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ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR
ENDING 31 MARCH 2010
Your Representatives Were: Cllr. N. Lodge (Town Mayor) Cllr. M. Iacovou
Cllr. K. Rogers, Cllr. B. Sinclair (Deputy Mayor) Cllr. C. Fox Cllr. P.
Kraft
Cllr. C. P. Liddy Cllr. D. Purdey Cllr. A. Vaughan Cllr. F. Richards Cllr.
R. Needham
During 2009/2010 the representatives of Wivenhoe on the Colchester Borough
Council have been:
For Wivenhoe Quay ward: Cllr. A. Quarrie and Cllr. S. Ford
For Wivenhoe Cross ward: Cllr. M. Cory and Cllr. J. Manning
Cllr. Julie Young represents Wivenhoe on Essex County Council.
Member of Parliament: Rt. Hon Bernard Jenkin
Wivenhoe Council Staff:
The Council staff during 2009-2010 were: Antoinette Stinson, Town Clerk;
Christine Pettitt and Nicki Edwards job-sharing the Reception/Admin;
Groundsmen James Young and Andrew Hearn; Hall caretaker, Mick Wells; Office
cleaner Val Tipper and Litter-picker Ray Smith.
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2009 - 2010 A YEAR-END REVIEW:
Once again the Town Council has had a very busy year with a number of
changes as well as good progress on many initiatives. In addition to Town
Council responsibilities, nearly all councillors have other interests in the
community as members or officers of a wide variety of local organisations
that has added to the ability of this council to take a leading role in
representing the Wivenhoe community. Last year the Town Council was
re-accredited ‘Quality Status’ by the Essex Association of Local Councils,
commending both the excellent work of the Clerk and members of the Town
Council.
In view of the current economic climate the Town Council continues to be
committed to maintaining the current level of services to local residents
and this year is delighted to say that it has managed this and also kept the
precept below average. This is mainly due to careful husbandry and grant
sourcing. The Town Council’s policy to fund major improvements by grants
will continue in the same vein over future years.
Planning:
The Town Council has been very active in working through the practical
implementations of the leases for the Cooks site, as well as ensuring that
Wivenhoe’s voice is heard in the discussions over the Local Development
Framework. Amongst the many priorities the Town Council gave voice to the
concern on protecting the green wedge between Wivenhoe and the University
echoing the concerns expressed in the Town Plan.
The Town Council’s Planning Committee met 19 times during the year to
express views to the Borough Council on 42 planning applications, in
particular the Park Hotel, as work progresses well on the planning
application to convert the Park Hotel into flats, approved in 2006.
Cooks Shipyard.
Phase 3 of the development (32 dwellings with 11 office units) was submitted
for planning approval in December and is still under consideration. The
Public Footpaths crossing the site have been temporarily closed until
September 2010 for the safety of the public during construction work. The
Town Council has concerns with regard to the access road, aesthetics of the
dwellings and issues concerning the leases of the Wet Dock, the Slip Way,
the car park, the Dinghy Park and the fisherman’s store. Negotiations are
still in hand with the developers to secure the maximum advantage for all
the residents of Wivenhoe.
Local Development Framework
Following on from last year’s major consultation exercise the Town Council
expressed its views on three documents circulated in that period by the
Borough Council for comments viz. The Core Strategy for the Borough Council,
Site Allocations and Development Policies and Options. The final stages of
the consultation are now complete and the hearings commence in April, to
which members of the Town Council’s Planning Committee will attend.
Best Value Committee:
The remit of this committee is to consider the functioning of the Council
and how to improve its role as an effective Council, to improve efficiency
and continually try to enhance services to local residents. It now meets
monthly and is proving a useful forum for all Councillors to discuss ideas
and ensure that ‘Best Value’ is achieved.
Wivenhoe in Bloom
This is a new independent volunteer group which has been formed and is
strongly supported by the Town Council. As yet the group is not looking to
take part in competitions but there are some exciting ideas being
investigated and the group is very lucky in having some first class
horticultural designers among its members. Already a new design for the
boats in front of the William Loveless Hall has started with plenty of ideas
for all around Wivenhoe.
