John dons the chain of office

CHANGEOVER . . . Outgoing chairman Councillor Mari Wiswell hands over the reigns of power to new chairman Councillor John Hall

Shaw and Crompton Parish Council annual meeting

A LIB-DEM councillor has risen up the ranks in only two years to become the new chairman of Shaw and Crompton Parish Council.

Councillor John Hall was elected to take over the duties from the outgoing chairman, Councillor Mari Wiswell.

Councillor Hall, who has lived in Shaw for more than 35 years and has two grown-up sons with his wife Linda, was co-opted for the North Ward in March, 2008.

He has already served on numerous sub-committees and has shown a keen interest in the environment and open spaces. He is yet to confirm his chosen charities for the year.

Councillor Wiswell raised £3,000 during her year as chairman to split between the spinal injuries unit at Southport Hospital and Oldham Owls, which helps disabled and able-bodied people in sport.

She taught at Crompton House for three decades before directing her energies into community issues after a car accident left her in a wheelchair.

Councillor Hazel Gloster was elected as vice-chairman.


THE parish council’s annual report detailed how community events continued to grow to be the success of the year.

These include the family weekend and vehicle rally, a cricket match between Crompton and Shaw cricket clubs, the Crompton Circuit walk, the Lancashire Day proclamation, Christmas charity market, schools Christmas band festival, Easter charity market, Easter egg hunt and Christmas celebrations.

Planning is well under way for the next family weekend, which will take place on June 26 and 27.

This year the council considered 70 planning applications and recommended refusal in only two cases. It also handed out 18 grants totalling £3,400.

Clerk Ray Hughes said: “The council seeks to continue the development of a pattern of civic life to benefit the whole community, by fostering different types of activities.”

The council ended the financial year with a £10,000 surplus on last year. It paid out £89,275 in wages, costs and grants and brought in £92,596 through the precept, plus nearly £7,000 in interest and a VAT refund. It now has a bank balance of £73,565.

Search to fill vacancy

THE parish council has begun the process of advertising a vacancy to co-opt a new member.

It is to replace North Ward Conservative councillor Kevin Howard.

He has ceased to be a member of the council after not attending a meeting for six months.