Newsletter March 2021

Well what gloomy months January and February can be! Cold and wet, and this year locked down as well.

However the evenings are getting lighter, a precursor to March heralding the arrival of better weather, and with vaccinations getting into full swing, things will look much brighter shortly.

The Parish Council have spent the last few weeks deliberating its budget for next year, not an easy task. As I reported last month, our audit report flagged up financial issues, which have led us to employ a financial officer to oversee its control. However, after many hours she and the finance chair produced a balanced budget, which was accepted by full council, so many thanks to them. The rise will be higher than we hoped, but Evercreech Parish will still have amongst the cheapest precept in the Mendip area, and will continue to provide the services residents expect.

Our monthly safety report on the play areas highlighted serious faults in the skate park at Weston town which led to us having to close it, and fence it off. At time of writing we are awaiting quotes for repair, and I will keep you updated.

The hedge between Queens Road playing fields and Shapway estate has been under scrutiny since the cricket club are no longer maintaining part of it. After speaking to several residents and receiving a report from our tree surgeon, we shall be considering what action, if any, to take. We will keep residents informed before anything happens.

Finally a reminder that we still have a vacancy for a councillor. If you are interested in village life, and want to support the community, please contact the clerk, clerk@evercreech-pc.gov.uk for an application form, or to find out more about the position, contact myself at rob.reed@evercreech-pc.gov.uk

Rob Reed Chair – Evercreech Parish Council