The earliest written record of Redwick Community Council (or ‘Redwick Parish Council’ as it then was) dates from 4th December 1894. At that time the Council met once a year at Redwick School with the inaugural meeting being held under the authority of the Parish Council’s Act.

 

Mr William Waters was unanimously elected Chairman but somewhat bizarrely only then was consideration actually given as to whether a Parish Council was in fact needed! Fortunately, on a show of hands the vote was 27 for a Parish Council and only 14 against.

 

Redwick School, the Council’s meeting venue, was owned by the Church at this time and so, exhibiting sound business acumen, the then Vicar, Reverend B. Birbeck, felt that a small charge should be made for the use of the building. Accordingly, it was agreed that the princely sum of one shilling per meeting would be levied.

 

Today Redwick Community Council meets every two months at Redwick Village Hall on a Thursday evening and the general public are always welcome.

 

Redwick Community Council’s role is to look after the interests of Redwick Village’s citizens and to preserve its heritage and values, ensuring it remains a pleasant and safe place to live. The Council also owns two parcels of land within the village – The Pound and Prince Charles Garden.

 

On a regular basis, the Council is asked to consider and comment upon the array of policies, planning applications and legislation proposed by Newport City Council and the Welsh Assembly Government. The documentation can range from the niftily entitled ‘Guidance for Wales Programme for Improvement for the Fire and Rescue Authorities in Wales’ to a Review of the Community Council Election Results 2008!

 

The Community Council is also responsible for:-

 

* Ensuring the safety of Redwick’s playing field and that it complies with the array of health and safety legislation. Accordingly, the field is inspected on a weekly basis by a member of the Community Council.

 

* Carefully considering every Planning Application it receives from Newport City Council and if necessary, making representations to Newport City Council.

 

* Ensuring that the various grassed areas within the village, including the Churchyard, are kept mown and well presented.

 

* Being the ‘voice’ of the village, ensuring that Newport City Council are fully aware of such issues as highway repair, low water pressure, litter and any other topics of concern to Redwick villagers.

 

The present day Community Council consists of five Councillors and the Clerk.