| |
April 24th 2002.
Villagers listen intently at the
Annual Parish Meeting
|
The Parish Council chalked up another success with standing room only
in the Reading Room for the 2002 Annual Parish Meeting.
After last year's successful experiment of holding the Annual Parish
Meeting separately from the Parish Council AGM, the format was repeated
this year and drew the same large crowd.
County Councillor Mr James Shepherd-Cross addressed the meeting and
explained how the restructuring of Northamptonshire County Council
has affected local decision making. District Councillor Robin Digby
spoke to the meeting about issues in South Northants, particularly
the developments in Brackley and the proposed rail schemes that could
effect Helmdon in the future.
PC Fred Dawling gave a report on crime in Helmdon, which has sadly
increased slightly from last year, with the police recording 18 crimes
in the village in the year to March 2002. This was Fred's last Parish
Meeting as he will be retiring in the Summer.

Speedwatch 2002 |
Councillor Terry Glassett then launched the 2002 Speedwatch Campaign
in which villagers pledge to keep to 30 miles per hour in Helmdon
and all other villages in Northamptonshire. Most people at the meeting
signed the pledge and notices announcing the Campaign will be put
up around the village.
Helmdon resident Danny Moody presented a proposal to put together
a Village Plan for Helmdon which would aim to identify Helmdon's strengths
and weaknesses and would result in a written plan for the village
which sets out how to meet current and future needs. The Village Plan
scheme is part of the Countryside Agency's Vital Villages programme.
The Parish Council will vote on whether to progress this project at
the PC AGM in May.
After the main presentations there was an Open Forum in which villagers
could voice their opinions, or ask questions of any Parish Council
member. The hot topics were the state of the village's roads and footpaths,
and litter in the village - particularly important with the up coming
Village of the Year competition. Also thanks were given to Jeffs for
the repair to the bridge over the river in Wicket Mead.
Wine and nibbles were available after the meeting and parishioners
had an opportunity to get to know their Parish, District and County
Councillors a little better.
The village web site was also on display for those that hadn't had
an opportunity to see it before.
Links in this section >>
Report on the Annual Parish Meeting
in 2001 |