Competition Time

The Parish Council is launching a competition for children of all ages who live in Stretton to design a poster encouraging people to look after our community.

The poster should cover any one of the following topics:-

Pick Up After your Pooch

Don’t Drop Litter

Slow Down (driving)

Think Before you Park

We are sure the younger members of our community who are the future Parish Councillors of Stretton will come up with some fabulous colourful designs. The best entries will be made into official signage which will then be displayed in prominent areas around the village to encourage everyone to look after our wonderful area.

The poster should be colourful – the best mediums are felt tips or markers as it’ll convert well to a sign. It should have a clear single message (please don’t try to incorporate all four messages on one poster) – that catches the eye. Paper or card is fine but not larger than A4.

The entries should be delivered to the Parish Clerk at 3 Orchard Way, CV23 9HP, who will collate them all for the Parish Council and guest judges to consider. Please ensure that the child’s name, a parent/guardian’s contact number and home address are on the back of the poster. The deadline for entries is 30th August 2021 – winners will be announced in the autumn. All entrants will receive an acknowledgement from the Parish Council.

Local Elections

The following people have been elected as Parish Councillors of Stretton on Dunsmore Parish Council following an uncontested election. They will take up their Term of Office after 4th May 2023.

Paul Gordon

Gillian Key-Vice

Sarah Gambling

James Bavington

Chris Tickle

Warwick Dipple

Stephen Smyth.

Spring Clean Stretton

Sadly, due to COVID restrictions the Parish Council will not be able to host its annual community litter pick followed by bacon butties! I know many of you will miss this popular event but hopefully we will be able to organise it for later in the year. The Parish Council encourages you all to go out in your household bubbles as part of your daily exercise and litter pick all areas of village over the coming weeks. You must ensure you are complying with all COVID restrictions.

You should wear gloves or use litter picking sticks if you own them and wash your hands thoroughly afterwards. Unfortunately, the Parish Council is not allowed to loan out any equipment this year. Any rubbish you collect should be bagged and piled up near the Old Orchard on Plott Lane (near the entrance to the playing field.) It will be collected by RBC on Monday 15th March.

A reminder that you shouldn’t pick any item that could be hazardous such as asbestos tiles or drug paraphilia. Please report all fly tipping directing to RBC on 01788 533533

https://www.rugby.gov.uk/info/20009/flytipping_and_abandoned_vehicles

Development of Little Orchard – REFUSED

On 24th February 2021, Cllr Gordon spoke against the planning application to develop Little Orchard (R20/0285) at the Rugby Borough Council Planning Committee. The Parish Council is pleased to announce that the application was refused unanimously on ecological grounds. The committee also recommended the developer work with the community, especially the Parish Council, if producing a revised submission. Furthermore, the land immediately to the south of the development site, where ‘Pond 1’ is located has been destroyed, and all the vegetation cleared. RBC have a good record of the pond in that location, and surveys confirming that it was a newt breeding pond therefore a police investigation is taking place as this is potentially a wildlife crime.

The meeting was live streamed and is available to watch at the link below. (The relevant section is from approximately minute 17 – 40.)

https://www.rugby.gov.uk/meetings/meeting/1183/planning_committee/attachment/3019

Development Approved at Squires Rd

Outline planning permission has been granted for the Land North of Squires Rd R17/1767 by RBC Planning Committee on 11th November. Despite the objections of the Parish Council and numerous residents, the application to build on that land (as identified with RBC Local Plan) has been approved. While the layout is only an outline and the details are yet to be determined, it is capped at 55 dwellings. There are further conditions on this approval relating to housing mix, landscaping and start times. A document listing these conditions will be released shortly by RBC.
While the Parish Council is disappointed with this outcome, it is not surprised. There is no date when construction will begin but the Parish Council will continue to work with the relevant authorities to try to ensure it is as smooth as possible. It will also be working to ensure that any Section 106 money is claimed and used appropriately to benefit the whole of the village. It will endeavour to keep the village informed of any further progression with this development.

Brookside

The works along Brookside to address the footway landslip are being carried out by WCC. The Parish Council was made aware of the road closure (and shared that information publicly) but it was not consulted on the design of the repairs to the retaining wall. It has concerns about the emerging appearance of those necessary works and has therefore been in contact with WCC and Cllr Howard Roberts. The Parish Council had requested a copy of the design plans in advance of the works beginning but did not receive this. It has formally written to the Head of WCC and as a result the works have temporarily ceased. This letter (and subsequent correspondence) is available to view on the Parish Council Documents page. The Parish Council will do all it can to ensure the finished visual appearance is in keeping with the area.

Knightlow reopens on 1st June

Knightlow reopens it’s doors today to children from Reception, year 1 & 6. They will of course be educating (as they have been for the last 12 weeks) the children of keyworkers as well. During the lockdown the Parish Council has supported the school with the delivery of hot meals (with the assistance of one particular volunteer – thanks Jackie!) as well as with the provision of gloves. Knightlow has in return permitted the use of their photocopier to produce leaflets and information for the public. The staff & governors are working hard to ensure parents can deliver their children to school as safely as possible with minimal disruption to residents.
This is a reminder that while the schools are now open (to a degree) the playgrounds are not. From today 6 people can meet in a public place or a private garden but they must maintain a 2 meter distance when doing this.
Stay safe and enjoy this sunny weather. If you spot the children, this morning or this afternoon please give them a friendly wave as they may find this first week back a daunting process (particularly the very little ones).

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-outbreak-faqs-what-you-can-and-cant-do/coronavirus-outbreak-faqs-what-you-can-and-cant-do

 

Restoration Works to Trees

A note from the Director of Warwickshire Wildlife Trust.

As part of the restoration works to the Lime Tree Memorial Avenue and Monument to the 29th Division on the A45, the trees underwent a PiCUS survey to assess for any internal decay that isn’t visible through a visual inspection. Unfortunately two trees on the roundabout were identified as having ‘Kretzschmaria deusta’. It causes a brittle rot inside the tree which can go undetected in visual assessments as lime trees typically have a lot of epicormic growth (new shoots coming from the base of the tree) that hides the fungus from view. Obviously, due to their proximity to the carriageway, it is not possible for these trees to remain in place due to the risk they pose to the passing traffic.
Both trees will now be felled by Kier after passing successful nesting and bat checks. They will then be replaced by two new lime trees. Kier will be watering these over the summer. Please be reassured that all of this is being done in agreement with RBC’s Tree Officer and is being carried out correctly so as not to cause harm to wildlife. The two new trees will help to ensure the longevity of the Avenue as we approach the centenary of it becoming a living memorial to those who fought in Gallipoli. Works will commence beginning 25th May 2020.


WWT