Chair's Report 2023
Grainthorpe Parish Council
Chair’s Report for 2022 – 2023; Cllr. Paul Hibberd – 10th May, 2023
We have had a busy year, without our full compliment of 8 Councillors. We were sad to receive Cllr. Drinkel’s resignation at the beginning of the year, after so many years, and then Cllr. Burton resigned around Christmas and Cllr. Ian Nicholls joined us. This has now resulted in three Cllrs being returned un-opposed for the coming four years since Cllr. Bark, Cllr. Lovatt and Cllr. West decided not to stand at the recent election. We really need more responsible people to come forward as Councillors, although we do have a quorum to continue functioning.
Cllr. McNally and Cllr. Rickett, representing the County and District, attended all our meetings and have been generous in their help and time. They also gave us a grant towards our new Notice Board in Butt Gate, as well as a small contribution to our Coronation celebration. We are also delighted with the fabulous tourism Wildlife Board for the Playing Field which the County Council helped to fund. This shows several points of interest in the village as well as the local wildlife and some great walks with directions available via a QR code. Their input into reinstating the bus service was also greatly appreciated.
At the beginning of the Year we were celebrating the Platinum Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II, a huge landmark for a gracious and respected Sovereign. All the primary school children received a commemorative mug from the Parish Council. We were all sad at her passing in September.
We have continued to monitor the ragwort problem at the Poor’s End development site, but this has escalated in the last few days to a more serious problem, which we hope to be able to help local residents who are directly affected by construction work with.
We are continuing to monitor Planning applications and are happy to help if you need our support with any planning consultation.
The intention to install signage for the village is still on our Agenda but we are struggling to find a suitable place at either end of the village and are now thinking of something more central as a tourism feature. Any ideas would be helpful.
We are assured by CC that the 30 mph speed limit will be in place shortly on Main Road and Wragholme Road. Hopefully this will slow the traffic and make the A1031 safer. We are also looking at a road safety issue at Austen Fen.
We have continued to fund and support the maintenance of the churchyard. The new mower is proving its worth to the volunteers. We are extremely grateful to everyone who helps with the maintenance of the churchyard and the volunteers who maintain the War Memorial.
On a personal note, I would like to thank everyone who has served the Parish Council this year, whether you have decided to continue serving or not is a personal decision and we are all grateful for the time and support you have given to the Grainthorpe Parish Council this year.
Councilllor Paul Hibberd
10th May, 2023