Welcome to everyone attending our Annual Parish Meeting this evening.
Our Parish Council has carried out another year of attending to issues that affect us all residing within the Bishopstone Group. We have continued to comment on planning applications after carefully considering how these developments may affect drainage, sewage, the landscape, and the wider environment. Matters relating to flooding, road maintenance, footpaths, and nature conservation all remain an important part of our discussions and decision-making throughout the year.
Our Ward Councillor, David Hitchiner, continues to keep us updated with county business and attends most of our meetings, for which we are extremely grateful. We are also pleased to welcome James Howell, who has been appointed as our new Locality Steward.
David Campbell, our lengthsman, has been incredibly busy this year, working hard to keep on top of many smaller maintenance tasks across the parish. We thank David for all his dedication and work on behalf of the community.
Councillor Taylor continues to work tirelessly to alleviate the flooding which invariably occurs each winter. A considerable amount of work has been carried out on the Yazor Brook to help reduce the impact of flooding, and we appreciate the ongoing efforts being made in this area.
Councillor Morgan and Councillor Keefe have once again ensured that our verges look beautiful with the wildflowers they carefully tend and maintain each year.
Finally, our Clerk, Lesley Hay, has successfully applied for and secured several grants which have helped address various drainage issues in Byford and Mansel Gamage. Lesley works extremely hard on behalf of the Parish Council and the wider community, and we would like to record our sincere thanks for all that she does.
Thank you to all councillors, volunteers, and residents who continue to support our parish and contribute to making our community such a special place to live.
Serena Crump, Chair