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Browser Article - May 2025

Notes from the Parish Council Meeting held on 2nd April 2025

Co-Option of new Parish Councillor

We are pleased to welcome Councillor Marina Millington to the Parish Council.  We now have a full complement of 13 council members who will be in post for a further two years.

Public Session

County Councillor Paul Hodgkinson’s report highlighted that he is working with Gloucestershire County Council Highways to progress urgent repairs that are required to the road at The Steeps/Bourton Hill caused by a blocked drain under the road causing water damage problems.

District Councillor Jon Wareing (Bourton Village Ward) updated that the Parish Council had proposed funding a Visitor Traffic Management Strategy project through the Tourist Levy to address visitor traffic and parking issues.  Residents should report damaged or missing street nameplates to the Parish Council, who would then contact CDC.

Coach parking, pick-up and drop-off

Gloucestershire County Council Highways and County Councillor Paul Hodgkinson updated that the signage and road markings for the temporary scheme on Meadow Way were expected to be put in place for the week before Good Friday.

SUSTRANS Bourton to Kingham Cycle Route

An update was received on the proposed route which would provide a connection to trains from Kingham to Oxford and London.  However, the new SUSTRANS report will not be published until after the County Council elections in May.

Help Shape Our Housing Future: Take Our Survey!

Your home is more than just a place to live—it’s where memories are made and communities thrive. We’re launching a housing survey in June to understand your needs and improve housing in Bourton-on-the-Water.

Why Your Opinion Matters:
  • Influence Policies: Help shape housing policies and funding.
  • Improve Options: Identify gaps and improve housing choices.
  • Strengthen Communities: Contribute to reducing homelessness and enhancing quality of life.
Survey Details:
  • Quick & Easy: Takes less than 10 minutes.
  • Delivery: Look out for it in your letterbox or complete it online via the QR code.
  • Topics Covered: Affordability, accessibility, sustainability, and community.

Who Should Participate? Everyone! Homeowners, renters, families, singles—your input is valuable.

Make a Difference: Your feedback will help create a more inclusive, affordable, and sustainable housing future. Together, we can build stronger, vibrant neighbourhoods.

Watch out for the survey and share your thoughts!

80th Anniversary of VE Day Commemorations on Thursday 8th May

Please come to the village centre to support this important national occasion.  Local businesses are being encouraged to offer fish and chip suppers in the evening at a discount cost (see separate Event).  There will be music from the era, a tribute and the lighting of a beacon on the Village Green at 9.30pm that evening.

Tourist Levy funding 2025-26

An agreed list of potential projects is being presented to Cotswold District Council who will undertake public consultation in June or July, so please vote for your favourite projects. The funding is for projects that mitigate the effects of tourism on the village.

Local Government Reorganisation and Devolution

This is currently a hot topic in all tiers of local government following the government’s Devolution White Paper.  Plans are currently under discussion to combine Gloucestershire’s District and County Councils, although there are three models under consideration.  The timeline for completion of the reorganisation is May 2028 and onwards.  As part of this the Parish Council will be reviewing assets in the parish to determine how any proposals for devolved services from the county or district councils could be taken forward.

Rye Crescent play area refurbishment

At the time of the meeting there were some contractor delays to project completion.  However, it is hoped that the new park will be ready soon after Easter.

Springvale Allotments vacant plot

There is one plot available at present at our Springvale site – anyone interested should contact the Assistant Clerk.

Strategic Plan 2025-28

The Parish Council has developed an outline Plan and will be developing draft objectives on which residents will be consulted over the next few months.

Committee Structure & Council Meetings Schedule

The Council agreed to trial a new model for six months which will consist of:

  • Parish Council Meetings (every two months)
  • Finance Committee Meetings (quarterly)
  • Community and Services Committee (to incorporate the current Parish Environment, Youth and Wellbeing and Community Centre Committees) (quarterly)
  • Planning Committee to incorporate Highways matters (approx. 3 weekly)
  • Staffing Committee (twice yearly and as required).

Meeting dates and Committee Chairmen will be agreed at our Annual Meeting on 7th May, together with the election of the Chairman of the Parish Council for 2025-26, and will be published on our Meeting Calendar.

Annual Parish Meeting 26th March

Thank you to all who attended this year’s Annual Parish meeting.  Updates were heard on activities within the parish over the year from Bourton Youth Club, Play Gloucestershire (Play Rangers), Mindsong, Cotswold Voluntary Wardens, North Cotswold Rotary, the Village Warden and the Parish Council’s Tree Friend.  Also, from County and District Councillors and the Parish Council Chairman and Committee Chairmen.

Dates of May meetings

The Annual Meeting will be held at 7pm on Wednesday 7th May and an Ordinary Parish Council Meeting at 7pm on Wednesday 28th May 2025.  Both meetings will be held in the Windrush Room at the George Moore Community Centre.  Residents are welcome to attend our Council and Committee meetings.