Page One Hundred and Forty One
Comprising Bishopstone, Bridge Sollars, Byford, Kenchester and Mansell Gamage
Minutes of the meeting held on Thursday 12 November 2009 in The Portway Inn Hotel, Staunton starting at 7.30pm.
Present: - Mrs P Redshaw (Chairman) Mr J Macklin (Vice Chairman)
Mr J Verry Mr B Merrick Miss S Hubbard
Mr G Malins, Mrs S Knights Mr A French
Mrs C Draper
Mr B Megson (Clerk)
Apologies: - Mr T Hunt, Mrs M Holmes, Mrs P Hickey, Mrs D Shaw
Did not Attend: - Mrs L Allsopp
Apologies from Mr Adrian Blackshaw (Ward Councillor) and Mr D Macklin (Newsletter Editor)
1. The meeting began with the Chairman advising all present of
the Fire Safety procedure.
2. Apologies were accepted.
3. All councillors were asked if they had a Declaration of Interest on any item on the Agenda.
The previously distributed minutes of the last meeting of 17 September 2009 were accepted as a correct record and signed.
5. The Hereford Councillor Report was not made because the meeting had accepted his apologies.
6. Matters Arising
The clerk reported that he had written to Mrs A Midwinter and Herefordshire Council regarding the log lorries passing through Mansell Gamage and that he had also written to Foxley Group Parish Council. The reply from Herefordshire Council advised that Moorhampton Bridge is the property of the Railway Board it also stated that Herefordshire Council would in the future concern itself with the traffic problem highlighted by Mrs Midwinter. The meeting asked the clerk to write to Mrs Midwinter giving her this information. Foxley Group Parish Council replied by saying they had received no complaints but would support our PC should we want to join forces.
Page. One Hundred and Forty Two.
6. Matters Arising (Continued)
Letters written to Herefordshire Council regarding signage for horses on the Madley to Bridge Sollars road and about a road safety mirror for the Barns in Mansell Gamage have not been replied to other than the standard letter of receipt. The meeting decided that the clerk should write to Herefordshire Council and ask them if they wanted to remove the horse signs from Mansell Gamage and use them at Bridge Sollars.
The only response from Herefordshire Council about our request for a 40mph speed limit on the A438 was a standard response and we have received nothing further as yet.
An email to the clerk advised that all the conditions for the approval of a 30mph speed limit through the village of Bishopstone had been met. Unless there was a very strong objection from within Bishopstone the speed limit will be granted. The time period for an objection has passed.
The clerk reported that the last communication from Herefordshire Council informed that they will be looking into who owned the plot of land opposite The Lady Southampton Chapel. This item was then discussed by the meeting which was split on whether or not we should want to own it and who would maintain it. The clerk was asked to write to Herefordshire Council and inform them that as they are the present owners they should respond to Mr R Pritchard’s complaint about car parking. The condition of the green should also be mentioned.
7. Planning Applications.
The meeting was
advised that Herefordshire Council Planning had approved the application
to renew the Welsh slate roof on the Lady Southampton Chapel at Kenchester.
Approval had also
been given for structural repairs to the front of the south elevation of
Fallsbrook House in Byford.
Our planning
committee had considered the
construction of a flood relief culvert from the Yazor Brook at Credenhill to
the River Wye and also new construction land areas and had no objections.
They had no
objections to the building of a proposed summer house at The Steppes,
Bishopstone.
8. Village Plan Reports.
The chairman asked for reports and none were forthcoming.
9. Accounts.
The present Bank Balances as at end September are Current Account…£2377.52
Reserve Account…£3943.62
Proposed we transfer £1000 from current to reserve account and this was unanimously agreed.
The Parish Precept for 2010/2011 was discussed and finally agreed that we would apply for £3885 an increase over last years £3500.
It was unanimously agreed to pay the Clerk’s honorarium half year payment of £750.
Page One Hundred and Forty Three.
9. Accounts
(Continued)
A discussion on how the clerk should be paid an increase to his honorarium took place. It was agreed that the increase become part of next years Precept and the honorarium was increased from £1500 to £2000 per year to be paid half yearly. This was passed by 6 votes with 3 not voting.
10. BT payphone at Bishopstone.
A “U” turn by BT about them removing the payphone gave the meeting an opportunity to further discuss their decision to “adopt” the Bishopstone box. It was agreed that they would “adopt” and the clerk was asked to obtain clarification from BT and to enquire if our present insurance covers us when we become owners.
11. Parish Freighter
A letter from Herefordshire Council informing all Parish Councils about the increase in the cost of hiring the service from £38 per visit to £380 per visit prompted a discussion about the cost. As the increase takes place in either April or July (not clear from the letter) the clerk was asked to book at the present rate for early next year.
12. Training Courses.
The chairman asked if any councillors wanted to go on the training courses offered by HALC. There were no offers except for the Chairman and Clerk to attend a meeting to meet with Amey Herefordshire..
13. Correspondence.
An email letter from
Herefordshire Council giving formal notification of the formation of “Amey
Herefordshire”.
Changes of times for
the Mobile Library service to start early next year.
West Mercia Police
letter shows no reported crimes in our area.
The Annual Report
2008/09 from Festival Housing Group.
The next meeting was arranged for Thursday 14 January 2010 starting at
7.30pm in The Portway Inn Hotel, Staunton-on-Wye.