News

Council Tax - Precept element 2025/26

The 2025/26 Council Tax request from Stratford District Council will be received by residents in the coming weeks.

You will note that the Precept (that aspect of the council tax that funds the work of Great Alne Parish Council - 'GAPC') has increased this year compared to previous years. While the percentage increase is 26.6%, the total increase for a Band D property in Great Alne is just £15.68 per annum per household - which works out at an additional £1.30 per month or 31 pence per week.

95% of the Precept goes towards the running costs of the Parish Council. However, costs have increased for the Parish Council as much as they have for households over the last couple of years. For the current financial year (1 April 2024-31 March 2025), the Parish Council relied on using £10,000 from reserves as operating income to avoid an increased Precept contribution from residents when fuel costs were at their highest. However, GAPC is legally required to keep its reserves at a certain level, and our reserves now need to be reinstated to the required level. The main reasons for the increase to the Precept for 2025/26 are therefore as follows:

To reinstate GAPC's level of reserves to a legally required level;
To cover lighting costs that have increased 16% in the last year. Despite the considerable reduction in electricity consumption due to the upgraded LED streetlights, the standing charge has increased significantly;
As for all employers, National Insurance contributions are increasing from April.

Looking ahead, there will be limited scope for new projects in 2025/26. However, following the recent successful work undertaken on flooding, GAPC plans to ensure the drains and culverts in the parish remain in good working order, so has provisioned for ongoing maintenance, as required. We are also introducing a Parish Lengthsman who will be undertaking general maintenance tasks across the parish, helping maintain the footpath network and assisting with ongoing flood mitigation projects. Any new GAPC projects will only be undertaken on the basis of successful funding applications from external sources.

If you have any queries relating to the Precept for 2025/26, or generally about the work of GAPC, please email greatalne.parishcouncil@gmail.com

SOUTH WARWICKSHIRE LOCAL PLAN

Potential development sites identified in Great Alne

The South Warwickshire Local Plan (SWLP) has identified 5 sites in Great Alne for consideration in the Preferred Options Consultation phase, as potential locations for development (primarily residential). The sites have been identified as plots that could be developed – not that they should be. Furthermore, not all sites considered under the SWLP will be required to meet central Government's housing needs targets. Therefore, while Great Alne Parish Council considers it unlikely that all of these sites will be selected for development under the SWLP, at this stage, none of them can be ruled out. It is important that all residents have the opportunity to submit their views on the proposed plans.

These are the 5 sites that have been identified for potential development:

Great Alne Sites include	No. Dwellings
-Land to the North of B4089 (refid 880)	116
-Land Off Spernal Lane (refid 133)	37
-Land off School Road (refid 620)	161
-Land Adjacent to B4089 (refid 757)	57
-Land behind Appleby Close (refid 650)	75
	= 446 Dwellings

If you want to look at the interactive map in detail, a link is here (scroll in to find Great Alne and tick the layers marked HELAA A and HELAA B on the right hand side of the screen).

The Preferred Options phase is currently the subject of public consultation until 7th March 2025.

Great Alne Parish Council is preparing a response on behalf of the parish, but residents, businesses, community interest groups and other stakeholders are also encouraged to submit comments.

Documentation:

There is a hard copy of the SWLP and Consultation in Alcester Library.
The SWLP is online here: https://www.southwarwickshire.org.uk/swlp/preferred-options.cfm

To respond:

A step by step guide to responding online is attached Online
responses via the portal are preferable, but there are paper forms in Alcester Library that can be emailed or posted to Stratford District Council

Public engagement events:

A community meeting was held in the Memorial Hall on Saturday 15th February 2025 to explain the SWLP including how residents can respond. A copy of the slides is available here. A copy of the Q&A session is here.

There is an in-person event being held by the SWLP Team at Alcester Library on Saturday 22 February from 10am-1pm.

There is an SWLP online webinar on Monday 24 February via Teams. This is the Web link – also available at the bottom of the SWLP webpage: https://www.southwarwickshire.org.uk/swlp/preferred-options.cfm

If you have any questions or queries in relation to how to respond to the SWLP Preferred Options Consultation please contact Great Alne Parish Council at greatalne.parishcouncil@gmail.com .

YEAR END FLOOD REPORT 2024

We are all painfully aware that Great Alne has suffered extensively with flooding over recent years and has been cut off from local roads on four occasions over the last year. Flooding makes all the main access roads impassable at times, and impacts: - children's school attendance levels, - health workers/carers delivering care to the over sixties and extremely vulnerable, - workers commuting to/from their place of work, - delivery of goods and services into the village, - public transport services - emergency service capabilities and - the profitability of village businesses. The Parish Council created a Flood Action Group (FLAG) in March 2024 to investigate the reasons for the flooding and to create an action plan to improve the situation. The group consisted of Twelve volunteers and a small steering group led by a responsible parish councillor and a lead volunteer.

