Ladies and Gentlemen – This time last year I reported on the success of the Stokenham Pilot Project of Devolved Local Services. How for eighteen months we, the parish had benefited by being directly responsible for managing and supervising the tidiness of our streets, the cleanliness of our toilets, the emptying of our litter and dog waste bins, the cutting of our grass and clearance of our buddle holes. For eighteen months we had been responsible for how our money was spent on these activities and we saw how this direct local involvement paid off. In my view a classic example of the "Big Society " and devolvement of power to the people. Unfortunately, as anticipated, particularly in the current economic climate, it proved too difficult to extend the project to parishes across the South Hams. Consequently in October and much to our disappointment the Executive Committee of South Hams District Council terminated the project and local services reverted to the control of SHDC. I believe that if "Localism" is to mean anything, one day we will see control of our services returned to the parish and its people.

Also at this meeting last year I referred to our parish plan which launched in 2004 was in need of an update and how because many of the objectives had been achieved, parishioners were being requested for ideas and suggestions for improvements to the parish that could be incorporated into a plan update to take us through to 2016. As explained in the Christmas newsletter the response to a questionnaire delivered to all households was a disappointing 10% return with many of the questions resulting in 50/50 answers. This evening we are asking the community how we can obtain a more realistic representation of the 2,000 or so people that council represent. Views, ideas and suggestions that the new incoming council, to be elected on 5^th May can take forward and incorporate in an updated plan.

Planning Applications take a large part of council time and the last 12 months has been no exception with over 45 applications having received council consideration either at planning committee meetings or full council. Some well attended open forums have stimulated debate not least of all in relation to the detailed approval for the Helmer’s Development which now under way will shortly be providing some much needed affordable housing as well as some financial contribution to the wellbeing of the community.

Other matters that have been the subject of your council’s attention have been a village green in Beeson, a new constitution for Beesands Village Green, the pedestrianising of Torcross Promenade, updating of children’s play equipment and not least concerns in relation to the further development of Stokenham Village.

During the year Mrs Anita Hutchins stood down from Council and was replaced by the co-option from two applicants of Mr Mark Taylor. We also are sorry to have to record the untimely passing of Mr Ray Warden. Ray was a man with many interests from which he was able to bring to council in representing the people of a community for which he had so much affection. Ray will be missed by many.

Even in this age of high tech methods of communication, websites, emails, blogs, newsletters, the press, meetings, surgeries and open forums all of which your council use to try and communicate to the parish, over recent months it has become increasingly apparent that there are times when council find it difficult to communicate effectively. We did not know, we were not informed, you did not tell us is a cry too often heard after the event. This inevitably gives rise to misunderstandings, sometimes of roles and responsibilities. Your council are aware that more needs to done to increase understanding of the role, duties and responsibilities of a parish council. Stokenham parish of over 2,000 people spread over 20sq Kilometres is required to elect 13 councillors every 4 years. On average this represents only just over 150 people per councillor. We are very lucky to have such a low ratio which should make communication and representation all the more effective.

Part of the purpose of this evening is to interest parishioners in standing for election on 5^th May. If you have ever considered having a go then please do not hesitate in finding out more about the role. The clerk and the councillors here this evening will be only too pleased to explain what is involved. For my part after 16 years as a councillor and as chairman for the last 9 years I intend to stand down and make way for some new blood, new ideas and perhaps better ways of doing things in an age when local parish councils are promised to have more powers and responsibility for their own wellbeing and how their money is spent. I have no hesitation in recommending what for me for the most part, has been some of the most enjoyable and rewarding years of my life.

All of what your council has achieved has only been possible by the dedication and commitment of our parish clerk Mrs. Gill Claydon coupled with the support and enthusiasm of my fellow councillors as well as District Councillor John Baverstock and County Councillor Julian Brazil. I would like to take this opportunity to thank them all for their support and all the work they do on behalf of the community.

Finally if you have any questions, suggestions or would like to know more of your council’s work the clerk, my colleagues or I will do our best to respond either after the other presentations or informally over complimentary refreshments at the end of the meeting to which your council cordially invite you.

Thank you.

(Words 973) P.H.Greening. March 2011