WHAT'S ON: Aston & Swallownest

ASTON FOOTPATH WALKERS: The leisurely 5.5 miles walk on October 15 October was from Malin Bridge, along the Loxley Valley to Dam Flask and Low Bradfield. Yesterday’s 8 mile round walk was from Barlborough.

CHARITY EVENT: On October 17 a charity event featuring Sixties Music from the Past Masters was held at Aston Parish Hall in memory of Pat Tillery and Dave Haswell. Proceeds were shared between Weston Park Cancer Hospital and the British Heart Foundation.

COUNCIL MEETING: A meeting of Aston-cum-Aughton Parish Council took place in the Parish Hall on October 13. There were 13 councillors and eight public present. In public participation four questions were asked, one on the council’s policy towards members of the public having access to public places when barriers with width restrictions are installed. Another concerned the land at the back of King Street and Alexandra Road which it was suggested could be used for allotments. The issue of local fracking was raised and the installation of a road sign at Dam Ings Lane, Netherthorpe; the previous one was removed some four years ago. There was no police report for the parish. The Finance and Employment Committee meetings and the General Purposes Meeting held on September 30 were approved. Correspondence from YLCA was received. Reduction in support grant and changes in local government were considered from the RMBC lead commissioner. Correspondence from the director of planning RMBC regarding the Rotherham Local Plan publication of sites and policies and local planning issues was considered. The next meeting is on November 10.

GULLIVER’S THEME PARKS: A series of consultation meetings were recently held locally to invite the public’s opinion on the plan to create a Gulliver’s Valley theme park close to Rother Valley Country Park. This is the latest proposal to redevelop the Pit House West site and is family orientated with the emphasis on small children with play areas, rides and other attractions. Contact Rother Valley West Area Assembly Team 01709 254145.