Browser Article - January 2025
Notes from the Parish Council Meeting held on 4th December 2024
County Councillor Paul Hodkinson recently chaired a meeting between residents of Melville and Springvale, Thames Water, Bromford Housing and other agencies to discuss elevated lead levels in the water supply at some properties. Thames Water is replacing lead pipework up to the property boundaries for affected homeowners and Bromford Housing is replacing pipework to the properties they own.
A residents’ group has been formed for those affected. Grant funding may be available to assist with the costs of remedial works – please contact Cllr Hodgkinson for further information.
District Councillor Len Wilkins (Bourton Vale) reported that Cotswold District Council will increase their Council Tax Support Scheme for 2025-26 for residents on low income, or who claim benefits.
CDC’s budget for 2025-26 is expected to include additional expenditure on disabled facilities using grant funding. Gloucestershire Firearms Licensing is not currently accepting new applications for shotgun certificates (excluding for work or elite sports) due to a nationwide staffing problem. The current focus is on renewal of existing licences.
Coach Parking: County Cllr Hodgkinson and local stakeholders continue to explore options for a short-term solution on the industrial estate. Investigations into costs for the longer-term solution are still underway at the Cotswold School.
Cotswold District Council’s Tourist Levy Funding 2024-25: Funds have been transferred to the Parish Council towards additional parking enforcement, a Village Green refresh, the resurfacing project at The Chestnuts and a Village Warden budget, totalling £26,750.
Clapton Row Green: The Parish Council used Tourist Levy funds from 2023-24 for the installation of a low hedge around the perimeter together with the removal of large stones which has greatly enhanced the appearance of the Green.
Housing Needs Survey 2025: The Parish Council will progress plans with Gloucestershire Rural Community Council to create a survey for circulation later in the year by the district council to assess the requirements for affordable housing in the parish.
Thames Water is progressing upgrades to the sewage infrastructure in the parish. The new rising main between the pumping station and treatment works has been installed, with final testing underway. Challenges, including weather delays, have shifted some phases to spring 2025. Key timelines are:
- Sewage Treatment Works: Ongoing until summer 2026
- Pumping Station Upgrade: Autumn 2024–Spring 2026
- Gravity Sewer Pipe Installation: Spring–Autumn 2025
You can contact Thames Water for further details or concerns on 0800 316 9800 using ref BB 00426107.
Memorial Safety Testing: The second phase of memorial testing will be carried out at Bourton-on-the-Water Cemetery in January. If a memorial is found to be unstable, a letter will be sent to the grave owner at their last known address. If you would like to update your details or require any further information about the safety testing procedure, please contact the Parish Clerk.
Christmas Tree: We have all enjoyed seeing this year’s tree which was individually chosen by some of our councillors. On behalf of the Parish Council, I would like to thank Hacklings Transport for transporting and installing the tree, Bourton Vale Parking Limited for funding the tree and for all the volunteers who helped with the installation and removal.
Date of next meeting: 7pm on Wednesday 8th January 2025 in the Windrush Room at the George Moore Community Centre.
For further details and enquiries, please contact the Parish Council Clerk Sharon Henley by emailing [email protected] or visit the Parish Council website www.bourtononthewater-pc.gov.uk. Our schedule of meetings is available at www.bourtononthewater-pc.gov.uk/the-council/meeting-calendar/