Audley and Alsagers Bank Remembrance Day Services

Sunday 14^th November 2021

(Photos Copyright Around Audley (Shraleybrook Media))

Please accept our apologies for any inconvenience however there will be road closures in place from approx 9.30am until 12.00pm on Sunday 14th November 2021 due to the parade (Bignall End and Audley only) and then services which will take place at both Cenotaphs in Audley and Alsagers Bank around 10.45am.  The roads will be reopened as soon as possible, once the parade has walked through the Bignall End (around the estate) and up to Castle Hill/Peak Pursuits by Audley Community Centre.   However the immediate area around the 2 cenotaphs (Alsagers Bank and Audley) will be closed to all traffic around 10am and 11.30am – times may be altered slightly on the day but are not expected to exceed these times.

D&G bus services will be affected/not running :
Sunday 1B  10.05 Alsagers Bank, 10.15 and 10.25 Audley Council Offices
Sunday 1B – 11.05 Alsagers Bank, 11.15 and 11.25 Audley Council Offices

First bus services 4/4a will be affected/not running:

Sunday 4 – 10.06 and 11.05 Queen Street, 10.06 and 11.06 Meadowside Avenue

You can find the details of the road closures and route for the parade by clicking on the below links:

Please click here to view the road closures for the Parade starting from Bignall End (Bridge Close) and for the service at the Audley Cenotaph Church Street Audley

Please click here to view the road closures at Halmer End/Alsagers Bank)

The consultation for the Newcastle under Lyme Local Plan is now live ….the document requires people to pass comment on a number of things which also includes the following 6 growth options:

• Growth Direction 1: Development on strategic sites outside the Green Belt – Large scale rural extensions
• Growth Direction 2: Strategic Green Belt release for an urban extension – University Growth Corridor
• Growth Direction 3: Green Belt release for development of strategic sites – Talke and Chesterton expansion
• Growth Direction 4: Green Belt release for development of strategic sites – Kidsgrove expansion
• Growth Direction 5: Green Belt release for development of strategic sites – Audley Rural expansion
• Growth Direction 6: Combination of strategic sites across the Borough comprising both sites outside the Green Belt and sites which require Green Belt release

You can have your views by going to https://www.newcastle-staffs.gov.uk/planning-policy/local-plan/2 – to respond to the consultation which ends on 13^th December 2021.

Visit – https://consult.newcastle-staffs.gov.uk/resources/portal/supportingfiles/729130 – to see the document

https://www.newcastle-staffs.gov.uk/all-services/planning/planning-policy – for the evidence which supports the document and growth options.

You can book onto one of the consultation events – see attached information.  This must be done in advance.  Please click here to view the Consultation Information Poster

Audley and Alsagers Bank Remembrance Day Services

Sunday 14^th November 2021

(Photos Copyright Around Audley (Shraleybrook Media))

Please accept our apologies for any inconvenience however there will be road closures in place from approx 9.30am until 12.00pm on Sunday 14th November 2021 due to the parade (Bignall End and Audley only) and then services which will take place at both Cenotaphs in Audley and Alsagers Bank around 10.45am.  The roads will be reopened as soon as possible. You can find the details of the road closures and route for the parade by clicking on the below links:

Please click here to view the road closures for the Parade starting from Bignall End (Bridge Close) and for the service at the Audley Cenotaph Church Street Audley

Please click here to view the road closures at Halmer End/Alsagers Bank)

Message from Newcastle Borough Council

The Environment Agency (EA) have tested the water and have confirmed that it is positive for Blue Green Algae at Bateswood.  The Borough Council have updated the notices on site to reflect that it is now confirmed rather than suspected.  The notices have been placed near to the water and at many of the site entrances to let users know.  The Borough Council have also been maintaining contact with the fishing club as well to keep them informed of the situation.

The site will continue to be monitored and the EA will test again when the bloom has dissipated to make sure that the pool is clear.

General information on blue green algae can be found here:

https://consult.environment-agency.gov.uk/cumbria-and-lancashire/blue-green-algae-in-cumbria-and-lancashire/

Please note essential tree work is planned for Leddy’s Field, Hall Street, Audley on Monday 23rd and Tuesday 24th August (next week) to prune trees which are growing close to the overhead power lines.  A wildlife assessment will be carried out before the work starts and the necessary consents are in place.

