Parish Council Discusses Traffic, Village Hall Concerns and Parish Plan Survey Results
The latest meeting of Geddington, Newton & Little Oakley Parish Council took place on Monday 13 April, with discussions covering traffic concerns, the future Parish Plan, environmental issues and the use of Geddington Village Hall.
Traffic and Parking Remain Top Concerns
Councillors heard that a lorry had recently become stuck in Queen Street near Café Oak, highlighting ongoing access difficulties in the area. North Northamptonshire Councillor Brendon Lovell-Moore said he would raise the issue with North Northamptonshire Council, noting that even refuse vehicles sometimes struggle to pass through the narrow section.
Traffic and parking issues also featured prominently in the results of the Parish Plan survey. Around 100 residents completed the survey, with Queen Street parking and access emerging as the single biggest concern. Other issues frequently raised included traffic speeds, dangerous junctions, maintenance standards around the village and the lack of a village shop.
Residents in Little Oakley highlighted flooding, potholes, road conditions, road markings, fly-tipping and requests for a 20mph speed limit as key concerns.
The Parish Council plans to hold a dedicated meeting to consider the survey findings and explore ways residents can become involved in working groups to help move projects forward.
Concerns Raised Over Village Hall Nursery Plans
Councillors discussed recent information regarding the Village Hall’s agreement to allow a private nursery to operate from both rooms of the Village Hall during weekdays. Concerns were expressed about the impact on existing users, particularly the playgroup, and the way the proposal had been introduced.
The Parish Council agreed to write to the Chair of the Village Hall Committee outlining its concerns and inviting him to attend the next Parish Council meeting.
New Cycle Rack Installed
Councillors welcomed the completion of the new cycle rack project, funded through a community grant. Members commented positively on both the finished installation and the process that led to its delivery.
Housing Development Concerns
Councillors considered the reserved matters application for the proposed housing development on land at The Old Nursery, Grafton Road. While not objecting to the scheme, members raised concerns about the amount of parking provision and the potential loss of trees. They agreed to ask that tree removal be kept to an absolute minimum.
River and Sewage Issues
Environmental matters were also discussed, including water quality and sewage discharges into the River Ise. Councillors heard that Anglian Water has been approached to send a representative to a future meeting. Concerns were expressed that incidents may not always reflect the level of public use of the river, particularly by children near the bridge and ford.
The council also approved a budget of up to £300 to investigate improved signage near the ford.
Stonepit Leases Progressing
An update was provided on the long-awaited Stonepit land leases. The documents have now been issued and are awaiting signatures from trustees of both the Geddington Volunteer Fire Brigade and the Youth Club before being completed.
Other Matters
Other issues discussed included:
- Further potholes reported in Little Oakley.
- Concerns about the condition of Clay Dick following reports that the ground has become heavily churned up.
- Reports of scramble bikes and dirt bikes using The Chase.
- Investigation into ownership of land near the Village Hall car park and Café Oak.
- Approval to purchase replacement defibrillator pads for the Queen Street telephone kiosk.
- A request to explore the possibility of 20mph signs near the school.
The full minutes are available on the Parish Council download page.