Villagers were greatly saddened to learn of the death of Mr. Stan Tressler who passed away on Christmas Eve. He died at his home on Coventry Road adorned with his most spectacular display of festive decorations which had long become a village institution admired by all,
Stan was a popular and amiable figure who took a keen interest in all community activities and had served on the Parish Council back in the 1960s. He continued to participate as a member of the public up until recent times never hesitating to draw attention to matters of general concern.
He had been an active member of the committee formed during recent years to plan the traffic calming scheme established on the parish thoroughfares.
During his working career Stan had served as a foreman at the nearby Bitteswell airfield servicing many of the largest aircraft operated by the RAF. Following retirement he busied himself as a part-time assistant at the White Lion Inn also he was a popular member of Pailton Ex-Servicemen’s Club.
Stan will
be greatly missed by his family and all members of the community who held
him in the highest esteem.
The meeting of the Parish Council was held in
the village hall on Monday 8th January at 7.30. Four Parish Councillors were
present.
With
County
Councillor
Phillip Morris-Jones and three members of the public and two Community Support
Officers in attendance.
A short period of silence was held in memory of Mr. Stan Tressler, a past
member of the parish council who died recently.
During the open meeting the PCSOs distributed details of four incidents which
had taken place in the village recently and required investigation by Rugby
Police. This small number of incidents showed that the crime rate in the village
is low.
Having given this report the PCSOs left the meeting to patrol the village,
Our two local MPs have responded to letters written to them concerning the
possible closure of the Post Office. These letters have been given to the sub
Postmaster John Fitzsimons.
The Clerk has written to the Pailton Ex-Servicemen’s Club on behalf
of the parish council.
A letter has also been written to the Highways Agency again requesting provision
of signage which would direct vehicles travelling from Magna Park to the major
road network and away from the villages.
Cllr Barnett is to research the possibility of a grant to finance the provision
of two bollards to be placed at the centre of the village to prevent damage
by heavy vehicles to the area surrounding the war memorial.
A quotation has been received for an extra streetlight to be placed at the
corner of Lutterworth Road to illuminate the dark area opposite the war memorial.
Cllr Barnett is to apply to the Rural Development Fund to assist in financing
this project.
Cllr Hodge reported that he is still awaiting a response from the RBC regarding
a transfer of funds to enable the Parish Council to arrange grass cutting in
the village by a private contractor.
The Clerk reported that there had been no request from the residents of Pailton
for an election to fill the vacancy for a parish councillor. The RBC had, therefore,
given permission to the PPC to co-opt a new member to the council. Cllr Hodge
suggested that since the correct procedure had been followed and that the council
had received an application from a suitable candidate that the applicant be
invited to join the council at this meeting. Cllr Hodge proposed and Cllr Swindell
seconded that Mr. John Fitzsimons should become a member of the council. Mr.
Fitzsimons, who was present at the meeting then joined the councillors and
was congratulated by those present.
The status of a Quality Council requires that the parish clerk should have
an AQA qualification. The clerk, Mrs J. Pharoah will investigate the best way
in which she can acquire this qualification.
Cllr Hodge reported that the surface of Coventry Road in the vicinity of the
Manor House is deteriorating. The members commented that this could be as a
result of the increased volume of traffic including heavy vehicles travelling
through the village to Magna Park.
Concern was expressed that although work on the substation beside Lutterworth
Road, beyond the village, has been completed, the planting of trees to screen
the substation from view has not been carried out.
Attention was drawn to the footpath beside Coventry Road, between Pailton and
Street Ashton which is very overgrown and requires urgent attention. An officer
of the County Council had been notified of this earlier but no action has been
taken.
Cllr. Gillias reported that he and Mr John Cunliffe would attend a meeting
with RBC to discuss issues concerning the Parish Plan. Mr. Cunliffe was asked
to lead the committee dealing with the Parish Plan and to report progress to
the PC. Mr Cunliffe accepted this position and was offered support by all present.
Further consultations are to be held regarding the Airey Houses in Lutterworth
Road together with other similar houses in the borough. The fact that no firm
decision has been made regarding these houses was causing worry among the residents.
A consultation period would begin after a meeting between RBC and the Parish
Council. It will then be necessary for the Parish Council to keep the residents
involved in the consultation and to help them during this time of transition.
The election of a new chairman to the Parish Council will be discussed at the
next meeting to be held on 5th. February.
The Village Trust held a meeting in the village hall
on Monday 15th January. Five members were present.
Insurance on the Multiplay system recently installed in the playing field was
discussed, Tony Grimshaw reported public liability insurance was not easily
obtained and must be investigated further.
Final payment for the play system had not been made because the committee is
not satisfied with the quality of part of the equipment. Joanna Morris-Jones
agreed to contact Wicksteed Leisure Ltd in an attempt to resolve the matter
so that payment could be completed and the equipment inspected.
Treasurer, Tony Grimshaw reported that the Daniel Smith Blues Band show in
December resulted in a financial success as well as being a most enjoyable
evening for all who attended. The next entertainment will be on 27th January
when an Old Time Music Hall event will be staged by Mike Allen of Rugby Theatre.
This promises to be a very lively evening with as many costumes in the audience
as on the stage! All are welcome to join us for this village extravaganza.
The Trust is grateful to the secretary, Helen Cunliffe, for obtaining all the
licences required for these events to take place.
The establishment of a Youth Club was again discussed. There has been little
positive reaction from the residents of Pailton. The matter is to held over
to a future meeting.
Letting of the hall to groups and for parties continues to be high, the Trust
is pleased with the popularity of the hall and the income that the lettings
bring.
Improvement to the surface beneath the swings and small roundabout was again
discussed. A decision was made to purchase more bark to increase the depth
of this safety area. When more funds can be raised, or a grant obtained, a
better safety surface will be provided. The dome of the roundabout has been
damaged, this is to be repaired at a cost of £250.
Plans for the patio at the rear of the hall are now in an advanced stage, estimates
have been obtained and grants applied for. It is hoped that work will begin
in the spring to enable the Young Revellers Toddler Group to enjoy outdoor
play during the summer.
On Saturday 20th January members of Pailton branch of the newly-formed Rugby Parliamentary Constituency joined a large gathering of Conservative supporters to select a prospective Parliamentary Candidate for the Rugby constituency.
The
selection process had progressed from late last year when some 30 parliamentary
hopefuls had applied for the position from many parts of the country. The
original list was sifted down in stages to the three frontrunners who presented
themselves
to the large attendance at the open primary held at the McCready Theatre
at Rugby School.
A lively round of speeches followed by questions and answers sessions allowed
local candidate Mark Pawsey to emerge as favourite choice.
The assembled activists gave a resounding vote of confidence to their selected
prospective candidate with none more proud than his father, ex Rugby M.P.
James Pawsey, and his delighted wife Tracey.