On Wednesday 12th August, members of the Diocesan Advisory Committee (D.A.C.) met representatives from St Andrew’s Church to talk about refurbishment of the parish church. Conservation of the porch, installing a toilet, creating a kitchen area, introducing a sustainable heating system and returning the monuments to their former glory were all discussed.
There are many more steps to take before any work can go ahead, but it is good to know that the D.A.C. is happy for plans to be taken forward.
Following the formal examination of the NDP completed in March 2020, the modifications recommended by the independent Examiner and accepted by Herefordshire Council have been applied to the Allensmore Neighbourhood Development Plan; the latest version of the plan is here.
Herefordshire Council published their Delegated Decision Statement on 31st March 2020 recommending the Neighbourhood Development Plan progresses to referendum.
However, regulations linked to the Coronavirus Act 2020 mean that no elections or referendums can take place until 6th May 2021. Herefordshire Council have confirmed that our referendum will take place on 6th May 2021 “unless otherwise specified by UK Government in further legislation”. Click here for Herefordshire Council’s notice. This is frustrating for communities like ours that have dedicated significant time and effort to the neighbourhood planning process and want their plans to come into force as soon as possible. With this in mind, Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government have updated current planning guidance to set out that neighbourhood plans awaiting referendums can be given significant weight in decision-making.
From next weekend (4th July) churches are on the list of premises that can open again, subject to careful assessment of the risks and with appropriate precautions in place. That would mean a limit on numbers with all present observing social distancing, and using sanitising facilities etc.
Even with all necessary precautions in place services will be seriously restricted. For instance, singing will not be possible and the taking of communion will be severely restricted. Given these restrictions and the fact that there is still the very real risk of a surge in cases that might prompt a return of shutdown, the Church Wardens have decided, in consultation with the Vicar, not to re-open St Andrews on Sunday 5th. Instead we will spend the weekend doing further work in the churchyard . This will also give the cleaning team an opportunity to organise what extra cleaning is needed inside the church.
The Church, though locked, is dry and quite warm and the Churchyard has been well looked after by our regular band of helpers on the mowing rota. A good start on clearing unwanted vegetation was also made by volunteers last Saturday.
There is still plenty to do so if you would like to come down and help please do but as we cannot share equipment, please bring your own tools, your own refreshments and wear gloves. Saturday next 4th July from 10.00am.
We will review the position week by week taking account of the latest advice and the level of virus in the community and hopefully we will be in a position to open the church later in the month.
(For those wishing to attend a service locally, there is a Benefice Service being conducted by Hillary, the vicar, at Kingstone Church next Sunday 5th at 10.30am.)
Steve and Tim
The Wardens
The Allensmore Neighbourhood Development Plan has successfully passed through the examination stage – the last stage before it’s put to a referendum.
The final examiner’s report was received on 23rd March 2020. The report is very positive and she generally suggests changes that either clarify and/or strengthen our policies. The modifications recommended by the Examiner and accepted by Herefordshire Council have been applied to the Allensmore Neighbourhood Development Plan; the latest version of the plan is here.
However, plans for the referendum are on hold during the current Coronavirus situation. Read more here.
Allensmore Community Team In Our Neighbourhood – ACTION
Do you need some help during the current situation? We are a group of Allensmore residents set up by the Parish Council volunteering to support local people where we can.
If you live in Allensmore and you are unable to get out and about, are a keyworker, or are following the Government’s self-isolating guidelines, we’ll try to help with getting shopping, posting mail, getting urgent supplies or medicines and prescriptions etc … or just be there if you want a friendly chat!
Call us on 01432 344188 or email on action@allensmore.org.uk or fill in the form below and we’ll get back to you.
Keep safe. Coronavirus is contagious. Please take every precaution.
Wash your hands regularly. Avoid physical contact (6 feet distance). Items should be left on your doorstep.
Please note: Your personal details will not be held online and will only be used by Allensmore Parish Council and their volunteers for this purpose.
The Neighbourhood Development plan has successfully completed the Regulation 16 stage. The consultation period which ran from 7th October until 18th November 2019.
Further details can be seen here.
The steering group has carefully considered the comments received and their responses can be downloaded here.
The plan now proceeds to the Examination Stage – an examiner will be appointed shortly.
This formal part of the process can be followed on the Herefordshire Council website.
The Carol Service will be held in St Andrew’s Church on 19th December at 7.30pm. The service of Christmas readings and carols will be followed by seasonal refreshments.
The ramble will start at Pateshall Hall at 12 noon on Wednesday 1st January. Everyone is invited to bring along their festive leftovers to share following the walk around Allensmore. If you are unable to join in the walk, please feel free to join us for refreshments at the hall at about 2.45pm.
