Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on Tuesday 8 January 2008

PRESENT
Mr T Hughes (Chairman), Mr I Owen (Vice Chairman), Mr W Davies, Mr C Carter, Mr C Savery, Mrs B Sharpe, Mr P Davies, Mrs K Law.
8 members of the public.

OPEN DISCUSSION
Mr Cummings asked whether the seat with no back to it in Chapel Lawn Road could be removed.

The Chairman explained that the four metal spikes that would be exposed would be too dangerous.

Mr Cornes said that the chains round the Causeway needed some attention.

Mrs Edwards said that the faulty street light by Seabridge Meadow still had not been repaired.

Mrs Evans said that the sweeping of Weston Road was most unsatisfactory. Chairman to contact the Streetscene Department at the District Council.

Mrs Parker remarked that she had requested a large “No Through Road” sign for Bridge End Lane over a period of several years. The Council had refused to provide this, but had recently put up some very large and unnecessary speed limit signs.

The Chairman then closed the Open Meeting.

APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Mrs F Hughes, District & County Councillor N Hartin.

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
None.

MINUTES OF MEETING HELD 4 DECEMBER 2007
Under “Matters Arising”, paragraph 4 should commence: ”Mr W Davies said . . .”. Subject to this correction the Minutes were then agreed unanimously and signed by the Chairman as a true and accurate record.

MATTERS ARISING
Allotments. Still being pursued. Bucknell Allotments Association had held its inaugural meeting and elected Mrs Kate Fraser as Chairman, and Mr Ian Graves as Secretary. They have also joined the Allotments Association.

Land opposite The Tyndings. Mr Hartin has this matter in hand.
 
PLANNING
Applications Nos. 1/07/20201/F & 1/07/20202/LB Replacement conservatory at Weir House. Supported.

The following applications had been granted:
No. 1/07/19180/O Dwelling and access at Gove End Paddock.
No. 1/07/19977/F Extensions at Windy Hall, Dog Kennel Lane. Application
No. 1/07/20127/OE Erection of electricity pole at Hill View, Dog Kennel Lane. The Planning Authority had raised no objection.

PARISH PLAN
The Chairman circulated to Councillors copies of an open letter to the Parish Council on this subject from a parishioner, together with the Chairman’s reply.

The writer urged the Parish Council to set the wheels in motion to create a Parish Plan, particularly as the £2,000 funding would end in March. The Chairman’s attitude was one of caution, especially with regard to the possible closure of primary schools, to ascertain whether having a Parish Plan had provided any protection.

Mr Savery said that it was probably better to have a Parish Plan rather than not. Chairman to establish exactly when funding would end. To be reviewed at the next meeting.

DAFFODIL LANE DEVELOPMENT
Mrs Edwards reported that funding was still being sought. More letters of support were needed from organisations which would want to use the hall. Chairman suggested another public meeting be held to update the requirements of the village. Mrs Edwards said this was probably not required as word of mouth was proving to be adequate. Letter of support to be written from the Parish Council.

FINANCE
Account Balances were reported as:

It was approved unanimously on a show of hands to pay the following:

Grants for Play Equipment. Chairman to pursue.

Precept 2008/09. Clerk tabled a discussion document. After discussion it was proposed to apply for a Precept of £10,200 and agreed on a show of hands 6 in favour, 1 against. Consideration to be given next time to lowering the Precept.

CORRESPONDENCE
Letter from Mr Graves and the Chairman’s reply as discussed under “Parish Plan” above.

West Mercia Police Authority letter re: 2008 and Beyond. To Post Office.

Shropshire County Council letter + enclosure re: Village Speed Limits. To Post Office.

Communities and Local Government letter re: Consultation on Conduct of Members of local authorities.

Highways Maintenance Plan. Chairman had telephoned Highways Department today and had been advised that there had been a heavy demand on funds due to the floods in June and July and the work schedule had had to be curtailed. Entrance road at The Tyndings was in a very bad state of repair, however it was understood that the road was unadopted and the owners of the privately owned houses would have to pay a percentage of the cost of the work.

South Shropshire Housing Association had issued a new survey of housing needs. This was flawed as it stated “. . . the civil parish of Bucknell incorporates Bedstone, Hopton Castle, Twitchen Aston on Clun, Clungunford, Hopton Heath, and Shelderton.”. This was not correct, and the Chairman would correspond with the Managing Director of South Shropshire Housing Association. Mr Graves was on the Board of SSHA and offered to take back any comments from the Parish Council.

CHAIRMAN’S ITEMS
None.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS
Drains needed to be cleaned out at the top end of the Causeway adjacent to the Green, and at Harrow House, opposite the Sitwell. Clerk to inform the relevant authority.

DATE AND VENUE FOR NEXT MEETING
The next meeting will be held on Tuesday 5 February 2008 in Bucknell Memorial Hall at 7.30pm.

There being no further business the meeting closed at 9.20pm.