The CRA are looking for a new secretary to join the committee in February 2016.

This follows the recent departure from the village of the Collins family, and we would like to wish Jenni and her family all the best and thank her for her hard work over the last 3 and a half years as secretary.

Nominations are welcomed before and during our next meeting on Tuesday 16th February 2016, where we hope to elect someone to the position. Duties will include reporting minutes and other administrative tasks for our 3 meetings each year, plus contributing to updates on the village website and social media feeds.

As well as looking for a new secretary, we would also welcome volunteers coming forward to join our events team. With the Christmas Cheer event only four weeks away we would like to hear from anyone that would be willing to help with the planning of the event and/or preparations on the day.

​Please contact us here for more details.

​Curridge Playground was established as far back as 1954.  Since its inception, the Curridge Playground charity has had a clearly defined objective, which is “in the interests of social welfare, to improve the conditions of life for the inhabitants of the area of benefit without distinction of political, religious or other opinions by the provision and maintenance of a recreation ground”.

During the last year, the Trustees of Curridge Playground have been developing a plan to bring the Playground into more regular use and, thereby, for the community to see it as somewhere for them and their families to visit and enjoy.  The plan has a number of phases, the first of which is a proposed extension and enhancement of the central grassed area to encourage a wider range of the community, including children from Curridge School, to use and enjoy it for recreational purposes.

Snapshot…of the Parish Council meeting on 13th October 2015 
 
Planning Applications
Nine planning applications were tabled for consideration including of note:

• One for the proposed part conversion of garage and two storey extension to link with existing workshop space with home office and storage.
• One for a proposed vocational skills building.
• One for the demolition of bungalow and garage and construction of replacement dwelling.
• One for a section 73 variation of condition (1) Duration of development of planning permission.
• One for the proposed side and rear extensions with alterations to raise the roof to accommodate loft conversion with front and rear dormers.
• One for a S73 variation of condition 4 temporary permission (extraction period) of approved application10/01234/MINMAJ – Eastern extension of mineral workings.
• One for the demolition of existing dilapidated and disused warehouse unit and construction of a new warehouse of 6000 sq ft with ancillary office of 2000 sq ft over two floors.

Further information about Planning Applications can be found on the Planning Advice section of the West Berkshire Council website.
           
Village Agents 
Gill Comley, Village Agent Project Coordinator and Mary Leslie Smith (Chieveley & Curridge Village Agent) attended the meeting to present the services and role of village agents and how they support people to stay in their homes and within their communities for as long as possible.  A monthly drop in session is being planned at the Downland Surgery by the Village Agent and information about Village Agents will be in the Parish Magazine and on the www.mychieveley.co.uk  website.
 
Housing Site Allocations Development Plan Document (HSA DPD). To receive an update on the publication of the West Berkshire council second draft HSA DPD for consultation.
The revised draft will be considered by West Berkshire Council on 5 November 2015.  If approved a second consultation will commence.
M4, Junction 13 Pedestrian and Cyclist Safety using Designated Route around Roundabout                  Pedestrian and cyclists have found it dangerous to negotiate the roundabout safely and reported it to Highways England.  A pedestrian crossing unit was found to be faulty and replaced   Invitation to cross the slip roads gives a 5 second window to do so.
Arlington Road Junction Vegetation and Curridge Road Damaged Railings
Reported vegetation has been cleared at Arlington Road and West Berkshire Council Highways have been asked to give an update on progress to repair the damaged railings in Curridge Road near Sandy Lane.
 
Dog Mess
Complaints about the amount of dog mess on surrounding countryside rights of way, particularly Bardown area, have been received.  Please can dog owners be good enough to clear up after your dog.  The Dog Warden has been asked to visit Chieveley. If the Dog Warden sees a dog fouling on a public right of way a penalty notice may be issued
 
Superfast Broadband Update
P12 Cabinet Hermitage Exchange has been updated and details of the postcodes that have been affected now available on the village website.  This may affect some properties in Curridge.
           
Spotlight…
Have you considered seeking co-option as a Local Chieveley Ward Parish Councillor
The Parish Council is anxious to progress co-options to fill the two Chieveley Ward vacancies still available. Serving as a Councillor on behalf of your Parish can be both rewarding and give a sense of achievement. In particular the Parish Council seeks expertise in social media.
FAQ…of the month…. Question – When does the Parish Council Meet?
Answer - The Parish Council meets on the 2nd Tuesday of every month with the exception of August.
 
Next Meeting... Date of the next meeting
Next Parish Council meeting on 10 November 2015 at Curridge W I Hall, Curridge, Berkshire RG18 9DZ starting at 7.30pm