Message from the Chairman June 2026

Dear Residents,

In the May meeting I was honoured to have once again been elected as Chairman of the Parish Council and will continue along with all your councillors to work on behalf of all the residents of the parish.

The May meeting reviews all of the procedures for your Parish Council and to ensure that we operate within the necessary guidelines set out by Government, this includes the checking of our assets, a risk assessment, codes of conduct, standing orders and adhering to the financial regulations which are all checked by an independent auditor.

During this month following on from our request to review the safety issues regarding traffic at the school entrance, I had a meeting with a representative from the Borough Council Highways department to see if there are ways that we can improve access and safety at the school main entrance roundabout. It was good to note that on the day of the visit there were no issues and the car park was being well used by parents. However, there were still many parents who ignore the school’s request to use the car park much to the inconvenience of residents in local streets.

It was suggested that the “school flashing light sign” which now serves the MacIntyre School could be moved to a position before the Trow Close roundabout going northbound, thereby giving motorists earlier warning on approaching the school. In addition to this additional traffic calming signage warning of the approach to the school.

Your Parish council has approved the purchase of a speed monitor indicator to replace the old one which was not working and it should be installed fairly soon.

Councillors were very concerned about the changes Stagecoach has made on their timetable which means a reduction of 2 routes 9a and 9B to one bus per hour and the effect that will have on residents. I wrote to our MP and to Stagecoach to express our concerns and Richard Fuller MP agreed to meet me to discuss the issue. Whilst he was sympathetic to our concerns, he will look into the issue but felt that other small communities in his constituency are also poorly served by bus services and that he may not be able to help.

We have had a message from KJ Fundays asking for permission to hire the village field for an event which features bouncy castles, slides and mini rides as well as an ice cream stall and food van. Please let me know if you have thoughts by email a.merel@cottonend-pc.gov.uk.

We have received the following request from the local Royal British legion seeking a volunteer.

My name is Michael Lewis, and I am the Poppy Appeal Manager (PAM) for Bedfordshire. I am writing to discuss an important and exciting opportunity for the Cople community.

As you may be aware, poppies and school packs have not been available in Cotton End during the Poppy Appeal for some time. I am currently looking to recruit a Poppy Appeal Organiser (PAO) for the area—someone who can take on this vital role and help us raise essential funds in support of the Armed Forces community.

I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to share this information in your news letter and local contacts to explore whether anyone may be interested in becoming a Poppy Appeal Organiser for Cotton End. This is a rewarding opportunity to make a meaningful and lasting impact within the local community.

The role of a Poppy Appeal Organiser, supported by a small team, primarily involves coordinating and managing the annual Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal. Key responsibilities include:

• Ordering and distributing Poppy stock

• Community engagement
• Fundraising activities

Thank you very much for considering this request. Your support in helping to identify a suitable individual or team for this role would be invaluable.

Kind Regards

Michael Lewis
Poppy Appeal Manager, Bedfordshire

Home Based

Tel:   07768 252906

Email:   MLewis@britishlegion.org.uk

If you can help this worthy charity contact Michael directly at the email address above.

Andre Merel

Chairman, Cotton End Parish Council

Full details of other items discussed are at the  meeting is available in the minutes of meetings on the Parish Council Website www.cottonend-pc.gov.uk and on the Parish Council Noticeboard.