Progress Reports 2023
Annual Appraisal on the Four Year Plan
February 2023
Councillors are happy to report that most objectives have been achieved and policies carried out throughout the four years, except for the establishment of a ‘community area’.
We have continued to promote and sustain East Keal as an attractive, safe, desirable and mostly unspoilt place to live.
We have worked closely with other councils and groups, keeping in touch with community activities. The new social groups set up in Art, Local History and Wildlife continue to function after eighteen months existence.
In the environment, we worked tirelessly to keep footpaths open, improving the pot and gardens, promoting flora, fauna, wildlife, with wild flower areas as well as on the village green and war memorial grounds.
Recently we were involved in the planning applications on two sites where local residents received our support to express their views, permissions were denied.
Report on Parish Plan progress 2021
Contact: We have increased communications by email, Facebook, several leaflets to households and use of noticeboards. This has been enhanced by creating a totally new website launched in December.
In 2021 we shall start replacing notice boards.
Transport: We have delivered leaflets on call connect.
In 2021 we shall look to improving awareness of bus stop locations and timetables.
Security: our PCSO was invited to talk, but this is delayed due to the COVID crisis
Social Activities: our Meet the Councillors event was postponed twice due to the COVID crisis which also caused a lack of actives by all groups. This is of concern to councillors especially to the mental affects this can have on residents.
In 2021 we shall work hard to stimulate and create social activity as soon as government restrictions are raised.
Environment:
We have successfully campaigned to reduce the speed limit on the A16 to 30 mph, which should be implemented in Spring 2021. We shall be looking at ways to reduce the limit on the residential lanes to 20 mph.
On several occasions there has been clearing of over hanging trees and branches from footpaths. Several new gates on country footpaths have been installed by the county council during the year.
We started the sowing of wildflower seeds on verges on Church Lane and Blacksmiths Lane, with more locations sought in 2021.
We have campaigned on pot holes with most being repaired including the large one on Fen Lane that resulted in major works and a new drain. Our aim is to have road surfaces given a top dressing. Works took place to clear the blockages of the drains on Hall Corner.
The emptying of Litter bins and recycling bins has increased to twice a month.
We organised a successful litter pick with more than 20 residents collecting ten bags of rubbish. This will be repeated in 2021.
We have refurbished and painted benches in a modern blue colour. In 2021 we shall be repainting the railings at the war memorial.
New planters have been built and installed at the entrances to the village on the A16 to give a bright flowery welcome to visitors.
In future we shall consider the providing of a Christmas tree on the green.