Current projects in progress at the time of the May 2023 election.
The decision as to whether these will be proceeded with rests with the new council due to meet following further elections in June 2023.
Substantial improvements to the children’s playground adjacent to Sunningwell Primary School will be started as part of a four year programme. Cllr Gina Bale led the initial work on this project.
SPC has also been in discussion with the Highways Dept. regarding further traffic calming measures for Bayworth and Sunningwell villages consequent upon the forthcoming south-side additions to the A34 Lodge Hill junction.
Projects completed by May 2023
The village pond area was further tidied up by the pollarding of the rather overgrown weeping willow and other vegetation surrounding the pond was be pruned back. A rampant bramble bush next to the village green entrance was also removed to improve the safety sight line when exiting the green. Cllr Colin Weyer led this project.
The Bayworth parking area next to the Triangle was fully refurbished in Spring 2023. Cllr Paul Darby is led this project.
The 20mph speed reduction schemes for Bayworth and Sunningwell, which SPC has requested and negotiated with the Highways Dept., were implemented in early 2023.
Protective bollards were installed to prevent careless driving impacting neighbouring fencing. This project was led by Cllr Wykes.
Projects undertaken in 2022
The village pond has been cleared of excessive build-up of silt.
Grass cutting on Sunningwell Village Green and the Bayworth Triangle continues to help provide a tidy aspect to these key village facilities.
Grants have been provided: 1) to assist St. Leonards Church in maintaining a tidy focal point for Sunningwell village 2) to assist in fighting the highly unpopular Peking University development on Boars Hill, the outcome of which is now with the Secretary of State but, if granted, could have serious knock-on effects on all our greenbelt land and 3) to help the Bayworth Residents Association in providing events to celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee.
A mirror has been installed on the blind corner at the very bottom of Brumcombe Lane in Bayworth to help motorists and cyclists see in advance what may be coming around the corner.
The Council reacted swiftly to a request from residents for an emergency defibrillator in Long Furlong. This was implemented and went live a few weeks ago. All four of our communities now have a unit within fairly easy reach.
The village green bonfire and firework display again provided an opportunity for several hundred parishioners to gather together at the heart of our parish and enjoy mulled wine and mince pies.
Some further improvements were made to the new Sunningwell car park adjacent to the village hall.
New councillors were sought and co-opted to fill two casual vacancies.
New weather-proof notice boards to replace rotten wooden ones were erected in all four communities.
Four highly visible inter-active radar speed signs were installed along the 30mph Foxcombe Road in March 2022 – two in each direction. Prior to activation, numerous cars were clocked at over 60mph; the highest speed being 80mph! This project was managed by Cllr Weyer following many requests from local residents to address the speeding problem.
Sunningwell Village Car Park
The SPC car park adjacent to the village hall was in a bad state of repair. The resurfacing was a major project and cost well over £40 000. The Parish Council Chairman, Cllr Colin Weyer, led the project.
Village Green Notice Board
Cllr Paul Wooldridge led the initiative for an information notice board on the village green which is being managed by village green warden Bob Evans.
New Village Hall Lease
Cllr Oliver Isaacs managed the new the Village Hall lease with the village hall management trustees which was initiated by Cllr Wooldridge to replace the previously defective lease. The new 10 year lease became operative wef 1st July 2021.
Village Green Wall
The dilapidated stone wall fronting the village green next to the stream required almost complete reconstruction. Cllr Paul Wooldridge led this project.
Boars Hill Speed Limit Reduction
Following representation from a number of residents regarding road safety along Foxcombe Road, the Parish Council submitted an application for the speed limit to be reduced from 40 to 30 mph. This project was led by Cllr Colin Weyer and was implemented towards the end of 2017.
Installation of Kissing Gates
Cllr Wooldridge initiated and managed the implementation of kissing gates at each end of footpath No. S15 (Foxcombe Road – Bayworth) to prevent illegal use by cyclists.
Defibrillators
The defibrillator funded by the council and located in the old Sunningwell village telephone box was suggested and organised on behalf of the parish by the clerk, Brian Rixon. Cllr Paul Darby undertakes regular checks on the Sunningwell Village defibrillator.
The defibrillator located at the entrance to the Beaumont Care Home at the top of Bayworth Lane on Boars Hill was provided on the initiative of Cllr Colin Weyer who secured funding from the Beaumont Care Home, the Boars Hill Association and Sunningwell Parish Council. Cllr Weyer continues to undertake regular checks of the facility to ensure that it remains listed by South Central Ambulance Service (SCAS) and thus available for use in an emergency.