskirts of Woodford so may not be reflective of temperatures in the more built up parts of the village. (The first air frost of 2010 was on the morning of 25 October with the second recorded event being four days later.)

September 2011 Weather report

30th September saw an unseasonal maximum shade temperature of 81.5F (or 27.5C) and was the warmest day since 2nd August when the temperature had reached 84F or 29C. High Pressure had built over the continent creating a southerly air flow bringing warm air from the eastern Mediterranean. 44mm of rain fell on a total of nine days against a long term average of 57mm and a 21st Century average in Woodford of 47.The wettest recorded 24 hours was up to 6pm on 4th September when 15.6mm had fallen. The average maximum day time temperature was 20.5C (average) and the average night time low was 10C (1C below average). Dry conditions continue with the last twelve months rainfall totalling 424mm (normally approximately 610mm is expected in this area). A total of 329mm of rain has fallen this (calendar) year against a normal long term average total of 448

September 2011 Parish Council

At the October meeting of the Parish Council councillors learned that a bid for funding to replace the children’s playground boundary fence had been unsuccessful. Other sources would now be followed up. Councillors discussed a number of domestic planning applications in High Street, Church Street, to which there were no objections.  An retrospective application for use of land to the rear of Manor House Farm in Addington Road by the local Air Rifle club was also discussed and no objections raised.

It is understood that further resurfacing work is to be carried out in Highfield, although the exact timing is unknown.

One crime involving criminal damage had been reported in the month of August.  Discussions took place regarding the future use of the telephone kiosk, and also the short term maintenance. A suggestion was made that it should perhaps be used as a Wi-Fi hotspot and the feasibility and cost would be investigated. Dog fouling was brought up again and residents are reminded that all roads within the 30mph zone are a foul free area, so please be prepared to clear up after your pet.

The Motocross funday held in July raised over £1700 and the organisers had expressed a wish to use some of the money to purchase equipment for the school.

Other issues raised included the poor state of the pavements in the High Street, the removal of a field hedgerow on the Woodford – Twywell footpath, and improved lighting in Eady’s Row and some parts of Highfield.

31 August 2011 Weather report

Rainfall during the Summer months (June, July and August) in Woodford amounted to 164mm which is slightly more than the long term average of 157mm for the same period. This did little to address the shortfall of rain in the spring, consequently the river is presently quite low and the ford has barely enough water to cover the road surface. Rainfall for the twelve months ending 31 August totalled just 421mm against a twelve month average of 610mm.

Average temperature for the summer was one degree below the expected at 16.6degrees C. (Nationally it was the coolest summer since 1993.)

The hottest day was 27 June with a temperature of 31C and the coldest night was 12 June at 1.5C. The coolest day was 29 August when the temperature struggled to 15C and the wettest day was 24 hours ending 6pm on 26 August during which 22mm fell.

August 2011 Parish Council

All councillors were in attendance for the August meeting and points for discussion included the War Memorial, refuse collection and the resurfacing of Highfield.

It had been understood that the whole of Highfield / West Street was to have been resurfaced but to date only patches had been done. The Clerk reported that he had already took this up with the local County Councillor but was still awaiting a response.

It mentioned that since the new refuse collection started the litter bins and dog waste bins did not appear to have been emptied, this would be taken up with East Northants Council.

Lengthy discussions took place over what should be done to prevent people sitting and climbing on the memorial. Idea’s included a low fence (to act as a deterrent), a garden around the memorial as before (possible maintenance issues), or just leave it as it is, perhaps with a provision of a seat somewhere on the village green. The matter will be discussed again at the next meeting.

A revised bus service will commence on 5th September. The number of buses throughout the day will be unchanged, but some of the times will slightly different as the service will no longer serve Slipton Twywell or Lowick. A timetable is available on the Parish Council Website and will be published at the bus stops shortly.

19 July 2011

Woodford Parish Council now has a full complement of councillors and a full list of names is on the Council website.

Councillors learned that the revised mobile library service would visit Woodford on a four weekly basis on a Wednesday, visiting the Shrubberies at 12.05pm and Mill Road at 12.30pm. The new service commences on 3 August with the first visit of the new timetable to Woodford being on 10 August

Councillors discussed the proposal for the construction of three properties on the car park to the rear of the Prince of Wales. Concern was raised over the number of cars currently parking on the site will be displaced onto the already overcrowded roads in the area. The commercial premises would have no parking of its own due to the lack of on street parking in that area of the village. The scheme also only allowed for three cars to be parked which the Council considered to be insufficient. Residents with views on the development have until 30 July to submit their comments with East Northants Council.

