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Dear All

Following on from Tim’s post about the snow plough idea, the Community Council would just like to clarify that the idea was only turned down after lengthy debate on the grounds that: 1) Crystal Rig had indicated in writing that it would not support it as it was work ‘the Council should do’. 2) There were widely held concerns about issues of liability, health and safety etc; 3) It was felt that as the problem was sporadic and relatively infrequent, community funding of the levels needed would be best spent elsewhere.

That said, everyone agreed that the problem was something that should be addressed, so it was felt that – as Tim explained – we would do the following: 1) Scope out the extent of the problem; 2) Work out what cost-effective equipment is needed (eg. grit bins, shovels, etc); 3) Get together a group of volunteers to help dig out those in need when the
time comes; 4) Work to ensure that the Council upholds its statutory duties so that main roads (and as many side roads as possible) are kept clear.

Rufus has said that he is happy to move this forward, but would like help (Indeed, if anyone would like to take on the co-ordination of a group to tackle this, that would be great). Anyone who is interested in lending a hand both in terms of collecting information and/or wielding a shovel please use the contact form below.

Cheers

The Community Council

Sad to report that the GMCC has rejected the idea of community snow plough(s). In its place its best and only offer is an attempt to set up a core of reliable volunteers to dig out citizens who can’t easily (or at all) help themselves. As that solution is much cheaper I hope it works. However, should it prove not to be the solution then money should not be an issue as Crystal Rigg grants are only for activities that local authorities do not provide, which is exactly the target this proposal aims at.

In the meantime I will try to find out how other small communities manage to deal successfully with problems such as insurance, public safety, maintenance, priorities and operators.

Thanks to all those who volunteered themselves or provided support.

Tim Flinn.

Here is the Agenda for the Garvald and Morham Community Council’s meeting tonight, (7pm, Monday the 8th April) at Morham Village Hall. All are welcome to attend.

1. Attendance and Apologies
2. Minutes of Last Meeting
3. Matters Arising from Minutes
4. Councillors’ Report
5. Update from Kirstie Shearer, Council Liaison Rep
6. Update from Ian Smith, Broadband Rep
7. Update from Phillip White, Funding Rep
8. Update from Ian Middlemas, Funding Rep
9. Local Planning Applications
10. Garvald and Morham Updates
11. Garvald snow plough
12. Garvald Woodland Project
13. A.O.C.B