Parish Councils are elected for a fixed term of four years and the term of our Council ends in May 2011 so all twelve members will automatically stand down. It is already clear that a significant number of the current members will not stand again for a variety of reasons particularly home relocation and pressure of other activities. Those considering standing should not think that they have no chance of being elected for that is not the case. If twelve or fewer eligible people stand they would be automatically elected unopposed and no ballot would be needed. Membership of the Parish Council provides a unique opportunity to become involved in a wide range of issues. Members of the public are most welcome to attend our meetings to observe the proceedings. Meetings normally take place on the first Wednesday in each month at the Community Centre in Ravenscroft at 8pm. Agendas are posted on our notice boards in Grand Parade, on the footpath from the A30 to the schools and outside the Parish Council office in Ravenscroft. Do just come along or ring our Parish Clerk Anne Atkins on the number below to find out more!
We continue to receive an encouraging response to our Parish Plan update survey via our website at www.hook.gov.uk. It only takes five minutes to complete a survey. Paper copies can be obtained from our office.
Hart had hoped to paint the planned new yellow lines in the Church View area before the start of the new term but the work was delayed and is now due to commence in November.
The Annual Hook Schools Parents Association Fire Show and Fireworks will take place on Saturday 6th November from 6pm. Hartletts Park will be closed from 8am on Saturday until 8am on Sunday 7th November for both legal and safety reasons as the Parish Council Car Park in Ravenscroft is the fall-out area. Please remove all vehicles from the car park by 4pm on Saturday when it will be locked.
We continue our discussions with the owner of the Landata House site in Station Road. The condition of these empty offices continues to deteriorate and there is no real market for offices to rent in Hook so our hope is that a suitable scheme can be agreed to demolish the building and construct a new development of small dwelling units for local people who want a small and manageable home within walking distance of the railway station and the shops.
Antony Hunter – Parish Councillor