Over the past year, the Parish Council has continued to be pro-active in overseeing the ongoing maintenance and future development of the parish of North Baddesley. Many ongoing issues were resolved, and various new projects were put in hand.

The council minutes and relevant photographs have been digitally displayed at council meetings using computer equipment and the accounts have been put onto spreadsheets and graphs.

Sadly, the unwanted split of the parish between North Baddesley and Valley Park was implemented. The new Council consists of nine councillors. The split has led to the inevitable reduction of tax payers which has meant stringent controls on the new parish's budget.

Once again a striking display of hanging baskets and barrier troughs jointly paid for by Draper Tools and the Council decorated the village and many residents cultivated their front gardens to a very high standard. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the many parishioners for their efforts in enhancing the village. As always the allotments at Nutburn Road were well maintained.

The Recreation Ground has continued to be well used by various different football clubs. Unfortunately the cricket pitch remains unused but will be maintained for possible future use and the outfield for football practise. The tennis courts, skate park and basketball court have continued to be very popular. The basketball court has started to be upgraded into a caged combined basketball and football court. The surface will soon be painted and lined at the same time as the tennis courts. The Council are also applying for floodlighting these areas to extend the usage time.

The new pavilion combined with a youth centre has been started and is due to be completed around the middle of December.

Extra parking is also being provided in Sandy Lane car park next to the Recreation Ground now planning permission has been granted. The current car park is being extended and works are currently in hand to level an area of wasteland adjacent to the existing car park which we lease from Cranbury Estates.

The grounds at St John's Church have continued to be maintained by the Parish Council which has been most welcome by parishioners and has attracted many favourable comments.

I, myself, have been instrumental in keeping an eye open in the village and taking photographic evidence of any vandalism. The Council has met with the Area Surveyor to inspect damage to kerbs, pavements, roads etc and have ensured that repairs have been carried out. Areas constantly becoming flooded after heavy rainfall have been inspected and the various authorities involved consulted with regard to improvements being made.