Parish Council Elections – Election Day is 7th May 2015. All twelve Parish Councillors automatically retire in May, at the end of their four year term. Not all the current members will stand again, so there is an opportunity for anyone living or who has been working (for the last 12 months) in Hook to stand for election to Hook Parish Council.
At the end of each election term we lose members with a range of expertise they have brought to the Council. They will also leave having gained experience and skills which they can use to improve their future life and career. The key requirements for being a successful Councillor are an interest in local affairs, enthusiasm and a willingness to get involved in the community.
Our work crosses into a wide range of areas including Planning, Transport, Community Safety, the Environment, Sports and Leisure, Finance, Law, Marketing and P.R. Planning and development will continue to be a ‘hot topic’ as we move forward with the emerging Local Plan and support the development of the Hook Neighbourhood Plan. With the anticipated growth in housing and associated facilities, there has never been a better opportunity for someone with interest, knowledge or skills in the management of sport and leisure facilities to make a difference in Hook.
There is an induction and ongoing training programme to support new Councillors in this interesting and varied voluntary role. Please contact Parish Council Office to find out more.
If you wish to stand for election, nomination forms will be available from the Hart District Council Civic Offices, Fleet from Thursday 19th March 2015. Nomination papers can be submitted between Monday 30th March 2015 and Thursday 9th April 2015 at 4.00pm for the Local Election.
Hook Neighbourhood Plan – See the Neighbourhood Plan Website for progress updates.
Local Plan – At a recent meeting at Hart District Council, with the Parish Council and representatives of the Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group, it became apparent that Hart are considering several sites, including new submissions, around Hook. These could be included in the Local Plan. We are expecting the first stage preferred sites to be identified by Hart at the end of February, which will include an indication of housing numbers. There are sites being considered for shortlisting, which will accommodate additional dwellings of between 325 and 1800. As soon as the numbers and sites are known to the Parish Council and Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group, the information will be available via our mutual websites and mailing lists.
Parish Council meetings – Members of the public are most welcome to attend all meetings of the Council and its Committees to observe the proceedings. Meetings normally take place on the first Wednesday in each month. Agendas are posted on our notice boards in Grand Parade, Wellworth Park and Holt Lane. There is a short time slot on the agenda of full Council meetings, for anyone to raise a question or address the council on a matter relevant to Hook. If you are generally interested in what we do, or may be considering standing for election, please come along or ring the Parish Council Office on the number below to find out more!
Hook Community Awards – If you would like to nominate somebody who makes a real difference to the community, please write or e-mail the Clerk by 13th March.
SAVE THE DATE – The Hook Annual Village Meeting will be held in the newly refurbished Community Centre on Wednesday 22nd April 2015. Further information will follow in early April. Watch out in Focus, Noticeboards and our website for details.
Defibrillator – A number of concerned residents have contacted the Parish Council office regarding the red flashing light on the defibrillator at Grand Parade. The defibrillator cabinet is designed to flash to indicate it is working properly and to draw attention to the fact it is there and is available. If there is an alarm sounding from the cabinet, all is NOT well and we would appreciate a call.
Closure of Bartley Heath Car Park – The Parish Council wrote to Hampshire Wildlife Trust following a number of complaints from residents about the closure of this car park. Please see elsewhere in Focus to read their response and explanation for the closure.
Anne Atkins – Clerk