Newsletter June/July2008
— SUMMER EXPLOSION 2008 Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th —
Our young skaters will be pleased to know that we have appointed contractors to install lighting at the skate ramps. The lighting is low level, environmentally friendly and will be switched off at 10.00pm every night. This will give the skaters more use of the facilities during the winter evenings.
A youth shelter is also planned for the same site. Discussions are underway with contractors and funding is being sought for this project. It is hoped that once the funding is secured a state of the art youth shelter comprising of solar lighting, solar powered radio and blue tooth facilities will be erected near to the skate ramp area.
It's back to the drawing board for the proposed bench in Baldock Road. At the moment sites in Church Street and the High Street are being investigated.
Talks are underway with the County Transport Unit to erect a bus shelter outside of the Crown Public House. This is a long drawn out process as approval has to be sought from the relevant authorities, but it is hoped that by the time the colder weather arrives the shelter will be in place.
It was a pleasure to hear of two local people receiving awards. The first to Ken Durrant for voluntary work in the community and the second to PC Dave Miller who received the Eastern Area Neighbourhood Constable of the Year. I'm sure you would wish to join me in congratulating both of them for putting Buntingford on the map.
A successful Town Meeting was held on the 17th April at the Seth Ward Community Centre. The Chairman assured members of the public that the Town Council is keeping abreast of events pertaining to proposed traveller sites and will make the appropriate representation when the time comes.In response to a question regarding the broken barrier at Chapel End the Chairman explained that the Highways Department are trying to establish ownership of the fence. The Town Council has asked if it may remove the debris but until ownership is established, permission will not be given.
It was reiterated that space is running out in Layston Churchyard and in accordance with the results of the survey carried out some years ago, the Town Council will not be providing additional burial land.
The shortage of allotment land was raised and it was confirmed that the charity that owns the allotments at the northern end of the town has a waiting list for plots. The Town Council did own allotments at Hare Street Road Playing Field, but these were not cultivated and permission was granted by The Secretary of State to convert the area into a wildlife area.
Jill Jones -Town Clerk
Buntingford Youth CouncilAll of the Youth Councillors time seems to be taken up with arrangements for the Summer Explosion 2008. Bands have been booked, lots of side shows arranged and all is on course for an extra special weekend. Please come along and support the young people, the event is for everyone, especially on Sunday 20th July, which is intended to be a family day.
The Youth Councillors represent Buntingford on the East Herts Youth Council, who have kindly donated £300 towards the summer festival.
The next direct bus to Stevenage is planned for the summer holidays so look out for posters advertising the dates.
Message from the Past Town Mayor
I am writing this message to the Town as the Immediate Past Mayor. Many of you will know that I have been Mayor for two years and it has been a pleasure to represent the town at many events across the county. Janet and I have met and made friends with many interesting people. During my term of office, events that easily spring to mind include Civic Receptions, signing the twinning agreement with Olvega at the carnival in 2006 and making personal visits to our Spanish friends.
There has been many invitations to fund raising events for various organisations, the main one being Isabel Hospice.
The Mayoral chain invokes much interest with people trying to identify the bird.
You may recall that in 2005 my health was not good, however I am glad that has long since passed. My recovery was helped by the knowledge that I was to become mayor and the encouragement I received from my fellow councillors and the office staff. I would like to thank them sincerely and also my wife Janet who has supported me throughout the past years.
I now sign off and wish my successor all the best for the future and trust he will thoroughly enjoy the experience and representing Buntingford across the county.
John Noades
From the Chairman of Amenities
Hello there, people of Buntingford.....I hope this Summer newsletter finds you all well. How very quickly the months come and go.....it will soon be Christmas!!! Anyway, now that we are in the Summer, there are lots of activities going on. We have the Buntingford carnival in June, and in July the Youth Council are holding an 'extravaganza' at the Seth Ward Community Centre. This event is paid for by a grant and is not coming out of council coffers. Then, of course we have the Classic Car Show on Saturday 6th of September, which is a day that everyone enjoys. If you have any queries about this event, please contact Councillor John Warren or Graham Bonner. If anyone feels like a bit of extra exercise the P3 footpath walkers will find room for you I'm sure. As dog owners, my husband and myself do a fair bit of countryside walking, but you don't have to own a dog to walk. It really makes you appreciate what beautiful countryside we are surrounded by. The grass cutting season is well under way and I hope everyone is satisfied with the general standard of the verge and fields cuts. If there are any complaints please let us know. I would like to wish all our local sports teams well for the season. We have a good tennis club, recently opened in Buntingford.....let's hope the Summer weather behaves itself so that everyone can enjoy their sports to the full. If you need any details of any events please enquire at the Manor House office, refer to the Buntingford Journal.....or if all else fails just ask me!!
Have a good Summer everyone......speak to you all soon.
Teresa BonnerFrom the Chairman of Resources
The new financial year has started and I am pleased to report that we have already allocated some grants to local organisations which were - Carnival £250, Swimming Club £250, £100 to Horizon Divers and £300 for the 30th Twinning anniversary. Our biggest commitment is to the EHCAS, formerly known as the CAB office at the Manor House. This worthy support organisation will have its East Herts funding dramatically cut and the Town Council has agreed to provide just over £2,000 for each of the next two years.
Any local organisation may apply for a grant and the form is available either on-line from our website or the Clerk's Office.
Surjit BasraFrom the Chairman of Planning
As we go to press, East Herts officers are recommending permitting the new units on Watermill Industrial Estate. This is despite their previous statements that no further developments would take place until the Aspenden Road was improved. They are raising a charge against the developers but this money will simply be put into a pot until some time in the future. So there will be more traffic over the bridge and no improvement to it. They plan to tinker with the site entrance by widening the turning.
We at the Town Council feel strongly that the Watermill Estate decision is much against our wishes.
John Warren
Police Surgeries
Local PCSOs will be in attendance in the council chamber, Manor House, Market Hill, between the hours of 10:00 and 12:00 each Saturday Morning. It is also envisaged that dependant upon availability, a local town councillor may also be in attendance.
Mobility scooters
There have been a few instances of "near misses" and we have been asked to appeal to users of these scooters. Many of these travel faster than walking pace and consequently catch pedestrians up. Please remember the people in front of you may be hard of hearing and will not hear either the scooter approaching or the alarm.
Marquee for Hire
The Town Council's marquee, 10m x 6m, is available for hire at £75 for three days and £25 per day thereafter. The Hirer collects, erects, dismantles and returns to the Manor House.
IVANHOE - H.A.D.
The disability van will be visiting Buntingford on the following Thursday and will be open from 10.30am until3.00pm.
17th July 23rd October
Planning Applications, Contact details and Seth Ward information is available on other web pages, please see index.