A message from the Chairman

As we write, we are entering a period of significant change for local councils, as we embrace the powers devolved to us under the Localism Bill and adapt to the changes in local planning. In particular, we in Bramley are working on several projects for the benefit of our community and expect the next year or so to be quite significant, not least because we are in our election year and there is an opportunity to elect new members on 3rd May 2012.

Some notable assignments for the next year or two:

• We are pleased to report that, over the next two years, £1m of road improvements and traffic calming measures will be completed within the parish, including measures to improve the traffic and parking issues around Moat Close and the school. A timetable of planned works will be put up on this website and if there are any temporary diversions the information will also be displayed in the village notice boards.

• We have identified a site for some additional allotment gardens as we have a long waiting list, and we hope to set these up in the next year, ready for the 2013 growing season.

• We are beginning to assess the burial ground extension adjacent to St James Church as we will soon run out of space.

• We have initiated a feasibility study into the possibility of a new community facility within the village. We are consulting users of the current village hall to determine what the requirements are for the expanding village. We are still in the early stages of this study and we are looking at any/all potential sites, but we have already been able to identify one suitable location for a new leisure area, so look out for further news and consultations about this project.

• We are working hard to create a Neighbourhood Development Plan in response to the LDF, which means that we can decide what type of housing we wish to accept, where it should be built, and what facilities need to accompany new development.

• We are working on a solution to the emotive issue of nuisance car parking within the village and hope to have some plans in place this year.

• We are also working on ways of reducing the problems of speeding in the village and we are soon to decide whether to work with the local Police on their Community Speed Watch initiative, or whether to revert to the system of Speed Limit Reminders or Speed Indicator Devices.

• We are looking forward to the Bramley Village Diamond Jubilee celebration at the Clift Meadow on 2nd June.

• On a County level, the Education department is funding an expansion to the school to accommodate the increased intake expected over the next few years.

The website will continuously evolve to provide a key online resource for the residents of Bramley and any feedback is welcomed. Our aim is to engage the community in all aspects of village life, and we look forward to welcoming you to our monthly meetings, which can be found on the calendar on this website, and also to the Annual Parish meeting on 23rd April 2012.

John Ferguson

Bramley Parish Council Chairman