Barlow Parish Council News
Annual Governance and Accountability Return 2025-26
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Councillor Vacancy
Chairs Annual Report 2025/26
Chair’s Annual Report 2025/26
Seemingly, in the blink of an eye, yet another year has passed and, again, we are faced with challenging thoughts, “Have all the necessary needs been met or at least addressed and what new facilities have we been able to provide for our community?”
The Village Hall
The refurbishment of the interior of the Village Hall has continued. The new wall to ceiling cupboards in the kitchen have proved to be an attractive addition, as well as valuable storage. Also, the external kitchen door, which was becoming a security risk, has been replaced and the painting of the disabled toilet resumes the programme of internal redecoration. The functioning of the ladies’ toilets, however, has still been a source of concern during busy events, such as Carnival.
However, probably the most pleasing and useful addition has been the installation of acoustic panels in the main hall. Not only have they significantly reduced the unpleasant resonance, but the welcome creation by our Clerk Emma and Richard Fidler avoided the otherwise very painful professional costs. Much appreciated! Thank you!
External work
As for work outside, one of the most extensive undertakings was the in depth clearing of the scrubland at the far end of the recreation ground. This will provide much more usable space, especially at Carnival time. Also, with Carnival in mind, the pedestrian gateway was widened and there is now an additional picnic bench. Furthermore, the sun-protective sail on the play area has had its annual replacement and some of the play equipment has been repainted.
Hall usage
Pre School and Barlow School continue to make full daytime use of the hall during term-time. There have been a healthy number of private parties at the weekends too. The Quiz nights are continuing, but they are expected to move when the Hare and Hounds re-opens. There have been the usual annual functions, promoted by St Lawrence Church and the Red Barrows, as well as other successful ‘one off’ events, such as the Beth Morrey book signing. There was also a delightful gig, based on the exploration of words and sayings, hosted by Jane Randolf and including some enjoyable music,
Health and Safety and Fire Safety Reports
Council was very grateful to Shirley Lindsay for so generously giving up her time to create a detailed Health and Safety review. In addition, an updated Fire Safety report has been completed and Council has since acted on advice from both sources.
Book Exchange
Several years after it was last painted, the Book Exchange was beginning to look tired and we were very grateful to Councillors Brougham and Lindsay for giving it fresh coat.
Village Maintenance
We are also delighted that Richard Brougham, has agreed to take responsibility for maintenance around the village.
Highway News
As for the much-awaited road markings, some were completed on the area outside the Parish Church, but, sadly, the extra double yellow lines on Wilkin Hill are yet to appear. Also, safety on the pavements there is still challenged by some uneven surfaces.
Derbyshire County Council has decided that, given the news of some extra funding, Commonside Road will reopen as a through road after all.
The Community Police Team
As ever, PCSO Jonathan Flower has been invaluable in his support and in keeping Councillors updated with the latest information. Mercifully, Barlow’s record on the crime front has been low.
Speedwatch
Speedwatch has continued, with ‘re-education’, rather than ‘reprimand’ being the aim. However, sessions have been thinner on the ground this year and more volunteers are needed.
Parking
Parking is still a source of major concern, especially at peak times, when both the Peacock and Hackney House are open.
Further requests have been made for more parking on Springfield Road, but Council have been informed that extra investment from NEDDC and Rykneld would be required to create additional parking spaces. The need for EV charging points continues to be an issue there.
The New Local Plan
The possibility of 110 extra new houses being built in the village has been of immense concern to Council. It grieves us that, at Parish level, our only options have been to write to NEDDC to object in the strongest terms and to urge Barlow residents to do the same.
As soon as possible after the latest consultation material was released, Council met for an Extraordinary Meeting. At that meeting, it was decided to make the whole village aware of the gravity of the situation via a letter, containing a form, on which to personally object. It is believed that the number of objections would have most impact.
In the three days that followed this meeting, 400 sets of documents were copied, collated and placed in envelopes, ready for delivery to residents by Councillors from the 2nd April, allowing plenty of time before the 30th April deadline for objections to be with NEDDC.
In order to advise on how to shape our own response and to make sure that, despite the obvious strength of feeling, reference to technical detail was absolutely correct, a professional was employed, who has had considerable experience with Local Plans. Council’s objective was to represent the Barlow community in the most compelling way possible.