The work is being carried out by Western Power.  Footpaths will be signed and taped off while work is underway. The overall site will still be accessible, but there may be some areas closed off temporarily due to H&S.

All of the Parish Council owned play areas are now back to normal with the removed equipment reinstated, following the rule change on 19th July 2021 for Covid measures.  Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Please note the new play equipment at Albert Street has been completed earlier than expected due to the good weather and is now open for the children to use.  The cantilever swing will be installed at a later date.

Thank you to the local schools for their input in selecting the pieces of equipment for the site – we hope you enjoy using them!

Apologies for any inconvenience caused during the works.

AUDLEY RURAL PARISH COUNCIL

NOTICE OF A CASUAL VACANCY (AUDLEY (PARISH) WARD)

Notice is hereby given that by reason of the resignation a vacancy has occurred among the members of the Parish Council. Any person willing to fill this vacancy should apply to the Clerk in writing on or before the Friday 23^rd July 2021

Further information may be requested following your application

The applicant’s name must appear on the current register of the Voters List or the applicant should during the whole of the twelve months preceding the relevant date resided in

or within three miles of the parish

or the applicant’s only place of work during the whole of the twelve months preceding the relevant date is in the parish.

The applicant must not be debarred from standing as a Councillor.

PUBLIC elections cannot be held until May 2022 but for the interim period election to the aforesaid Council will be voted for by the present sitting number of Councillors.

The address to return applications to is:

Mrs C Withington
Parish Clerk & Proper Officer
Audley Rural Parish Council
The Croft
Barthomley Road,
Audley,
Staffs ST7 8HU

Dated:  01.07.21           Signed  Mrs C T Withington      Parish Clerk & Proper Officer

It’s free for children and young people aged 5 – 16 years who receive benefit related free school meals.  Staffordshire County Council are writing to all parents/carers of eligible children (via their school) with a unique code to register their interest and receive a timetable of activities.

How do I register my child for a free place?

The places are limited and to help manage the demand, we’ve set up an easy system requiring you to register each eligible child using the registration code as shown at the top of this letter.

Once registered, you can view the timetable of events and booking details. If you need help registering, you can contact your local Family Hub or library

View the PDF version of the poster here for school holiday activities for Kids 

CAR PARK CLOSURE – NEXT TO BUTCHERS ARMS, CHURCH STREET

As part of the plans to improve the car park, please note the site will be closed to all vehicles from 8am until 6pm on Monday 28^th June 2021 and again on *Tuesday 29^th June 2021 (*unless the work finishes sooner)

This is due to tree removal work on the boundary to the Nursing Home and a cluster of small trees near to the entrance to the car park.  All work has received permission from the Borough Council.

Please do not park your vehicle during the work, as there will be a high risk of damage, which we will not accept responsibility for.

Please note a wildlife assessment will be undertaken prior to the work, if there are any birds nesting the work will be postponed.

Thank you for your co-operation.

Audley Rural Parish Council

Letters have been sent to nearby residents in the post today.

Following the design consultation with the local school children in the Parish, we are now able to move forward with the installation of the play area improvements to Albert Street play area.

The appointed contractor is Horticon Limited, and it is expected that work will start on Monday 7^th June 2021 for a period of up to 6 weeks.    The fenced play area, public footpath and football pitch should remain open during this time, however please be mindful of the construction work taking place if you visit the site.  Site notices will be displayed informing people of the work.

We would ask that you avoid parking in front of the gateway to the park during this time, as large goods vehicles will be looking to access the site.  Large deliveries will take place on Monday 7th, Tuesday 8th and Wednesday 9^th of June 2021 while they set up the compound – so please park carefully and allow enough room for access.

