Aldwick Parish Council Newsletter – December 2023/January 2024

Seasons Greetings

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from all at Aldwick Parish Council. By the time you receive this, the Christmas Tree should be in position at Rose Green, which we hope provides some festive cheer. At the time of going to print, this is planned for late November / early December installation, until the first week of 2024. Let’s hope that 2024 is a time of peace and good health for all our residents.

Remembrance Day

Our annual act of remembrance took place at the Millennium Garden memorial on Saturday 11th November and was attended by many residents. The simple, non secular service was a chance for everyone, public, forces services and veterans, to come together to remember the fallen in conflicts past and present. We are grateful to the Royal British Legion Aldwick Branch and Nautical Training Corps TS Montrose for their participation and assistance. Particularly touching was the home made wreath laid by NTC TS Montrose alongside their traditional one.

Council Meeting dates

Forthcoming scheduled council meetings are: Full Council - Monday 18th December 2023, Tuesday 23rd January and Tuesday 20th February 2024; Planning Committee - Tuesday 9th January and Tuesday 6th February 2024. Additionally, from January 2024 a ‘short’ Planning Committee meeting to consider planning applications only will take place at 7pm immediately prior to full council meetings, ie on 23rd January and 20th February 2024. Full Council meetings will therefore start at approximately 7.30pm.

Winter planting, tree planting and maintenance

Winter planting for all the planters we provide was completed in November and replacement lavender and rosemary bushes were planted at the Hawthorn Road roundabout, as the existing ones had reached the end of their life. This is one of three roundabouts that the Parish Council looks after, using a maintenance contractor. Currently underway is planting of 14 trees, provided by our subscription to the County Council’s tree planting scheme. The portion of council tax received by the Parish council helps to fund these sorts of projects, as well as paying for staffing costs and maintenance costs for the parish council premises and the allotments at The Nurseries.

New Year, new challenge!

Have you ever wondered what a parish council does, or how you might help shape decisions taken for your community? What do Parish Councillors do? Councillors lead on community services such as allotments, tree planting, footpaths, public seating and litter bins. Our Council distributes discretionary grants for local organisations, organises a summer play scheme and is a consultee of Arun District Council on local planning applications. How much time will it involve? On average, it’s been gauged that around three hours a week is needed for council work. This often includes attending meetings, engaging with residents and speaking to local groups and bodies on behalf of the council. Interested in joining us? Contact Heather at the parish office to find out more about filling one of our co-option vacancies.