Astley Village Parish Council, Vision Plan to 2010
The new Vision plan for 2005 to 2010 started in April 2005 when the precept money was received from Chorley Borough Council, collected from your Council Tax bills. The full plan is attached below. Reports on progress of items in the plan can be read here by using the links below or scrolling down the whole page:
Village Environment | People | Council | Transport | Vision Plan
Lengthsman Service(extended) - The additional Lengthsman started just before April 2005 and has made a big difference to the area but please do let us know what you think or report any problem areas for litter directly to the Council or any of the Councillors.
Tree Warden Service - Those of you who are regular readers of our parish newsletter may recall that in the spring 2005 issue I wrote an article on becoming a Tree Warden and the responsibilities associated with that role. None of these duties are excessively demanding and training is given to all volunteers.
Tree Wardens would have the satisfaction of knowing that they were fulfilling a vital role in protecting the environment in which we live and of which we are justifiably proud.
Astley Village must be the greenest and most densly tree populated area within Chorley Borough and I believe that it is very important that we keep it that way. All too often recently we have seen examples of mature trees been felled to make way for 'road improvements'. The most prominent of these being the line of trees on Euxton Lane near the old ROF site, and more recently some mature trees felled to facilitate the road improvements near the hospital.
Both of these examples may have been absolutely necessary, but those of us who love trees are nevertheless saddened by the sacrifice of trees to motor vehicles.
It may come as a surprise to most residents that none of the trees in our village are protected by Tree Preservation Orders - you can help rectify this by volunteering to become a Tree Warden.
Chorley Borough Council is now ready to launch the Tree Warden scheme in the Borough and we have available information files prepared by The Tree Council in association with the National Grid. These files include all you need to know about trees and their needs.
Why not join the other 7,500 tree wardens nationally and volunteer for Astley Village? Full training will be given.
We are looking for six Tree Wardens, so come and join us; give your names to either myself or Debra our parish clerk. Our addresses and telephone numbers are included in this newsletter.
Come on MAKE A DIFFERENCE. John Lawson, Vice Chairman
Attractive Road Signage - see photos across page. Project completed.
Cycle Rack, Seat - The village centre has had a seat, cycle hoops and a noticeboard installed.
Village Centre Improvements - The Parish Council is working closely with Chorley Borough Council to make improvements to the village centre and the latest work is here.
Astley In Bloom - A sub-committee was formed in January 2005 for the Astley In Bloom project items - a full report on the event of 2005 can be read on the linked page. Planning for the 2006 event begins in January 2006 and the event takes place on Sunday, 9 July 2006.
Westway Ponds Community Nature Reserve project was completed in November 2005 and the full report and photos can be read on the linked page.
Multi-sports Activities - Councillor Mark Perks is overseeing the Multi-Sports Activities for youngsters in the village for the school summer holidays periods - the latest events are posted here on the website if you click the title link.
Council Boundary Review - This is a completed project. The Parish Council consulted residents if they should request Chorley Borough Council look into carrying out a Boundary Review. The residents of Brook House Grove and Badger’s Walk responded in great number, nearly unanimously, that they would prefer the boundary which split their estates into Euxton should remain the same. The Parish Council will not be requesting the Borough Council investigate the process.
Website - The Website is, as you can see, already set up and hopefully of assistance. Please let us know if you want to se different things on the website. The site is under constant revision and development and often receives a make-over in accordand with the Clerk's editing abilities.
Any suggestions from residents will be gratefully received.
The Council submits a Plan to Lancashire County Council Traffic and Engineering section each year with a prioritised list of measures to improve traffic and transport issues for the village. The 30 mph roundals which have been painted at the start of both sides of Chancery Road were one of the items on the list.
An article appeared in the Spring issue concerning the parking at private properties with covenants on them preventing the storage of caravans or parking of commercial vehicles. Other articles will appear in future newsletters about parking in the bus stops, unlicensed and abandoned vehicles.
This is one of the new ornamental village signs which were erected as part of the Vision Plan (see press release)
History - In 2001/2 the Council wrote a document entitled ‘Restoring the Jewel - A Vision for the Future’. This was a document which mapped out the Council’s plans to improve and enhance the village from 2002 to 2007. Again the Parish Council has been planning for the future. Many of the projects from the ‘Jewel’ plan had been completed early so it was necessary to re-draft a plan to take it forward into the future years.
Plan for 2005 to 2010 The new plan runs from the Council’s financial year beginning April 2005. Mission Statement of the new plan is 'To ensure Astley Village is a safe and pleasing environment in which to live and bring up families in security.'