WATERHOUSES PARISH COUNCIL – NEWSLETTER

The parish council would like to share with you, news of several key areas that it is currently working on, in order to bring about improvements:

 

• Highways:
We are working closely with the Staffordshire Highways Department to:
a) address smaller issues more quickly;  b) address larger, long-standing issues more effectively.

• Flooding:
We are continuing our work with the Staffordshire Flood Risk Team to reduce the risk of flooding within the parish.

• Old Quarry Bridge:
We have raised, with several authorities, our concerns about the bridge over the River Hamps, leading to the Old Quarry which we believe may be in an unsafe condition.

• Policing and Speeding:
Our local PCSO has arranged some more ‘drop-in  surgeries’ in the near future. (for details – please see the notice elsewhere on this website). The PCSO has also advised that a mobile speed camera unit will periodically be deployed to the area in the near future. Efforts will continue to seek the restoration of the permanent speed cameras.

• Holcim:
We continue to work with the cement works and the Environment Agency to ensure the safe operation of the plant within the community.

• Amenities:
Play areas – following the installation of the new play area, we also plan to improve the original play area;
Sports Field – this continues to be improved with the help of grant funding from the Football Foundation;
Allotments – we continue to work with the Allotments Association, who are working hard to continuously improve this facility. A few plots are available at the moment.

• Finances:
We are managing our funding carefully, so that we are able to meet the challenges that lie ahead. These include the potential impact of Local Government Reorganisation and the potential costs of local elections in 2027.

• Council membership:
The council is actively seeking new members for the future, with a focus on younger people who can bring a fresh dynamic to the parish. It believes that this will generate improvements in such areas as communications and inclusivity, and also new ideas! Elections are due in early 2027 so now is a good time to give this serious thought!

• Want to know more about any of the above?

• Also, let us know what you would like to see happen in your parish!

• Please feel free to contact me. I will be happy to help!

The clerk to the parish council – Chris Hinton

Tel: 07584 128882

clerk@waterhouses-pc.gov.uk