Following the decision of the above named to stand down as Parish Councillors; the Parish Council would like to express its thanks for the valuable contribution made by Mrs F Smith and Mr J Middleton over the years to the Parish Council and the Village.

The Parish Council is looking to find a Pocket Park Co-ordinator.  If anyone is interested in taking up this post (nothing arduous involved!) could they please contact the Clerk or any member of the Parish Council.

A new contract governing the running of the county’s household waste recycling centres will ensure the service develops over the next 15 years to tackle environmental challenges ahead. The new contract will start on April 1, 2010 and from then onwards there will be a series of changes to the 10 recycling centres across Northamptonshire.  Brixworth will be losing its’ “on-site shop” as the new contract will see “the creation of off-site shops for reuse items, which can be bought, freeing-up room at the sites to provide more recycling services”.  The Brixworth site will only operate five days a week (to include weekends and all peak periods).

A booklet is now available aimed at providing those that live and work in the district of Daventry with information about reducing their impact on climate change and being prepared for future weather changes.  The booklet provides useful information along with contact details on getting more help in areas such as energy efficiency in the home, renewable energy, reducing waste, recycling and composting, being greener at work and at school along with getting prepared for expected weather changes.  The booklet is available to view on line at www.daventrydc.gov.uk/climatechange/ or telephone the Council for a copy on 01327 302253 or email apearce@daventrydc.gov.uk.

The Parish Council has organinsed a meeting to discuss the Affordable Housing planning application DA/2010/0056 on Monday 15 February 2010 starting at 7.15pm in the Village Hall. 

The Parish Council have been contacted by the Rights of Way Department who have carried out an inspection of Bridle Road and the Public Bridleway – in particular from the end of the adopted highway to the gate – where surface water has caused significant erosion to the surface.  It is their intention to carry out some surface improvements - this work will include minor excavation to the eroded area and the installation of twin drainage pipe to contain the surface water and channel it into the existing ditch alongside Bridle Road. The area will be covered by 40mm granite scalps that will be compacted to provide a suitable surface for all user groups.

The Rights of Way Department also confirm that these improvements will not in any way increase the levels of existing surface water, merely channel it into existing ditches to prevent further erosion.

Old Parish Charities support a monthly shopping bus to Weston Favell shopping centre.  This bus leaves Old at 9.00am on a Friday and departs from Weston Favell at 11.15am.  The Parish Council has been approached to see if there are any residents who are experiencing difficulties shopping and wondered if the minibus might be of interest to them. There are currently 2/3 places available.  Could you please let the Clerk know if this is of interest to anyone.

The Parish Council has now been advised by Daventry District Council that it can fill the casual vacancy that arose last month by co-option.

To qualify, a person must be a Commonwealth citizen or Euronational, over 18 years of age and an elector, must reside within the parish of Hannington, or within 3 miles of it, or occupy as owner or tenant any land or premises therein, or have their principal or only place of work there, and must not be disqualified from holding office as a Councillor.

If anyone is interested in joining the Parish Council, could you please let the Clerk know (e-mail julie.p.friell@btinternet.com or telephone 781539)) by Tuesday 26 January, for consideration at the next Parish Council meeting on Tuesday 2 February 2010.

The Parish Council has been informed that the next meeting is to be held at The White Horse Public House in Old at 7pm. All residents are welcome to attend.