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It is 4 years since Local Government Reorganisation and Highcliffe & Walkford Parish Council came into existence. In no particular order the following are the principal achievements and activities of the Parish Council over that time.
With Parish Council elections due in May this year, the Council's Chairman, Bob Hutchings, challenges readers to think ahead to the future needs of the parish. What more would you like to see on the agenda? Do you think you'd like to contribute by joining the Council?
| 1 | Starting from scratch set up policies and procedures to ensure good governance of the Council |
| 2 | Financed and erected new fencing along section of the A337 |
| 3 | Researched, developed and completed a Neighbourhood Plan to obtain 86% support from voters in a referendum. |
| 4 | Refurbished public seats and sited them in Lakewood, Highcliffe Castle, High Street & Walkford Road Allotments |
| 5 | Drew up proposals for the High Street improvements. |
| 6 | Commissioned the resurfacing and extension of the car park at Nea Meadows |
| 7 | Engaged with BCP to improve the condition of bus shelters in the parish |
| 8 | Carried through the £200k refurbishment of Wingfield Pavilion |
| 9 | Employed a gardener/handyman to help maintain public green spaces etc |
| 10 | Sought to purchase additional land for recreation purposes |
| 11 | Managed the Roeshott Hill and Walkford Road allotments at no cost to taxpayers and without raising allotment rents |
| 12 | Designed and commissioned the making of a silver chain and medallion for the Chairman. |
| 13 | Registered various 'Assets of Community Value' with BCP |
| 14 | Encouraged the formation of volunteer groups to help with the maintenance of parish footpaths |
| 15 | Gave financial support for the installation of security lighting at Highcliffe Castle |
| 16 | Established and furnished a parish office within the Old School House |
| 17 | Celebrated the Platinum Jubilee of The Queen by planting seven trees in the grounds of Highcliffe Castle |
| 18 | Purchased Christmas trees to decorate the High Street |
| 19 | Provided financial and other support for Highcliffe Residents' Association, St Mark's Church and the Methodist Church to enable them to provide support for residents suffering from the cost of living crisis in 2022 |
| 20 | Assisted St Mark's Church to extend the usable space in the Churchyard |
| 21 | Co-operated with HAT as they sought to initiate 'town twinning'. |
| 22 | Carried out a comprehensive study of all parish footpaths and pavements; Discussed with BCP necessary remedial works. |
| 23 | Took appropriate actions to mark the death of Her Majesty The Queen. |
| 24 | Provided financial support for the erection of a public clock in the High Street |
| 25 | Continuously brought pressure on BCP to honour the arrangement to transfer to the Parish Council the ownership of 4 play areas in the parish. |
| 26 | Similarly argued for the transfer to the Parish Council of the Highcliffe Recreation Ground. |
| 27 | Brought pressure on BCP to provide urgent repairs to cliff top paths |
| 28 | Assisted Men's Sheds to do voluntary work through the provision of DIY equipment. |
| 29 | Supported the Friends of Lakewood by the provision of plants and other financial assistance. |
| 30 | Held discussions with Merrick Estates and Hoburne Developments to secure better maintenance of footpaths within their ownership. |
| 31 | Considered every planning application submitted to BCP raising objections where necessary |
| 32 | Appointed an Assistant Clerk principally to manage the allotments and bring 'in house' the annual billing of 359 plot holders |
| 33 | Financially supported Highcliffe in Bloom in its endeavours to improve the village flower displays etc |
| 34 | Provided new seating for Mudeford Wood Community Centre |
| 35 | Collaborated closely with Highcliffe Residents Association in their efforts to upgrade the Old School House. In particular provided 100 new chairs and display boards. |
| 36 | Provided new portable goalposts at Wingfield Recreation Ground. |
| 37 | Gave assistance for new equipment at Highcliffe Bowls Club |
| 38 | Regularly supported Highcliffe Food & Arts Festival |
| 39 | Co-opted a total of 6 Parish Councillors to maintain a full complement |
| 40 | Assisted Highcliffe Castle in the replacement of its Union Flag |
| 41 | Provided toilet facilities for disabled persons at Roeshott Hill allotments |
| 42 | Resurfaced the Wingfield Recreation Ground car park |
| 43 | Assisted HRA with the provision of central heating in the Old School House |
| 44 | Worked with local residents to secure improvements in parking restriction proposals of BCP |
| 45 | Investigated the causes of, and means of reducing, carbon footprint |
| 46 | Co-operated with BCP and Friars Cliff Residents Association in the provision of a Local Heritage List for the parish |
| 47 | Investigated the desirability/necessity for De-silting Nea Meadows lake |
| 48 | Provided various new notice boards in the village |
| 49 | Invested in cctv cameras at Wingfield pavilion |
| 50 | Prepared and monitored a 4 year corporate plan |
If you think you' like to take up the challenge and help please contact either the Clerk of the Council (trish.jamieson@highcliffwalkford-pc.gov.uk) or the Chairman (bob.hutchings@highcliffewalkford-pc.gov.uk)