Wilstead Newsletter updated 08/12/2019
A6 Meeting at Borough Hall, on 18th November
Notes of meeting
Two members of Bedford Borough Council and two members of Wilshamstead Parish Council attended the meeting.
Status and Timetable for projected completion
Confirmed completion revised to the end March 2020. No truth in rumour of further delays. Weekly project meetings held, progress is good. Drainage mostly done and large section to the south close to being laid with top surface.
Current delay because previous drainage system not fit for purpose and road foundation not strong enough.
Work so far: surface removed, kerbs crushed, existing drainage ditches cleared, new drainage system installed, old foundations removed, new road under construction.
Agreed to arrange site visit for members of Parish Council.
Meeting to be held early in December with Police to determine effectiveness of Average Speed Cameras and discuss sanctions on HGVs ignoring the 7.5 tonne limit.
No alternative to current Diversion route which is taking some traffic but still leaving a considerable flow through Wilstead. Need therefore to address means of improving congestion at peak times.
Residents Concerns
· HGVs not using official diversion.
· Vibration experienced when HGVs pass through the village. Advise Borough of companies and registration of vehicles involved. They will write to companies involved. Considered a better option than the Police, who would hold up all the traffic.
· Damage to road surface and verges at Luton Road junction. Pot holes starting to appear between junction and crossroads.
· Drainage issue around crossroad traffic lights.
· Luton Road to receive priority in the new Budget Year. Improvements would include addressing the above plus planning for a mini-roundabout at the crossroads (too much disruption would be caused by addressing this now), removing the 'chicane' opposite Briar Bank and improving the signage on the island at the Luton end entrance to the village.
· Increasing number of accidents
· Many road rage incidents
· Danger ref pedestrians crossing roads. Pedestrian lights frequently not working. Borough will ask contractor to renew the equipment.
· Diversion signs ineffective. Frequent long queue into village from Bedford direction at peak time in the afternoon. Borough will consider how traffic can be prevented from using the outside lane of the dual carriageway to bypass queue.
· No signs on A421 from the east – impractical in view of lack of exit slip at A600 junction. So no way to avoid leaving at junction with A6.
· No use of A421 as part of diversion. Awaiting agreement from Highways England
· High level of noise from workings reported by residents located nearest to A6. No work is to take place after 6pm.
· Reports that cracks appearing in resident's house at Long Meadow Drive are directly attributed to A6 workings vibration. Not able to substantiate A6 workings as a cause.
· Traffic speed. Average Speed cameras are effective. Speed bumps impractical on bus routes
· Pollution. Environment group at Borough to be asked to investigate
Proposals / Solutions
· Temporary Box Junction at Crossroads now completed, having some effect in allowing traffic out of Cotton End Road.
· 4 way traffic lights at Cross Roads – these would cause even more unacceptable delays and temporary 4 way lights do not have a pedestrian option.
· Average speed cameras to extend to Cotton End Road. Discussion ongoing with Parish Council.
· Regular monthly progress meetings and site visits with the Borough and Contractor representative to take place.
· Contact details for reporting: General problems, including problems with traffic lights- highways.helpdesk@bedford.gov.uk
· Copy to
· a6roadworks@wilhamsteadparishcouncil.org
· Use of school crossing attendant - unlikely due to lack of trained individuals. Zebra crossing is the usual option but this would restrict parking in the Post Office area
· Use of ANPR cameras to record HGV's – possible but longer term.
Next Meeting
Monday 20th December at 11.00 am at Borough Hall - Site meeting: TBA
All Saints Church News
Our Christmas Services have been arranged.
Sunday 22nd December
We shall be joining our Methodist Friends at the Methodist Church at 10.30am for a United Carol and Family Service.
There will be no 11.00am service at All Saints Church on that Sunday.
Tuesday 24th December
Our ever popular Christingle Service will be held at 3pm in Church with the proceeds being donated to Keech Cottage Children's Hospice.
