The March meeting of Finchampstead Parish Council began with two regular items.  First of all – Woodcray Manor Farm, part of which lies within our parish.  Cllr. Newcombe had attended the Appeal lodged by the owners, who want to develop the site with sports facilities and housing.  Finchampstead PC does not think that this is in the best interest of the residents.  The inspector will give his decision in the next few weeks.  The filthy state of Finchampstead Road, largely due to the lorries which dump on the site, is of concern to the PC, and letters have been sent to Wokingham Town and District Councils requesting that they take action to force the owners to clean the road and the vehicles’ wheels.

The Rides’ lease is inching its way towards being signed, but the PC is seeking legal advice to ensure that the Playing Fields will remain as a local facility after the expiry of its lease.

Still with The Rides, the PC feels that the Youth Facility there could be greatly improved.

Youth provision in the Southern Parishes appears not to be a priority with Wokingham DC.  Cllr.Cox is to bring this up at the District/Parish Conference.

At last, something positive!  The Parish Council is to be part of a working group which will look into production of a Village Design Statement.  This is a document, produced through consultation with the whole community, which identifies the local character of an area, and sets standards for how it should look in future.  We have been encouraged by Wokingham DC to produce such a statement and assured that it will carry weight when planning decisions are made.  Although the Parish Council will be involved, this is a project for the whole community.  Sydney Paulden, Chairman of the Finchampstead Society has agreed to join the working group, but many people will be needed from the whole Parish, not just the Village.  If you want to preserve what is attractive in our Parish and prevent inappropriate development, you can log-on to www.welivehere.org.uk or telephone Cllr.Ian Milne 973 4734.  The only qualification you need is enthusiasm! 

By the time the magazine is published we shall have had the Annual Gathering at California Ratepayers’ Hall.  This is an opportunity for parishioners to find out what the Parish Council does, and to ask questions.  Recently, we have made some changes to the format and provided wine and cheese – attendance has gone up, and the proceedings are much more lively!  If you came we hope you the Gathering informative.

One last thing – we still do not have anyone to help Colin Cresswell water the flower baskets at California shops!  If you can help, please telephone the Parish Office (932 8256).  The baskets really enhance the appearance of the crossroads and we would be so grateful for any help.

Cllr Chris Driver

The date this page was last altered was March 11, 2007.

Copyright © 2003 Finchampstead Parish Council