Barlow Parish Council News
Annual Governance and Accountability Return for 2024/25
Chairs Annual Report 2024/25
Chair’s Annual Report 2024/25
Looking back, in dismay, at how quickly the last 12 months have passed, I cannot help but dwell on the salutary thought, “How much (or how little!) has been achieved in that time?”
This set me sifting through 12 months of our Clerk’s carefully annotated Minutes….
This journey seemed to reveal 5 main topics:
USE OF THE HALL AND EVENTS
During weekdays the main Hall is kept as busy as ever, by Barlow School and our ever-expanding Pre- School.
Other regular activities include a flourishing Pilates class, an active Young Farmers’ Club, a Nature Club for young people and the new Quiz Night, which has made such a promising start.
One off events have included Bernie Clifton’s book signing, a Christmas Fair, and a wreath Making Class, not to mention the annual Harvest Supper, Red Barrows Dinner, numerous parties at the weekends and the huge impact of the Carnival festivities.
I am pleased to report that yet another book signing, by the prize- winning author, Beth Morrey is already in the pipeline for 21st June.
HIGHWAYS AND PARKING
As always, Highways and Parking are an ongoing source of concern for Council. As a result, even more meetings have been arranged this year with the Highways Officer and the Police to examine the ever -present need for more parking during busy hours, at the same time, addressing the concerns of residents who have become the victims of insensitive parking, especially across driveways!
As a consequence, more yellow lines have been promised for Wilkin Hill and Hackney Lane, including a more clearly defined bus stop outside the Parish Church. Sadly, due to priorities at Derbyshire County Council, the wait for these is proving rather longer than we would have wished for.
Nevertheless, in addition Council is grateful to PCSO Flower who has submitted a scheme to Derbyshire County Council’s Highways Department, for extra parking in front of Hackney House.
As for the status of Commonside Road…. It continues as a no through road and, possibly, in time, it might become an official Bridle Path.
PLANNING
Council looks at all planning applications and decisions, as they reach us and we have been particularly happy this year to support two successful appeals, on behalf of some very anxious households.
FINANCE
Council takes the responsibility of Keeper of the Village Purse very seriously. We neither wish to be too frugal, nor irresponsible. Given the current rise in the cost of living, there is even more reason to maintain a sensitive balance. However, we are extremely fortunate to have a skilful and efficient Financial Officer in our Clerk, Emma, who keeps the books in order and makes sure that the budget is never threatened. As a result, we were pleased to have been able to donate £5000 this year towards the resurfacing of the Pre School play area.
HALL REFURBISHMENTS DURING 2024-2025
Again, with Emma’s assistance, we have been able to proceed with a number of improvements to the inside of the Hall this year. In both the Main Hall and the Committee Room, doors have been replaced or refurbished, there has been significant redecoration and new floor tiles have been laid. Shortly, the windows will be fitted with blinds and extra storage will be installed in the kitchen.
IN CONCLUSION…..
As always, at this time of year, thanks are in order.
Primarily, Council is especially grateful to Emma for all her input, not only on the administrative front, but also for the many journeys that she makes to the village, to meet up with people and address the numerous practical problems which occur during the year.
In addition, a big “Thank you!” has to go to Emma’s Uncle Richard, who frequently assists tirelessly in the background, on both the practical and the advisory front.
Also, we are delighted to have the continued support of PCSO Flower and his team, at the monthly meetings, with Speed Watch and at the advisory meet ups which happen from time to time.
Despite other commitments preventing them attending the meetings, we must not forget the County and District Councillors, Foster and Jones. Councillor Jones, spent a considerable amount of time supporting the two successful planning appeals.
Then, there are the Speed Watch volunteers, who have continued to report on and hopefully re-educate speeding drivers.
Finally, a huge “Thank you!” to you, the Councillors. Your support during this last year has been invaluable! Okay….. our very humanity has revealed differences of opinion at times. However, the sheer quality of this team, allows it to move on and fulfil the aim, which is dear to all our hearts…... the privilege of being allowed to serve our community.