Enthusiastic volunteers are needed so please get in touch with the
Secretary, Janie Grote, on 820836 or acting Chair, Cllr. Fran Richards on
825516.
Cemeteries:
Recent unstable soil in the New Cemetery has resulted in a policy to
excavate single depth graves only. The Town Council is carrying out
investigations into unused plots which could be utilised for future use. A
noticeboard depicting flora and fauna has been placed in the Old Cemetery.
The Town Council continues to manage the Old Cemetery as sensitively as
possible. Volunteers to help with clearing are always welcome.
An increase in dog fouling in both cemeteries and the Churchyard has been of
particular concern to the Town Council. Dog-owners are reminded of current
legislation which is that under the Dogs (Fouling of Land) Act 1996, owners
are required to clear up after their dogs in most public areas. Failure to
do this will result in a fixed penalty charge of £50 or a fine in court of
up to £1000.
Highway Matters:
The recent spell of bad weather has resulted in many roads and pavements in
desperate need of repair around the Town. As a consequence the Town Council
is continuing to lobby the ECC Highways and Borough Councillors about this.
The formal consultation process on the introduction of a 20mph speed limit
in Lower Wivenhoe closed in February and as objections were received on the
installation of speed cushions in Station Road the outcome of the scheme now
rests with ECC Highways and Transportation.
Street Cleaning:
As a supplement to the Borough Council’s operations, the Town Council
employs a litter-picker primarily to remove litter from the open spaces,
however, he works diligently in the surrounding areas as well. Once again
the amount of fly-tipping is increasing and the Town Council continue to
relay complaints about this to Colchester Borough Council’s Clean-up Squad.
Wivenhoe Youth Club
Want to be a DJ? why not pop along to the youth club to find out how? Many
of our younger readers will know about the course held at the youth club at
the Phillip Rd centre and are keen to get underway. It’s just one of the
many activities set up, with the help of the youngsters who use the club run
by the Wivenhoe Voluntary youth Group. The club is now in its second year
and every Tuesday evening between 6-30 and 8-30 there will be over 30 young
people down at the Centre. The club is also building its Thursday evening
membership designed for older youngsters run from years 7-9 and it is
already getting a lot of interest. A climbing wall event was held on the KGV
in the summer and the kids have also been taken Kart Racing so there is no
shortage of things going on. Another exciting initiative is the emerging
Youth Council. It will play its part in the next steps in the club’s
development as well as help the Town Council as it works out what it can do
for our young people locally.
Supported by the Town Council, the Wivenhoe Voluntary Youth Group developed
the club from its origins when the youth bus came to town to test interest
to today’s successful and now well used facility. The volunteers, ably led
by Lyndall Rosewarne and now by Sanchia Nash and Chris Hirst have also been
busy raising funds for the club and making it attractive and relevant to
kids locally. More volunteers are always needed however, so why not get in
touch with us to find out how you could get involved. No small part in this
year’s success has also been the helpful approach taken by the management
and staff of the Phillip Rd Centre so our thanks to them as well.
Play Areas:
The Estates Committee and the Town Council’s two stalwart workers, Jim and
Andy, have installed some new play equipment in the KGV play area.
In the middle of the play area is a Synchro Spinner that is aimed at
children from 5 to 12 years and soon there will be a new bouncy ‘bee’ for
the younger children. But the piece of equipment that will probably puzzle
many people is just outside the play area. This is a Hip Twister and it is
outside the play area because it is a fun exercise for anyone from teenagers
to older residents. It is an exerciser designed to improve flexibility of
the hips and waist. Up to three people can use it at one time and it would
be excellent as a warm up exercise for joggers and dog walkers. Apart from
that it is great fun. Well, why should only young people have all the fun?
