BISHOPSTONE GROUP PARISH COUNCIL

Minutes of a Parish Council Meeting held on Thursday

10 March 2011 in Staunton on Wye Village Hall

Present

Councillors J Macklin (Chairman), S Hubbard (Vice chairman, Acting Parish Clerk), L Allsop, D Shaw, T Hunt, C Draper, P Redshaw, S Knights

In attendance: Ward Councillor A Blackshaw

Members of the public: One

1 Apologies for absence were accepted from:

A French, M Holmes, J Verry

2 Declarations of personal/prejudicial interest

None

3 Minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on 13 January 2011

RESOLVED: to adopt the minutes

4 Open discussion by local residents

No residents present

5 Report by Ward Councillor

Councillor Blackshaw gave a report which covered the following issues:

The effect of Government cuts on Herefordshire Council budgets

Changes to health care service delivery and improvements in local care for stroke and cancer patients

Yazor Brook flood alleviation scheme

6 Finance

6.1 Finance report

The finance report was AGREED

6.2 Approval of payments

RESOLVED: The following payments were approved: Hire of Hall £14; Newsletter £90

6.3 Additional insurance cover

After some discussion it was RESOLVED to accept the quotation for additional insurance cover to take effect immediately

7 Warning sign and mirror at the New Bridge Community Centre

Councillors expressed their dissatisfaction with Amey’s initial response to their request. RESOLVED: To pursue the matter further. The Ward Councillor offered his support in this.

8 Freedom of Information Publication Scheme and charges

RESOLVED: To adopt the amended scheme

170 9 Planning

9.1 Planning application considered

DMS/110302/FH, 1 Church Cottage, Bishopstone

Demolish existing kitchen single storey lean to, construction of new two

storey extension

RESOLVED: Comments of Parish Council – Application opposed

9.2 Planning decision noted

DMS/102120/FH The Old School, Chapel Lane, Kenchester

New three bay garage

NOTED: Application granted

10 Parish Plan Reports

Community Centre: Councillor Macklin reported that progress was on schedule and an application had been made for additional grant funding for furniture and kitchenware.

Highway maintenance: Complaints had been received about potholes on the C 1099 near Magna Castra Farm. The clerk was instructed to report this defect to Amey

11 Arrangements for Parish Council elections

The clerk reported on a briefing given by the Electoral Services Manager. RESOLVED: Not to request poll cards for the Parish Council election

12 Use of the adopted telephone kiosk in Bishopstone

Councillor Macklin reported as follows: Volunteers had offered to paint the kiosk, the cost of paint to be provided through the Bishopstone Village fund. RESOLVED: to accept the offer

The cost of keeping the electric light would be £20 per year DECISION DEFERRED pending more information

The cherry tree adjoining the kiosk has died. RESOLVED: to fell the tree and move the commemorative plaque inside the kiosk

13 Changes in delivery of Herefordshire Council services

Councillors noted a letter from Herefordshire Council stating that all planning applications will be sent electronically and no paper copies will be available. A number of problems were discussed including the cost of purchasing equipment and difficulties in dealing adequately with large applications.

14 Arrangements for Annual Parish Meeting

After some discussion it was agree to ask Lynda Wilcox to speak about the effects of forthcoming changes to parish council funding and responsibilities. The meeting to be held at Staunton Village Hall in late April or May with refreshments for those attending.

15 Appointment of parish clerk

Councillors interviewed the applicant for the post who had been present as a visitor during the meeting. After she had left the meeting it was RESOLVED to

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offer her the post on the same terms and conditions as the previous clerk subject to agreement about start-up costs.

16 Items for consideration at next meeting

No items were raised

17 Date and time of next scheduled Meeting

The next meeting will be held on Thursday 12 May at Staunton Village Hall

Signed Dated