Kind Regards,
Cllr Irene Hall
Chair of Barlow Parish Council
Looking back, in dismay, at how quickly the last 12 months have passed, I cannot help but dwell on the salutary thought, “How much (or how little!) has been achieved in that time?”
This set me sifting through 12 months of our Clerk’s carefully annotated Minutes….
This journey seemed to reveal 5 main topics:
USE OF THE HALL AND EVENTS
During weekdays the main Hall is kept as busy as ever, by Barlow School and our ever-expanding Pre- School.
Other regular activities include a flourishing Pilates class, an active Young Farmers’ Club, a Nature Club for young people and the new Quiz Night, which has made such a promising start.
One off events have included Bernie Clifton’s book signing, a Christmas Fair, and a wreath Making Class, not to mention the annual Harvest Supper, Red Barrows Dinner, numerous parties at the weekends and the huge impact of the Carnival festivities.
I am pleased to report that yet another book signing, by the prize- winning author, Beth Morrey is already in the pipeline for 21st June.
HIGHWAYS AND PARKING
As always, Highways and Parking are an ongoing source of concern for Council. As a result, even more meetings have been arranged this year with the Highways Officer and the Police to examine the ever -present need for more parking during busy hours, at the same time, addressing the concerns of residents who have become the victims of insensitive parking, especially across driveways!
As a consequence, more yellow lines have been promised for Wilkin Hill and Hackney Lane, including a more clearly defined bus stop outside the Parish Church. Sadly, due to priorities at Derbyshire County Council, the wait for these is proving rather longer than we would have wished for.
Nevertheless, in addition Council is grateful to PCSO Flower who has submitted a scheme to Derbyshire County Council’s Highways Department, for extra parking in front of Hackney House.
As for the status of Commonside Road…. It continues as a no through road and, possibly, in time, it might become an official Bridle Path.
PLANNING
Council looks at all planning applications and decisions, as they reach us and we have been particularly happy this year to support two successful appeals, on behalf of some very anxious households.
FINANCE
Council takes the responsibility of Keeper of the Village Purse very seriously. We neither wish to be too frugal, nor irresponsible. Given the current rise in the cost of living, there is even more reason to maintain a sensitive balance. However, we are extremely fortunate to have a skilful and efficient Financial Officer in our Clerk, Emma, who keeps the books in order and makes sure that the budget is never threatened. As a result, we were pleased to have been able to donate £5000 this year towards the resurfacing of the Pre School play area.
HALL REFURBISHMENTS DURING 2024-2025
Again, with Emma’s assistance, we have been able to proceed with a number of improvements to the inside of the Hall this year. In both the Main Hall and the Committee Room, doors have been replaced or refurbished, there has been significant redecoration and new floor tiles have been laid. Shortly, the windows will be fitted with blinds and extra storage will be installed in the kitchen.
IN CONCLUSION…..
As always, at this time of year, thanks are in order.
Primarily, Council is especially grateful to Emma for all her input, not only on the administrative front, but also for the many journeys that she makes to the village, to meet up with people and address the numerous practical problems which occur during the year.
In addition, a big “Thank you!” has to go to Emma’s Uncle Richard, who frequently assists tirelessly in the background, on both the practical and the advisory front.
Also, we are delighted to have the continued support of PCSO Flower and his team, at the monthly meetings, with Speed Watch and at the advisory meet ups which happen from time to time.
Despite other commitments preventing them attending the meetings, we must not forget the County and District Councillors, Foster and Jones. Councillor Jones, spent a considerable amount of time supporting the two successful planning appeals.
Then, there are the Speed Watch volunteers, who have continued to report on and hopefully re-educate speeding drivers.
Finally, a huge “Thank you!” to you, the Councillors. Your support during this last year has been invaluable! Okay….. our very humanity has revealed differences of opinion at times. However, the sheer quality of this team, allows it to move on and fulfil the aim, which is dear to all our hearts…... the privilege of being allowed to serve our community.
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 |