We have our Town Clerk, Antoinette Stinson, to thank for this as she managed
to obtain it at an 8th of its usual price in an auction held at a Clerk’s
conference. Last year she came back with a Toadstool, now standing in the
sandpit, we can’t wait to see what she comes back with next year. The Town
Council is currently working on a bid for funding, which is lodged with the
Community Initiatives Fund, for a basket ball court on the KGV field.
The William Loveless Hall:
The Town Council continues to maintain the high standard of the hall. This
year a new floor has been put in and a new automatic front door installed.
This has been greatly appreciated by the elderly and disabled and also
enables the door to remain closed during cold weather, keeping the heat in.
Earlier in the year the Hall had an assessment, resulting in it being
categorized as a ‘shining example of a village hall, well run and used by
all within the community’. Another improvement this year has been new
chairs, which have been well received. The Quay Quilters have also made a
contribution by putting new header tape and velcro on the stage frill in the
main hall.
The Hall continues to be extremely well used by a wide range of clubs and
organizations. This year two theatrical productions have been held at the
Hall. The well running of the Hall is overseen by a Working Party, chaired
by Cllr. Penny Kraft, two other Cllrs, four lay members and the caretaker.
Bi-monthly meetings are held where all aspects of running the hall are
discussed. Most of the maintenance is done by the Town Council’s groundstaff
and some outside contractors. Wivenhoe is very fortunate to have such a
facility.
Christmas Lights:
This year the Lighting Team added new festoon lighting and, although short
of volunteers, managed to put on a good display. A big thank you to all
involved! Anyone wishing to become involved in this scheme would be most
welcome, please contact the Wivenhoe Business Association.
The official switch on took place at 6.00pm on 3rd December which was also
the occasion of the December Market at St Mary's Church and Late Night
Shopping Evening.
The Wivenhoe Woods Working Party
This year the volunteers have again worked hard with Ranger, Richard Moulson,
maintaining paths by strimming and clearing overhead vegetation to encourage
Nightingale nesting, putting in more seats, removing Sycamore in the
coppiced area and replacing bridges. Work continues throughout the year. An
educational day had been held in August for youngsters which had been very
successful.
Allotments:
The allotments are managed by Wivenhoe Allotments and Gardens Association
with whom the Council enjoys close liaison. The allotments are thriving. Not
only is there a long waiting list, but for those lucky enough to have one,
the enthusiasm amongst the holders never ceases to amaze. The Town Council
provides a skip on a regular basis for the allotmenteers and this is much
appreciated by them. Along with officers of WAGA, Councillors inspect the
allotments twice each year. The Council notes that it currently has the
highest number of people on its waiting list for a very long time.
New Health Centre
Progress with Wivenhoe’s new Health Centre has been slow. However,
significant advances have been made in recent times and there is optimism
that the site adjacent to the Fire Station can be brought to fulfilment. The
Town Council is closely involved with the development and will ensure that
Wivenhoe residents are properly informed of progress.
Community Policing:
Wivenhoe’s Police Station is open every Friday between 1.00pm – 3.00pm
In January the Anti-social Behaviour Team launched a Joint Police/CBC ASB
Initiative. Information as follows:
Colchester Borough Council and Essex Police have joined forces to provide
you with a direct line to report anti-social behaviour. You can now speak to
a team of dedicated specialists who can talk through your problems and deal
with your call more efficiently by assigning it to the correct agency.
The ASB hotline number is 282731, it will operate between 8.30am and 5.30pm
Monday to Friday. Callers outside these times should leave a message, but
urgent calls (i.e. threats to life) should ring 999.
Community Safety Group.
The Community Safety Group and the Neighbourhood Action Panel meet regularly
and are very well attended. Residents are reminded that they are all welcome
to attend and voice their concerns. The NAP meetings will be held at 7.00pm
in the Council Chamber at the Council Offices on the following dates: 18
May, 6 July, 7 September and 9 November this year. The fall in crime could
not be achieved without the co-operation of the fantastic community that
reside in our town. Residents witnessing any problems can now contact 0300
333 4444.
