Neighbourhood Plan The City Council is preparing a Local Plan which will decide the future of the District during the next 20 years; where houses are to be built, where schools are needed, what businesses can be attracted, what recreational facilities will be required, are transport facilities enough for a growing population, are there enough community halls and a host of other things that need to be decided. Into this overall plan, we have the opportunity of deciding where Bridge fits into this Local Plan by means of a Neighbourhood Plan. We formed a Neighbourhood Plan Committee comprised of a cross section of the village and several councillors. They have been meeting and have conducted a survey of the village. So far a recommendation of minimum development has been made but a public meeting will be held shortly when villagers will have the opportunity to give their opinion as to how they wish the village to be over the next 20 years. John Hill, Chairman Village Events Diary There is now a diary/calendar of events in the village on the web site. Groups and organisations are asked to add their dates as soon as they are known so as to reduce the possibility of clashes. Please send details via the web site email link or to Mark Esdale. This year’s Annual Parish Meeting will be held on Wednesday 1st May at 7.30pm in Bridge Village Hall. The main speaker will be Larissa Reid, Head of Canterbury City Council’s Environmental Services, who will explain the new system of refuse collection and recycling and answer any of your questions about how the scheme will operate. This is your opportunity to come and hear what your Parish Council has done during the past year and to meet the parish councillors. All are welcome to attend and to stay for drinks after the meeting. Bridge twinning signs To celebrate the Twinning agreement with St. Andre-lez-Lille, Bridge will have new signs on the entrance gateways from Dover and Canterbury displaying the Union Flag of Britain and the Tricoleur Flag of France. The new signs will state: "BRIDGE twinned with St. Andre-lez-Lille" and these will be in place in early summer in time for the Summer visits of our French friends to Bridge. Bridge In Bloom Although it is still winter, it is time to start planning your summer tubs and hanging baskets. The Parish Council is once again intending to judge the entire village on its efforts. Let’s hope that 2013 is less of a challenge, weather wise. Though we could be facing drought or flood, good luck with your entries. Wild Flower Project - 6th April Recreation Ground Working Party There will be a Working Party on Saturday 6th April from 9.30am on the Recreation Ground. If you can spare part of the morning to come and help, your time would be much appreciated. Jobs include weeding, pruning and tidying the areas round the pavilion and further work on establishing the wild flower area by the tennis courts. Please bring warm clothing and your own gardening tools. Hedges You are reminded that the removal of hedges in a conservation area requires planning permission. Please ensure that branches obstructing the pavement are removed or the City Council may be asked to do it and charge you. Your new Parish Councillor Following the resignation of Cllr Simon Cook, an election was held last year and Robert Moon was elected to the Parish Council. "Thank you to everyone who voted for me, I’m looking forward to help Bridge and the parish council and to do my best for the village.” No Bikes and No Dogs please People are riding bikes on the recreation ground and letting their dogs run loose. Villagers are reminded that dogs are not allowed on the recreation ground either on or off the lead and there is a ‘no bikes' rule. Speedwatch The Speedwatch scheme has been developed due to an increased demand from the public for greater involvement in reducing the speed of motor vehicles in their communities. It is supported by Kent Police. Its aims are to reduce deaths, injuries and collisions on public roads, to improve the safety and quality of life of local communities and to increase public awareness of speeding. In Bridge we monitor the speed of vehicles most months. If you would like to join our team of volunteers, please contact me: Brigitte Ward on 01227 830330 or e-mail me on brigitte@bridgevillage.or.uk To contact the Council Please write, telephone or email the Parish Clerk: Christobel Seath, Bridgeford House, Brewery Lane, Bridge, CT4 5LF tel: 01227 831085 email: clerk@bridgevillage.org.uk Bridge Parish Councillors Alan Atkinson Finance, Emergency Planning, Nailbourne group, Police Forum 01227 830629 alan@bridgevillage.org.uk John Corfield Recreation Ground, Newsletter, Web site 01227 830976 johnc@bridgevillage.org.uk Ann Edmonds Finance, Planning, Footpaths, Bridge in Bloom, Neighbourhood Plan, Parish Forum, Welcome pack 01227 830795 ann@bridgevillage.org.uk Sue Hodges Vice chairman, Planning, Village Hall, School Liaison, Wild Flower Project, KALC, Recreation Ground, Rural Panel 01227 830311 sue@bridgevillage.org.uk John Hill Chairman, Finance 01227 830215 johnh@bridgevillage.org.uk Robert Moon Mill Centre, Recreation Ground, BVST 07749306563 robert@bridgevillage.org.uk Bill Oakey Emergency Planning, Major Emergency contact, Neighbourhood Plan 01227 832397 bill@bridgevillage.org.uk Brigitte Ward Recreation Ground, Allotments, Litter picking, Speedwatch, Health Issues 01227 830330 brigitte@bridgevillage.org.uk Terry Wilmshurst Planning, KAPC, BVST, Emergency Planning, Tree Warden, Neighbourhood Plan, Recreation Ground 01227 830310 terry@bridgevillage.org.uk Bridge village web site Visit the web site for village news & information, also for agendas & minutes of Council and planning meetings www.bridgevillage.org.uk BRIDGE Parish Council Caring for the village Spring 2013 Newsletter In this issue: Neighbourhood Plan Annual Parish Meeting Wild Flower Project No Bikes and No Dogs Bridge twinning sign New Parish Councillor Bridge In Bloom Speedwatch Village Diary Hedges ____________________________________________ Next Parish Council meeting 7.15 pm Planning Committee 7.30 pm Full Council Thursday 11th April 2013 Bridge Village Hall - all welcome