All drains in Great Alne were identified, referenced and their initial status recorded to enable monthly reporting of change over time. Ten Drain Guardian volunteers monitored the drains, and each drain was given a RAG (Red, Amber, Green) status depending on how badly blocked they were. The initial survey in March 2024 reported that of the 121 drains in the village: 55 were flowing (Green), 30 were partially flowing (Amber) and 36 were blocked (Red). It was noted that some Red status drains were located in crucial areas of the village, and were reported to WCC via the Warwickshire portal.

Subsequently a gully cleaning machine cleaned a small number of the “Red" drains in Spernal Lane and the entrance to Appleby Close. This made a significant improvement in drainage in that area and provided the catalyst to investigate the condition of all drains throughout the village. To enable the wider investigation, The Parish Council successfully bid for funding for a number of climate related projects from the Stratford District Council Community Climate Change Fund. One project focussed on improving drainage in the village, the goal being to enable Great Alne residents' access to Alcester during times of heavy rain. Using monies obtained from the SDC Community Climate Change Fund, Great Alne Parish Council appointed a suitably qualified company to clean and inspect (using CCTV) the condition of the road drains, manholes and associated pipes in the village. This work was completed in November 2024 and has made a significant difference to the amount of surface water that floods the main roads through Great Alne.

The following 4 slides provide a report on the overall work of the Parish Council's FLAG during 2024. It highlights tasks undertaken month by month as well as a list of work completed, ongoing workstreams and plans for 2025. The last slide provides an overview of the rainfall experienced in 2024 - with consequential river levels and the impact on the main roads in the village.

2024 Year end FLAG Summary

If you require any further information, please contact the Lead Councillor for Flood Action, Cllr Ian Taylor on i.taylorgapc@gmail.com or GAPC's Executive Officer, Kyla Brown on greatalne.parishcouncil@gmail.com .

IS YOUR VEHICLE ATTRACTING THIEVES? THE POLICE SUGGEST FOLLOWING THESE TEN SIMPLE RULES TO PROTECT YOU CAR:

1. Lock your vehicle - Locking your vehicle, even when filling up or parked on your drive, greatly reduces the possibility of it being targeted by an opportunist thief. Even if you have locked your vehicle, check you haven't left any windows or the sunroof open. Remove all valuables, especially those that can be seen from outside the vehicle. It is actually illegal to leave your vehicle running unattended while you de-ice it or warm it up in cold weather. If someone takes it while it's left like this, your insurer won't pay out because you won't be covered.

2. Keep the keys safe - Vehicles today are by and large more difficult to steal than ever, unless the thief can access your key or fob to clone them. Keep your keys safe, out of view when at home, and away from your front door. It's not uncommon for car keys to be stolen from inside your home by thieves fishing for them with a stick and hook through the letterbox. When not in use, keep your electronic car key in a security pouch to prevent it being scanned by thieves to open and steal your car nearby.

3. Be aware of carjackers - The fact that you're in the car isn't always a deterrent to someone trying to steal it. In traffic, drive with the doors locked and when queuing leave enough space in front of your vehicle to enable you to get out of a tight spot. If your vehicle is bumped from behind, wait to pull over – somewhere safe and preferably where there are people. After all, you don't know the person who has collided with you; they could well be hijackers. If you're at all suspicious, consider calling the police. If someone threatens you, it's better to hand over the keys to the vehicle than become a victim of assault. Then call 999 as soon as possible, and ask for the police. If your car is stolen, some modern vehicle alarm and tracker systems have the facility to isolate or shut down fuel systems, bringing the vehicle to a halt and leaving the thief high and dry.

4. Park responsibly - It's always advisable to avoid parking in dark and secluded areas. It's worth an extra five or ten-minute walk if it means your vehicle is left in a well-lit and busier street. And if possible, always try to park in illuminated and staffed car parks or those with a Park Mark safer parking award. To find one, simply check out Park Mark.

5. Watch for illegal tow trucks - Thieves often attempt to lift vehicles from the street, literally. So, if you see a tow away crew acting suspiciously – especially if their vehicle isn't branded or if they're not in uniform – then please report it immediately. As with every report of suspicious behaviour made in good faith, we'll never blame anyone for calling us if it proves unfounded. Car parks with height-restricted entrances help prevent illegal tow trucks and removal vehicles. And fitting a Thatcham rated category 1 or 2 alarm system with tracking, immobilisation, anti-grab and movement sensors can help protect and trace your vehicle.