11.30pm Midnight Holy Communion Service.
Wednesday 25th December
Services at 8.00am and 11.00am
Sunday 29th December
Usual Sunday Services at 8.00am and 11.00am
We welcome you all to join us at these Christmas celebrations.
Thank you to the community for your support during the year.
May you enjoy a Happy and Blessed Christmas.
Wilstead Bowls Club
The Christmas coffee morning is on Wednesday 11th December 10.30am until 12pm, which is when the bumper Christmas raffle will be drawn. Hoping to see everyone there.
Short mats are progressing well on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons from 2pm and Wednesday evening at 7pm. The competitions are being played each week as well. Thursday short mat league is getting very competitive.
We will be closing for short mats on Thursday 18th December and will start again in the New Year on Tuesday 2nd January at 2pm
We are also open every Friday evening throughout the winter months at 8pm to socialise and play dominoes if you so wish.
As Christmas and New Year are midweek, it will not affect the Friday evening opening.
Jean Ward - Club Secretary
Briar Bank Park News
At the end of September, Briar Bank Park held our annual Macmillan Coffee Morning and are proud to report we raised £511 which has been sent to Macmillan Cancer Support. A great achievement by our residents and sincere thanks to all.
We are proud to report we have also made a donation to the restoration of the Parish Church Clock after reading the article in the latest Wilstead Newsletter.
We are also participating in the All Saints Parish Church Christmas Tree Festival and have organised ours to be decorated on 29th November along with other clubs etc from around the village. The church should be very colourful and festive when all the trees are on display.
Briar Bank Park on Luton Road have done this with pride to support our village of Wilstead.
Paul Hooper
Chairman
Briar Bank Park Residents Association
Christmas Memory Stars
Having lost a very special Sister and Mother, Sue Huckle, to cancer in March this year and missing Sue every minute of every day, my niece Charlotte and I wanted to do something special for Christmas to remember her by and thought it would be a lovely idea to open this up to others that have lost a loved one.
With the extremely kind permission of Wilstead Parish Council, we are going to decorate a selected tree in the burial ground at Wilstead Church with Christmas Stars.
Handmade wooden stars are being crafted at the moment by myself and Charlotte and will be available shortly. These stars can be personalised with a short message to your lost loved one that you can write yourself or we can write for you.
Handmade wooden stars are being crafted at the moment by myself and Charlotte and will be available shortly. These stars can be personalised with a short message to your lost loved one that you can write yourself or we can write for you.
If anyone would like a star, please email jobampton@googlemail.com.
We will give you details as to where to collect the stars from when they are ready. The response we have had already has been incredible and we would like to thank everyone for joining us in remembering their lost loved ones.
Jo and Charlotte
Bedford Borough Councillor Report:
Wixams Station / East West Rail
The Borough's preferred route was for East West to take a town centre route - easier to deliver Wixams Station as a stand-alone project.
Progress update due in June 2020.
GP/Health Centre
After the September meeting with the NHS Commissioning team, arranged by Wilstead PC and with representation from Wixams PC, I contacted them asking if they could update us on plans for Wixams Town Centre and the location of any proposed GP facility.
Borough Planning Department have agreed to meet with Wixams PC in the New Year for update on town centre plans. Also to discuss GP facility (Wilstead PC to be part of the discussions).
Village Farm Planning
At the BC October Planning Committee Meeting Wilstead Parish Council, myself and a Wilstead resident spoke against the application. A decision was deferred until after a site visit and will be taken to the November meeting.
A6 closure
I will continue to press for road resurfacing works along Bedford Road and Luton Road in Wilstead, once the A6 works are completed and the traffic re-routed.
Planning
Concerns were expressed at the BC Planning Committee October about how speculative planning applications are currently being handled and the Borough Council's role. I am concerned that Wilstead Neighbourhood Plan is being ignored or side-lined.
