Parish Council – Annual Report 2011

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At the Annual General meeting of Whitmore Parish Council, held on 18th May 2011, the Chairman, Cllr. Alan Wilkinson, gave a comprehensive Report, covering the life of Whitmore Parish Council for the year May 2010 – April 2011. The year had begun with only 6 members on the Council, but Geoff Corbett and Annette Booth soon expressed their willingness to become Councillors and that made up the full complement of 8.

Parish Action Plan
With the help of the Village Agent, Mrs. Debbie Burns, the Plan was being reviewed monthly and moving forward. As part of the Plan, an application had been made for funding of a "Trim Trail", and a decision on this was eagerly awaited.

2010 Whitmore Festival
The Festival had been a huge success and numerous thanks were due to numerous people who had been part of that success.In particular, the Chairman highlighted the unveiling of the blue plaque (provided with the help of Newcastle Civic Society) at the Booking Office at Whitmore Station.

Planning
Throughout the period in question, 25 Planning Applications had been considered and comments on behalf of the Parish Council forwarded to the Planning Department at Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council.

Highways
The year had been dominated by flooding issues at "Station Stores", Whitmore and the Chairman hoped this issue was now resolved. He thanked the Highways team and Keith Lawton in particular.

Best Kept Village
The year had seen Whitmore decide to enter the competition and thanks were due to Cllr Booth in particular for her enthusiasm in regard to this. Judging was imminent as Cllr Wilkinson delivered his report.

Community Chest
From Whitmore Parish Council's annual allocation of £1000, monies had been distributed to Madeley Community Association, Ashley and Loggerheads First Responders, Madeley First Responders, and the Parent Teachers' Association at Baldwins Gate School.

Information Centre
Councillors were still working hard to make this a better-used facility for the community. Councillor Wilkinson thanked each Councillor individually for the support that they had given throughout the year, and he singled out the Vice-Chairman, Cllr Webb, who he described as his "right-hand man and an expert on all matters." As it was known that Cllr Phil Maskery was not standing again for the Council, the Chairman expressed his appreciation of Cllr Maskey's help and support during his time on the Council.

The Village Agent, Mrs. Burns was also thanked. "Debbie is one of us", he said, and Borough and County Councillors Howells and Chapman were thanked for their attention, attendance and assistance. The Website Manager, Mandy Dawson, was also thanked. A particular vote of thanks was given to the Council's long-serving Parish Clerk, Bob Haysom, who had retired during the year. Bob had served the Council admirably and would be much missed and the Chairman wished him and his wife, Carol, well in their retirement. The new Clerk, Wendy Kinson, in post since February, was welcomed.

In conclusion, Cllr Wilkinson said he felt 2010/2011 had been a good year for Whitmore Parish Council. There was a good team in place and he looked forward to furthering the work of the Council and serving the whole Whitmore community in 2011/12.

Alan Wilkinson
June 2011

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