THESE notes, prepared by Thornbury Town Council, are intended to provide a more detailed insight into the work the council does for the town.

With co-operation from the Gazette, councillors are submitting the column on a regular basis after each cycle of meetings, to help keep residents abreast of council business and topics coming up in the near future.

However, they would be delighted to welcome residents in person at any of their committee and full council meetings, should they want to raise issues or simply listen.

At the end of her year in office, Mayor Cllr Jeanette Ward says: "I would like to thank all the people of Thornbury that have made us so welcome at all the events we have attended making my year as mayor such a special one.

"Michael and I have felt honoured to represent the town. I should also like to thank town councillors and officers for their support and to welcome the new mayor Alan Jones and mayoress Eleri to what I am sure will be a really enjoyable year!"

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Environment (chairman, Benj Emmerson): A big thanks to all those volunteers who came out and helped clear one of the banks above the circular pond on the Streamside Walk. This was a superb example of community spirit in action. The bank has now been planted with wild flowers, which we all hope will proliferate over the coming years. Friday, June 4 is World Environment Day and to celebrate this there will be a nature tour of Filnore Woods, led by Allan Burberry of the Avon Wildlife Trust. Meet at 7pm at the leisure centre car park.

Playing Fields and Cemetery (vice-chairman Shirley Holloway): The committee is delighted that South Gloucestershire Council has agreed that the open space at Eastland Avenue/Park View Avenue can remain as an open space and play area, maintained by Thornbury Town Council. This follows requests from local residents to help to prevent children from playing on the streets. A licence has also been received in relation to the Streamleaze Play Area so that work on the provision of imaginative equipment for young children will soon be underway. A generous donation to support this project has been received from the Patchway/Thornbury Tenants' and Leaseholders' Participation Group. Thornbury Rotary Club held a promises auction on Sunday as part Thornbury Arts Festival with proceeds toward the provision of equipment.

Finance and Policy (chairman, Alan Jones): The committee agreed to collect the necessary documentation to submit an application for Quality Parish status in June. The replacement of the council's ageing computer system is to be ordered through South Gloucestershire direct with a computer manufacturer. This will achieve cost savings of some 14 percent. A review of standing orders for sub committees is to be carried to allow further participation from the general public.

The committee is continuing to monitor the North Bristol NHS review proposals, especially arrangements for facilities at Thornbury Hospital.

Town Development (chairman, Clive Parkinson): Following residents' concerns, speed readings have been taken in Easton Hill Road and are currently being collated. South Gloucestershire Council has now received a list of all comments made on the Urban Design Framework consultation document. It is pleasing to note that the majority of comments appear to have been in favour of the proposals.

(More details of committee and council minutes are now available on the town council's website www.thornburytowncouncil.gov.uk)

MAYOR'S DIARY

April 11: Cllr Shirley Holloway accompanied me to Thornbury Hospital to give out Easter eggs and cards on behalf of Thornbury Hospital League of Friends.

April 22: We attended a really great event for the youngsters of Thornbury when the Rugby Club welcomed the Rugby World Cup.

April 23: St. George's Day service at Gloucester Cathedral .

April 25: St George's Day parade and service for Scouts and Guides. This was a special event when the youngsters gave us a presentation and the whole movement renewed their promises.

FUTURE DIARY DATES (all meetings at 7.30pm in town hall)

May 18, Environment Committee

May 20, Playing Fields and Cemetery Committee

June 1, Town Development Committee

June 3, Finance and Policy Commitee

June 22, Full Council

June 29, Environment Committee

July 1, Playing Fields and Cemetery Committee

August 10, Recess