MEETING - September 2005


Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting
held on  Tuesday 6 September 2005 

PRESENT
Mr K Barnett (Chairman), Mr I Owen, Mr P Davies, Mrs F Hughes, Mrs K Law, Mr W Davies, District and County Councillor N Hartin.
5 members of the public

OPEN DISCUSSION
Mr Hogg asked whether the two pubs in the village had requested extended opening hours during the recent national application for licensees scheme. This was not known.

Some time ago the Government had mentioned free transport for pensioners, Mr Hartin thought this Bill had fallen with the last Parliament.

Mr Chambers reported that the extra trains which had been planned from December would not now be provided as the Welsh Assembly had decided at the last moment that the funding could not be justified. The Chairman said that the overcrowding on the 5.30pm train was very bad and was getting worse as HOWLTA was attracting more passengers with special offers for shoppers. Mr Chambers replied that the problem was with rolling stock and the strain on the motor of one carriage. Two carriage sets were needed so there are two motors.

Mr Cornes asked what was the correct name for the village hall in Bedstone, and who was responsible for running it. The Chairman replied that its official title was “Bedstone and Hopton Castle Village Hall” and that a dedicated village hail committee was responsible for it.

The Chairman then closed the Open Meeting.

APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Mr T Hughes (Vice Chairman), Mrs B Sharpe, Mr C Savery.

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
None.

MINUTES OF MEETING HELD 2 AUGUST 2005
Agreed unanimously and signed by the Chairman as a true and accurate record.

MATTERS ARISING
Children’s Play Area. The Chairman said that the gate was working and the hedge had been cut. The whole area was much tidier.

Affordable Housing on Exception Sites. No land identified in the parish.

Level Crossing. Mr Philip Dunne MP had written to Arriva trains and Network Rail in the light of the recent incident. Mr Hartin said that a speed check would be carried out on the road into the village from the Lingen Bridge.

Weston Road Resurfacing. Mr Hartin reported that this could not be done in the current financial year, but would be scheduled in next year. Patching would be done shortly.

PLANNING
Applications Nos. 1/05/17433/F & 1/05/17434/LB Sun room at the Baron of Beef (previous application withdrawn). Mr Barnett proposed from the chair that this be supported, seconded by Mr P Davies and agreed unanimously.

Application No. 1/05/17362/F Extensions to dwelling at 4 Dog Kennel Lane. No comment.

Application No. 1/05/17141/LB Alterations at The Coach House, Bucknell House, had been granted.

DAFFODIL LANE DEVELOPMENT
Mr Hogg reported that dormice had been seen in the wood in 1990. However, it was considered that agreement had been reached regarding the removal of the hedges.

Children had been seen playing on the field, which was pleasing.

FINANCE
It was agreed unanimously to pay the following:

Bucknell Nurseries (cutting play area hedge)

£49.35

 
UHY Hacker Young (audit fee) £141.00  
St Mary’s PCC (servicing & repair of lawn mower) £41.63  

Accounts to year ended 31.3.05 had been returned from the External Auditor without comment.

C
ORRESPONDENCE
South Shropshire District Council letter + enclosures re: 2005 Electoral Registration Canvass. To be circulated.

Shropshire County Council letter + enclosure re: Consultation on Shropshire’s Draft Countryside Access Strategy. Chairman to action on behalf of the Parish Council.

SCC Notices re: Public meetings re: Open Access Land. To notice boards.

South Shropshire Partnership letter re: Theft from Vehicles & Car Park Signage (meeting 7.9.05 at the Discovery Centre).

SCC letter + enclosure re: Modernisation of Shropshire’s Registration Service.

SALC information re: Training, + booklet “Pointers to Good Practice”.

Shropshire & Wrekin Fire Authority letter + enclosed Consultation Questionnaire. To Mr Hughes.

Her Majesty’s Courts Service letter + enclosed consultation questionnaire on proposed reorganisation of local justice areas.

CHAIRMAN'S ITEMS
None.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS
Street Lights. Mr Owen reported that three were not working and would give locations to the Chairman. Mr Owen also said that cables had been provided to site a new street light at Sitwell Terrace. To be investigated. Regarding the proposed street light in the Causeway, it was thought this could be solar powered, Chairman to investigate. It was also reported that the hedge in the Causeway needed to be cut.

River Redlake. Mr Owen reported that the river had been cleaned out near the Post Office but not at the other bridge. Mr Hartin to make enquiries. Mr Owen also reminded the Parish Council about the proliferation of Japanese Knotweed in the river. Clerk to write to the Environment Agency stating that there was a large amount of this weed in the river and what was their policy with regard to its removal.

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

There being no further business the meeting closed at 8.40pm.
 

 

Revised: 29 October 2005