2020 2021
Mathern Community Council Chairman’s report for 2020 to 2021
The past year has again been one that is somewhat unique to all of us with further lockdowns and restrictions on our everyday lives. Due to the hard work and diligence of the NHS and scientists however we are hopefully seeing the end of such restrictions and a return to the new norm, whatever that may be.
I must recognise and thank all those individuals within our villages that have selflessly supported those more vulnerable in our community by devoting time and effort to ensure people are well and have regular supplies of food, shopping and medicines. This is probably the biggest positive to come from this terrible pandemic, that we all focus on those round us and close to us whilst valuing the roles that people play in supporting our regular lives. Hopefully, this will not dissipate when we return to regular life.
We are extremely fortunate to live in such a special community in that respect, with active community groups for all ages and interests, our churches, our Village Hall and Athletic Club and our pub. All valuable groups and places for people to meet and relax. I know everyone is keen for these parts of our lives to come back online and flourish without restrictions.
I think the one thing that the Coronavirus issue has taught us all is the value of our community.
From the Community Council’s perspective our key focus over the year has been supporting the community and protecting its interests in line with your views.
The number of planning applications over that past year has not really abated and we have commented as consultees into all these applications.
The Consultation continues for the Replacement Local Development Plan for which we have provided input to protect our green belt and green wedge areas between our respective villages and towns. This review continues and the next stages will be to focus on actual sites for development, based upon the overall development strategy.
We have made representations to the Boundary Commission Review that has been running for some period now. The remit of the review is to consider the electoral and administrative boundaries so affects the area that this Council would be responsible for. We pressed that there should be no changes to our area but this has not been accepted and areas on our western boundary covering the edge of Crick, Leachpool and Hayes Gate will now be removed from our area.
We continue to purse Welsh Water to find a resolution to the sewer overflow issue in Mounton brook between Mounton and Pwllmeyric.
The heavy rains prior to Christmas demonstrated that the drainage infrastructure in our villages was compromised due to the lack of maintenance by Monmouthshire County Council and some private landowners. We had been identifying problems during the summer months that did not get addressed and we continue to chase all parties up to ensure the infrastructure is fully operational. Notices are now in place to ensure landowners resolve the issues on their land and all road gullies have now been cleared and lines jetted. This will be an ongoing challenge that we will need to maintain a focus on.
We have now installed the large flat screen tv in the Village Hall which can be used for presentations in the small meeting room. We have also continued to support village initiatives through grants including supporting Villages in Bloom.
We continue to pursue traffic speed reduction measures for Mathern and have an agreed strategy with Monmouthshire County Council to collect data to inform the design of mitigation measures.
I would like to thank Martin McHugh who stood down as a Councillor this year due to work commitments. Martin dedicated a great deal of time and proactively supported the work of the Community Council for which I am most grateful. I am pleased to welcome Gareth Page as Councillor for Pwllmeyric who replaced Martin. Gareth is well qualified to represent the community and offers valuable experience to the Council.
This year we have had several procedural and policy changes and reviews which have taken up a great deal of time behind the scenes. I must thank Carolyn Ovenden, vice Chair, for her help and support in this respect. I must also thank our Clerk, Jane Kelley for her support and guidance, keeping abreast of legal and procedural changes that are taking place. Such exercises place a disproportional burden on a Council of our size due to our limited resources.
Financially, we set our annual budget and have managed our affairs within the parameters set.
I would like to thank Chris and Carol Wheeler for meticulously caring for the War Memorial in Mathern. The War Memorial has looked superb this year as always, providing a valuable community focus.
On behalf of all Councillors and myself, I must thank our Clerk, Jane Kelley, for her solid support and guidance throughout the year. Jane’s support has been invaluable, particularly during the Coronavirus lockdown period when we have not been able to meet face to face hence Jane set up virtual meetings.
I would also personally like to thank Councillor Carolyn Ovenden, Vice Chair, for her support to me throughout the year and offering guidance from her past tenure as Chair.
I thank all Councillors for your support during the year and look forward to working with you for this and next year when hopefully our regular meetings can recommence.