Page 30 - Parish Magazine June 2018

Edington Parish Council Report for June
roles for 2018 /19 were allocated at May’s meeting
Chairman MikeSwabey,ViceChairman LizPike,Planningliaison BobKing,Highways Emily
Greening.Footpaths ChrisJohns,PoliceLiaisonNeighbourhoodWatch,SpeedWatchandThe Pond Geoff Lupton, Website John Pollard, Westbury Area Board and CATG Mike Swabey, Newcomers Chloe Watts, Civil Emergency Plan Helen O’Donghue, News, Burial Ground and Taylor Trust Trustee Liz Pike, BA13 and Health Liaison Sandie Lewis.
Pond: Over the last year a few people have put time and effort in to improving the Edington village pond, some wild ducks appreciated it and raised a brood. We also had small and successful party on the green next to the pond to raise money for the Air Ambulance.
The old duck house has gone (it was never used by ducks, rats maybe) and a small island has been added for ducks to sit and enjoy the sunshine. A natural bank has been created on one side, with large rocks, peat, stones and some debris from the pond. This has enabled some natural plants to become established and the wildlife, frogs, newts and swimming insects seem to enjoy it. The water that fills the pond comes from the natural spring and is filtered from the land on the plain. This brings its own problems as many
o f t h e n i t r a t e s t h a t a r e u s e d o n fa r m l a n d a r e a b s o r b e d i n t o t h e w a t e r a n d c a n g i v e a cloudy/milky look to the pond. This doesn’t hurt the pond but looks odd. Over the next few months additional pond cover plants will be added to improve the natural bacteria and to reduce the cloudiness and the blanket weed that plagues all ponds. As we now have several people interested in the pond maybe we should create a maintenance work group. If you are interested email Geoff Lupton glupto1@btinternet.com
Playfield: Sadly the tractor we put in a few years ago has not proved to be robust enough to withstand the hard use and vandalism it has received. It is the Parish Council’s intention to remove it before it becomes too dangerous. We are applying for a grant to help with a replacement, this time in metal; any donations towards its cost would be most welcome.
car Parking: This is a busy time for are farmers. Their job is being made a lot harder by inconsiderate parking, making access for tractors and heavy machinery such as ploughs difficult. Please leave enough space when parking, black spots are Long Hollow and around The Green.
dog fouling: The warmer weather has resulted in an increase in dog fouling. This is the villager’s most common complaint to the council. We know most dog owners are responsible citizens It would be appreciated by all if the few that do let dogs foul ,start using the bins provided. Please remember fouling over agricultural land is also a biological hazard and should be picked up and bags taken home for disposal not just thrown away.
Best kept Village competition: Judging is during May and early June so keep up the good work. The village looks particularly attractive at the moment so thank you to all that have helped keep it looking so nice.
28 THE NEWS JUNE 2018 www.thenewseec@gmail.com