Newsletter

COMMUNITY SPIRIT & VOLUNTARY EFFORT ALIVE AND WELL
Prestbury has won the Community Pride Competition (Best Kept Village Award) for 2007, making it one of the few villages to win the award two years in succession. We extend our thanks to Councillor Jimmy Jackson, to members of the Amenity Society and especially to Anthony Pope and Rob Nuttall and the other volunteers who worked so hard to keep the village looking its best. Your stalwart efforts enable us, the residents of Prestbury, to enjoy a village environment that is attractive, colourful and uplifting. The Parish Council extends its thanks to all those who helped Prestbury achieve the award.

SID (SPEED INDICATOR DEVICE)

The Parish Council has acquired a SID to alert motorists to the speed of their vehicles when they enter the village. Its aim is to encourage vehicles to slow down and drive with more care. The SID equipment has to be manned whilst in use and is entirely dependent on the good will of volunteers. Its success depends upon the support of local residents to volunteer to help with the scheme. Our thanks go to Duncan Broomhead for working so hard to get the scheme off the ground; he does however need more volunteers to make the scheme effective in reducing traffic speed so if you would be willing to help or would like more information with a view to taking part then please contact the Parish Clerk on 01625 260362 or e-mail: parish.clerk@ntlworld.com


PRESTBURY PARISH PATHS MAP
The Parish Council, with support from Cheshire County Council Rights of Way Unit, is committed to the production of a high quality Parish Paths Map. This would be printed in colour and would be similar to those currently available in adjoining parishes including Bollington, Adlington, the Alderleys and elsewhere in the region. Prior to the commencement of the project, Parish Councillors would welcome discussion with, or advice from, parishioners with experience in the field of computer graphics and perhaps familiarity with Adobe Illustrator software, or similar. If anyone can help we would be grateful if you would contact the Clerk to the Council on 01625 260362 or e-mail: parish.clerk@ntlworld.com

WALKING BUS SIGN AND SCHEME
With the clocks going back and the winter days getting shorter, pedestrians require more consideration from drivers and residents when walking along the narrow pavements in and nearby the village. To help improve the safety of children and families walking to school the Parish Council has erected a new Walking Bus sign on the crossing on Castle Hill. Crossing the road on this stretch of road - and in other parts of the village - in poor weather can be hazardous so please do your bit to help – cut back the overhanging branches of shrubs and trees that force pedestrians on to the roads and drive with care. The Walk to School campaign has become a feature of school life in the village and is to be encouraged as a healthy option for children going to school. Please do your bit to support this endeavour.


POLICE REPORT
PC Dale Hawtin, our local policeman, has reported that high quality flag stones have been lifted from some drives in the area. If anyone has noticed any suspicious activity, please contact Macclesfield Police Station on 08454 580000.
Dale will also be conducting a Drink and Drive Campaign in the area during the run up to Christmas.

PRESTBURY DIRECTORY FOR 2008
The Parish Council will be updating the Prestbury Community Directory for 2008. The Directory is designed to promote local traders and those who run businesses within the Parish, at no cost to themselves. In addition it aims to give clear information to residents as to how to access essential services, local facilities, clubs and organisations in the Parish. If you would like to have your details entered in the Directory for 2008, please contact the Clerk to the Council on 01625 230652 or e-mail: parish.clerk@ntlworld.com

CONGESTION AT BUILDING SITES
House rebuilding sites that prevent neighbouring residents from accessing their driveways are a source of frustration to local residents. Congestion caused by heavy plant vehicles and site traffic blocking the thoroughfare and neighbouring properties and creating a safety hazard, can, if occurring frequently and extensively, be addressed by the local police force, if all attempts at informal negotiation have failed to produce a successful outcome. The police suggest the best approach is for residents to act collectively as a group when confronted with the problem of blocked access and for one member of the group to contact Macclesfield Police Station on 08454 580000.


DOG FOULING
Dog fouling is an anti-social health hazard that presents obvious dangers to children and adults alike. It is an ongoing problem in the village with specific areas of concern at present focusing on New Road, Castle Hill and Castlegate. Dog fouling is an offence liable to a £1,000 fine. Please
be considerate to others when walking your dog and dispose of mess appropriately.

PLAN FOR PRESTBURY
The Plan for Prestbury, initiated by the Parish Council, is proving energetic in publicising its consultation with residents – organising a town crier to help highlight the consultation and delivering questionnaires to all homes in the Parish. Completed questionnaires are now being returned and analysed and their results will take forward the responses of Prestbury residents. To this end there will be a Volunteers Day at Bollin Grove School on 19th January 2008, running from 10.00am until 12.00 noon. All are welcome and if you would like to be involved and have not already completed a volunteers card with your questionnaire, please contact the Chairman of the Plan for Prestbury, Carol Hamilton, telephone, 828327.

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS
The Christmas lights in the village will be switched on 9th December. The Parish Council wishes all residents a merry Christmas and happy New Year.



HAVE A VERY HAPPY CHRISTMAS AND A PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR