Chairman’ Annual Report 2023/24

The Parish council has had year of transition with a new chairman and vice chairman and a new clerk. In 2023/24 two councillors resigned for personal reasons and 2 new councillors were co-opted onto the council: Cllr. Danni Robins and Cllr. Kerry Roydhouse.

Several operational changes have been implemented including:
• A new more responsive on line bank account
• A new online accounting system
• A new website
All of which have increased the efficiency of the councils’ day to day operation.
The council was able to keep the parish precept at 2022/23 levels for the coming year.
The parish has overseen other activities including:
• the installation of a new bench on West Street to commemorate the Kings Coronation
• lighting of the village Christmas tree
• A Christmas Competition for residents ‘light up Leven’
• The replanting of the hedge on South Street
• An additional bin on West Street

The parish pledged monetary support to the HART community transport scheme and Holy Trinity Church to support the costs of maintaining the churchyard.
The council bid for and successfully received grants from the ERYC for the Kings Coronation memorial seat and the Routh Wind Farm panel for a gas beacon to support the up and coming D-day anniversary.

Local residents and businesses continued to sponsor planting in the village and sponsors for 2023/24 and have confirmed they are happy to help again.

The Parish has worked with ERYC to promote the revival of the Walking for Health Scheme in Leven, at the same time its seeking to work closer with ERYC and other groups on improving local footpaths.

Moving forward to 2024/25 the council has planned a celebration of the 80th anniversary of the D- day landings on Saturday 8th June; this will include a blessing from the vicar of Holy Trinity church followed by refreshments at the church. A permanent memorial will be placed with the new hedgerow on this day.

Additional defibrillators are planned for Leven Canal and close to the recreational hall, it is hoped we can work with Albanwise and other funders to achieve this.

The parish council is planning to work closer with the various charitable groups in the village to support community activity in the coming year. Parish councillors already sit on the Playing Fields Committee and Pre-School committee and one of our councillors plays an active role with the Youth Club and another with the Scouts.

The Parish Council tries at all times to be responsive to residents and welcomes suggestions and ideas on how to improve life in Leven over the coming year.