Guilden Sutton Parish Council
Newsletter
December 2021 Issue 172
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It’s been a while since the Parish Council last issued a paper newsletter. We’ve been using other methods such as Voice magazine. We wanted to provide an update on some parish matters that will affect you. Often things move so quickly that Facebook, WhatsApp, or the village website are the quickest method of contacting people but we know that not everyone uses those. Do let us know which communication method you prefer.
Greenspace, Hook’s Wood.
For years, the Parish Council has wanted to enhance the quality of life in Guilden Sutton by purchasing a piece of land for recreation and leisure use. Working with Guilden Sutton Greenspace, the council had hoped to purchase two adjoining fields off Guilden Sutton lane, to provide a woodland and green open space for local people to enjoy. Although both fields were on the market at the same time, we were asked to spread the purchases over two years. We agreed.
Greenspace secured purchase of the first field with the help of grant aid. Nearly 5,000 trees have been planted in Hook’s Wood. The Parish Council then agreed ‘heads of terms’ for the purchase of the second field, at a cost of about £12,000 per acre. Unfortunately, earlier this year, we were told that part of the field had been sold privately, reducing the remaining plot to less than 3 acres. This affected our vision to have a complete link from the football field, through to Hook’s Wood but we were still keen to make the purchase which would have increased the total ‘Greenspace’. We were also willing to enter into a covenant to protect the land from development but this was not accepted.
In August we were again asked to increase our offer, which we did, but it was rejected. The price increased yet again, to very significantly more than the original asking price. This was much more than the amount per acre paid by Greenspace or the amount in the ‘heads of terms’ agreement. The Parish Council has to balance the needs of the local community, the aspirations of Greenspace and the prudent use of public money. It was with much regret that we felt we could not increase our offer again. We were subsequently told that the remaining land had been sold to another private individual. The Parish Council still hopes to secure some land for recreational use and invite any local landowners to contact us if they have surplus agricultural land, close to the village.
Planning Applications made to CW&C often leave little time for us to notify residents who may wish to comment. Please look at websites and Facebook for latest news. Tile Farm have had a recent application which has the potential to affect local residents. See CW&C website for info. https://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/online-applications 21/03973/LDC
Thanks to everyone who helped plan, took part in, or attended Remembrance Day.
Season’s Greetings to everyone and please continue to help keep our community safe.
Parish Precept
A message from parish councillor Derek Hughes who chairs the Finance Committee.
Presently, the precept is set at around £24,000 which equates to an annual cost £35.43 household, on average, so every £1,000 spent equals £1.50 for a Band D property. Most of the current budget covers staff, Greenspace, and grounds maintenance.
Below, there is a list of potential opportunities that the Council is keen to explore. Please indicate whether you feel each opportunity is something you feel would benefit the area. Costings supplied below are approximate. The Council cannot guarantee participation or action in particular areas as often there are a number of other parties are involved. For example installation of average speed cameras would be dependent on applying for, and being accepted for, a relevant pilot scheme. For the council to purchase land, this is dependent on a suitable piece of land being made available for sale.
*Some items might be funded through capital projects spreading the cost over a number of years rather than requiring a big increase in Council Tax in just one year. Bear in mind that there is little scope for reducing the current precept, so new items may mean an increase in Council Tax or a reduction in reserves.
Please complete the form below and leave at the post office or email your views to the clerk.
| Possible Proposals | Cost* | Yes | No | Comments |
| Installation of average speed cameras in one area of the village | £5,000 p/a | |||
| Purchase of recreation space (funded by PWLB loan) | £3k-£4k p/a | |||
| Refurbishment of 2x bus shelters | £5,100 one off | |||
| Subsidising one additional bus service per weekday | £10,000 p/a | |||
| Investigate solutions to road safety issues at dangerous ‘blind’ bend at Hare Lane/ Green Lane junction | £2,000 one-off | |||
| Facilities for teenagers 11-18yrs old | £5,000one-off | |||
| Quarterly pages in Voice magazine | £500 p/a | |||
| Platinum Jubilee celebrations | £2,000 one-off | |||
| Village Green projects E.g. carpark | £500 |
Contact Us: Parish Council Chair Trisha Paterson; Vice Chair Mel Littlewood; other councillors Imogen Brown, Derek Hughes David Kane, Bill Moulton, Sue Proctor, Sue Ringstead,
See village website www.guildensutton.org.uk or soon to be launched parish council’s own website www.guildensuttonpc.co.uk Also Facebook and WhatsApp
Email the clerk at guildensuttonparishclerk@gmail.com or text/ answerphone 07783012582