The following is neither a formal, nor an exhaustive list of the areas of activity of the Parish Council, but is a brief sample of its activities.
The Parish Council is happy to make referrals to the Local Authority (CWAC) on behalf of residents – but residents are also able to register any concerns via the online reporting system here. This will ensure the appropriate department can keep you informed of any progress.
If you want to observe the proceedings of the Council, our meetings are always open and members of the public are welcome to attend. All ordinary meetings of the council have time designated for public speaking.
Ordinary meetings are usually scheduled for the first Wednesday of the month at 7:30PM, and are normally held at Guilden Sutton Village Hall or occasionally St John’s Church Hall.
Street Cleaning: The council employs a lengthsman to clean various parts of the Village for three hours per week throughout the year. By contacting the Borough Council, we are able to resolve serious problems (such as fly-tipping) on an ad-hoc basis.
Litter Bins: The council has arranged for the installation and emptying of several litter bins in the area.
Public Seats: Benches have been installed in several areas around the Village.
Landscaping: For many years the Council has purchased bulbs which Councillors and other volunteers have planted in verges around the Village. Whilst grass cutting remains the responsibility of the Borough council, we monitor the effectiveness and frequency of it, referring problems back to Cheshire West and Chester. Many residents assist by keeping the verges and hedges outside their homes tidy and clear of the public highway.
Footpaths: Guilden Sutton has a successful footpaths group, supported by the Council, which has worked on the network of footpaths in the residential and rural areas of the Village.
Highways: Whenever the state of our roads become unsatisfactory, or the street lights malfunction, we contact the appropriate department at the Borough Council to request action. We have also funded additional street lighting in certain areas of the Parish to improve safety. We monitor the condition of hedges on domestic and agricultural land.
Public Transport: The Council monitors the performance of the local bus service and negotiates to obtain improved timetables. The Council owns three bus shelters in the Parish.
Play Areas and Recreation: The Council rents a playing field next to the old school. Additionally, it owns a small play area adjacent to the existing Primary School, providing various items of play equipment for younger children.
Planning: The Parish Council is a consultee for all applications for work carried out within the Parish. Each application is examined in detail by at least two councillors who normally visit both the applicant and any adjoining resident who may be affected by the application. If necessary, recommendations are made to the Borough Council planning department.
Communications: Regular newsletters are distributed to residents. In the past, the Council has supported the production of Village History booklets and a footpath map. There are four noticeboards, maintained by the Council, used for official communications within the Parish.
Car Park: The Parish car park, located on Church Lane, is owned by the Parish and managed by the Parish Council.
Trees and Ponds: The Council monitors the condition of ponds and landscape trees within the area, notifying the local authority of any problems. In addition, the Council is a consultee for any Tree Protection applications.
Website: This Website is the official Parish Council website, containing our statutory information and meeting documents. The Council also funds the independently run village website, www.guildensutton.org.uk.