BUDOCK PARISH COUNCIL
CHAIRMAN'S REPORT, 2008/09
2008/09 has been a year of constant change and uncertainty. I mentioned in last year’s report that Cornwall had elected to move away from county and district councils and to amalgamate these into a Unitary Authority for Cornwall from 1st April 2009.
This is a strategic move which could transform local government in Cornwall, with all services now being delivered by the single authority. Should you experience any problems, please contact the Parish Council, and we will try to resolve these.
This process has proved to be not as seamless as may have been hoped, and the role of Parish Councils within this new order as the second tier of local government still has to be defined. There is, however, a great opportunity for local input to influence the future of our local community; I hope this is what will happen in reality.
Elections for the Council will take place on June 4th, with 123 electoral divisions, Budock, Constantine and Mawnan making up a ward. Budock is in the Falmouth & Penryn Community Network Area, and our “One Stop Shops” for advice and services are in the old Carrick Council building in Falmouth, and within the Town Council offices in Penryn.
With the above issue in mind and to help us crystallise our thinking the Parish Council has included a questionnaire with this report and would value your feedback and what you as members of Budock Parish feel are areas to be focused on over the next five years.
Falmouth Town Council has recently been successful in obtaining planning permission for a new cemetery next to Budock Church. This emphasises how Budock is intermeshing with Falmouth, and demonstrates the need for us to be clear on how far we are prepared to allow our boundaries to coalesce.
Since last year David Brown has ceased to be a councillor due to work commitments. I thank him for his interest and enthusiasm. Nigel Hennell has rejoined the Parish Council, again giving Treverva a direct voice.
The role of a parish councillor has changed substantially over the years with more responsibility, accountability and time commitment, but it can be very interesting and rewarding. We currently have vacancies for two members. It is particularly important to have councillors with a history of local knowledge, and also representation from the younger sector of the community. If you would like to know more about what would be involved please speak to me or the Parish Clerk.
Local community spirit has shone this year, with many actives taking place. In particular the Christmas lights and Carols gave an opportunity for people to get together. Another success story has been Budock Playing Field , where young children can let off steam and interact safely. I thank the Playing Field and Village Hall Committees for their enthusiasm and commitment. As with the Parish Council, they rely on volunteers and are always keen to find new members.
Crime and disorder is still relatively low within the Parish but this should not lead to complacency. We also have a continuing issue of vehicle speed within both Budock and Treverva, and for some time the Parish Council has been looking at the placing of a device to alert motorists to their speed as they enter the village.
This enterprise was finally stopped in its tracks following the intervention of a senior County Highways Official whose view was to ignore a Parish petition and the positive recommendation of our County Councillor, and say our request was “not good value for money”. I have great concerns here, that the needs and requests of local people are often overridden by Officers who in reality we employ to make things happen, not stop them.
Finally I would like to place on record my thanks to all past and present members of this council and also to our County Councillor for his loyalty and hard work in supporting the Parish and its community.
Cllr John Bastin
Chairman, Budock Parish Council - 13th April 2009. |