Many thanks.
Kind Regards
Carol Williams
As if we ever needed it, the fatal accident of a few weeks back only serves to remind what a potentially lethal serpent of a road the A465 is as it snakes through our parish. As more properties are built in the parish, vehicle movements increase and the risks grow. Justification for this to remain a priority initiative.
Since the last update in August the team met with Ian Connolly, Herefordshire’s senior Traffic Engineer, and average speed checks have been conducted by the Police on the A465 in the vicinity of the Village Hall. The outcome of these speed checks and the latest on attempts to get signage on the A465 improved will be reported back to the Parish Council meeting on the 28th of this month.
A footpath/cycleway along the A465 is not forgotten but remains a much longer-term objective
With the support of our Local Crime Support Officer, PCSO Carol Marsh, a Crime prevention evening was held in the Village Hall. Timothy Williams from West Mercia Police “We don’t buy Crime Initiative”, spoke on protecting your property by marking it with “Smart Water”. This is something that the police are encouraging parish councils to support and again there is an item on the agenda for the PC meeting on the 28th. There was unanimous support from those present on the 19th for the principle of using Smart Water.
Paul Crompton from the Office of Rural Crime also gave a very informative and entertaining talk on how to avoid being taken in by “cold callers” to the door or over the phone. Lots of tips on internet security were also given; improving password protection etc. All in an effort to stop the bad guys getting your money.
Just 15 residents attended the event so, given the importance of the subject and the vulnerability of, particularly the elderly and those in the parish who live alone, it may well be worth repeating the event.
There will be another Litter Pick Day around the parish in the Spring. Date to be advised. If you are interested in improving our natural environment in other ways please contact Brigitte Ratcliffe.
The Parochial Church Council have set up a Re-ordering Project team. The Team; Nick Chapman, Janet Smith, Charles Watkinson, Brigitte Ratcliffe and Tim Hancox are looking at the options for: Renovating the Church Porch and providing a toilet, basic catering facilities and improving lighting and heating.
The team have already visited other churches in the Diocese that have completed similar projects and if you come along to the St Andrew’s Day celebratory event from 2pm to 4pm in the church next Saturday 30th November you should learn more about the progress being made. Next Saturday will also be your first opportunity to get your hands on the St Andrew’s 2020 Calendar.
Yvonne Chapman and others, continue to investigate aspects of local history and two very enjoyable and informative evenings have been held in the Village Hall in the last year. Any information, photos, postcards, etc, that might shed light on Allensmore’s past or provide material for future research, please talk to Yvonne.
Tim Hancox (24/11/2019)
ST ANDREW’S CHURCH CALENDAR LAUNCH
On Saturday (30th November), St Andrew’s Day, the Allensmore calendar will be launched at 2.00pm in St Andrew’s Church. The local bellringers will be attempting a quarter peal as well as offering anyone a try at bellringing. A treasure hunt has been organised around the church and refreshments will be served. The calendar of various aspects of Allensmore will be available to buy at £8.00.
CHRISTMAS DINNER
Christmas Dinner will be served at Pateshall Hall, Allensmore on Sunday 8th December. For £15 adults will be served a traditional turkey dinner (or vegetarian alternative), primary school children pay £7.50. Desserts are also included as well as afternoon entertainment and to finish will be coffee and mince pies. Places can be reserved by contacting Carol Williams on 01981 570568 or at churchangel@icloud.com
CAROL SERVICE
Allensmore Carol Service will take place on Thursday 19th December at 7.30pm at St Andrew’s Church. Seasonal refreshments will follow the service.
Many thanks.
Kind Regards
Carol Williams
Following the approval of the draft Neighbourhood Development Plan by the Allensmore Parish Council at their last meeting on 19th September, the plan has now been submitted to Herefordshire Council for the final (Regulation 16) Consultation, examination and (eventual) referendum..Thank you to everyone who has helped and contributed during the lengthy process to get to this stage!
We have received the following acknowledgement back from Herefordshire Council:
Allensmore Parish Council have submitted their Regulation 16 Neighbourhood Development Plan (NDP) to Herefordshire Council for consultation.
The plan, along with accompanying documents can be viewed at:
https://www.herefordshire.gov.uk/directory_record/5458/allensmore_neighbourhood_development_plan
Once adopted, this NDP will become a Statutory Development Plan Document the same as the Core Strategy.
The consultation runs from 7 October 2019 to 18 November 2019.
Nick Chapman
Chair Allensmore NDP Steering Group
