I was both surprised and honoured to be elected Chairman of the Parish Council at the last Annual Council Meeting. It has been a very steep learning curve for me and the year has been a challenge sometimes. Nevertheless, throughout the year I have received tremendous personal support and guidance from our very capable Clerk, all my fellow Parish Councillors and our Ward Councillor, Pete Stoddart.
This year we were pleased to welcome a new Parish Councillor, Annie Grocott. This means that for most of this year we have been operating with 3 vacancies.
The Parish Council continued to consider planning applications and to represent parish views to Herefordshire Council. However, we have had to pause progress on the Neighbourhood Development Plan and work isn’t expected to restart until Herefordshire Council’s Local Plan is finalised and fresh funding opportunities emerge. In the meantime, the Parish Council is considering preparing a Parish Plan.
Attention was given to the environment with the Parish Council joining CPRE and the Herefordshire Tree Warden Network. After seeking volunteers, we welcomed Jane Masters as our new Tree Warden. Work with Herefordshire Council and Bringsty Common Manorial Court resolved issues with regard to safe grazing arrangements to manage vegetation and dangerous trees.
Congratulations are also due for finally getting the removal of the unsightly closed layby on the A44 after years of campaigning by the Parish Council and successive Ward Councillors. Furthermore, the reinstated bank has been rewilded with wildflower seed.
We were also proud to support the opening and promotion of a new 26k circular walking route that passes through the Parish. The scenic Bromyard Ring was developed by Bromyard Walkers are Welcome based on existing public rights of way. The launch, hosted by the Royal Oak on the Downs, was very well attended and opened by Ellie Chowns MP.
Issues relating to speed limits and roads safety on local roads were raised by parishioners and the Parish Council continued to raise these concerns with Herefordshire Council. In particular, the traffic, parking and road safety issues at Brockhampton Primary School was exacerbated by building work. A multi-agency on site meeting took place to consider solutions and any outcomes continue to be pursued by our Ward Councillor.
The Linton Rail and Trail Project took a step forward this year. With support from the Parish Council and Herefordshire Council funding, an independent land valuation and a structural survey have been completed to help progress the project with the landowner.
A big thank you must go to the Footpath Officer, Gwen Dumpleton for another year of significant improvements to the footpath network and work on the Bromyard Ring, and to the Lengthsman, George Johnson for his continued work in all weathers to improve drainage, prevent flooding, ensure grit bins were replenished, and treating one of our bus shelters with preservative.
Finally, I’d like to thank all the Councillors, Ward Councillor and the Clerk for their efforts and contributions this year.
Viv Burdon
Chair, Brockhampton Group Parish Council