LINDFIELD RURAL PARISH COUNCIL
ANNUAL REPORT 2007/08
Another year of challenges in an attempt to maintain the pleasant environment in which we live. The threat to our infrastructure took precedence over most other considerations, with anything from the problems of increased traffic in the area to the proposed downgrading of the Princess Royal Hospital.
It was encouraging that the communication and support from neighbouring Parishes, District and County Councils, took up a more important role over the past year and several meetings were held to discuss ways whereby greater co-operation could be achieved not only on matters common to all within the wider community but functions which could be most usefully passed down from the higher authority. This process is on-going and parishes or clusters of parishes could benefit (on behalf of their residents) from those discussions. It was particularly significant that there were areas of mutual interest that led to joint co-operation with our neighbouring Parish (LPC) particularly with regard to the traffic problems and the Action plan for Lindfield
It was also a year of hectic activity with regard to housing proposals throughout the district under the various planning criteria. Again, this process is on-going for planning proposals to 2026 but the Small Scale Housing allocations have already seen 65 dwellings approved on a parcel of land within the strategic gap in the Parish.
The proposal to extend the building of dwellings into the green belt area in the Gravelye Lane/Scamps Hill area with the provision of 500 dwellings under the Core Strategy criteria has met with severe opposition within the parish. Reflecting this response from residents, your Council has made their position quite forcefully to MSDC.
The Burial Ground at Walstead continues to flourish under the stewardship of the Parish Council and further monies have been spent in enhancing the appearance of the remembrance garden. We are now seeking funds for our next project which is to replace the chain link peripheral fence to further establish an ambience consistent with the surroundings.
The Chapel and Lodge on the cemetery continue to provide an income not only to assist in the maintenance of the burial ground but to fund the purchase of land when the cemetery is closed for burials in a few years time.
The accounts show that in the past we have drawn on our reserves to fund our commitment to the community and absorb the inflationary increases in our costs but this year Council felt it was time that due account should be taken of our costs particularly as it would be necessary to purchase land to extend the burial ground.
Our turnover in the year to 31st March 2008 amounted to £ 81,519, funded by a precept of £ 39,580, costing the average band D household £ 33.12 per annum.
Our Clerk, Karin Milne continues to display a truly professional and dedicated approach to her role and once again the auditors have praised her for her excellent housekeeping. Additionally, the Councillors have benefited from her grasp of the legal and administration elements of the Council and look to her as the “Responsible Officer” for guidance on these subjects.
Karin has also strived to pass the examination to become qualified as a Clerk and has toiled for many hours to achieve that status. The Council is pleased to announce that Karin recently achieved that goal.
The allotment gardens at Gravelye Lane are enjoyed by a fair selection of parishioners and the upkeep of the gardens is of a high standard. This year, however, after 17 years of a static rent, Council felt it necessary to raise the rents to ensure the allotments are self-financing. This should provide a further period of stability within the allotments.
We continue to donate to certain charities in which we feel there is a benefit to the community. Last year we donated to The Freshfield Lane Action Group’s funds (fighting the proposal to convert part of the brickworks to a non-inert rubbish tip) and we were pleased to see that the proposal was finally defeated. The full list of beneficiaries can be viewed in the Council Offices.
Communication has always been a high priority with the Parish Council and this year has been no exception with regard to arranging meetings with residents, either in a local area or on a parish wide basis. The two extraordinary meetings that were held were to highlight the contentious nature of certain housing developments but also we circulated to all residents regular newsletters either by way of the Lindfield Times or house-to-house distribution not only to inform residents of newsworthy items but also to emphasise the need for action by residents. It was gratifying to see that both public meetings were well attended and responses were forthcoming to all forms of communication showing a clear regard by residents for the area in which they live.
The Council continues to communicate by way of our Council meetings and notice boards but progressively our up-to-date web site becomes used more with our links to various organisations including the Village Centre in Scaynes Hill.
This report should be read in conjunction with the Chairman’s report (already circulated) which supplies more details of the Council’s work. It can be viewed at the Library, on notice boards and on the Council’s website.
Summary of annual accounts for the year 2007/08
Income
Precept 39,580
Allotment rents 303
Walstead Cemetery 24,041
Lodge Income 9,059
Chapel Income 5,000
Investment and capital receipts 3,536
Total Income £ 81,519
Expenditure
General Administration 27,787
Subscription & Donations 945
Walstead Cemetery 17,045
Lodge 1,122
Allotments 270
General Expenditure 4,242
Total Expenditure £ 51,411
Capital Expenditure
Walstead Cemetery 6,553
Children’s Playground 2,500
Others 97
Total Capital Expenditure £ 9,150
Total Expenditure £ 60,561
Transfer to Reserves £ 20,958
Balance Sheet
Assets Debtors £ 6,230
Cash at Bank £ 95,755
Current Assets £101,985
Creditors £ 21,284
Net Assets £ 80,701
Capital & Reserves
General Reserves £ 13,950
Earmarked funds £ 45,793
Retained Reserves for year £ 20,958
Total Capital £ 80,701
How to contact the Rural Parish Council
The Parish Council Office is in the Millennium Village Centre, Lewes Road, Scaynes Hill, RH17 7PG and is open to the public on Tuesdays 12.30 to 13.30 hrs and Thursdays 10.00 to 11.00 hrs. Members of the public are welcome to come along and look at planning applications for our area, obtain bus passes or just seek advice on issues of concern.
Your Parish Councillors:
John Dumbleton (Chair) Tel: 482633
Sheila Hobbs (Vice Chair) Tel: 483396
Brian Bunt Tel: 831636
Chris Hersey Tel: 482270
Margaret Hersey Tel: 482270
Dennis Hicks Tel: 831599
Jerry Jeremiah Tel: 831437
Ray Jones (Newsletter Editor) Tel: 453868
Christopher Snowling Tel: 482172
Karin Milne (Parish Clerk) Tel: 831499
You can contact us by e-mail: lindfieldrural.parishcouncil@virgin.net or visit our website at www.lindfieldrural-pc.org.uk
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