Chalfont St. Giles Parish Council

Chairman’s  Report  for  the  year  from  April  2014  to  March  2015

The Chairman welcomed everyone to the Parish Meeting and presented a report on the Parish Council’s activities throughout the year including :

Restricted the precept increase to  1.9%. 

Activated a new Parish Council website. 

Continued to support the Youth Club in its ambition to build an extension to the Youth Centre. 

Having worked hard to purchase a viable building to provide an office and meeting room within the parish for the Parish Council and its Clerk,  regrettably the Parish Council withdrew its offer on 1^st October as the vendor had proved unable to exchange contracts after 18 months. The search for office premises continues.

Renovated and installed new modern childrens’ play equipment in the playing fields – this proved very popular,  and an instant hit with parents and children.

Renovated the High Street War Memorial,  and installed new planters, in readiness for the WW1 commemorations.

Arranged the replacement of the four aged and decrepit looking parish noticeboards.

Replaced the Village Pond fencing with new posts and chain.

Took part in consultations on flood control measures for the future. 

Actively took part in opposition to the proposed  HS2  railway route. 

Replaced four very well used dog waste bins in the playing fields with four new larger bins. 

Provided the Christmas lights throughout the village centre.

Contributed towards the realignment of the Blizzards yard car park exit

Continued work towards establishing the whole Parish of Chalfont St. Giles as a Neighbourhood Area,  developing a Neighbourhood Plan as defined by the Neighbourhood Planning (General) Regulations 2012.  

Supported the popular BAT4CSG’s Beer Fest,  the annual Country Show,  and the Guides & Scouts fireworks events. 

Following numerous residents’ concerns over speeding throughout the parish,  and a successful bid to the County Council’s Local Area Forum,  provided two Mobile Vehicle Activated Signs which have been located at several locations. 

Contributed throughout the year towards “free” up to one hour car parking in Blizzards Yard,   in conjunction with the traders and businesses,  in an effort to increase footfall and vitality in the village shopping centre. 

Considered 168 planning applications,  objected to 37. 

Represented the parish with representatives on 18 third party bodies.

Supported local organisations with grants totalling £3800  -

Age Concern Gerrards Cross, Chalfonts, & District                         100

B.A.T.  4  C.S.G.                                                                         200

Ch St G Youth Club : old folks Xmas tea party                                100

Ch St G Youth Club                                                                       2000

Chiltern & S B Dial-A-Ride Ltd                                                        600

Chiltern Open Air Museum                                                             100

Revitalisation Committee :  WW1 commemoration                           100

Xmas lights event                                                                          400

Scannappeal                                                                                 100

Simply Walk                                                                                  100

The Chairman thanked the Vice Chairman of the Parish Council,  Mrs Phillips and Mr Bray for their work in connection with the HS2 Project,  and all Committee Chairman,  as well as all members who give their time freely to support the community in so many ways.  He gave collective thanks to the Groundsmen for their work,  and to the Clerk.