Hospital Merger
The merger with Luton & Dunstable is set to be completed by April 2020, following receipt of £99.5m from the Department for Health .
Thank You
Davies Brothers, MOT Testing Station, Bedford Road, Wilstead will cease trading on 31st December this year.
My fellow tester Steve Thorne, having worked with me for 26 years, has now decided to retire and I too will also finish then.
I wish to express my sincere and heartfelt thanks to all my loyal customers over many years.
Michael Davies
We would like to thank Davies Brothers for the support given to the Wilstead Newsletter over many years. Best wishes to Michael and Steve for long and happy retirement.
The Editorial Team
Greensand Surgery
Early Closing – Friday 13th December.
The surgery will be closing at 5.30pm on Friday 13th December. From 5.30pm to 6.30pm the Practice Duty Doctor will be available. Please ring 01525 631390 if you need to speak to a GP between these times.
Christmas Opening Times
Friday 20th December – last day to order your repeat medication to receive it before Christmas closure
Monday 23rd December – Normal opening hours
Tuesday 24th December – Earlier afternoon surgeries but normal opening hours.
Wednesday 25th-Thursday 26th December – Closed
Friday 27th December – Normal opening hours - last day to order your repeat medication to received it before the New Year.
Monday 30th-Tuesday 31st December – Normal Opening Hours
Wednesday 1st January – Closed
Thursday 2nd-Friday 3rd January – Normal Opening Hours
Dawn Moore, Practice Manager
Greensand Surgery
Oliver Street, Ampthill - 01525 631390
Wilstead Methodist Church
Along with the Parish Church
Warmly invite you to a family Carol Service on Sunday 22nd December starting at 10.30am.
All your favourites, followed by refreshments.
Come along, bring the family and enjoy Christmas.
Oliver Street Surgery
Christmas Opening Hours
Monday 23rd & Tuesday 24th December
8.00am – 6.30pm
Wednesday 25th to Sunday 29th December
Closed
Monday 30th & Tuesday 31st December
8.00am – 6.30pm
Wednesday 1st January
Closed
Thursday 2nd & Friday 3rd January 2019
8.00am – 6.30pm
Normal surgery opening hours resume
All the staff at The Oliver Street Surgery would like to wish you all a very Happy Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Tea Party Help
The Village Hall has been booked for the Tea Party on Tuesday 14th January 2020.
If you are able to help prepare the food on the day and/or could provide cakes please can you phone me on 01234 400733, and leave a message if I am not in.
See back page for Tea Party invitation.
Thank you.
Nigel Jacobs. Wilshamstead Endowed Charities.
Average Speed Camera Data
For the month of October there were 124 tickets issued to drivers for speeding along Bedford/Luton roads.
Of these 102 were for speeds of 39mph or under, with speeds above this recorded up to 50mph.
This compares with 156 offences in September.
Seasons Greetings from Wilstead Garden Club
Our November meeting was a wonderful quiz evening, organised by the committee. Mary set the questions, using hints from our previous talks and garden visits. She set them at a level to suit everyone, with multiple choice questions, to make the questions slightly easier for us to manage.
There were several high scoring members, and thankfully we didn't have to name and shame those of us who didn't do quite so well. There are no prizes at our quiz, just the opportunity to meet up with friends and neighbours and have a drink, a snack and some fun. There was lots of laughter and good natured chatting.
Big thanks go to Mary for all her hard work during the year, compiling the quiz and asking the questions on the night. It is tiring work, and her glass of punch was well deserved.
The committee all did their bit, with the mega raffle (almost everyone went away with a prize) punch and mince pies. Then the clearing up and washing up was completed with many hands to the pump. So thank you to Viv, Lynda, Maralyn and Jackie.
There were 32 members at the quiz, the best attendance we have ever had, and our friendly Village Hall Caretaker Andy kindly set out the tables and chairs for us beforehand, which made everything so much easier. Our continuing thanks to Andy for all his help during the year, and we wish him and his family a happy Christmas.