The open land in The Paddocks had now been maintained by the present landowner, although the area is due to be transferred to the Parish Council in the near future, the matter presently being in the hands of the solicitors.

Councillors are to review street lighting at the next meeting as there is a need to replace the white mercury lamps throughout the village with the orange sodium type lamps. This will be phased over the next five years or so. If any residents have strong views regarding lamps which should be upgraded sooner rather than later please contact the Clerk.

The area around the war memorial was also discussed with a view to improving the landscaping around the monument in order to dissuade people from sitting on the steps around the bottom. Further discussions will take place at the next meeting.

1 July

Readings for June were very much in line with average for the month with the average maximum daytime high being just under 22C. The overall average temperature was 16C 1 degree lower than average. Night time temperatures were below average. The warmest day was 27th June when the temperature hit 30.7C. 26 June had reached 30.1C
Rain fall for the month was 50mm (13 year average 41mm - long term average 57mm). And the total rain for the first six months amounted to 170mm (13 year average is 265mm. 473 mm is recorded as having fallen in the 12 months to 30th June. Normal annual rainfall is 610.

1 June Weather report for Spring

The end of May marks the end of spring for meteorologists and spring 2011 was one of the driest ever recorded with only 33mm of rain falling in the months of March to May with 25mm falling in May and 8mm falling on the last two days of the month. The average for the three months is 132mm. Rainfall for the twelve months ending on 31 May was 450mm Average annual rainfall is nearer 620mm. Temperatures for May were near average 13C and daytime maxima averaged 19C.

May 2011

The Annual Meeting of the Parish Council held in May was the first meeting following the uncontested elections. The eight councillors present signed their declarations and Mr Peter Bird was elected as Chair. Mr Ivor Vaughan was elected to be Vice Chair for the forthcoming year. There are five vacancies on the Council and Councillors agreed that anyone from the village interested in being co-opted onto the Council at the next meeting should in the first instance contact the Clerk on 01832 734329 or email clerk@woodfordpc.co.uk to express an interest. It would be also useful (though not obligatory) for anyone who is interested to include a short paragraph detailing why they would like to be Parish Councillor to assist the Councillors make their decision. Councillors will vote at the next meeting with the new co-opted councillors attending their first meeting in July. For more information contact the Clerk or see www.woodfordpc.co.uk.

Councillors learnt that the partially painted yellow lines were put down as the lining contractors got ahead of the agreed schedule. Work was halted when the error was realised. Following resurfacing the work has now been carried out to the new specification. The County Council has confirmed that as this was a contractor error the cost will be met by the contractor, not the Council Tax Payer.

Councillors discussed plans for two new properties in the car park of the White Horse, and decided to object on the grounds that the properties were out of character with the surroundings and the site was being overdeveloped.

Reported crime last year totalled 58 which was an increase of 8 on the year before. There has been a spate of catalytic converter thefts in the area (usually from 4x4 or larger vans which provide easier access) Please report any suspicious activities to the Police on 03000 111222.

April 2011

The April Parish Council meeting was the last meeting of the present Council. A new council will be formed at the May meeting when newly nominated councillors will decide how to fill the number of vacancies that exist due to insufficient nominations being made during the election process. If you have 2 or 3 hours free each month to service your community look out for details of how to be considered for a place on the Parish Council in the next Saints Alive. In the mean time give the matter some thought. 

Excavations to the south of the Shrubbery are understood to be not commercial, and all stone excavated by Drayton Estate (landowners) is being used on the estate. The situation is being monitored by Northants County Council and East Northants Council. Excavations should be completed by middle of May. The site will not be used for “landfill” but will be returned to agricultural use.

New bus timetables were introduced on 28 March and there is now an hourly service in both directions through Woodford. Timetables can be found at www.woodfordpc.co.uk/when.htm. Reports in the press regarding cuts to services and subsidies of certain routes are at present unlikely to affect Woodford.

The open space land in The Paddocks development is being transferred to Parish Council ownership at present and once completed will be maintained by the Parish Council.

The children’s playground was recently repainted to tidy its appearance and this was generously funded by a Community Grant from East Northants Council. Grants are currently being sought to cover the cost of replacing the boundary fence around the area.

