May 2021
Local Housing Needs Survey
Keep an eye out for your copy of the Local Housing Needs Survey which will be dropping through your door very soon. Commissioned by Shipston Town Council, the results will provide detailed information about the future housing needs of all Shipston residents.
The results will stand alongside the Neighbourhood Plan to support building that is wanted and needed by residents and help resist unwanted developments.
It is essential that as many people as possible complete the survey, regardless of whether they have a pressing housing need so that everyone is represented. To incentivise participation, every survey returned on time will be entered into a PRIZE DRAW with a chance to win one of 3 cash prizes of £100. Winners will be contacted after the survey deadline and, subject to their agreement, will be announced in a future edition of the Forum.
His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh
Everyone at Shipston Town Council was very saddened to learn of the death of HRH Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh and we remember with gratitude his extraordinary lifetime of service. Whilst guidelines discouraged any formal ceremony, the Union Flag was lowered to half-mast and Mayor Sheelagh Saunders made a donation on behalf of the Council and people of Shipston to the Living Legacy Fund of the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme
Concerns over future of Youth Club buildings
When the County Council disposed of the Youth Club building in 2008, it was to a landmark joint-venture between the Youth Club and High School. After £35,000 of County Council funded repairs, the project was viewed as a great example of the community coming together to make maximum use of assets, with the school having access during the day and the youth club for their club nights.
The Youth Club has continued to go from strength to strength with high attendance (over 50 young people on some evenings) and activities delivered by a fantastic team of staff and volunteers. Sadly, in Autumn 2019, issues with drains and the boiler meant it was deemed no longer safe and the Youth Club has been informed that approximately £9,000 of repairs are required.
Now the Youth Club has been asked to vacate the premises within six weeks, meaning they risk losing their permanent home.
Rev Daniel Pulham, who Chairs the Youth Club Management Committee, addressed the Town Council during their meeting of 26th April, lamenting how the original vision had “reflected the Shipston spirit” and that he has received “no invitation for further conversation or consideration”.
It is hoped that the council can mediate a discussion between the school and Youth Club to reach an amicable solution.