Parish Council News
- The council is looking into the feasibility of improving the steep footpath from Highfield Crescent to the valley.
- Two items of play equipment in need of repair were removed from the playing field last year. It was intended to reinstate the multi-climbing unit in June 2009, but this wasn’t possible. The swings were beyond repair. The council intends to have the multiunit and new swings in place by the summer.
- A complaint to the council about traffic jams in Church Lane with cars having to reverse out on to The Street, has prompted them to suggest that everyone using the lane adopt a voluntary code of practice and when leaving to always exit via Coach Lane. With your co-operation on this the lane should be safer and the difficulties solved.
- Litter and dog fouling continue to be a problem. The answer lies with ourselves, the residents of Chilcompton, to take responsibility and keep the village tidy.
A Big Thank You...
...To parish council chairman, Desmond Mattick, who has just retired from the council after 25 years in the chair. He has led the council well through many changes and sometimes controversy with his practical good sense and with humour. He was also our Mendip District councillor for 22 years.
Chilcompton and its residents owe him a debt of gratitude for all the time and effort he gave pursuing improvement and fair play for the village and its people. It is interesting to note that in the 116 year history of the parish council, formed in 1894, Desmond’s uncle Jacob Charles Mattick, (Charlie) was the longest serving chairman clocking up 21 years. Now Desmond has that distinction and can be proud of his achievements. We are sorry to see him go and wish him a happy retirement from council duties. A new chairman will be elected in May.
[Back to the top]The Old Recreation Field
The Parish Council is pleased to announce the return of the renovated equipment to the Toddlers' Playground later this month. We are very grateful to Sarah and Tony Bacik for organising and the execution of the work and look forward to the children being able once again to enjoy this facility as the spring approaches. Work continues on the garden and hedgerows around the field. We enjoyed a bonfire and seasonal refreshments after some of the autumn clearing. Chris Scarterfield is always pleased to hear from those interested in joining small work parties to further the renovation of this village amenity. There are plenty of jobs to do. Come and see how we are getting on, and lend a hand if you can. We are particularly welcoming to younger villagers with younger backs!! If you are able to help please give Chris a ring on 232679 so she can plan and arrange for appropriate garden tool to be available. Bring the children and a picnic if it's sunny! See you there!
[Back to the top]Somerset Library Services
“Buy none, get 20 free” – not the kind of offer to turn down in these belt-tightening days. In this case, the 20 free items refers to the number of books a library member can borrow from any of Somerset’s 34 libraries and 6 mobile libraries. Your local library will have plenty to choose from in their collections of books, talking books and DVDs, as well as access to newspapers, periodicals, maps and much more.
Find details of your nearest library at www.somerset.gov.uk/librariesdirectory
Did you know that libraries offer : free membership to all & free access to online information resources and “office” programmes, with some charges applied for longer use of open Internet searching. an enquiry service which will attempt to answer any information question you care to ask – just phone 01823 336370; for 24 hour access to the “Enquire” service go to www.somerset.gov.uk/libraries extra activities to help children develop a love of reading courses on using computers and access to other learning opportunities services to people who are housebound and unable to get to the library - just ask at your local library or phone 0845 3459177 mobile library visits to over 1,100 stops across Somerset.
Full details of these visits are on the website at www.somerset.gov.ukmobilelibrarytimetables Most vehicles visit every three weeks and some communities schedule an informal coffee morning / afternoon tea session to have a chat about books before the mobile library arrives. Each vehicle has wheelchair access and is equipped to carry about 2,000 books, with access to many more Nearly 100,000 Somerset residents borrowed from libraries last year. Whether you were one of those or not, we’d love to see you this year.
[Back to the top]Flood Reporting
Somerset County Council Highways department would like to make villagers aware how to report flooding on roads in the village, the sooner they know a problem exists the sooner they can resolve it. You should ring the Highways call centre on 0845 345 9155 and also let Nicky Jarman know by phone on 232804 or email nicky@jarmans.co.uk with the reference number given so she can follow it up.
Congratulations
To Nicky Jarman who has reached the milestone of 20 years’service as parish council clerk.
Councillors presented her with flowers in July to mark the occasion. It is hoped that the sterling work she does and the excellent service she gives will continue for many more years to come.