We had started to make some headway with our plans to refurbish Wyre Borough Council’s play area at Kirkland and Catterall Memorial Hall. Several successful meetings had been held and a clear pathway developed as to how to secure the required funding. However, these plans have had to be shelved due to Wyre Borough Council’s failure to guarantee to any long term replacement of equipment. We will have to wait our turn for the play area to be refurbished by Wyre Borough Council. This should hopefully be in the next year or two.

Further to our collaborative work with St Helen’s Church with the provision of lighting for the village Christmas tree, it has been decided that the Parish should have a more widely visible Christmas tree, for both villagers and travellers through the village. Plans are being finalised for the festive addition to the Parish Council’s efforts. Likewise the village sunflower competition continues to grow and the village looked fabulous last year with the bright and bold flowers towering in participants’ gardens. Thank you to Mr Keith Ellin for his work with this cheerful project.

Following Mrs Alison Sykes resignation last year we welcome Mrs Cath. Richmond to the Parish Council. Her close association with school will be of value, fostering greater links with the key organisations within the village. The Parish Council continues to evolve, with the resignation of Mrs Jean Parkinson after years of faithful service on the Council. Our thanks go to her for the substantial contribution she had made to our Parish. Thank you. I would also like to welcome Mrs Sam Gilling who has recently joined the Parish Council. With her daily ‘battle’ to cross the busy A586 she will ensure that the Council continues to campaign for a reduction in the speed limit around school.

No Annual Report would be complete without me expression of gratitude to Gillian, our conscientious Clerk and Tim, our trusty Lengthsman. They are noteworthy ambassadors of community service. Thank you.

It is with regret that I now tender my resignation from both Chair and Councillor of the Parish. With increasing family, work and academic commitments, something had to give! I wish the Parish Council continued success with the important role that they have linking Central Government to the individual.

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.