By the time you read this we will have had our Christmas meal at the Woolpack. The list was full at time of writing, and we are confident it would have been a great evening for all.
The programme for 2020 is almost complete, and copies will be available at our January meeting.
This will be on Tuesday 21st January, at 8pm in the Small Village Hall. Jackie is going to give us a presentation on 'No Dig Gardening'. This sounds like the best way to garden, all the pleasure and minimum work.
The cost will be £1.50 which will include refreshments. Do come along, even if you only have a small garden full of pots. We are a friendly crowd, and the meetings are very informal.
In the meantime Merry Christmas wishes from the Garden Club Committee, and a Happy New Year.
Viv, Maralyn, Lynda, and Mary
The Garden Club Committee
Wilstead Players
Auditions have been held for our next production, 'The Wizard of Oz', planned for Friday 20th and Saturday 21st March next year in the Village Hall.
Director Sam Lee and co-director Charlotte Minards were thrilled with the turnout. Loads of talented youngsters, (and some older players), turned up to the Village Hall last month.
They were put through their paces, singing and dancing, and presented Sam and Charlotte with important casting decisions, which should all have been made by the time you read this. Rehearsals will now be in full swing.
The Players are planning to sing carols at the Pre-School Christmas Bazaar in the Village Hall from 11.45am on Saturday 7th December. This should be a great way to kick off the Christmas celebrations, so do come along and join us if this reaches you in time to support Pre-School.
We wish all our members, Patrons, audiences and supporters a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy 2020.
Jackie Tanswell 01234 740782
Bedford Borough Ignore Our Objections over new development
Despite detailed objections from the Parish Council and the Neighbourhood Plan team and residents the Borough Planning Committee at their meeting on Monday 25th November approved an application for Outline Planning Permission for up to 65 dwellings with associated landscaping, drainage, engineering operations and demolition of existing buildings on Land at Village Farm, to the rear of No 85 Cotton End Road.
This is very disappointing as there are no additional houses for Wilstead included in the Borough Local Plan 2030 which still has to obtain approval from a Government Inspector.
Approval is not now expected until around Easter 2020.
In the meantime the Borough are short of their 5 year target for approved new developments and the balance is therefore tilted in favour of planning applications, wherever they may be for, that will help meet the requirement for 970 new houses per year.
Building work will not commence at Village Farm for some time as full planning permission still has to be achieved which will entail agreement on a large number of conditions applied by the Planning Department.
Village P3 Footpath Group
Meetings
The next meeting will be on Saturday 18th January at 10.00am in the Village Hall (small hall).
All welcome to come along and see what we do and perhaps join us.
The November meeting reported that nearly all the footpaths and bridleways around the village are walkable though some, not unsurprisingly considering the wet weather we have had, have the odd muddy patch. The main exception to this was Footpath 17 which runs along the top of the escarpment to North Lane Haynes. Farm vehicle movements have left this path very muddy with standing water. The Group have been in touch with the farmer to see if a thin strip can be avoided by the vehicles so it is easy to walk along and avoid the mud.
Provisionally 2020 meetings will be on Saturdays 18th January, 14th March, 16th May, 18th July, 19th September and 14th November. All at 10.00 am in the Village Hall (small hall).
If anyone would like a leaflet that shows where all the Public Rights of Way are in the parish please contact the number below.
Footpath Work
Following the successful installation of a culvert on Footpath 5 near the top of Ivy Lane the group are looking to remove the last stile in the parish along with one of its last sleeper bridges on Footpath 8 which runs from Cotton End Rd through the Stables and towards Elms Lane. Hopefully all the preliminary arrangements can be completed in the not too distant future and the work can be done this Winter/coming Spring.
