Chairs Annual Report 2009-10







Yet another interesting year for the Parish Council as we continue to spend money wisely looking after the assets in the parish yet also being open to new ideas for improving the quality of life within the community albeit at a much localised scale.

 

We have at last got a full set of councillors as young Mark has joined us to represent Broughton and not only keeps us up to speed with modern communications including a new logo and newsletter template but also significantly reduces the average age to below 60!  Next year it could all change as we are looking to increase our numbers to 12 subject to the outcome of the Boundary Review which has yet to report.

 

One of our greatest successes this year has been our collaboration with MK Council of Voluntary Organisations over the provision of a community mobiliser in Broughton where Corrina has already made a significant impact. So much so in fact that we have agreed to provide additional funding for the coming year to extend the scope of her activities.

 

Work is virtually complete on the Middleton South Open Space project and the Community Orchard is looking good. We hope to allocate the new allotments any day now though as always the legal niceties take some time to tie up.  We have also undertaken considerable renovation works within the Village Garden which should burst into bloom later this year.

 

The eastern half of the parish continues to grow with most of the activity still in Broughton Gate although work has now commenced in Brooklands and the Primary School is rapidly taking shape.

 

As always we continue to be consulted about a wide range of planning issues from individual house extensions to HIMOs to road improvements although we are not always sure that anyone is listening.  Oakgrove has been lying dormant for many months and we do wonder when any planning decision will be made – hopefully before the next Millennium?

 

At long last work has begun on the Broughton Sports and Community Pavilion which is a much needed facility and all being well we should see a planning application later this year although doubt still exists concerning the actual funding.  We are also pleased to note that Mick and Tracey have taken over the tenancy of the Middleton Pavilion and we wish them well.

 

After a few teething problems the Neighbourhood Action Group [NAG] has firmly established its place in the community and we shall continue to support it and play a full part in its operation.

 

The newsletter and website remain our two main methods of communications within the Parish and we do aim to ensure that all information is both relevant and timely for all parishioners.  We welcome any feedback as we are always keen to improve communication wherever possible.

 

Our finances remain healthy with only a small increase in precept this year and we remain one of lower spending parish councils in Milton Keynes although we are still aiming to spend more of our reserves this year with a pro-active approach to community projects – all ideas welcome.

 

We continue to enjoy a good working relationship with our Ward Councillors, John Bint and Sam Crooks, who provide a valuable means of communication with MK Council and we welcome their involvement in parish matters.

 

Special thanks are due to Helen and all my fellow councillors for their hard work and commitment through the past year and also to Chris Davies, our internal auditor, who makes sure that the books are balanced.

 

Alex Kidd     

7 April 2010



 

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