Thanks
In conclusion and, as always, I would like to express how enormously grateful I have been for the immeasurable support and encouragement that I have received from our Clerk, Emma and Council. I could not have wished to have been part of a finer team. Thank you!
Kind Regards,
Cllr Irene Hall
Chair of Barlow Parish Council
Seemingly, in the blink of an eye, yet another year has passed and, again, we are faced with challenging thoughts, “Have all the necessary needs been met or at least addressed and what new facilities have we been able to provide for our community?”
The Village Hall
The refurbishment of the interior of the Village Hall has continued. The new wall to ceiling cupboards in the kitchen have proved to be an attractive addition, as well as valuable storage. Also, the external kitchen door, which was becoming a security risk, has been replaced and the painting of the disabled toilet resumes the programme of internal redecoration. The functioning of the ladies’ toilets, however, has still been a source of concern during busy events, such as Carnival.
However, probably the most pleasing and useful addition has been the installation of acoustic panels in the main hall. Not only have they significantly reduced the unpleasant resonance, but the welcome creation by our Clerk Emma and Richard Fidler avoided the otherwise very painful professional costs. Much appreciated! Thank you!
External work
As for work outside, one of the most extensive undertakings was the in depth clearing of the scrubland at the far end of the recreation ground. This will provide much more usable space, especially at Carnival time. Also, with Carnival in mind, the pedestrian gateway was widened and there is now an additional picnic bench. Furthermore, the sun-protective sail on the play area has had its annual replacement and some of the play equipment has been repainted.
Hall usage
Pre School and Barlow School continue to make full daytime use of the hall during term-time. There have been a healthy number of private parties at the weekends too. The Quiz nights are continuing, but they are expected to move when the Hare and Hounds re-opens. There have been the usual annual functions, promoted by St Lawrence Church and the Red Barrows, as well as other successful ‘one off’ events, such as the Beth Morrey book signing. There was also a delightful gig, based on the exploration of words and sayings, hosted by Jane Randolf and including some enjoyable music,
Health and Safety and Fire Safety Reports
Council was very grateful to Shirley Lindsay for so generously giving up her time to create a detailed Health and Safety review. In addition, an updated Fire Safety report has been completed and Council has since acted on advice from both sources.
Book Exchange
Several years after it was last painted, the Book Exchange was beginning to look tired and we were very grateful to Councillors Brougham and Lindsay for giving it fresh coat.
Village Maintenance
We are also delighted that Richard Brougham, has agreed to take responsibility for maintenance around the village.
Highway News
As for the much-awaited road markings, some were completed on the area outside the Parish Church, but, sadly, the extra double yellow lines on Wilkin Hill are yet to appear. Also, safety on the pavements there is still challenged by some uneven surfaces.
Derbyshire County Council has decided that, given the news of some extra funding, Commonside Road will reopen as a through road after all.
The Community Police Team
As ever, PCSO Jonathan Flower has been invaluable in his support and in keeping Councillors updated with the latest information. Mercifully, Barlow’s record on the crime front has been low.
Speedwatch
Speedwatch has continued, with ‘re-education’, rather than ‘reprimand’ being the aim. However, sessions have been thinner on the ground this year and more volunteers are needed.
Parking
Parking is still a source of major concern, especially at peak times, when both the Peacock and Hackney House are open.
Further requests have been made for more parking on Springfield Road, but Council have been informed that extra investment from NEDDC and Rykneld would be required to create additional parking spaces. The need for EV charging points continues to be an issue there.
The New Local Plan
The possibility of 110 extra new houses being built in the village has been of immense concern to Council. It grieves us that, at Parish level, our only options have been to write to NEDDC to object in the strongest terms and to urge Barlow residents to do the same.
As soon as possible after the latest consultation material was released, Council met for an Extraordinary Meeting. At that meeting, it was decided to make the whole village aware of the gravity of the situation via a letter, containing a form, on which to personally object. It is believed that the number of objections would have most impact.
In the three days that followed this meeting, 400 sets of documents were copied, collated and placed in envelopes, ready for delivery to residents by Councillors from the 2nd April, allowing plenty of time before the 30th April deadline for objections to be with NEDDC.
