Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on Tuesday 10 July 2007

PRESENT
Mr T Hughes (Chairman), Mr I Owen (Vice Chairman), Mr C Savery,
Mrs K Law, Mr P Davies, Mrs B Sharp,
District and County Councillor N Hartin.
13 members of the public.

OPEN DISCUSSION
Mrs Jackson asked if the hedge at The Turnpike could be cut back. Clerk to contact the farmer concerned.

Mr Cornes asked who was responsible for the tree in the river, Mrs Edwards said that Mrs Brisbane was sorting it out. The Chairman said that a tree surgeon was coming tomorrow to look at the tree on the island by Weir House to ascertain whether remedial action was required.

Mrs Evans reported that the open drain in Weston Road had been fixed, but was not draining very well, this could be due to the exceptionally heavy rain recently. Situation to be monitored.

Mrs Edwards had been contacted by the local policeman, PC Griffiths, who was keen to hold surgeries in Bucknell Memorial Hall and would like to meet some of the Parish Councillors. PC Griffiths would put notices on the boards when dates for the surgeries were decided.

A Land Rover had been left in the school car park and was causing problems. The Chairman had heard it had broken down.

Mr Hogg suggested that the Neighbourhood Watch scheme be revived. It was agreed this was a good idea, Chairman to investigate.

The bench near the Baron of Beef needed repair. The Chairman said it should perhaps be removed together with the bench at the school garden play area. Both benches would be replaced as funds permitted.

Mrs Edwards had no information as to whether the inspection of the play equipment had taken place in June as scheduled.

The Chairman then closed the Open Meeting.

APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Mrs F Hughes, Mr W Davies.

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
None

MINUTES OF ANNUAL PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD 5 JUNE 2007
Agreed unanimously and signed by the Chairman as a true and accurate record.

MATTERS ARISING
Highways. Mr Savery asked whether the flooding problem on the Bedstone/Bucknell road had been sorted. Clerk to make enquiries.

Village Speed Limits. Mr Hartin explained that the general consultation view of the County Council was that a larger number of less costly measures be taken to reduce the speed of traffic. Unfortunately this was not supported by the police. Various other means of reducing traffic speed were discussed.

Litter Pickers Team. Chairman confirmed that the Parish Council had to remain uninvolved for Health and Safety reasons, as this would be complicated and expensive.

Allotments. Nine letters had been received from parishioners expressing an interest in an allotment. Clerk to acknowledge receipt. An area of land of one to two acres would be required. Mr P Davies said there could be a problem with farmers renting land for allotments because of the Single Farm Payment scheme. Chairman to contact the District Council as a first step.

Land opposite The Tyndings. Mr Hartin had been unable to raise this issue with Mrs Caldebank, but would do so shortly. There was a suspicion that the land had not actually been sold 15/20 years ago. Clerk to consult Parish Council Minutes.

Dog Warden. Miss Doran was unable to attend the September meeting, but would be invited to the November meeting. Clerk had a supply of dog fouling notices if required.

Churchyard Wall. Mr P Davies had obtained another quotation verbally for around £7,000, and was asked to get this in writing. To be reviewed at the September meeting.

Speed of Traffic past the Timber Yard. Mr P Davies reported that one driver had been reported to his Company and had subsequently phoned up and apologised, but the unsatisfactory situation continued. Mr Graves volunteered from the floor to operate a speed gun. Mr Hartin to organise training, etc.

PLANNING
 
Application No. 1/07/19528/LB. Garden room extension at 8 Red House, Bedstone. Mr Savery declared a personal interest as he was a Trustee of Bedstone Settlement. The application was supported.

The following applications had been granted:
No. 1/07/19339/F. Extension at Fairford, Chapel Lawn Road.
No. 1/07/19484/F. Extensions and garage at The Rockeries, Weston Road.
No. 1/07/19425/F. Extension at Pool Cottage, Bedstone.
No. 1/07/19471/F. Dwelling and garage, etc, at Hall Farm, Bucknell.
Nos. 1/07/19547/F &1/07/19548/LB. Extension, etc, at Weir Cottage, Bucknell.
Affordable Housing Needs Survey. Mr Hartin confirmed that Mr Paul Sutton from South Shropshire Housing Association would send the correct information to the Chairman.

PARISH PLAN
Letter received from the Community Council asking what was the current situation in Bedstone and Bucknell re: Parish Plan. Chairman to progress.

DAFFODIL LANE DEVELOPMENT
Mrs Edwards reported that no funding was forthcoming from the Big Lottery Fund. Various other sources of funding were being explored. Enquiries were also being made regarding different types of building construction, ie low carbon footprint. The Chairman thanked Mrs Edwards and her team for their hard work and persistence in this matter.

FINANCE
Cheque Signatories. Mr Owen’s authorisation was imminent.

Revised: 25 November 2006