6. Fit good in-car security locks - Bear in mind that built-in steering locks aren't necessarily thief-proof. Many can be forced and broken. Fitting a Sold Secure steering wheel, gear lever or clutch pedal security device can give your vehicle added protection.

7. Double-check electronic locking - Electronic devices can be used to jam the electronic signal from your key fob to lock your vehicle. Always manually check your vehicle has locked before walking away. If unsure, lock it manually, then scan the immediate area for anyone hanging around. If a potential thief who's watching feels they've been spotted, they'll probably move off.

8. Before you buy, check for cloning - Changing the identity of a vehicle, known as vehicle cloning, can be as simple as adding stolen number plates. When buying a vehicle, always check the DVLA V5 document and make sure the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the vehicle is the same as on the document. Make sure you check more than one of the VINs as well as the engine numbers on the vehicle. Check a used vehicle you're buying.

9. Secure your port - Many modern vehicles are fitted with engine management diagnostic ports, which can be accessed without the thief needing to open the vehicle doors, boot or bonnet, but which can unlock and start your vehicle. If your vehicle has this type of port, consider fitting a lockable cover.

10. Be aware of test drive thieves - Test drive thefts are where a thief answers an advert for a vehicle sale pretending to be a genuine buyer. When they meet the vendor they ask for a test drive and never return with the vehicle. Take steps to avoid this by going with the prospective buyer on any test drive and don't leave anyone alone with the vehicle and its keys. Ask any potential buyer for contact details and to see their driving licence and insurance. Never leave the vehicle keys in the ignition – keep hold of them.

INTEGRATED CARE RECORD - GET INVOLVED

The health and social care organisations within Coventry and Warwickshire have sent the following message.

"We would really like to hear your thoughts on the new Coventry and Warwickshire Integrated Care Record (ICR) which is due to go live in Autumn 2020.

The Integrated Care Record (ICR) is a consolidated electronic record of a person's care. It takes information directly from existing systems used by health and social care organisations and presents it in a structured, easy to read format for health and care professionals.The ICR will provide all health and care professionals directly involved in the care of a patient/service user with a more joined up view of a patient's care and treatment across all care settings.

The ICR has been developed in response to the feedback from many of you over a number of years, telling us that you only want to tell your story and share information once when receiving care from any health or social care organisation across Coventry and Warwickshire. Please follow the link below to find out more about the Coventry and Warwickshire ICR and what this means for you. https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/IntegratedCareRecord.

After you have read the background to the ICR there is a short survey for you to fill in. The purpose of the survey is to make you aware of the Coventry and Warwickshire Integrated Care Record (ICR) and give you the opportunity to feedback to us on any questions, concerns or expectations you have around the ICR. There is also the opportunity to register your interest in being involved with the ICR as a critical friend – providing feedback and being involved in further surveys as the ICR develops. This will help us to ensure that the ICR delivers the best solution for patients/service users.It should take you about 10 minutes to read the background about the ICR and then another 10 minutes to fill in the survey. Your feedback is really important to us.Closing date for responses: Wednesday 30 September 2020 We will regularly update information on the ICR on our website".

WARWICKSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL - CONSULTATIONS

Warwickshire County Council regularly request input from the community on a variety of different matters via online consultations. These tend to be short surveys/questionnaires. The link 'WCC Consultations' under 'external links' on the right hand side of the page will take you to the home page for all current consultations. Please do get involved and have your say!

PARISH ASSEMBLY

The official Great Alne Parish Council will be held on Thurs 18th May 2023 in The Function Room, Maudslay House, Great Alne Park, Park Lane B9 6HS.

The informal Parish Assembly will take please at the Great Alne & Kinwarton Memorial Hall on Sat 3rd June at 11am.

Local organisations and community groups will be showcasing their activities before and after the meeting. The Chair of the Parish Council will give his Annual Report and report on the accounts.

GREAT ALNE PAROCHIAL CHARITY- MONEY WORRIES?

Are you struggling to find money to buy fuel this winter, pay a utility bill, replace a broken washing machine or fridge, or perhaps to pay for an urgent household repair or a taxi trip for a hospital appointment, or for some gardening when someone is ill?

Great Alne Parochial Charity can provide cash quickly and with the minimum of fuss to meet all kinds of urgent needs of a one-off nature that would otherwise be unaffordable. There are no restrictions on what help can be given. The money would be a grant not a loan. There would be no need to pay it back.

If you or someone you know needs financial assistance the charity would very much like to hear from you. Please phone Geoff (488405) or Ian (488492) and they will see what they can do to help. All calls will be treated in strictest confidence.

