Good Morning to you Jake,
When I referred to the ‘Powers that be’ I was indeed referring to you and your fellow Councillors. You may not think so but you are expected by the people of the village (Yes I nearly said the Village People) to actually look after the village.
It might not be part of your remit as a Councillor but it certainly should be. The Council seems to have an opinion on everything that goes on in the village and comments on all Planning Applications. The Council have rights to address any issues it thinks might affect the village and it is able, with a full time official, to contact and make enquiries of outside bodies who are responsible for certain parts of the village.
Sometimes the outside body may be unaware there is a problem and would welcome an approach from the Council. Well that’s how it should work. There is enough evidence around to the opposite if you care to investigate.
Getting back to the ‘goat’ that fed water to the corn mill; this came out of the River Goyt and was led round many buildings, including the Mechanics Institute, and when it had done its job, i.e.: turning the water wheel, it ended up back in the Goyt.
It was/is an important part of our local history and it was a simple but magnificent achievement.
I don’t blame you or any Councillor for not noticing the problem, if indeed it is a problem, for I have passed that place thousands of times and not noticed myself.
Now at one time you used to be able to walk through the ‘secret tunnel’ and emerge at the side of the Railway Pub. Obviously this was long after the corn mill had shut its doors and we probably should not have played there.
The base of the ‘goat’ was concrete and used to be cleaned out on a regular basis. I always presumed this was done by the council. They did lots of jobs like that years ago. Who owns that piece of land? I don’t know. Has it simply been allowed to fall into disrepair? It certainly looks like it.
On the other hand the owners may have simply broken out the concrete and planted a lot of trees. Seems doubtful but you never know.
However, it has now been pointed out to you as a Councillor and you need to spring into action like the cat that adorns your head and bring us some answers.
I know you will not let us down.
I shall email this to the Clerk to the Council.
R. S-S
Jake wrote:Good Morning R. S-S
I'm not sure which powers that be you refer to but I suspect that the problem lies with the water authorities, in saying that I see no reason why the Town Council should not report the matter to those powers. May I suggest an e-mail to the Town Clerk is the appropriate course for action.
Take care now
Jake