Laverstock 173

View from the Chair—Andy Birkett
Happy New Year to all in our Parish and I hope you managed
to have a restful and enjoyable Christmas and New
Year with friends and family. That is not always the case
but communities are important in providing and supporting
groups who help those who may be lonely at this time of
year. This bimonthly newsletter and the Parish Council’s website carry details
of the many groups providing opportunities to meet and enjoy social activities.
Please remember those who are vulnerable at this time of year and look out
for unexpected absences.
Despite the time of year, the developments in our communities go on at pace.
The Castle Hill Country Park and its associated play parks are developing well;
there is an update on that project in this newsletter including the memorial
woodland that was started on the 100th anniversary of the Armistice on 11
November. The Longhedge development continues to grow and we try and
ensure all new arrivals receive a welcome pack including the latest copy of our
Newsletter, but please let us know if any new arrival has been missed. The
playparks are being built and we hope to take ownership of and develop the
Community Open Space on the Northern boundary in the next few months.
There is an active Residents’ Association for Old Sarum and Longhedge. It is
an excellent way to meet some of your fellow residents and get the latest information.
However, for it to remain active, it does need support and to keep
this key group running they need volunteers to help with the chairing and administration.
More details on page 29.
Finally, two planning matters to highlight. Please read the report on our submission
to the Boundary Commission on their consultation about Wiltshire
Council Wards; and the Public Enquiry on the Old Sarum Planning Airfield Application
Appeal will have concluded with its extra days on 18th and 19th December,
after this newsletter went to print. Please visit the Parish Council’s
website for the latest news from that.
I wish you all a fruitful New Year.
Laverstock & Ford Parish Newsletter 5