Dear all,
Following on from our PCC meeting this evening there are a few items that I’m sure you would all like to know what we discussed and agreed unanimously.
Firstly, the cutting and tidying of the church grounds this weekend can go ahead as planned. I think some of you might have been worried that we would plan something different. We all really value everyone’s contribution and I’m in no doubt it’ll look really smart afterwards. The wild flowers have mostly had time to set seed and the grass is so long that accessing many of the graves is now more difficult. We will re-evaluate which areas should be kept in permanent cut and where to leave in wild flower cover for a period of time at a later date, when we are not at risk of suggesting a plan that has not been thoroughly considered.
Sadly, I must ask that the safety cordons put up around the Tennis court area be left in situ. They have been removed on several occasions which will compromise our risk assessment and insurance. Also, the police have had to be informed as it unfortunately constitutes damage to property, which I am sure was not the real intention of whoever has been doing it. We do not want to have to take this any further with the police and ask for your co-operation for a little longer.
Access to this area will not be permanently restricted, but if you could bear with us until the team that are going to manage the timber and site have had a chance to make it safe from inquisitive climbers etc. After which the notices and cordans can be removed. Their plans for this site look marvellous and I think that it will enhance our village tremendously,
However, I must point out that the gate at the back of the Tennis Court area into BarnTown’s field beyond is not a public right of way, and the Church can not create one. Therefore, we will replace the chain to secure the gate with a combination lock, the code of which can be supplied to those needing to access the area with machinery and vehicles. If you wish to enter the church grounds, we ask that you enter via the front gate, The actual footpath runs between the Village Hall and Salt Box and we ask that you stick to that.
I hope that you understand why we all need to be patient whilst some of these plans come to fruition.
Best wishes
Rowan
Church Warden