COPY FOR PARISH MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2010

Traffic Calming

The vehicle activated signs are now fully operational.  Break-up of one section of the Rippleprint surface has been observed & a full inspection of all sections will be made once the weather improves. 

Improved Pedestrian & Vehicle Safety

After study by your Council of the report from our consultants, Atkins, following the wishes of residents as set out in the Parish Plan, to investigate measures that could be employed to improve pedestrian & vehicle safety at the cross roads in the centre of the village & to address the problems of parking on Newlands, we are now in discussion with West Sussex Highways on the recommendations.  We will continue to update residents of progress & our recommendations. 

Security within the Village

Readers will be aware, especially in view of the recent problems at the pavilion; we wish to ensure that village vandalism is kept to an absolute minimum.  We all need to continue to look out for instances of vandalism or suspicious activity.  Please don't hesitate to contact our PCSO, Jayne Milne, with details of any concerns - 0845 60 70 999 extn. 21901, or by email jayne.milne@sussex.pnn.police.uk, or the Police direct if Jayne is off duty & not available. 

Bins

The Salt Bins in strategic positions around the village are owned by the Parish Council, but replenished annually by WSCC Highways to whom we advise locations.  We are awaiting their response as to why they failed to fill them last October as in all previous years.  The salt within the bins is provided for resident’s use as appropriate.  It is not spread either by ourselves or WSCC. 

Dog Bins are provided by ourselves & emptied against contract by MSDC.  During the inclement weather, when emptying is not possible, they will become full. To assist dog owners we have arranged for an additional black sack to be affixed to each bin which we ask them to use responsibly for overfill. 

Refuge Collections

Readers must appreciate that this is the direct responsibility of MSDC who arrange schedules for collecting the blue & black bins, as well as the green of those who subscribe to the garden bin service.  The Parish Council has no day to day involvement.  Queries must be addressed direct to MSDC – Joy Dyson 01444 477406 & not to the Clerk please. 

Transport to Handcross Post Office

We draw your attention to the weekly Handcross Community bus that will be available to take residents to & from Handcross each Friday morning.  In the meantime your Council is continuing their efforts to try & secure the return of post office services to Balcombe.

Freighter

The first collection of the year will take place on 14th March 2010. 

Balcombe Stores

We are most grateful to Gemma & her Girls for their hard & dedicated service to customers during the snowy weather.  We do hope that you will continue your custom & support the stores on a regular basis, rather than only when in need. 

Precept 2010/2011

We refer to the explanation given under the Finance section of the November 2009 Newsletter circulated to each household.  At the meeting held on 11^th January Councillors approved a figure of £60k for the next financial year.

Balcombe Trains

Your Council alerted our MP, Francis Maude last month of our dissatisfaction following re-arrangement, without prior consultation, of a number of peak hour trains.  There have now been additional complaints relating to complete abandonment of Balcombe services during the inclement weather, again without any reasons being provided.  We thank those who have taken the matter up direct with the rail companies for copying the Council with their letters.  If others do likewise this will reinforce our case, which is being made through our MP, requesting a full explanation from the companies concerned as to why Balcombe commuters are being so poorly served. 

Travel Concessions

In the recent pre budget report a couple of announcements were made about some possible amendments to Concessionary Travel.  It is MSDC’s understanding is that, subject to Parliamentary approval, one change will come into effect on the 6th April 2010.  The Government announced that the link between the age of eligibility and the state pension age would be re-established (i.e. ultimately in 2020 people will have to be 65 to apply).  However in the meantime the age of eligibility will rise in stages (i.e. if you were born in 1950 and are 60 between the 6th April 2010 and the 5th May 2010 you will become eligible on the 6th May 2010, if the 60th birthday is between 6th May 2010 and 5th June 2010 eligibility will be 6th July 2010 etc).  Anyone who is 60 on or before the 5th April 2010 will be unaffected by these changes.

MSDC has promised to provide further details once Parliamentary approval is given. 

Reminder of eligibility- Rail Passes & Bus Passes – aged 60 or over, applicants listed on the Balcombe Electoral Roll only.  Evidence of eligibility required from all first-time applicants.  No photo required for a rail pass. 

Please note that to take advantage of the rail card concession pre-paid vouchers must be purchased direct from the Clerk beforehand.- Current cost £17.10.

Bus Passes – Evidence of eligibility, together with passport size photograph, to be checked by the Clerk prior to submission to MSDC for issue direct to the applicant. 

Availability of the Clerk

The weekly surgery for the issue of Rail & Bus passes, inspection of current plans etc. is held each Tuesday, between 9.30 am & 12 noon at 11 Foxwells. 

Next Parish Council Meeting Date

The next meeting of the Council takes place in the W I Room on Monday 15^th February at 8 p m. 

A copy of the agenda always appears on the noticeboard at least 3 days beforehand.  All residents are most welcome to attend.

Richard Greig

Clerk to the Council