Parish Council Chairman’s Report
Over the past year, Thurleigh Parish Councillors have worked with residents, local groups, businesses and Bedford Borough Council to support the village. Councillors contributed over 200 volunteer hours while supporting organisations including the Village Hall, Sports Club and Community Speed Watch.
Special thanks to:
• Mandy Wilson, Parish Clerk, for her outstanding dedication.
• Andrew and Joanna Jones for caring for the War Memorial.
• Members of the Environmental Improvement Network.
• Paul Armstrong for his work as Street Champion.
Key achievements:
• The Neighbourhood Development Plan (NDP) has progressed to Regulation 16 consultation.
• Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding has supported a cricket safety netting and solar panels with battery storage for the Social Club, with other applications being processed
• Following a successful NDP drop-in event, more community engagement sessions will be held during the year.
Finance Report
The Parish Council received £65,885 in income, including £48,874 in CIL funding, and spent £16,579 on village services, maintenance, grants and the NDP review.
Key points:
• Strong reserves remain available for infrastructure projects.
• Funds continue to be earmarked for community assets, infrastructure improvements and future defibrillator replacement.
• The Council received a clean Internal Audit and will undergo an External Audit later this year.
Harvey Trust Presented by Ghislaine Wasilewska.
The Harvey Trust continues to support Thurleigh residents facing hardship, helping with winter heating costs, transport to medical appointments and support for Thurleigh Pre-School.
This year:
• 17 medical transport requests were supported.
• Winter fuel assistance was provided where needed.
• £900 was donated to Thurleigh Pre-School.
Franklyn Educational Trust Presented by Paul Armstrong.
The Trust supports education and training opportunities for Thurleigh residents.
This year:
• Six grants totalling £6,000 were awarded.
• Funding supported university students and adult learners.
• The Trust continues to welcome applications for educational and training costs.
Thanks to Trust Chairman Judith Armstrong and the trustees for their continued support.
Village Hall Committee Presented by Paul Ruben.
The Village Hall continues to host a wide range of regular activities, including church meetings, martial arts, dog training, Zumba, yoga and sewing groups.
Key updates:
• Improved booking management through a new electronic key safe.
• Applications submitted for CIL funding towards solar panels and car park improvements.
• The committee continues to seek new volunteers.
Special thanks to Pat Collyer for her many years of service as Bookings Secretary, and to all committee members for their dedication.
Playing Field Committee Presented by Chris Wiggins.
The Playing Field has seen increased use across cricket, football, junior sport and community activities.
Highlights:
• Junior cricket continues to grow, with up to 50 young people attending training.
• New kitchen facilities have been installed at the Social Club.
• Parish Council grants have funded solar panels, cricket safety netting and swing park improvements.
• Plans are underway to develop outdoor fitness facilities.
Volunteers are always welcome to join the team.
Environmental Improvement Network
The Network has inspected village footpaths and identified maintenance priorities.
Current work includes:
• Footpath and vegetation clearance.
• Assessing repairs to a damaged brook bridge.
• Ongoing monitoring of village environmental assets.
Special thanks to Steve Pell for helping maintain accessible footpaths through farmland.
Street Champion Report Presented by Paul Armstrong.
Around 12 volunteers took part in the annual village litter pick, collecting approximately 40 bags of litter from around Thurleigh.
Special thanks to:
• Peter Brough for collecting litter bags from Milton Road.
• The Village Hall for use of its car park and temporary storage facilities.
• All volunteers who helped keep Thurleigh tidy.
Thank you to everyone who volunteers their time to make Thurleigh a great place to live.