The Borough have visited the rotten sleeper bridge on the parish boundary on Footpath 4 (Wilstead Church to Houghton Conquest) and are looking to add it to their list of repair work. Because it is on the Bedford Borough boundary, as well as the parish boundary, and is over a deep ditch any replacement bridge or culvert installation will be undertaken by the Borough.
If you use the footpaths around the village please take secateurs with you and snip the odd overhanging vegetation as you go along.
If you discover any problems when walking these village paths please contact the number below and the group will try and sort them out.
Walks
The November walk was around Clapham. It went along footpaths to the east and north-east of Clapham through pastures, woodland, golf course and part of the old Twinwoods airfield and gave good, if misty, views over the surrounding countryside. It did however have its muddy stretches!
A list of dates for walks in 2020 will be in the next Newsletter so if you fancy a sociable wander through the Bedfordshire countryside make a note in your diary and come along.
Don't worry if you don't have transport as lifts are always available. Keep an eye out for details of all the walks on the village noticeboards nearer the time.
Nigel Jacobs
P3 contact, 01234400733
Santa's Coming to Town
Santa and his sleigh will be seen visiting streets in Wilstead on Friday 13th December from 6pm – 8pm.
All proceeds from the collection will be sent to Keech Hospice Care, your local children's hospice for Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Milton Keynes.
(Due to the A6 traffic through the village we will cover a reduced route this year and we will not be collecting along Luton or Bedford Road. Location updates will be put on the Wilstead community page as we move around the village).
Neighbourhood Plan Survey Feedback
There were 43 questions in the survey which closed on 18th October. In total 447 people responded and the results are now being analysed in detail. To build on last month's initial analysis here is some information on the feedback on two of the major questions.
What people like about Wilstead
In total 384 people contributed with 1018 responses. The responses showed some remarkable consistency:
People like living in a village and its location in the countryside with its views and its walks. (Accounting for 32% of respondents' answers or mentioned by 52% of respondents). If you add in the village's location as being easily accessible to Bedford and to major road and rail links this percentage climbs to 40% and 72% respectively.
They like our Community Spirit and the friendliness of neighbours and other residents (27% and 72%). They like the relative quiet and tranquillity as opposed to the hustle and bustle of a town (13% and 34%). They like the local amenities, particularly the post office, pharmacy and school plus the availability of organised social activities (12% and 31%) and they like the fact that the village feels safe and has a relatively low crime rate (5% and 14%).
In total the above categories make up 97% of the answers.
What people dislike
371 residents addressed this question with 822 responses. Again there was a lot of consistency in the answers.
People dislike continual development and expansion of the Village with new housing the worst feature. (Accounting for 22% of respondents' answers or mentioned by 50% of respondents).
Of even more concern are traffic/highways issues including parking and speeding and the state of the pavements (31% and 70% respectively).
The lack of GP or medical facilities in the village is also a major factor (13% and 30% respectively).
People also think facilities for older and young persons could be better (14% and 32%).
People think the look of the village can be improved and quote litter, dog mess and the lack of a centre as major concerns (8% and 17% respectively).
They are also concerned over crime and safety (2% and 6% respectively).
The above categories make up 90% of the answers.
What happens next?
The above will be incorporated as part of the information in the Neighbourhood Plan and will be used to influence Borough and Parish policy over the next 10 – 15 years. Further information will emerge as detailed analysis takes place.
New Year's Tea Party Invitation
The Village Hall has been booked for the Tea Party on Tuesday 14th January 2020 and the entertainment has been arranged. All we need now is you.
So if you are a senior citizen and you don't want to miss out on this increasingly popular village event please fill in the slip in the newsletter, tear it off and drop it in at the Post Office or give it to one of the contacts listed below.
The Tea Party will be from 3.30pm to 6.30pm. So come along and enjoy yourselves.
Contacts
Nigel Jacobs 51 Dines Close 01234 400733
Eric Benton 125A Cotton End Rd 01234 740971
Transport can be arranged if you have difficulty getting to the Village Hall.
If you do want a lift please indicate on the tear off slip and be ready by 2.50pm and we will pick you up between then and 3.15pm
(Organised by Wilshamstead Endowed Charities)
Village Website Upgrade
Due to a change of programme used to manage the Village website, the layout is somewhat different to that previously seen.
The site is still in the process of being completed, with more pages to be added.
If you are involved with a group or organisation within the village, perhaps you could have a look and give your feedback. It could be the information is out of date, in which case you can send the new copy via the 'Contact Us' page.
If when you look at it, the site looks the same, it could be your computer is returning to a previous copy it has put in a cache file, you should refresh your screen or delete internet history for this site.
It is in a very simple format, however more detail and colour will be added in the future.
Watch this space!
Jackie Lloyd
Wilstead Webmaster
www.wilsteadvillage.org.uk
Wilstead WI
As I am writing this, we're getting ready for the last, and possibly biggest, event of the year. On Thursday 5th December the Village Hall will be filled with the sound of music – from the Bedford Town Concert Brass band. Expect tunes to match the season, with a few carols and possibly some singing from the audience. If you have tickets, hang on to them because the evening has sold out.
After a well-earned rest over the holidays, we start the new year with a Members' Meeting on Thursday 9th January, which is a week later than our usual first Thursday of the month.
Visitors are always welcome at our meetings, so if you're interested, here is a brief description of what we have lined up in 2020.
Thursday 6th February: A talk entitled 'Wrest Park and the Women Who Owned It' by Adam Smith.
Thursday 5th March: 'Working with Blind Children and Braille' by Gaynor Tinsdale.
Thursday 7th May: 'Recycling with a Difference' by Susan Drage.
We rarely have a speaker cancel, but it does happen. So keep looking in the Wilstead Newsletter for news of changes and more events.
Wilstead WI would like to wish you all Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Wildlife walks and talks
Monday 9th December,
7.15/7.45 pm, Maulden Church Hall
Damselflies and Dragonflies with John Curd
John Curd, a local dragonfly expert and enthusiast will talk about these most exquisite of summer's creatures. With predecessors stretching back 300 million years, iridescent wings and seemingly jewelled bodies that grace our ponds, rivers and woods, damselflies and dragonflies are as fascinating as they are beautiful.
Preceded by our brief AGM. The AGM will start at 7.15 pm and the talk at 7.45 pm.
£3 per adult.
Saturday 25th January, 10.00 am-12.30 pm, Maulden Woods (TL072394)
Tree Walk with Colin Carpenter
Woods are fascinating even in the midst of winter. Colin's knowledge of our native trees and shrubs, and of Maulden Wood will be familiar to many. Come along, you will almost certainly learn something new. This event is open to all ages but terrain can be muddy and uneven and is unsuitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs. Please wear appropriate footwear. Children should be accompanied by an adult.
£2 per adult
Monday 27th January,
7.45 pm, Maulden Church Hall
Conservation Grazing by Matthew Johnson
Matt, BCN's Livestock Officer, will give an insight into the vital conservation work done by grazing animals. It is not just releasing sheep and cattle into an area - much work is done before, during and after animals are put on a reserve. Come along and hear about the process.
£3 per adult.
Open to all
For additional information please emailflitvale.info@gmail.com or ring Ann on 075801 78889 between 6 and 8 pm or at weekends.
The Wildlife Trust for Beds, Cambs & Northantswww.flitvale.org.uk.
Wilshamstead Parish Council
Planning Update
The Parish Council has been very busy with responding to numerous applications over recent months, from the usual household extensions through to some larger proposed housing development.
Eric Benton and Borough Councillor Coombes had spoken in objection at the Borough Council Planning Committee meeting in October to the application 18/00433/MAO for 65 houses at land at the rear of 86 Cotton End Road.
The Committee decided to defer the decision until after a site visit, which took place in early November. Then at the November Committee meeting the members voted with four in favour and three against, so outline permission has been granted for this development.
