1. The July meeting extended a warm welcome to Malcolm King, our newly appointed Councillor, who will keep an eye on the needs of our Whitegates parishioners.
2. Mr Eels queried the District Council’s proposed naming of the dairy development site as “Laurel Close” and it was agreed that we would write confirming no objection to “The Old Dairy Drive” as an alternative. The District has since confirmed its agreement to such a change. Clarification will also be sought as to the reasons for delay in development.
3. The Whitegates bus shelter refurbishment should be completed next month, with the very active participation of local children.
4. The village came fourth in this year’s Best Kept Village competition. The judges described most areas as being very well maintained with very few blemishes. Our grateful thanks to all those residents who helped with the tidy day.
5. The District Council is to review the ongoing provision of all public toilet facilities due to budget problems. We shall write emphasising the need for such facilities to remain in tourist areas such as ours, which provide substantial income to the district.
6. We welcome and appreciate the Manor House Hotel’s apology for the two occasions on which firework displays took place recently. They have checked existing bookings for the next four years to ensure there is no repetition. The previously agreed policy will remain, limiting displays to 5th November and 31st December.
7. The District Council has now agreed to increase the frequency of traffic warden attendance, including evenings and weekends. A meeting will also be arranged with local police and the County Council regarding other traffic issues such as speeding and road obstructions.
8. We are advised that any complaints about environmental issues (noise, waste etc) should be made direct by residents to the Environmental Health Officer on 01249 706454 (or 08450568035 out of hours or weekends).