This financial year 2017-2018 has been another difficult year where finances have had to be carefully monitored, however with the overall global outlook improving the financial situation should become more manageable in the financial year 2018-2019.

The Parish Council were pleased to be able to purchase a defibrillator for the local community and our thanks to Excelsior Hair Stylists and the owner of the property for allowing the defibrillator to be located on their premises in Cow Lane.

Both allotment sites are fully occupied with a waiting list of clients, the flooding at the top of Brier Lane allotments has been resolved by drainage work and all allotments are working well.  This year we have introduced a Best Kept Allotment competition for both allotment site with allotments being judged during August.

The Parish Council have continued to give support to Rycroft Leisure, Havercroft and Ryhill Community Learning Centre and the Library but it may be necessary next year to look at the relocation of funding due to the fact that Wakefield Council have ceased completely with funding for the Community Learning Centre.

The Community Learning Centre is the hub for the local community for the provision of Library facilities including free computer access, the Job Club which gives residents the opportunity to find work, the Luncheon Club which provides residents to meet and enjoy meal and a game of Bingo and it would be unfortunate to say the least if these services could not be provided.

All the Business Units are now let and working well.

The Christmas tree and Features provided a good display over the festive season but the Parish Council are looking at alternatives because of the increased cost of supply and erection by the District Council.

The Parish Council gave financial support to the Family Fun Day held last August which was a success and very well attended.

During the year sadly Dennis Williamson a long standing Parish Councillor passed away and Christina Flynn resigned, their places have been taken by the co-option of Paul Stockhill and Mrs Michelle Massey.

The Parish Council is frustrated at the lack of progress in cleaning the reeds from the pond as Wakefield Biodiversity group are having difficulty obtaining consent from the Environmental Agency.

On a more positive note my two Ward colleagues and my-self are in the process of securing capital funding working with Wakefield Council, Fields in Trust and the Parish Council to create a WW1 Memorial on Havercroft Green, provision of fencing and WW1 seats.

The Parish Council continues to serve the local community and I would like to thank Parish Councillors and the Clerk for their support and commitment to ensure that the Parish Council runs efficiently and effectively.

 

Albert Manifield

Chairman of Havercrof-with-Cold Hiendley Parish Council.