Introduction

Our fourth year since inception in May 2007 has been extremely busy.  I shall outline our achievements and concentrate on the progress of the last year, and also look forward to the future.

Allotments

It is the duty of a Town Council to provide allotments where there is an unsatisfied demand we are aware there is a considerable waiting list in Billingham.  Unfortunately the Town Council does not currently own any land, but we have begun discussions with resident groups and the Billingham Allotment Association to identify suitable sites.  We await the completion of Stockton Borough Councils review into allotments.

Billingham Carnival

Sponsors of Billingham Carnival, instrumental in assisting with the youth/kiddies corner and raising funds for the Chairman’s charity.

Billingham Charity Trophy Event

Family Fun Day held on 4th July 2010 at Billingham Rugby Club. The Town Council were the main sponsors of the event.

Chairman’s Charity

I am very pleased that the Town Council were able to support the Butterwick Hospice and make a generous donation of £611.61, raised mainly at our Christmas event.

Community Newspaper

A year ago we reported on the setting up of the community newspaper .  Since then our Executive Officer has continued her hard work on the papers committee and the Town Council has continued to sponsor the papers distribution.  The 7th edition has recently appeared, the paper has been well received in Billingham and further editions at two monthly intervals are planned.

Community Orchard

We shall continue with this project as soon as permission is granted with the land transfer from Stockton Borough Council.

Christmas event

We delivered a very successful event last December.  This year’s event will be held on Saturday 10th December 2011 in John Whitehead Park.

Enforcement Provision

Just over a year ago the Town Council agreed to sponsor extra hours of community enforcement on a Friday & Saturday night.  Initially a 6 month trail, this has been so successful that all the Town Council is now solidly behind it, and provision has been approved for the next 12 months.

Flower tubs, dog & litter bins

Over the last 4 years we have provided an extra 29 flower tubs, 18 dog fouling bins and 6 litter bins.  We also planned this last year to provide extra grit bins, but this project has had to be put on hold until Stockton Borough Council’s provision becomes clear.

Keep Billingham Tidy Campaign

We have launched a “Keep Billingham Tidy” campaign with Billingham South Primary School, Wolviston Primary School & Roseberry Primary School designing the winning posters to become our signature posters to promote the campaign.  It is vital to get young people involved so that they can set an example to their elders.

New projects

A working group has been set up under the leadership of Cllr Bieda to establish and implement a policy regarding asset transfers of property from Stockton Borough Council to Billingham.

Town Plan

We hope in the next year or two that the Town Council can attain Quality Status.  Our Executive Officer has already begun preparatory work with stakeholders in Billingham.

Youth

We are looking to develop our very own Youth Council which will enable the youngsters of our Town to play an instrumental part in developing the future of Billingham.

Summary

I would personally like to thank Cllr Ray McCall for his support as Vice Chair. I extend my personal thanks to all members for their support and I am proud that we have worked together as a group, regardless of political affiliation for the good of Billingham residents.

My personal thanks also go to our Executive Officer and Office Co-ordinator their efforts have given the Council it’s standing in the community.

Councillor Colin Pollard

Chairman to Billingham Town Council

2010/2011