Please click here to view the new play equipment – subject to minor tweaks when on site

Please click here to view 

The old cameras (on hire) in the village have now been removed as they were not considered fit for purpose despite repeated attempts to resolve the issues.  On 15th April 2021, the Parish Council appointed a new contractor to install 3 new CCTV cameras in the same locations.  These will improve on the downloading, accessibility and also security of the footage in accordance with Data Protection Act 2018 and also the Surveillance Camera Commissioner code of practice.  Due to privacy and Data Protection Act 2018 we can only accept requests* for footage in relation to a suspected criminal activity from Staffordshire Police which should be supported by a Crime incident number.  The new cameras will be installed as soon as Eon (the streetlight column owners) have provided the requested approval following electrical testing.

(*Please note this is in relation to criminal matters – please viewhttps://www.gov.uk/request-cctv-footage-of-yourself to see your rights regarding footage of yourself)

Audley Rural Parish Council 

Announcement

10 June 1921 to 9th April 2021

Audley Rural Parish Council  joins the nation in mourning the death of Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh

The Parish Council, and on behalf of the Parish residents, send their condolences to Her Majesty the Queen and to all her family

Mr Nick Hayes

Chair of Audley Rural Parish Council

PDF document of the advert for Volunteers to join

Audley Rural Parish Council resolved in November 2020 to designate the Parish of Audley as a Neighbourhood Plan (NP) area.  Please click here to view the Audley NP Area Designation Map

What is a Neighbourhood Plan?

Neighbourhood planning was introduced in the Localism Act 2011 (click here to view). It is an important and powerful tool that gives communities statutory powers to shape how their communities develop.  A neighbourhood plan is a community led document which puts in place planning policy for a neighbourhood area to guide future development. A neighbourhood plan is about the use and development of land and may contain a vision, aims, planning policies, proposals for improving the area or providing new facilities, or allocation of key sites for specific kinds of development. It may deal with a wide range of social, economic and environmental issues (such as housing, employment, design, heritage and transport) or it may focus on one or two issues only.

Click here to visit https://neighbourhoodplanning.org for further information  

More information can also be obtained by visiting the Locality website by clicking on the picture further down the page.

Next steps (as at 21st January 2021)

The preparation of a Neighbourhood Plan will need to involve the community and is expected to take a couple of years before it can reach the stage where it can be adopted by Newcastle under Lyme Borough Council.

Over the next month or so a Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group (of approx 10 people) will be formulated and its Terms of Reference will agreed by the Parish Council.  The Steering Group will represent the whole Parish and will steer the production of a Neighbourhood Plan, working with an external Consultant.  The Steering Group will consist of a mix of skills, abilities and experience.  The Steering Group’s purpose is to oversee the production of a Neighbourhood Plan in order that this will then progress to Independent Examination, and following a successful community referendum, be adopted by Newcastle under Lyme Borough Council to become planning policy.

The activities may include:

liaising with the local planning authority;
publicity, community and stakeholder engagement and consultation at various stages;
building the evidence base;
setting aims and writing the plan;
site allocations and Local Green Space designations;
pre-submission consultation (Regulation 14);
other activities

The Steering Group will have a Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary and Treasurer, who will be elected by members of the Steering Group at its first meeting. In addition, the Steering Group will need skills in all areas ranging from planning, community consultation, local issues and publicity.  Some Steering Group members will act as a link with the individual Focus Groups which may be set up to look at aspects in greater detail.

One of the first tasks will be to consider the appointment of a Neighbourhood Plan consultant.

If you are interested in joining the Steering Group please send your details to the Parish Clerk before 31st March 2021 by emailing audleyparishcouncil@hotmail.co.uk 
You will be asked to provide information on your background, what part of the community of Audley Rural Parish you represent and what skills you can bring to the Steering Group.  

We would also like to identify key local stakeholders and any potential
partners. These are local organisations, groups and individuals that have a particular interest in the area.

If you would like to join the general mailing list to keep updated or as a key local stakeholder – please contact the Parish Clerk by emailing audleyparishcouncil@hotmail.co.uk

Staffordshire County Council have just opened up nominations for this year’s Dignity In Care awards, They opened on Monday 1^st February 2021 (https://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/Care-for-all-ages/Dignityincare/home.aspx)

People across Staffordshire are being invited to nominate carers, work colleagues, young people, friends and family members for a prestigious award.

