Monkey puzzle tree by Stephen Worrall
Roughlee Parish Council
2022 in review, Dam Head planning, 2023 budget...
The past year, 2022, was a busy one in Roughlee with a number of highs, notably success in the Best Kept Village competition and involvement in the Platinum Jubilee celebrations, and lows characterised by the loss of several villagers and the death of the Queen.
The year also saw major improvements to the Village Centre and its surrounds and a full programme of events.
December saw a return of the Senior Citizens Christmas Lunch with involvement of the children of Roughlee School who gave an entertaining and moving concert. The lunch was prepared and served by volunteers from the village and was greatly enjoyed by over 40 villagers.
At the last Parish Council meeting of the year held on 5th December we had a lengthy and detailed debate on the budget for 2023. Whilst we aim to keep the Parish precept to a minimum we need to allow for a modest programme of maintenance and improvements. The budget will be finalised at our January meeting.
The planning application to build two houses at Dam Head farm has caused much consternation and objection. Due to political differences in Pendle Borough Council the previous arrangements for dealing with planning applications have been removed so that all applications are currently dealt with by a full Council meeting. A consequence of this is to deny the Parish Council and local residents the opportunity to make verbal representations. The Parish Council, responding to representations made by neighbours and villagers, sought to overcome this problem by writing directly to all members of the Council and the application was subsequently refused.
Looking forward to the new year the FORA group is already planning a programme of tree planting and improvements to footpaths. Although the group is well represented by many villagers, involvement by new people is always welcome. In addition the Parish Council is keen to involve all residents in the activities of the Council including any ideas for improvements to our village. Please feel free to attend any meeting of the Parish Council or contact any member of the Council. Contact details for the Clerk and Chairman are available here.
Finally, although the beginning of 2023 may not look very promising nationally, I sincerely hope that local people can continue to enjoy our lovely village with its wonderful pub set in the beautiful countryside.
With all best wishes.