DEFIBRILLATOR IN GREAT ALNE

Big Lottery Fund logo The Lifeline View defibrillator is in an unlocked Rotaid cabinet In the telephone kiosk on School Road. You will need to twist and turn the circular lid to release. There is also an emergency phone. The defibrillator has been adopted by the Community Heartbeat Trust (CHT), is maintained by them but is regularly inspected by the Parish Council.

The Parish Council is grateful to the Big Lottery Fund for awarding a grant to purchase the defibrillator.

Please see the downloadable advice guide from CHT following awareness sessions on the right hand side of this page- 'What to do if someone collapses'.

A defibrillator is also located at Great Alne Park (formerly Maudslay Park) in the Reception Area of Maudslay House (the main clubhouse) by the left hand side of the entrance door hanging on a coat stand. A further defibrillator in the village is also being considered.

ROYAL MAIL- TACKLING SCAM MAIL

Royal Mail are raising awareness about scam mail. You can report scam mail in the following ways:

Write to Royal Mail at FREEPOST SCAM MAIL enclosing any items of scam mail
Call the Royal Mail Scam Mail Hotline on 0800 0113 466
Email: scam.mail@royalmail.com

DID YOU KNOW?

Residents in Warwickshire can now report Traffic Offences using digital evidence from dash cams.
Follow the link on the right of the page for further details.

BUS SERVICE IN GREAT ALNE

The rural bus service through Great Alne is now provided by Stagecoach. The new service now runs hourly from Great Alne to Alcester. The Clerk has a copy of the timetable if required.

The UBUS community transport service can be used for a wide range of individual travel needs in the district, such as visiting friends, attending social groups, leisure activities, lifelong learning and, of course, shopping. Please note it cannot be used to attend medical appointments (please use the Volunteer Drivers scheme operated through VASA). The service operates from 9.30am-2.30pm Monday- Friday. Requires registration, please telephone 01789 264491 (See below for full details)

THE UBUS COMMUNITY TRANSPORT SERVICE

UBUS is a ring and ride community transport service operating within Stratford District.

UBUS is available to anyone in the district who struggles to access public transport due to mobility issues, health problems or who lives in an area with no, or infrequent, public transport.

UBUS will collect passengers from their door, drop them off at their destination, pick up again at the agreed point and drop off back at home. Drivers can assist passengers to get on & off the bus and will help with up to 3 shopping bags or a trolley if necessary.

All UBUS vehicles can accommodate a wheelchair.

Depending on where residents live in the district, a single journey costs £2.10, £2.70 or £3.40. Return journeys £4.20, £5.40 or £6.80. Great Alne residents would fall in the £2.70/£5.40 price range.

Residents living in an Orbit property are eligible for a £0.60 discount on their journey.

Journeys need to be booked in advance. Passengers can book up to seven days in advance.

UBUS provides transport in different parts of the district on specific days.

UBUS can be used to visit friends, attend social groups, leisure activities or go shopping. It cannot be used to attend medical appointments. Residents interested in registering with the service should ring 01789 264491.

MOVING PICTURES

Great Alne has a Film Club with screenings usually on the third Thursday of the month at 7.30pm.

For other information about what's going on at the Memorial Hall please use the link on the right hand side of the page.

'REPORT IT!'

Please let the Parish Council know of any local issue that is causing you concern. You can use the Contact Us form in the Information section of this website, or ring the Parish Clerk on 07833 790375 or alternatively email info@greatalne-pc.gov.uk.

If you have something you would like to report to Stratford on Avon District Council you can do this using their on-line forms. Anything from abandoned vehicles, unruly dogs to fly tipping can be reported.

For fly tipping please just click on the link on the right of this page (External Links).

WARWICKSHIRE POLICE, ALCESTER SOUTH SAFER NEIGHBOURHOOD TEAM

Each month a Community Newsletter is produced by the Alcester South Safer Neighbourhood Team that includes details of crime in the area (including Great Alne) and an incident overview. Please see the website for further details and a contact list for the team.

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NEWSLETTER

Regularly the Parish Council endeavours to compile a newsletter containing relevant and up to date information about events and issues within the parish. It is the intention of the Parish Council that every home within the parish boundary receives a copy of this newsletter, however, things can go wrong and if you have not been receiving your newsletter then please let us know, or download a copy from the list on the right hand side of the page. If you would like to receive the newsletter by email then please let us know by contacting info@greatalne-pc.gov.uk.

If you wish to suggest material to be included in the newsletter then please feel free to contact the Clerk, or make your suggestion known at the next Parish Council meeting - a full list of meeting dates can be found on the home page.

ALCESTER TOWN COUNCIL

Great Alne is closely associated with the beautiful market town of Alcester and a link to the town council website is on the right hand side of the page (External links).

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