Annual Report 2023/2024
2nd of May, 2024
A year as Chair
I was honoured to be elected as Chair of Astley Village Parish Council at the council meeting which took place on Wednesday 10th May 2023. I have enjoyed this role and I have developed my experience of chairing meetings, as well as attending the Chorley Liaison meetings and developing more knowledge of Parish Council activities and how we can make a real difference to the local community.
Astley Village Garden of Reflection
The garden of reflection project was finished, with the installation of two new trees, which commemorated the platinum jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II and the coronation of King Charles III. In addition, three benches were installed to commemorate the golden and diamond jubilees of Queen Elizabeth II and her life. There are also plaques commemorating these events too.
In the lead up to Armistice Day, the “unknown Tommy” statue was also installed.
New Play Area
A brand-new play area at the West Way Sports Hub was opened by Chorley and Parish Councillors and pupils from Buckshaw Primary School. The play area was joint funded by Chorley Borough Council and Astley Village Parish Council.
The new addition sees brand-new state of the art equipment for children aged 1 to 12 years, including a base climb unit inspired by the athletic disciplines of parkour, free running, and Ninja Warrior style challenges.
The play area has proved a popular addition to the West Way Sports Hub area.
West Way Nature Reserve
Following the installation of the path which leads to West Way Nature Reserve, we are liaising with Chorley Council in order to install some new signage and we hope to progress this over the coming months.
Improvements to the footpath from Buckshaw Primary School to Clough Acre
The Parish Council contributed to improvements to the footpath from Buckshaw Primary School to Clough Acre
Dangerous Parking in Astley Village
The Police attended the November Parish Council Meeting and agreed to explore with Lancashire County Council the introduction of Traffic Regulation Orders at the junctions of Studfold, Buckshaw Hall Close, Hallgate and Long Croft Meadow in view of the dangerous parking taking place.
Chorley Flower Show
Once again, the Parish Council had a stall at the popular, annual Chorley Flower Show event, which took place from 28 – 30 July 2023. Information was available regarding our Village and the plans we have for future improvements. Councillors were also available for a face-to-face chat throughout the weekend to answer queries from residents and other visitors.
Remembrance Sunday/Poppies in the Parish
Parish Councillors attended Chorley’s Remembrance Sunday service on Sunday 12 November 2023. As Chair, I was honoured to lay a wreath on behalf of the Parish Council. Where possible, poppies were also attached to street signs throughout the village in the week before Armistice Day.
Monthly Litter Picks
Our monthly litter picks have attracted more volunteers over recent months and it’s great to see so many people wanting to help keep our village clean and tidy.
We meet on the first Saturday of each month at the Community Centre at 10am and we split into groups so we can cover as much of the village as possible. Equipment such as litter pickers, gloves and bin bags are provided.
Christmas 2023
The Parish Council held its annual Christmas carol singing event on Friday 8th December, accompanied by members of the guitar group, ‘Three Guitars’, featuring our very own Cllrs’ John McAndrew and Keith Ashton. Refreshments were served in the community centre afterwards.
Parish Council Grant Scheme
The Parish Council can offer grants to local organised groups for local projects. The grants available are in the hundreds, not thousands of pounds but can make a real difference. At the Parish Council Meeting on 3 January 2024, it was agreed to make a grant of:
- £500 be made to Chorley and South Ribble Shopmobility to purchase two manual wheelchairs
- £99 be made to Astley and Buckshaw Junior Football Club to sponsor one place for a young resident living in the Village to attend the training day with Real Madrid CF. The event is to run on the 26 July 2024.
No Increase to Parish Precept for the Fifth Year Running
The Parish Council at its meeting on 3 January 2024 agreed to set a Precept for 2024/25 of £24,266. This means that the amount paid by residents will not have increased for the last five years and for a Band D property will remain at £22 per year.