Richard Draycott was in attendance as well at the November Planning Committee meeting and spoke in objection to the application 19/00628/FUL for a detached dwelling at the rear of 96 Cotton End Road which the Committee voted to approve and granted permission for.
Whilst the Parish Council are disappointed with the news that the village will receive 65 more houses, it is taking proactive steps to engage with the Local Authority to enable negotiation to immediately commence to ensure that there is community benefit. This does include a specific condition as part of the planning permission where the applicant will have to contribute substantially to highways safety.
The Parish Council will be pressing for installation of average speed cameras therefore along Cotton End Road as part of this process.
The permission granted is an Outline Permission which means there will need to be a further application for the full detail of the site to be put forward. This will include types of houses, development layout, areas allocated for green space etc
A6 Resurfacing Works Update
Following the disappointing news that the A6 resurfacing works have been extended to March 2020, the Parish Council have been taking a number of steps to increase pressure on the local authority and the Police to better support residents during this period.
According to figures issued by the Borough 124 speeding tickets were issued in Wilstead in October as a result of the average speed cameras in Luton Road and Bedford Road. This compares with the 156 tickets issued in September. The Parish Council will continue to request this date for reporting in future Newsletters.
The volume of heavy good vehicles breaching the HGV ban in the village is becoming infuriating for everyone, so the Parish Council are meeting with PC Kerry Jones of Bedfordshire Police and her traffic Officer colleagues to look at how enforcement of this can be carried out more effectively.
Parish Councillor Eric Benton has continued to meet regularly with Senior Highways Officers from the Local Authority who are managing the works, with some robust challenges being given to the Local Authority to ensure that Wilstead residents are better safeguarded during this time.
The Parish Council would again like to thank those residents who have continued to report issues as they have arisen. This is invaluable, and retains that vital flow of information of how bad things are in the village back to the Officers at the Borough Council. Implementations and alternatives continue to be made as result of this valuable resident feedback.
Please remember if you wish to report any concerns or comments on the associated works or diversion continue to direct them to Bedford Borough Council who will be monitoring the works closely. You should send communications to the Highways Helpdesk via phone 01234 718003 or via email highways.helpdesk@bedford.gov.uk.
Please copy the Parish Council in where possible to such communications using the specific email of a6roadworks@wilshamsteadparishcouncil.org.
Village Crossroads
The Parish Council welcomes the installation of the box junction at the Crossroads which should help people trying to exit Cotton End Road. In addition the PC would ask those driving along Bedford Road and Luton Road and turning into Cotton End Road to please indicate early and where it is safe to do so create a gap which might allow someone to exit Cotton End Road more easily.
Parish Council Contact Update Reminder
Please remember that the Council have moved their email addresses over to a new system so the Clerk and all Councillors have a general email for point of contact. So please note to contact the Clerk and for future corresondence and communication use the email:
clerk@wilshamsteadparishcouncil.org.
A reminder that the Parish Office is now open on a Monday morning. This is when the Parish Clerk will be in the Parish Office, at the side of the Village Hall, from 9am to 12 midday. Please note the Parish Office will be closed on Monday 23rd December and Monday 30th December. As always it is advisable to ring 743152 in advance to check orange recycling sack availability.
Contacting The Parish Council
The best way to contact the Council is on 01234 743152 or by visiting Lizzie, the Clerk in the Parish Office, which is open every Monday, 9am until midday. The Clerk can also be contacted via email on clerk@wilshamsteadparishcouncil.org.
The meeting minutes are available on this website, along with the full Council contact list. Council meeting agendas will also be available here the week prior to each meeting.
Also if you wish to discuss an issue then please contact the Clerk to make an appointment with a Councillor who will be more than happy to meet you at a convenient time to talk through the matter.
The next Parish Council meeting will be held on Monday 6th January at 7pm in the Jubilee Centre, Jubilee Way, Bedford Road.