Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on Tuesday 2 October 2007

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

PRESENTATION RE: LOW CARBON COMMUNITY
The Vice Chairman introduced Mr I Graves, who gave a brief outline of what was meant by the term “Low Carbon Community” and said that it was largely up to each community as to how this was achieved. As a first step a steering group should be set up.

Mr Jackson proposed a ringing endorsement on Mr Graves’ proposals. Mr Hartin said that the District Council would encourage such an enterprise. Following further questions from the floor, the Vice Chairman thanked Mr Graves for his presentation, and handed over to the Chairman.

OPEN DISCUSSION
Mr Hartin explained that Whittle had given notice to finish their contract on buses, and were presently serving their statutory 56 days’ notice.

A hand gate on the railway had rotted. Clerk to report this, also the hedge which Network Rail had cut right down 2 or 3 years ago needed to be cut down again.

Mr Hartin explained the County proposals for primary school reorganisation.

Weston Road was scheduled to be resurfaced in the next financial year.

Mrs Sharpe remarked that the work to repair Stowe culvert appeared to be an excessively large project.

The Chairman then closed the Open Meeting.

APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Mr P Davies, Mr W Davies, Mrs F Hughes, Mr T Hughes (Chairman) (late arrival).

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
None

MINUTES OF MEETING HELD 4 SEPTEMBER 2007
Mrs Law said that she had given her apologies for any meeting missed, as she sometimes had to visit her elderly mother at short notice. Subject to this correction, the Minutes were approved unanimously and signed by the Chairman as a true and accurate record.

MATTERS ARISING
River Redlake. It was unclear who was responsible for dredging, but it was being cleared out under the bridge today.

Community Police Officer’s Surgery. The first one had been held recently and was well attended.

Allotments. Mr Hartin was pursuing this matter.

Land opposite The Tyndings. Chairman had received a letter from Mr Ron Chambers detailing the history. Mr Hartin said Mrs Caldebank was taking this up.

Dog Warden. It was confirmed that Mrs Victoria Ashmore would give a presentation at the November Parish Council meeting.

Churchyard Wall. Work would start soon, but the Chairman was concerned about the financial cost involved. Clerk confirmed that this cost should be covered from Parish Council funds.

The Chairman also said that the horse chestnut tree on the corner of Dog Kennel Lane and Chapel Lawn Road had been condemned by a tree surgeon, this would incur further expense for the Parish Council.
 
PLANNING
Application No. 1/07/19977/F Extensions at Windy Hall, Dog Kennel Lane. Supported.

The following applications had been granted:
No. 1/07/19835/F Conservatory at Misty Meadows, Hillside, Bucknell.
No. 1/07/19783/F Extension at Wheatsheaf House, Weston Road.

Affordable Housing Survey. Correct percentages still not to hand.

PARISH PLAN
Chairman had copies of Parish Plans from other villages which would be put in the Post Office.

A “Community First” point was to be installed at the garage.

DAFFODIL LANE DEVELOPMENT
Mrs Edwards reported that funding was still being sought towards the planning stage.

FINANCE
Account Balances were reported as:

It was approved unanimously to pay the following:

Changes to Bank Mandate. Clerk to pursue.

Review of Clerk’s salary. Information still not to hand.

CORRESPONDENCE
South Shropshire District Council letter + enclosed questionnaire re: Flooding in South Shropshire. Chairman to complete on behalf of the Parish Council.

SSDC letter re: Polling District and Polling Places Review.

Defra letter + enclosed publication “Ways to tackle climate change”. To Mr Graves.

SALC notifications re: training courses.

CHAIRMAN’S ITEMS
None.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS
Mrs Sharpe reported on the Teme Valley Youth Project. No youngsters from Bucknell were involved. Councillors therefore decided not to send a donation.

DATE AND VENUE FOR NEXT MEETING
The next meeting will be held on 6 November 2007 in Bucknell Memorial Hall at 7.30pm.

There being no further business the meeting closed at 9.10pm.