Several incidents of anti social behaviour (especially in the Highfield area) were mentioned, but the Police informed the meeting  that only two incidents had been reported to them. With increased manpower in this part of the County it is more likely that a quick response can be made to such incidents but this can only happen if these incidents are reported. Please ring 03000 111 222. Remember that Community Policing is very much driven by the number of incidents reported. Anti Social behaviour does not include groups of congregating youths, but it does include instances of people acting in an intimidating or abusive manner, making a lot of noise,  incidents of littering, graffiti and vandalism. Remember it is your community, and the Police are there to help but they can only do so if these incidents are reported.

East Northants Council have reviewed all refuse collection routes and all roads in Woodford will be accessible by the new refuse wagons with the exception of Pleasant Row, Long Row and all private / unadopted roads. ENC will be writing to all residents who they believe will not be able to accommodate the new wheelie bins towards the end of April / beginning of May to offer alternatives. If you have not received a letter by mid May and believe you cannot accommodate or use a wheelie bin you should contact the waste department on 01832 742000.

March 2011

At the March meeting of the Woodford Parish Council, councillors discussed the placing of a seat on the village green following representations against the idea previously published. If any other residents have any comments regarding a new seat on the village green the council would be pleased to hear them.
The Crime figures for February indicated that sheds and outbuildings are still being targeted. Additionally strangers have been seen in some back gardens in Highfield. Please remember to secure your property.

Councillors also discussed a proposed solar farm which may be built between Islip and Lowick. Councillors, whilst acknowledging the proposal would not affect people living in Woodford, agreed that with the right screening from traffic using the A6116, it would continue to allow the farm land to be used for grazing and would be far less intrusive form of renewable energy than a wind farm.

Nominations for the next Parish Council close on 5th April and forms can be obtained from East Northamptonshire Council. The Parish Council Election (if required) will be held on 5th May.

Councillor Langley informed that the rural bus service review was still being undertaken. Many of the subsidies were still being paid based upon conditions when the subsidies were first introduced, and consequently it was necessary to review all routes and passenger numbers.

February 2011

Woodford Parish Council had a brief meeting in February. Councillors learnt that burglaries of outbuildings still continue, and since the meeting there been an attempted daytime burglary of a house by the forcing patio doors. Be on your guard.

The council is pursuing the installation of four new seats around the village and it has been decided that the locations should be Rectory Lane, Village Green, Mill Road (bus stop) and the recreation ground.

Councillors learnt that a grant application to help cover the cost of the repainting of the children’s playground was successful and this work will be carried out shortly. A further grant application has been lodged to cover the cost of replacing the safety fence around the area.

The Council is considering a tree planting scheme in order  to help cover the cost of planting trees in and around the village. If any resident has any suggestions of village locations that would benefit from some trees please let the Clerk  or a Parish Councillor know. clerk@wooodfordpc.co.uk

January 2011

At the January meeting  of  Woodford Parish Council Councillors considered amended plans for the development of the Dukes Arms Car Park and agreed that they would continue to object to the development of the site on a number of grounds including the loss of car parking, the style of the properties and the fact that they overlook neighbouring properties, and that the development would be detrimental to a village amenity.

The Council has also obtained four benches for locating around the village. If anyone has any suggestions for locating one then please contact the Clerk – clerk@woodfordpc.co.uk or 734329. In honour for the forthcoming Royal Wedding the Council is considering planting trees around the village. If you have any suggestions which you think  would benefit then please let the Clerk or a Parish Councillor know.

December Parish Council

At the December meeting, Councillors had agreed the budget for the next financial year. A Precept of £13,900 has been requested. This represents an increase of £1,900 on the present year’s figure. The reason for the large increase is to pay for the forthcoming elections and the Council needs to start  replacing some of the mercury street lamps each year in the village before they are phased out. This increase represents a five pence per week increase for a Band D property. The good news is that the Council Tax (Parish portion) will still be lower per household than it was ten years ago, due to the fact that it is now shared between more properties in Woodford.

December 2010

On 6 / 7 December the temperature fell to 12F (-11.1C) and on 20 December only rose to 25F (-3.9C). Light snow fell on 2, 4, 8, 16 and 17 December but only in small amounts not of sufficient quantity to cover road surfaces - only fields. From 17 - 21 the temperature did not rise above freezing point.

End November

The morning of 27 November saw about an inch of snow fall in less than an hour during the morning. The night of the 27 / 28 saw the temperature drop to 15F (-9.4C) and only rose to 31 F (-0.5C) on 28 November.

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This page last amended on 21-12-2011