Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on Tuesday Tuesday 7 March 2006

PRESENT
Mr K Barnett (Chairman), Mr T Hughes (Vice Chairman), Mr I Owen, Mrs K Law, Mr C Savery, Mr W Davies, District & County Councillor N Hartin.
Four members of the public.

OPEN DISCUSSION
Mr Cornes had heard that the Gochions had been sold for affordable housing, and the upgrading of the sewage works was part of this. Neither the Chairman nor Mr Hartin were aware of any such project. The Chairman assured Mr Cornes that there was no collusion between South Shropshire District Council and South Shropshire Housing Association. Mr Hartin said the upgrading of the sewage works was a standalone project. The Chairman also said that the Housing Association obtained planning permission before purchasing any piece of land.

Mr Gooding said the signing of rights of way around the area needed attention, and that walkers and other tourists would also contribute to local business, for example the village shop. Mr Hartin said he had spoken to the Rights of Way Department and they had agreed to come and do the necessary work. The replacement of the hand gate by the garage had been noted, but it was not a high priority.

In answer to a question from the floor, the Chairman said that the area of common land opposite the Baron of Beef would be reseeded shortly and the seat would then be replaced.

Mr Chambers had evidence of many motorists countywide who committed various offences at level crossings. The Chairman said that the new timetable had resulted in most passengers finding other means of transport.

Mr Gooding asked why Whittles used 45 seater buses through the village, especially round by the church, and could not a smaller bus be used. Mr Hartin replied that individual buses would be used for other and busier routes as well.

The Chairman then closed the Open Meeting.

APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Mr P Davies, Mrs B Sharpe, Mrs F Hughes.

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
None.

MINUTES OF MEETING HELD 7 FEBRUARY 2006
The Clerk apologised for omitting the date and place of next meeting on the Minutes, which were agreed unanimously and signed by the Chairman as a true and accurate record.

MATTERS ARISING
Endurance Ride. The Chairman had spoken to Mrs Bingeman and informed her of the Parish Council’s decision.

Street Light at the Causeway. This had been ordered.

Metal Post in Chapel Lawn Road. Chairman had reported this to the relevant authority.

Traffic through the Village. Mr Hartin had held a site meeting with Mr Rutherford, who did not like the proposed gateing of the bridge by the garage. The County Council was still of the opinion that traffic speeds did not warrant further action. Mr Hartin said that an area-wide signing project would take effect soon.

Speed Cameras. Mr Hartin had received no response from the public regarding the voluntary use of the cameras.

Smell by the Garage. Still present, but not so noticeable at this time of year.

PLANNING
There were no applications to be considered.

Application No. 1/05/17764/TC Felling of a sycamore at Bedstone College had been granted. Mr Savery asked why this had not come before the Parish Council. The Clerk replied that it had been received over the Christmas period and that tree works were generally not commented upon anyway. Mr Savery requested that all planning applications come before the Parish Council, even in retrospect. This was agreed.

DAFFODIL LANE DEVELOPMENT
Mrs Edwards reported that the £26,000+ funding for the play equipment had been raised and work was to start on 27 March. RoSPA may require signage on the approach roads.

The official open was scheduled for 25 March at 3pm.
Enquiries to be made re: the Village Hall Committee claiming back the VAT on the play equipment.

CHURCHYARD WALL
Mr Owen had received a quotation from the previous Contractor only, since it was important to maintain the same style of craftsmanship. Mr Owen detailed the work required on a 42 metre length of wall between the recently restored section and the lych gate. The quotation was for £5,042 + VAT and work could start in July. A faculty would be needed from the diocese. After discussion Mr Hughes proposed the quotation be accepted, seconded by Mrs Law and agreed on a show of hands, five in favour, Mr Owen abstained.

FINANCE
It was agreed unanimously to pay the following:

BR & SC Green (petrol etc)	£36.68
Bedstone & Hopton Castle Village Hall (hire)	£6.50
Mr Ray Davies (various)	£50.50
LMS Skips (hire of skips for churchyard clean up – this was more than expected, but acceptable)	£329.00

CORRESPONDENCE
South Shropshire District Council letter + enclosed new “Discover South Shropshire” map.
SSDC Core Strategy Issues and Options – February 2006.
Shropshire County Council letter + enclosures re: Preferred Options for the Core Strategy and Mineral Resources Development Plan Documents.
Notification from County of traffic lights outside the timber yard on 13 March.

CHAIRMAN’S ITEMS
None. 

ANY OTHER BUSINESS
Mrs Edwards was asked about the risk assessment form and replied that this was not yet to hand.

DATE AND VENUE FOR NEXT MEETING
The next meeting will be held on Tuesday 4 April 2006 in Bucknell Memorial Hall at 7.30pm.

There being no further business the meeting closed at 8.45pm.
 

Revised: 04 May 2006