August 2021 – Chairman’s Blog

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This last couple of months has been some interesting things happening in Barlaston:

July saw the arrival of Travellers to the village, fortunately with the application of the Common Law 1869 Act and the support of the Local Police, this was dealt with efficiently and effectively.  They left the site the day after they arrived.  I would like to thank Cllr Chris Hurst and his wife Marolyn for stepping up and cleaning the site following their departure.

Works were finally undertaken on the canal towpath; 40 tons of aggregate and 5 tons of topsoil were supplied by the Parish Council, volunteers from the Canal & River Trust and the village worked together in sweltering conditions to complete the works.  A big thank you to all involved.

August has seen exploratory works being undertaken on the village green to address historical flooding issues, these works have been given priority status by the Parish to ensure the green remains fit for purpose and an enjoyable space to be used by residents and visitors alike.

The Parish Council were looking to host a post Covid-19 event on the green, which was unfortunately cancelled due to the restrictions in place at the time.  We are however financially supporting the ‘Thank you Event’ which has been organised by St John’s Church and the Community Group and which is due to take place on 5 September 2021. The Parish Council are planning a Platinum Jubilee Extravoganza between 3rd to 5th June 2022 with the main event on the 4th, details will be published closer to the event.

To date we still haven’t heard anything about the affordable housing development planning application on the land behind Brookhouse Drive and Old Road, however Stafford & Rural Homes have confirmed they are looking to progress the building of the bungalows and commercial building at Barlaston Park by appointing a contractor during Spring 2022, this will be an estimated 12 month build, this is subject to the outcome of the current planning application.  We are still working hard to protect our Green Belt against inappropriate development in Barlaston.

Cllr Bentley is still working on the land ownership issue on Lakewood Drive.  The potholes have deteriorated further and pose a significant health and safety risk.  He is working with a legal team on behalf of the residents of Lakewood Drive to identify the land owner responsible and to ensure a long-term maintenance plan be implemented.

Paul Fisher

Chairman Barlaston Parish Council