Dear Iain and Lee
Following on from the chat at your drop-in session at Hungerford Leisure Centre with Vicky Rieunier, Chair of Lambourn Parish Council, we would like to formally respond to your request for feedback on the proposed cuts to funding. At the Full Council meeting on 10th January, Parish Councillors voted on the following West Berkshire Budget Proposals:
- Reduce funding for gully emptying and bridge maintenance – the Parish Council opposes the reduction in funding for these services
- Reducing maintenance of highway grass verges and small open spaces – the Parish Council requests that at least two verge reductions be undertaken per year or where safety issues exist, as needed/requested
- Restructure parking fees and charges to pay for parking in the Lambourn High Street car park (Monday to Sunday, Up to 4 hours £1.00, Over 4 hours £2.00, Evening Charge £1.00) – the Parish Council requests that parking for commercial vehicles be prohibited between 06:00 and 18:00 daily and that parking remain free
- Reduce litter bins and dog waste bins, removing 12 litter bins in Lambourn – the Parish Council opposes the removal of 12 litter bins
An online survey requesting feedback from Parishioners was undertaken. The results of this can be seen by clicking here. The votes of the Parish Councillors’ reflect the views of the community.
The people of Lambourn care deeply about their local environment and the appearance of their neighbourhood, as demonstrated by their outstanding efforts in re-vamping the appearance of the High Street this year despite the current cost of living crisis.
The failure of the dog waste bin emptying service earlier this year elicited a very strong public response, resulting in Lambourn Parish Council appointing a new supplier. Consequently, any reduction in litter bins would, without doubt, be profoundly unpopular and undermine the level of civic pride shown by the people of Lambourn.
As I am sure you are both aware, Lambourn has areas of high deprivation, is subject to flooding and has a large number of low-income workers.
Regarding the matter of charging for parking. This will disproportionately impact the low-income racing staff in the area as well as the local businesses that provide services to them, especially while neighbouring villages continue to offer free parking.
The recent floods due to high groundwater levels which has resulted in sewage being displaced onto our roads would again make any reduction in the maintenance to gullies deeply unpopular and risks exacerbating the ongoing problems with water management suffered in the area.
In conclusion, what may seem like minor cuts in services in other parts of West Berkshire will significantly impact our community. Low standards of local amenities, such as litter, dog fouling and poorly maintained grassed areas, directly affect peoples’ quality of life and their sense of well-being and pride in their local environment.
If you need to contact me regarding these council decisions, please do not hesitate.
Gary
Gary Wyatt-Hawkins
Clerk & RFO