Laverstock

Ford

Old Sarum

Hampton Park

Newly Elected Wiltshire Councillor

Laverstock, Ford & Old Sarum Ward

 Ian McLennan 

 Ian McLennan 

To Contact Me:

Phone:01722 332233

E-mail: IanMcLennan@thescottishtattoo.com

Laverstock Hot Topics

It was last June, on my first meeting as Chairman of Salisbury District Council, with Manjeet Gill, the Chief Executive, that I asked her to pursue the transfer of the Cow Lane land to Laverstock & Ford Parish Council.   For some long time before, I had been asking the questions and establishing it was possible, with the new Wiltshire Council now becoming a reality.

You will all know that the land was earmarked for a new City Cemetery.  The upside being that the green grazing area, that fronts Laverstock Road, was the last to be used. So it would be green for about 60-80 years.  However, as we said….that land is too wet for burials!  This is why ownership by the Parish became important.

My request to the Chief Executive was in full knowledge and blessing of the Parish Council.  The months that followed produced lots of obstacles—which I will not go into.  Suffice it to say, it was a constant topic for my attention.

At the Cabinet meeting on 25 February 2009, a unanimous vote agreed to pass the land to Laverstock & Ford Parish Council.

Initially, one section will be retained, as some issues require resolution with a tenant.  Once resolved, this, too, will pass to L&F PC.  It will remain agricultural/grazing land forever.

Brilliant!

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Parish Plan Ratified by SDC

As a member of Southern Area Committee, I was pleased, along with John K. and the other Councillors, to ratify the Laverstock & Ford Parish Plan at the February meeting. 

 

The Plan has taken  two years of hard work by the Steering Group led by Parish Councillor Derek Hayes.  Their work has resulted in a plan full of factual detail of all four communities and what the residents think.  The action plans will follow and all members of the Parish will be encouraged to take part and meet our aspirations.

All credit to the Steering Group and a big well done!

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Laverstock-City Cycle/PedestrianWay Nears

You will know that I have a ‘quest’ to eliminate the Laverstock school traffic and to slow the speed of the through traffic.  You may also be aware that most of Laverstock want to be able to cycle/walk safely into the city.

 

As a member of the Salisbury Joint Transport Committee, I was able to speak and vote to amend the plan put forward by officers.  I can conform that the rest of the committee agreed and voted with me.  Instead of the new cycleway going up Manor Farm Road, it will go up Laverstock Road to Milford Hill.

 

I also managed to persuade my fellow cllrs to extend the cycleway to London Road and to detail officers to work on a new travel plan with the schools...the need is to use the Park & Ride site for pick up/drop off.  That will no doubt take a lot of future effort to deliver!

 

All the above fits with the residents wishes, as reported in the Parish Plan.

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Community Farm Gets off the Ground

One of the most exciting prospects for us all is the new Bourne Valley Community Farm.

The project is the brainchild of local businessman Ben Parker.  He has joined forces with Laverstock resident David Burton, who works for Natural England.  Their farming and land management expertise is to be harnessed on land at St Thomas’s Farm, thanks to a rental agreement with landowner Peter Bialek.  Initially, the land will extend from Cow Lane to the Laverstock-Bishopdown Cycle/footpath.  They will also be negotiating with the Parish Council, for the newly acquired land at Cow Lane, to become part of the farm.  This would bring much improvement to the quality of surroundings and infrastructure.

 

Another local, Sue Gallagher, has joined the board of the ‘non-profit’ farm, to co-ordinate fundraising.  If the rent for the first 58 acres can be raised by the community, then the remaining land to London Road, could be acquired much earlier.  Let’s do it!

 

Volunteers are sought to work on the farm and with the animals.  Residents and school pupils all welcome.  There will also be lots of general public access and footpaths/bridleways etc. 

 

Another major plank of the Parish Plan underway!

Cow Lane Land Transfers to Parish Council

SDC Cabinet & Wiltshire Council Agree Transfer