HEIGHINGTON - Summary Of The Village

Heighington has six meeting halls for it's 2,918 + inhabitants (2001 Census figure). At least 25 voluntary organisations use these regularly, from the "Mother and Baby" Clinic to the " Friendship Club" for over 60's and widowed. Some of the Halls are regularly used for private parties and celebrations or, a growing trend, funeral wakes. All Halls are available to anyone, at the Managements' discretion. Both the Church and the Chapel hold weekly services. There is a Residential Home for the elderly, the Youth Club meets weekly and there is a good bus service into the City and the surrounding villages. There are two kennels for dogs and cats.

There are over 54 Businesses in the village or that serve the village. The Post Office, Bakery, Costcutter shop and butcher are all flourishing, as are the two public houses and two Bed and Breakfast establishments. One of the public houses has a popular small restaurant and the Costcutter shop makes free delivery of groceries. There is free, off-street parking at five sites around the village. There is now no petrol station.

There is a village Web site and four regular village Newsletters (from the G.P.'s Surgery, Primary School, Parish Council and Church) are available to everyone and all, except the Parish Magazine, are free. There are two Council notice boards and three shops display notices of local events and goods for private sale.

The Parish Council meets monthly and elections are usually contested. It has provided two Sports Fields and pavilions to serve cricket and football pitches. The Bowling Green, which has a wheelchair for disabled players, and the Tennis Courts are well used. Tennis coaching is provided for all age groups. The Council provides two safety-surfaced play areas, one at each end of the village, and three seats, 12 litter and 16 dog faeces bins. It employs a Litter Picker and a Dog Warden. The provision of skateboarding facilities is being investigated. The Parish Office is open to the public 2 hours a day for three days a week, and offers public access to the Internet. Broadband internet is available in the village.

Local and national charities are well supported by the village. A local charity provides grants for textbooks and tools for 16 to 25 year olds. Another makes grants to young people to help them participate in sport and outdoor activities. A special charity to help a talented disabled village girl athlete compete at national level has been set up. A book on the village history is sold for Village Hall funds. There is a Parish Christmas tree. "Best Garden" and "Best Hanging Baskets" competitions are organised by the Council. The Gardening Club holds an Annual Produce Show.

Retired people run many of the clubs and organisations and are fully integrated into village life. Voluntary transport brings people from the Council's old peoples' bungalows down to the fortnightly Bingo sessions in the Village Hall and, with others, to the weekly Friendship Club. Residents of the bungalows and friends meet weekly, in the Community Centre there, to knit garments and blankets for different charities

The village is not on a main road to anywhere else so noise, danger and pollution from road traffic are less than they might be. There are many country walks, on traffic free lanes and well maintained footpaths, around the outskirts of the village, which are well used and appreciated by walkers (with or without dogs!)

Heighington enjoys a clean, safe environment with lots to do and the majority of needs met - the natives are friendly and it's a good place to live!