There are a few things to update you on before Summer sets in. And thanks to Rev. Clive for suggesting that our Sheldon Parish Meeting notes and updates appear in the Parish magazine. It saves us the money and Chris the time of photocopying and Ralph having to deliver them to us all.( thanks Chris and Ralph for that). The newsletter is also available on the web.

Severn Trent have just been in touch to let us know that they are providing an updated/upgraded sewerage scheme for the village. Basically this means they have to upgrade the existing sewerage soak aways etc to fulfil new legal requirements . This basically means removing a soak away that presently exists about half way down the village; and replacing the existing sewerage plant at the bottom of the village with a new, more efficient, smaller and practically unseen system. The old system currently visible above ground will be removed completely. In order to do this they need a bigger area of land, about 50 X 30 metres in a better position to serve the village more efficiently. They have identified a piece of land that would be perfect for their needs and they are now in negotiation with the owner of the land, which is behind the playing field. I have been assured that if negotiations are successful and the plan goes ahead in the spot they prefer, it will not be noticeable from outside the designated area and will have no effect on the plans we have for the playing field site. All that will be seen above ground is a small reed bed and a green PVC lid raised about a foot above ground, not like the system presently in use. There will also be a small unobtrusive kiosk to house the control equipment. The plot will be dry stone walled with landscaping so it can’t be seen. It will not be noticeable, be more efficient, and therefore will be much better than the existing system. Once the negotiations over the piece of land are concluded the next step will be a request for planning permission for change of use etc of the land required. At that stage of course we will have the opportunity to see the plans and make any recommendations etc that we wish. As soon as there is something further to report, I’ll make sure that any relevant plans etc are placed on the notice board for all to see and comment on.

The committee had a meeting on June 5 to discuss the draft plan which has been provided to us by the Woodland trust and Sustainability Fund of the Peak Park for our consideration. The committee made some fundamental observations and changes and these will be discussed with the representatives of the Peak Park on Thursday June 26. The draft plan allows for a large central recreation area slightly bigger than a standard football pitch, and around it will be trees, a woodland glade, seating, wetland, picnic area, a series of small easily negotiable paths for wheelchairs and those who have difficulty walking etc. The large central recreation area will be useful not just for sporty things such as football and cricket but also for other gatherings which some in the village have already suggested such as gymkhanas, various shows etc. All good ideas which will be perfect for the space envisaged. If it all goes ahead they’ve confirmed they will also look after and rebuild the boundary walls and keep the trees trimmed. I have already had some excellent suggestions from some of the younger members of the village, and would like more ideas please so we can put them to the Peak Park representatives when we have a meeting with them on June 26. After that we will be in a position to show everyone something on paper for further discussion. Please give us your feedback and ideas. It’s important that we all be involved. And of course nothing is definite yet, we’re just looking into the possibilities with them.

The electric wires will be underground by August we have been told. You’ll notice that the regular cutting of the area now takes place and the fence has been removed.

We’ve now had the full grant cheque from Friends of the Peak District and Brian has therefore now paid for the tree removal, which incidentally, was confirmed by the tree surgeon to be in a serious state of decay and therefore quite dangerous in the top part of the main trunk and in some of the big branches. Some of the wood in the branches and part of the trunk were also full of water, another dangerous sign apparently. They confirmed that it was not safe and could have split very soon. It could not have been left as it was. Any day now the Highways will be here to sort out the roots of the trees breaking up the footpath. They’re going to bring their own tree expert to have a look to see what can be done about these roots. The grant also allows us to replant trees in the place of the one just removed.

You’ll remember that at the last Parish Meeting we discussed the proposal of a football team from outside the village using the recreation area and the decision was that this would not be a good idea. However since then there’s been a suggestion of a village-run football team, which David Melland has offered to organise and be responsible for. It would of course have members in it from outside the village, but it would be a village club. The Committee agreed that it seemed a very good idea and would mean extensive village use of the recreation area during the winter and an additional source of income. Who knows we might sell even more cream teas! It would be seen to be a village initiative which is also a good thing. The committee decided that before this could happen there would have to be a properly constituted set of rules and guidance for using the field and this will now be drawn up. The football team would of course have to abide strictly by these village requirements mainly concerning noise, good order and parking. David is now looking into the possibilities. Again please let us know your feelings on this development. If everyone is in agreement we will set about finding the necessary funding ( which the team itself may well also be involved in) to equip the playing field with nets and goal posts etc. This space will of course be ideal for other ventures such as have already been suggested by members of the village. The woodland etc will surround the football pitch area.

The various enforcement notices mentioned in my last newsletter have now been duly served on all those concerned and must be complied with or appealed against by July.

Had a meeting on June 3 with representatives of the County Council and Peak Park on site to discuss the next steps in planning for the bridge and footpath re-routing at the bottom of the dale. A cost is being worked out and then discussions will take place about where the funding will come from. It will NOT come from the Parish precept. We are optimistic that the funding will be found because it really is important to the area and the safety of walkers. We’ve now got to the stage of having discussions with the environment agency in case they have any problem with it from the point of view of water levels or flooding. We’re keeping Ashford Parish Council fully informed.

You’ll notice the new signs are in place at last so people will be able to find us again! They look good, so thanks to the Highways for doing it.

The Parish meeting planning committee has looked at the proposal for the small extension to the Pub kitchen and has replied to the planning authorities saying the Parish Meeting has no objection. You’ll notice the planning notice on the telegraph pole outside the pub for anyone who may wish to comment individually.

Brian has now put the official note on the village noticeboard giving the required notice period of the dates on which the books can be inspected from the end of June onwards. Have a look so you know when you can inspect the Parish Meeting accounts before we carry out the next part of the annual audit. The dates are basically from the end of June to the middle of July...but check them out.

We had a very nice thank you note to the whole village from Chris saying how much she appreciated the small gift of a framed picture of Sheldon we gave her on her retirement. I said I would pass on her thanks to you all.

Have a good summer and don’t forget Sheldon Day, July 19.

John Herbert

chairman

Sheldon Parish Meeting

10 June,2003