In order to advise on how to shape our own response and to make sure that, despite the obvious strength of feeling, reference to technical detail was absolutely correct, a professional was employed, who has had considerable experience with Local Plans. Council’s objective was to represent the Barlow community in the most compelling way possible.
Thanks
In conclusion and, as always, I would like to express how enormously grateful I have been for the immeasurable support and encouragement that I have received from our Clerk, Emma and Council. I could not have wished to have been part of a finer team. Thank you!
Kind Regards,
Cllr Irene Hall
Chair of Barlow Parish Council
Kings Coronation
Barlow Parish Council purchased a Kings Coronation mug for each child in attendance at Barlow C of E Primary School. Cllr Taylor, Siddall and Brougham presented the coronation gift on Friday 5 May 2023.
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Funding has been awarded from North East Derbyshire District Council from their NED UKSPF Quality Parks and Play Areas Fund.
This funding will replace the see saw in the play area and will also add an additional piece of equipment. The start of the installation will commence on 13 February 2023. |
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Funding has been awarded for the installation of solar panels at the Village Hall by the Derbyshire Environmental Trust the full cost of purchase and installation will be covered from this grant funding.
Barlow Parish Council are installing solar panels at the Village Hall date to be confirmed. The installer is a local contractor who has over 50 years experience. The estimated savings for energy consumption at the Village Hall will equate to £1,092 per year. Solar has no emissions. It just silently generates pure, clean energy. Environmental benefits: Each Year 86% of CO₂, SOₓ & NOₓ 1 tons Avoided CO₂ per year Over System Lifetime 38,151 Car km avoided, 245 Trees planted and 27 Long haul flights avoided. |
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The Parish Council have funded a defibrillator and cabinet at Hackney House Cafe, Barlow.
By performing CPR and using a defibrillator, you’ll give someone the best possible chance of survival, but there isn’t always a defibrillator close enough to help save the life of someone having a cardiac arrest this is why the Parish Council have provided live saving defibrillators across the Parish. If you need access to the defibrillator please call 999 for the access code. |
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Cllr Angelique Foster - County Councillor has approved a grant totalling £1,540.00 for a new cabinet and defibrillator to be installed at the Tickled Trout Public House, Barlow.
A defibrillator is a device that gives a high energy electric shock to the heart of someone who is in cardiac arrest. This high energy shock is called defibrillation, and it's an essential part in trying to save the life of someone who’s in cardiac arrest. If you need access to any defibrillator please call 999 for the access code. |
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Derbyshire Environment Trust has awarded a grant to Barlow Parish Council for the installation of safety fencing around the play area.
The Council wanted the area to be safe in the play area away from the main road, other users on the recreational ground and parents having a place to relax and enjoy their surroundings. |
Neighbourhood Watch Volunteers Required
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Dog Fouling
Please keep Barlow clean and pleasant. Please remember to clean up after your dog when walking around Barlow, the Parish Council have received a number of complaints about the increase in fouling not being picked up. When you go a walk take bags with you, these can be put in the bins in the Village or taken home to go in your household bin.
Problems with dog fouling can be reported to North East Derbyshire District Council, either through their website at https://myselfservice.ne-derbyshire.gov.uk/dogs or by calling 01246 231111.
Please keep Barlow clean and pleasant. Please remember to clean up after your dog when walking around Barlow, the Parish Council have received a number of complaints about the increase in fouling not being picked up. When you go a walk take bags with you, these can be put in the bins in the Village or taken home to go in your household bin.
Problems with dog fouling can be reported to North East Derbyshire District Council, either through their website at https://myselfservice.ne-derbyshire.gov.uk/dogs or by calling 01246 231111.
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Derbyshire Library Service has two mobile libraries, based at Buxton and Long Eaton, serving around 150 communities across the county. These communities are visited once every four weeks and the mobile libraries offer a range of services for everyone including fiction and non-fiction books for adults and children, large print books, books on tape and books on CD as well as a selection of local studies books and information.
The mobile libraries have a lift for wheelchair users and people with mobility problems. The mobile library service visits Springfield Road, Barlow - for details visit Derbyshire County Council’s website |