Spring has Sprung..............

By the time you read this edition of the Town Crier I suspect we will either be in the build-up to a general election, or the fun will be over and we will be coming to terms with the result.  If the election has not yet taken place I urge everyone to use their vote.  A low turnout would be disappointing and does no-one any good. 

What seems to be certain, however, is that whatever flavour of new government we have the recession will mean that public finances are stretched.  There will be calls to cut public services and relatively well off towns such as Towcester may suffer more than others if decision makers assume we can look after ourselves.  Does this matter? Well we must remember that there are people in the town who rely on extra support from Councils, Health Service, Police, Bus providers and other public services.  The town has a reputation for raising concerns about such services so I am confident residents and community groups will rise to the challenge of protecting our less fortunate neighbours.

One example of Towcester losing out was the decision by South Northamptonshire Council to withdraw its financial support for the Towcester Town Partnership.  The Partnership had been involved in several projects in the town, the most successful being the Youth Bus.  Only Towcester Town Council is financially supporting the Partnership now and as a result its activity will probably reduce.  The Youth Bus goes from strength to strength and is delivering access to a range of services across Northamptonshire.  Income from the bus is helping to keep the Partnership viable.

I was pleased to assist with the launch in April of a new community based scheme for retired people in and around Towcester – the University of the Third Age, or U3A.  More information is included in this edition of the Town Crier and I hope we see a vibrant local branch flourish in years to come.

As the country recovers from the recession, no doubt developers will once again be interested in expanding Towcester.  A recent analysis by West Northamptonshire Development Corporation of available housing land in and around Towcester unsurprisingly identified the major sites to the south of the town between the A5 and A43.  It also proposed smaller sites within the town; for example, along Green Lane, the field to the north of Belle Baulk and the old industrial land on Burcote Road.  Many of these sites may well be suitable but if developed will add to the strain on local services as they will be in addition to those already planned in the major Persimmon/Bloor expansion to the south.  We have been expecting 3000 new homes; these additional sites could add several hundred more!  Watch for planning applications and do make your views known when consulted, I know the Town Council will.

A visible example of the expansion has been the Moat Lane development.  The refurbishment of Bury Mount and opening of the Watermeadows will have been completed by the time this edition comes out.  This area will provide Towcester with both a historic heart and a green recreation space. As the rest of the development takes place let us hope that Towcester reaps the full benefit and is not asked to compromise on badly needed new employment opportunities and improved shopping and leisure facilities.  Continue to make your views known as more consultation over planning applications takes place so decision makers understand local opinions.

Finally – an update on my Charity events.  The most successful one so far was the Mayoress’s Ladies Evening in the Town Hall.  Over 120 (mainly ladies with a few men for company!) attended and the event was sold out.  Fashion shows, accessories, make-up and other beauty treatments from local businesses were showcased and a great evening experienced.  Over £800 was raised so many thanks to all who took part and supported the event.  The Spring Charity Ball on 24th April is the final fundraising evening so hopefully it will prove as successful.

So that’s it! I would like to thank everyone who has got involved in my various activities over the last year, you have made both Linda and I feel very welcome.  It has been particularly pleasing to meet many young people during the year, their energy and enthusiasm never fail to impress.  Let us hope that we adults can make sure that the Towcester we pass on to them is an even more vibrant, caring and active community.

Best Wishes,

Chris Lofts, Towcester Town Mayor