Break ins / We don’t Buy Crime / SmartWater
A number of thefts have been reported recently. West Mercia Police is offering a match-funded grant to supply SmartWater. Are you interested in this?
SmartWater is made up of 85% Water, 10% polymers plus a unique mix of rare earth metal traces which make every bottle unique. SmartWater is invisible in daylight but fluoresces under UV light
SmartWater cannot be removed. Why protect your items with SmartWater? If your items were stolen, the police could trace them back to you.
The Parish Council can raise the money for this scheme if sufficient residents support it.
The Police and Crime Commissioner says “A minimum of 80% of an area must be purchased (there is no upper limit) and a minimum of 70% of the area must be registered with Smartwater to assure the saturation rate evidenced to prevent and reduce burglary.”
Please tell the Clerk (see below) if you are interested. In the meantime do make sure all your properties including outhouses, buildings, and sheds are adequately locked.
What is the Parish Council doing?
To find out, sign up on the website! https://www.wigmoregrouppc.co.uk News items are emailed direct to your inbox.
Councillors
Two Councillors have been co-opted to the Parish Council following recent resignations: Cllr Leslie Knight for Wigmore and Cllr John Williams for Leinthall Starkes. Notice of a further Wigmore vacancy has been published, and applications for co-option will be invited in due course. There is a longstanding vacancy for Leinthall Starkes: if you would be willing to represent this parish please contact the Clerk.
Potholes
The Parish Council continues to report problems on the Herefordshire Council website and encourages members of the public to do likewise. https://www.herefordshire.gov.uk/report-problem or use the app on your phone – https://www.herefordshire.gov.uk/reportingapp
You can also telephone 01432 261 800.
Bury Lane Community and Playing Field in Wigmore
Establishing a wildflower meadow is being considered. The swing and zipwire have been repaired.
Traffic concerns
Speeding traffic on the Wigmore to Ludlow road (C1019) continues to be a problem. Temporary road signage is being looked into.
Dog fouling
Dog fouling continues to be a concern in Wigmore. New signs have been erected near the church reminding dog owners of their legal responsibilities.
Toilets and Car Park at the Village Hall
At the request of the Trustees of the Village Hall, a new arrangement has been set up. WGPC is no longer legally obliged to contribute funds towards the upkeep of the lavatories and car park, which are owned entirely by the Village Hall and are not maintainable at public expense. However, the Parish Council has offered to give the Hall a grant if help with funding is required. It has agreed a figure of up to £3,000 in this financial year. This £3,000 is raised from residents’ council tax (the precept), and the Parish Council has a responsibility to administer such public monies with due diligence and care. An application was received from the Trustees, but it has now been withdrawn. It is hoped the Trustees will re-apply if financial support is needed.
Residents’ concerns
The Parish Council welcomes input from residents – if you have questions or concerns, please contact the Clerk, Mrs Maggie Brown, clerk@wigmoregrouppc.co.uk 07398 222 310.