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Annual Report
Foreword from the Chair, Councillor Peter Taylor
I am pleased to present this brief report on the work of the Parish Council. The full reports are available at the Parish Offices at Jubilee House, High Street, Madeley.
This has been a busy year and I have been privileged to represent the Parish at numerous functions. I have met many new people, many are volunteers, without these people some of the projects that the Parish supports would not exist. The Parish Council has continued to grow and take on new initiatives for the benefit of the Parish. Many important achievements have been made, the details of which will be found in the Chair’s reports of the Committees concerned.
In conclusion, I would like to thank the Councillors, the Parish Council staff and volunteers for all their help and hard work during the year.
The committees met on five occasions each and while impossible to summarise all the business conducted, the following represents a selection.
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Leisure and Community Committee Cllr Janice Jones, Chair.
Another successful year where community involvement has grown considerably and ongoing projects have been given the opportunity to develop.
Grants – Almost £9,000 was distributed in grant aid to a variety of voluntary and community groups. This committee is keen to assist eligible groups to access funding and would encourage groups to contact the Parish to discuss their funding needs.
Community Events – The Leisure Committee is principally concerned with Christmas Lights. This event continues to be a major success story. In addition to the usual attractions this years event included - New Displays, Fancy Dress Parade and Performances by local schools which were introduced by Shropshire Radio
Disadvantaged Groups - The grass cutting scheme for elderly residents has been re started and is much appreciated. Support has been given to new groups to help them get started and help and advice is given to existing groups.
Living History Project – This project moves from strength to strength. Major achievements over the last 12 months have been:
- A membership of ‘friends’ of over 70.
- The restoration of the Nine Men of Madeley Memorial at St Michael’s Church, made possible by Heritage Lottery funding.
- Completion of the Sutton Hill book ‘Starting Out on Sutton Hill’
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Environment Committee Cllr Colin Muddiman, Chair.
Whilst there have been disappointments about the slow progress on some sites of concern and legal processes regarding contested rights of way, and there is continuing uncertainty about the future of Madeley Centre, there has been a feeling of movement in many other areas, some mentioned below.
Built Environment
A new on-line reporting system of ‘Sites of Concern’ has resulted in an improved service from BT&W. We continue to use and monitor this service.
Natural Environment
- ‘A Day in the Park’ took place October 2003. There were a variety of children’s events, which took place based around trees. The occasion was well attended and enjoyed by all, we hope it will become a regular feature.
- Two Watch Groups (children’s wildlife groups) have been set up, one at Jubilee House and one at William Reynolds Infants School. They meet every two weeks.
- MPC is a partner in STROWP (South Telford Rights of Way). The South Telford Way is currently being developed as a major route and we have been involved in the installation of benches.
- ‘Spring Clean’ took place once again, throughout April and the beginning of May. Many local schools took part in a litterpicks and drama workshops and the planting of wildflowers. The BT&W assisted the campaign with cleansing of the District Centres at Madeley, Woodside, Sutton Hill and Hills Lane.
Planning - Approximately 133 planning applications were received. Members of the Planning Sub Committee commented on approximately half of them. We have been pleased to hear that our comments have been taken into account in the reaching of planning decisions.
Heritage - We have made a 3-year financial contribution and commitment to the Heritage Economic Regeneration Scheme (HERS) based in Madeley. The Officer appointed by Borough of Telford & Wrekin is now in post.
A successful funding application was made to ‘Living Spaces’ to carry out the work of developing and managing the former Bartlett Gardens as a Community Orchard.
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Finance & General Purposes Committee Cllr Rae Millward, Chair.
- Properties - The year saw a focus on the management of our public amenities. Activities included: redecoration of the public rooms in Jubilee House, refurbishment, opening and maintenance of public conveniences, the upgrading of security fencing at Sutton Hill and West View allotments.
- This year saw an increase in usage and income generated by Jubilee House.
Budget and Finance - The Annual Return was submitted to the External Auditor, appointed by the Audit Commission. In response the Auditor found no points of concern.
- Madeley Parish Council approved a precept for 2004/5 amounting to £247,424
The Parish Council’s budget is controlled by its elected members and is subject to examination by independent internal and external auditors. Copies of the accounts are held at the Parish Offices are available for public inspection.
- Partnerships - Throughout the year the Council continued to work with and develop partnerships with agencies and organisations to ensure a coherent approach. These activities have included: representation on the Woodside Regeneration External Partners Group and Multi-Use Centre group, funding to support the provision of security systems at Sutton Hill, funding to support grass cutting at St Michael’s’ Church, provision of funding to support Telford and Wrekin Borough Council to provide improved lighting at Castlefields Way underpass, upgrading of lighting at Tynsley Terrace, the extension of CCTV to Madeley High Street and Sutton Hill Centre.
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