| 1st October 2010 I have taken this opportunity to update my BLOG following a busy time both at Parish Council and Cornwall Council level. With the financial cuts being handed down from central government the impact on local authority spending and service provision is under scrutiny like never before. Whilst central government are taking the initiative to tackle an unprecedented period of austerity it is important that local councils, including at parish level, concentrate on the quality of services we provide; and inspiration, innovation and initiative are vital to achievement.
With all this in mind, we will be setting the precept for 2011/12 in the coming months and it will be important that we take a hard look at what our priorities are and those services that are provided by this parish council. However, the situation is still unclear as to how the freeze on council tax rises is going to affect town and parish council budgeting next year.
Community groups throughout the parish are keeping up the good work with a series of fetes and events in the villages and hamlets; and my own village is no exception, with the first village fete for several years being held in Ashton this summer. Well done to the newly formed Ashton Village Committee.
The Marine Conservation Society Beachwatch 2010 event went ahead on September 18th at Sidney Cove, Praa Sands. This was held in conjunction with the regular event, held at the Hendra end of the beach organised by Mr Steve Houghton. The Parish Council adopted this end of the beach last year and some 58 kg of rubbish was collected with over 1000 items surveyed, of which a good deal were hazardous to wildlife.
Traffic and speeding have been contentious issues ever since I took office as a District, Parish and Cornwall Councillor. There is no doubt that speeding, in particular, is ruining our communities and there is an opportunity for local people to have their say at a public meeting being held at Carleen Village Hall on 16th November, 7pm – 9 pm. Andy James, Cornwall Council Regional Engineer and the Community Network Manager, Charlotte Chadwick as well as myself will be attending to answer questions and put forward suggestions.
Sadly one of our councillors, Barry Nichols, recently resigned from the council on health grounds and will be sorely missed. However, we are now in a position to co-opt a member onto the council to bring us back to a full strength of 12 councillors. If anybody is interested in serving on the parish council please contact the Parish Council Clerk on Tel: 01326 574781 or use this website.
Just as a reminder: I continue to hold a councillor surgery at the Breage Parish Rooms on the 3rd Friday of each month from 2pm to 4pm. However, I am willing to meet with you at any time, just give me a call on 01736 763272 or email jkeeling@cornwall.gov.uk for an appointment
Thank you
John V Keeling MBE
Chairman Breage Parish Council
Cornwall Councillor John V Keeling MBE
Breage Electoral Division
01736 763272
jkeeling@cornwall.gov.uk
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