Firstly may I start this report with my thanks for the hard work of all the parish councillors, past and present, over the last twelve months. Also our thanks and appreciation goes to Mrs Gillian Benson for her efforts, organisation and ever increasing administrative efforts on behalf of Kirkland Parish and it’s Council. I think it is true to say we would be lost without her! Also to Mr Tim Hoyles our lengths man who does a smashing job, often in inclement conditions, to keep the village looking beautiful. I’d also like to take this opportunity to formally welcome our newest parish councillor Mrs Debbie Taylor to the council. We are very pleased to have her.

The last twelve months have been a period of looking forward for the parish council as we have tried to decide how best we can improve things within the parish. Unfortunately we only received a couple of responses from our last newsletter as to how you wished us to concentrate our efforts. (It is difficult to know how to take that. Either parishioners are happy that the parish council is acting in their best interests and see no need to interject or in the worst case scenario are just not interested. )

However, it was inspirational to see how the children in the village responded following the death of one of their pets on the road near church. I think they are all to be commended for their actions. No sooner had it occurred than signs encouraging drivers to slow down and be mindful of other road users were made. There was even a small demonstration actively encouraging drivers leaving church to go slower with a thumbs up for good driving! I must confess to being envious of their rapid and effective response, secretly wishing that we could be so active with regards to the speed limit on the A586.

Road safety remains an ever important issue for the whole of the parish. We continue to represent the parish on the Wyre Area Road Safety Group and only last week had a site visit with the Area Surveyor North from Lancashire County Council regarding the speed limit outside St Helens School. Unfortunately whilst our concerns were listened to sympathetically it became clear that at the present there is no money available to make any more improvements in road safety through the village. The impression was also left with us that there wasn’t even perhaps a need for it – they were looking at fatality and serious accident statistics! As it stands the parish council is trying to explore other avenues to improve road safety around the school and the footpath along the A586 to the Memorial Hall. However, this would require a huge act of generosity and a considerable amount of active support and will from the parishioners to see it to fruition. We remain hopeful that something can be achieved.

The other issue that the parish council is currently looking at is the

children’s play area at the Memorial Hall. Those of you that use the facility will be aware of its limitations and need for improvement. Currently there are no plans in Wyre to improve this facility. As a parish council we are in a unique position to be able to act independently with the Memorial Hall Committee to make these improvements on behalf of the parish. We have already had some plans drawn up to build a bigger and better facility. However, there is a but (and it’s the same one there always is.) There is no money available at borough or county level to facilitate this. We are looking at the present for a group of people to work together with to try and raise the funding required (approx £33,000) through grant applications. The plans for this exciting development can be viewed at the Memorial Hall. If you are interested in helping and possibly completing a couple of forms then please contact me directly.

So as a Parish Council we look forward to yet another busy year ahead. If there is anything you wish to discuss further then please do not hesitate to contact any of the parish councillors directly.

Wishing you all a sunnier summer,

Alison E Sykes, aesykes@doctors.net.uk

This year the Churchtown Society is planning to hold its annual Garden Competition in the summer months.

Details of further events can be found on the Churchtown Society noticeboard.

24th May 1pm Churchtown Children’s Festival – floats, races, fancy dress and fun on the Memorial Hall playing field.

28th June Churchtown’s First Stretcher Race – join in the fun and raise some money along the way for Wateraid and St Helen’s Church. Teams of 5-10 people will race across the fields from Old Lancaster Road to the Church Square dressed up in a historical theme. Good to watch, good to join in. Contact Alison on 01995 605260 for details or email aesykes@doctors.net.uk

28th June St Helen’s Parish Barbecue – family barbecue in the village square. Very popular community get-together.

5th-6th July Garden Safari – spend the day enjoying the usually unseen gardens of parishioners. A map showing the locations of each garden will be available from church beforehand.

The Parish Council is responsible for the proper accounting records, safeguarding the assets and taking steps to prevent fraud and other irregularities. There are accounting policies and procedures in place to mitigate exposure to major risk, which are reviewed annually. The Councillors believe they make reasonable and prudent judgements and estimates. The accounts are a matter of public information and can be viewed at any time.

This financial statement is scheduled for auditing in June, 2008

The Clerk has an office in Catterall Village Hall. Residents are welcome to view planning applications in Kirkland or to discuss issues to be raised with the Councillors about concerns in the Parish.