Wilford Community Group

Chairman’s Report

May I welcome Councillor Andrew Price who will act as Independent Chairman during the election of Officers and Committee Members

The members of the Committee attended a meeting at Eastcroft and had a tour of the works followed by a presentation from an engineer who explained the levels of waste being disposed of and discussed the pollution falling in our area.

The clean up of the area has continued throughout the year and we are still enjoying a good relationship with the council in this aspect.

Several members have continued with the problems concerning School transport and a Police Officer has attended on occasions to examine the parking problems

During the year the new boundary for the group has been voted on and accepted and a warm welcome is extended to all the residents who are now in our area.

The committee are still progressing with the proposed new Library and the matter is regularly being brought up at the area committee meeting and it has received a warm response from the members including Councillors on both sides. Progress is however very slow and moves must be made to amend the meaning of Section 106 and again this has been discussed at Area level.

I deeply regret that due to a lack of response the 2006 Open Gardens could not go ahead and even the replacement dance had to be cancelled because of such a poor response from the local residents.

Success was however achieved in obtaining agreement fro NET to take the proposed tramline at the back of the embankment. If the tram ever becomes viable this be of huge benefit.

The Ferry Inn won its extension license against our objection but have since appeared to have decided to mainly keep the opening hours restricted and I know of no problems arising.

A meeting was held during the year regarding the flood defences and this was well attended with an officer from the Environment answering questions.

Bins still appear to be a Village problem with the addition recently of a third bin. Many homes just do not have the space to store these bins and no provision has been made in the newer developments. No discussion is held prior to the bins descending on us.

May I take this opportunity to thank all the members of the Committee for there hard work. Sheila has done her normal good works, Bill has stood in for me as deputy chairman and I must thank David who last year took on the role of Secretary and without his input I could not have managed. At the risk of embarrassment however I must especially thank Kate for all her hard work and it is such a shame that the open garden event and dance had to be cancelled and wasted a lot of her efforts.

Brian Hardy

Chairman

3^rd July 2006