Nominations for Assets of Community Value
/in News /by ClerkGreat Addington Parish Council has recently nominated The Memorial Hall and The Addingtons’ Playing Field as Assets of Community Value.
What are Assets of Community Value?
In neighbourhoods across the country, there are buildings and amenities that are important to the communities that use them. This could include a village shop, a post office, a pub, a community centre, a recreation ground or a library.
The closure or sale of these places can create lasting damage to communities. Under the Localism Act, voluntary and community organisations can nominate an asset to be included on a list of ‘Assets of Community Value’.
If the asset comes up for sale, parish councils or community groups with a local connection will then be given a fair chance to make a bid to buy it on the open market.
North Northants Council has now started a period of community consultation about the above nominations.
How to take part in the consultation
You can read about the nomination for The Memorial Hall here: community consultation Memorial Hall Great Addington and see a map showing the location of the hall here: Memorial Hall
You can read about the nomination for The Addingtons’ Playing Field here: community consultation Great Addington playing field and see a map of the nominated land here: The Addingtons’ Playing Field
Representations and comments are invited until Wednesday 13 December, and you can contact: Estates@northnorthants.gov.uk if you require any further information.
Community Responder Volunteer with Age UK
/in News /by ClerkAge UK needs volunteers to make a difference to older people.
Their Community Responder Service aims to provide company, reassurance, and low-level support to an older vulnerable person in their own home when a delay is anticipated for Primary or Secondary care support. It can be a worrying time when older people are waiting for further support at home, our aim is to assign a volunteer to be that much needed “friendly face” for up to two hours.
This service currently covers Northampton and Wellingborough and the surrounding areas, including East Northamptonshire. To join this rewarding service, Age UK asks that you are:-
▪ age 18 or over
▪ a confident caring person with empathy for older people
▪ able to stay calm and offer reassurance
▪ living locally in the current service area
Your visit could include:-
▪ making a drink
▪ packing an overnight bag
▪ making someone comfortable following a fall
▪ contacting a family member or friend
▪ providing reassurance and a listening ear
▪ liaising with your Service Manager as required
Please note this role will not involve any manual handling (lifting or moving) of people. Age UK are sure that you will enjoy volunteering with them, and that you will always feel supported and safe.
If you are interested in this role and would like an informal chat to find out more, please call Kathy Smith on 01604 210618 or email communityresponders@ageuknorthants.org.uk
Winter Energy Support from North Northants Council
/in News /by ClerkNorth Northamptonshire Council is urging low-income residents who have pre-payment meters, or use ‘non-standard’ fuels, not to miss out on financial ‘Winter Energy Support’ as part of the government’s Household Support Fund.
Non-standard fuels include those who use tank or bottled gas, liquid petroleum gas (LPG), oil, wood, and solid fuels.
If you, or someone you know, uses pre-payment meters or non-standard fuels and are on means tested benefits such as; Council Tax Support, Housing Benefit, Income -based Jobseekers Allowance (JSA), Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), Income Support, Pension Credit, Child Tax Credit, Working Tax Credit and Universal Credit, then you, or they, are eligible to apply.
The total value of all winter support payments awarded to successful households will be £150 in total up to 31 March 2024. Only one award for winter energy support will be made per household. To apply follow this link: Winter Energy Support – HSF | North Northamptonshire Council (northnorthants.gov.uk)
The next meeting of Great Addington Parish Council – Wednesday 8th November, at 7.45 p.m.
/in News /by ClerkThe next meeting of Great Addington Parish Council is on Wednesday 8th November 2023, at 7.45 p.m., in the Memorial Hall.
All members of the public are very welcome to attend the meeting. The agenda can be found here:2023 11 08 Agenda
Consultation on The Greenway – potential link to Great Addington
/4 Comments/in News /by ClerkNorth Northants Council is currently consulting about The Greenway Strategy: North Northamptonshire Greenway Strategy consultation 2023 – North Northamptonshire Council – Citizen Space
The draft strategy explores extending the Greenway, and one of the proposed routes, route 13, would connect Great Addington to the Greenway. Many of our residents have said they would value access to the Greenway, so supporting the strategy is very important to Great Addington Parish Council. However, this survey closes on 1st November, so you need to get your voice heard quickly!!!
North Northants Council Consultations – Your Voice Matters
/in News /by ClerkMessage from North Northants Council:
Our consultation and engagement activities are a key part of our democratic decision-making process. They ensure that the voices and opinions of individuals, communities and stakeholders are considered alongside other aspects when we shape our policies, projects and other initiatives in North Northamptonshire.
It is vital that we hear your views on our services and future proposals to help ensure that we provide great value services, which are flexible and appropriate to local needs, and help improve the lives of those who live, work and visit the area.
Please visit the newly rebranded Your Voice Matters website and have your say to shape our future.
The next meeting of Great Addington Parish Council – Wednesday 11 October, at 7.45 p.m.
/in News /by ClerkThe next meeting of Great Addington Parish Council is on Wednesday 11 October 2023, at 7.45 p.m., in the Memorial Hall.
All members of the public are very welcome to attend the meeting. The agenda can be found here: 2023 10 11 Agenda
Grants available to help residents heat homes and reduce energy bills
/in News /by ClerkNorth Northants Council (NNC) are saying that residents living in private homes (both owned and rented) with a gross household income of less than £31,000 are encouraged to apply for a government grant to help improve the energy efficiency of their homes.
ECO4 Flex is a government scheme funded by energy companies that supports households on lower incomes or those particularly vulnerable to the impact of living in a cold home.
Funding is available for measures that can improve the energy efficiency of homes such as insulation and heating systems.
Improving the energy performance of properties could save residents hundreds of pounds in fuel bills each year. For example:
- Loft insulation – up to £500.
- External wall insulation – up to £350.
- Energy efficient boiler – up to £200.
- Cavity wall insulation – up to £250.
Residents who are more vulnerable to the cold are encouraged to speak to their GP, who may be able to complete an NHS Eco Flex referral. You will not be required to undertake a means test.
Further information
Please visit the ECO4 Flex energy efficiency scheme section of NNC’s website.
Neighbourhood Plan Questionnaire Results
/in News /by ClerkGreat Addington Parish Council is working with the community to create a Neighbourhood Plan. As part of the process the steering group are considering what the housing needs might be over the plan period (which runs until at least 2031) and where any new housing could be placed within the parish.
In June 2023 a community survey was delivered to all residents and we received 103 responses. The results of the survey can be viewed here: Neighbourhood Plan Questionnaire Results
The responses show that the majority feel the Neighbourhood Plan should allow for some development, with a focus on 2/3-bedroom homes. It follows that the neighbourhood plan may need to allocate site(s) to meet these housing requirements until at least 2031.
New housing can be an emotive subject for any parish. By going through a fair and transparent housing site assessment process, the Council aims to deliver an evidence-based, robust and sustainable Neighbourhood Plan for Great Addington Parish.
We are now asking for potential sites to be put forward. These will be subject to an objective site assessment process. All sites must be ‘deliverable’ over the plan period, i.e. to 2031. At the end of the process, the council may or may not decide to allocate housing site(s) in the neighbourhood plan.
If you are a landowner or developer and would like your site to be considered, or want to ask any questions, please email clerk@greataddingtonparishcouncil.gov.uk before 30 September.
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Great Addington Parish Council
Sarah Geyton
Parish Clerk