The Staffordshire Dignity in Care Awards recognises groups and individuals who care for or support the most vulnerable of us, and who treat everyone with dignity, kindness, respect and compassion. We welcome nominations from anyone who receives support and care in Staffordshire, their families, friends, or those who provide support and care to Staffordshire citizens

We want to celebrate the achievements of as many people as possible especially during the current pandemic.

Staffordshire Police is inviting residents and businesses across the county to take part in a new survey designed to help the force achieve its vision of a safer Staffordshire.

The ‘Your police. Your voice.’ survey, which launches on Friday 22 January and closes on February 8, provides the public with an opportunity to share their views on crime and policing locally.

This will enable the force to get a better understanding of the issues which matter most to local communities to ensure that services and resources are being delivered in the best way to address people’s concerns.

The survey is anonymous and takes less than 10 minutes to complete. You can complete it online at www.staffordshire.police.uk/yourpoliceyourvoice until noon on Monday 8th February 2021.

If you are unable to complete this electronically you can request a hardcopy by emailing campaigns.engagement@staffordshire.pnn.police.uk

The census is a survey that happens every 10 years and gives a picture of all the people and households in England and Wales. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) runs the census in England and Wales and the next one will happen on Sunday 21 March 2021. Leading up to March, job opportunities will be available to help carry out and support the census process in Staffordshire. Vacancies and how to apply can be found at census.gov.uk/jobs

Audley Rural Parish Council resolved in November 2020 to designate the Parish of Audley as a Neighbourhood Plan (NP) area.  Please click here to view the Audley NP Area Designation Map

What is a Neighbourhood Plan?

Neighbourhood planning was introduced in the Localism Act 2011 (click here to view). It is an important and powerful tool that gives communities statutory powers to shape how their communities develop.  A neighbourhood plan is a community led document which puts in place planning policy for a neighbourhood area to guide future development. A neighbourhood plan is about the use and development of land and may contain a vision, aims, planning policies, proposals for improving the area or providing new facilities, or allocation of key sites for specific kinds of development. It may deal with a wide range of social, economic and environmental issues (such as housing, employment, design, heritage and transport) or it may focus on one or two issues only.

Click here to visit https://neighbourhoodplanning.org for further information  

More information can also be obtained by visiting the Locality website by clicking on the picture further down the page.

Next steps (as at 21st January 2021)

The preparation of a Neighbourhood Plan will need to involve the community and is expected to take a couple of years before it can reach the stage where it can be adopted by Newcastle under Lyme Borough Council.

Over the next month or so a Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group (of approx 10 people) will be formulated and its Terms of Reference will agreed by the Parish Council.  The Steering Group will represent the whole Parish and will steer the production of a Neighbourhood Plan, working with an external Consultant.  The Steering Group will consist of a mix of skills, abilities and experience.  The Steering Group’s purpose is to oversee the production of a Neighbourhood Plan in order that this will then progress to Independent Examination, and following a successful community referendum, be adopted by Newcastle under Lyme Borough Council to become planning policy.

The activities may include:

liaising with the local planning authority;
publicity, community and stakeholder engagement and consultation at various stages;
building the evidence base;
setting aims and writing the plan;
site allocations and Local Green Space designations;
pre-submission consultation (Regulation 14);
other activities

The Steering Group will have a Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary and Treasurer, who will be elected by members of the Steering Group at its first meeting. In addition, the Steering Group will need skills in all areas ranging from planning, community consultation, local issues and publicity.  Some Steering Group members will act as a link with the individual Focus Groups which may be set up to look at aspects in greater detail.

One of the first tasks will be to consider the appointment of a Neighbourhood Plan consultant.

If you are interested in joining the Steering Group please send your details to the Parish Clerk before 31st March 2021 by emailing audleyparishcouncil@hotmail.co.uk 
You will be asked to provide information on your background, what part of the community of Audley Rural Parish you represent and what skills you can bring to the Steering Group.  

We would also like to identify key local stakeholders and any potential
partners. These are local organisations, groups and individuals that have a particular interest in the area.

If you would like to join the general mailing list to keep updated or as a key local stakeholder – please contact the Parish Clerk by emailing audleyparishcouncil@hotmail.co.uk