Barlow Parish Council

The next ordinary meeting of the parish council will be held on Tuesday 6 May at 7pm in the village hall. Agenda items include the annual governance statement, playground inspection report, and highway improvement requests. Public participation is at 7pm.

Funding is being secured to upgrade the memorial garden and main recreation ground, including new benches, replacement dog waste bins, and restored hedgerow along the boundary. The Heartwood Community Forest scheme will also be contributing 200 native trees for the parish boundary.

The annual summer fete will be held on Saturday 12 July at the recreation ground from 12pm to 5pm. Stall bookings are now open — contact the clerk for details. This year features a dog show, live music, and a tug-of-war competition between neighbouring villages.

The parish precept has been set at the same level as last year, with no increase for Band D properties. The council has achieved this through careful budget management while maintaining all existing services and committing to new wildflower planting along the main road.

The community speedwatch team recorded 47 vehicles exceeding the 30mph limit during March sessions on High Street. Letters have been sent to registered keepers. The parish council is pressing the county council for a vehicle-activated speed sign.