Communication with Wivenhoe residents:
The Town Council produce and distribute a newsletter to every household and
apart from Town Council notice-boards, the Council’s principal means of
communicating with residents is via its community website, the Wivenhoe
Encyclopedia on www.wivenhoe.gov.uk Launched eight years ago, the site
comprises over 1000 pages of information and attracts around 700 visits per
week. News, details of events, local organisations, businesses, people,
Wivenhoe history and much more can all be found on it, including Town
Council minutes. In addition, several Town Councillors and indeed some
Borough Councillors and our County Councillor make regular contributions to
Wivenhoe News
The ‘Communty’ Bus:
Wivenhoe’s third minibus is continuing to be very well used and provides a
valuable service to the community. The Town Council helps with the
maintenance costs of the bus and office staff keep the bookings diary. The
Mini-bus Committee meets twice a year to discuss any problems that arise and
discuss maintenance issues and running costs. The Town Council has had the
current bus for over 5 years now. It was bought in November 2004 when it was
a year old. It is still running well and has not produced any major
mechanical problems. Drivers and passengers alike are pleased with its
performance and the hydraulic lift at the rear has been a great asset and is
well used.
Volunteer drivers, who take the elderly to the Monday Club, the Over-60s
Club, or on shopping trips provide a life-line to many who would otherwise
find it difficult to get about. The bus is available for the community when
it is not being used by these groups. The suggested rates of donations are
reasonable and a short familiarisation process enables the holder of a clean
licence to drive it.
Volunteer drivers are always needed - if you feel you would like to help by
becoming a volunteer driver once in a while, please contact the staff at the
Town Council.
Mayor’s Charity Fund
The Mayors Charity Fund (MCF ) has raised over £5,000 during the past year,
most of the money will be put back into Wivenhoe to support local
endeavours.
This money was raised by many people at an assortment of functions which
included the Teddy Bears’ Picnic, two ‘1940s’ events, Wivenhoe Memories, a
Summer Ball and the Mayor’s Ball, New Year’s Eve dance, and day trips to
France and Belgium, courtesy of Cedrics’ coaches – all repeat successes of
traditions begun in previous years
The Mayor has also continued to support the student bursary, which is
awarded to a resident of Wivenhoe studying at the University. The Mayor
would like to thank everybody who has helped to raise this money in so many
different ways.
The Town Mayor will distribute the grants at the Annual Town Meeting.
Finance:
The Town Council's precept for 2010/2011 has been set at £151,223, an
increase of 2.89.% on 2009/2010. This represents a rate of £53.43 per year
per council-tax-payer living in a Band D property, against £51.93 last year,
being an increase of £1.50 per household. Income from fees and charges is
estimated at £25,854 with £32,454 coming from the Parish Grant.
Town Council Public Access:
All Town Council meetings are advertised on the notice-board outside the
Council Offices. Members of the public are welcome to attend. Should members
of the public wish to speak, a request must be made through the Town Clerk,
Mrs. Antoinette Stinson, at least three working days in advance of the
meeting.
The Planning Committee meets every three weeks. It considers local planning
applications as well as other development issues. Members of the public are
welcome to attend.
The Council Offices are located at 77 High Street, on the first floor, and
are open from 9.00am to 4.00pm from Monday to Friday. Anyone who experiences
difficulty in accessing these upstairs offices can draw the attention of
staff by pressing a buzzer to the left of the front door.
The telephone number of the offices is 01206 822864 and the fax number is
01206 827298. The website is www.wivenhoe.gov.uk and the e-mail address
wivenhoe_council@btconnect.com.
NOTICE OF COMPLETION OF AUDIT
Local Government Accounts and Audit Regulations 2003 (as amended 2006) and
the Audit Commission Act 1998. Notice is hereby given that the Audit
procedures for year ending 31 March 2009 took place in July 2009 in
accordance with the Audit Commission's new regulations. The Annual Return
and Audit Certificate have been signed by M.D. Bartlett, Audit Manager of
the Audit Commission.
Antoinette Stinson, Town Clerk
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