“The year
was dominated by the need to ensure that we provide the village
with the best possible value for money, particularly so since
during the period we heard that Colchester
Borough
Council was unilaterally cutting our Revenue Support Grant by
50%, effectively reducing our total income by 10%. Whilst this
questionable action doubtless helped CBC to comply with
financial targets imposed by central government, it left Dedham
Parish Council with little alternative but to cover this deficit
by increasing the level of our precept. Although these events
were perhaps inevitable, it is still a disappointing outcome
when we have done so much over the years to try to keep our
costs to a minimum.
Given the
financial situation, we have looked comprehensively at the scope
for reducing all our key costs and our progress in this field is
reported in the relevant sections of this report.
On the
routine front, we have continued to try to ensure that the
Parish footpaths are well maintained. The year has largely been
one of consolidation, with no new gates installed but continuing
maintenance of our existing facilities. An interesting
development during the year has been the recognition by ECC that
the boggy state of some parts of the Essex Way is unacceptable,
and a consequent undertaking to install improved drainage on the
worst effected section. This work is expected to begin
imminently. In order to ensure that our paths remain accessible
to walkers, the Parish conducts a grass cutting programme. This
work is financed by ECC via their “Parish Paths Partnership”
scheme, and given the current state of financial stringency it
is not surprising that we have been required to strike the best
possible deal with our contractor, Accordingly, during the
2010 season, a new system for managing this work was introduced,
but by the end of the year it was clear that this was still not
providing the accountability that we sought. Thus the system
has again be revamped with the agreement of ECC and our
contractor and we hope that these new provisions will work well
for all concerned. Our thanks go to John Osborn, who although
no longer a Councillor, has undertaken most of the negotiation
with ECC and our contractor on this subject.
As always,
much time has been devoted to ensuring that the recreation
ground continues to be maintained to a high standard, and this
work was officially recognised when we received two awards of
merit from the Essex Playing Fields Association. Besides
ensuring that the children’s equipment is professionally checked
on a regular basis to ensure its safe condition, the year has
also seen the installation of a new fitness trail, which was
grant financed at no cost to the parish. The sports pavilion
has been externally redecorated, an initiative that employed
with limited success ”Community Payback” (labour) and we have
even engaged a ferreter in an attempt to reduce rabbit damage to
the pitches.
During the
year we have conducted a campaign to try to reduce or eliminate
the swearing that takes place on the football pitch during
matches, which has proved an irritation to visitors and
residents alike. Representations have been made to the Sports
Club and to the Referees Association (who are ultimately
responsible for censuring this anti-social behaviour). Periodic
monitoring indicates that the situation is much improved, but
doubtless continued vigilance will be required.
One of the
Council’s biggest items of expenditure is the subsidy that we
provide to the Sports Club in respect of grass cutting, and in
pursuit of economies this agreement was renegotiated during the
year. The discussion between the two bodies were prolonged and
at times acrimonious. Both sides are now optimistic that we are
entering a more harmonious period which will allow us to work
together to improve the sports facilities within the village.
Another
major development in this area is the positive steps that we are
now taking to address the severe structural problems that have
afflicted the Duchy Barn Shed for many years. Plans are in hand
to virtually rebuild the Shed (which is used for the storage of
ground keeping and other sports equipment) whilst retaining the
current external appearance, and incorporating a discrete
storage area for the Youth Club. We have sought (but not yet
obtained) the statutory planning permission to undertake this
project, obtained quotations from builders, and begun to tackle
the matter of funding, which it is expected will be achieved by
a combination of grants and public subscription rather than from
Parish funds. This represents an admirable start, but doubtless
we will encounter various trials and tribulations during the
coming year.
Another
significant area of expenditure is in respect of insurance.
Given the current financial situation, we have reviewed our
insurance provisions and have obtained quotations from a number
of providers. Although this exercise is not quite complete, it
looks as if it will result in a significant reduction our
premium, whilst still employing the same insurer and receiving
virtually identical cover.
As always
during the year, the Parish Council has tried to ensure that the
appropriate authorities are kept “up to speed” in their duties
towards road maintenance, and despite the adverse conditions
that prevailed for much of the winter, this routine work has
progressed well.
It is
worrying however that formally requested enhancements (such as
the extension of double yellow lining in Crown Street and around
the war memorial) still do not seem to have advanced at all, and
there must be considerable concern as to how such matters will
fare in future given the swingeing cuts that have been
implemented at County and Borough levels.
The Planning
sub-committee has continued to deal with a large number of
applications, and this area will be the subject of a separate
report by Cllr. Robert Cannon. Suffice it to say that the time,
effort and expertise that is applied by the Committee to
applications marks us out as one of the most conscientious
parishes in the Borough.
It is good
to report that the village allotments are now under cultivation,
and it will not be long before the holders and their friends
start to enjoy the fruit of their labour.
Work has
continued apace on the Parish Plan, a government sponsored
initiative to ensure that the views of residents are identified,
and feature in local government’s on-going aims and
aspirations. The Plan is due to be published next month and we
will then start the substantial task of addressing the large
number of points raised. The Team who have progressed this
matter (which includes non-councillors) are to be commended on
their excellent work.
Our new
Police Community support Officer, Mark Hibben, has made a sound
start in the role and we continue to work closely with him to
ensure that his resources are used to the optimum benefit of the
village.
Our County
Councillor, Mrs. Ann Brown, has continued to pursue our
interests with vigour, and we much appreciate her efforts,
especially since Dedham is only one village amongst the many
that she represents. For much of the year Christopher Garnett,
our Ward Councillor, has suffered from health problems and has
thus had to tone down his usually frenetic activity in pursuing
the interests of our village. We thank him for all that he has
done and hope that he will soon be feeling better.