MINUTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD IN THE VILLAGE HALL, WIXFORD
8th July 2008 AT 7.30 P.M.
Present: Councillor Colin Hales (in the Chair)
Councillors Peter Terry, Jon Haworth and Angela Ballard
Clerk: Karen Parnell
In attendance: District Councillors Brian Slaughter and Kim James
County Councillor Peter Barnes
Plus three members of the public
Apologies: Cllr Jack Fryer and Cllr Daren Pemberton
Comments from the Public
Water is seeping through Wixford Bridge into the round cases. Karen will contact Severn Trent about this.
Concerns were expressed about speeding over the bridge and Lorries exceeding the weight limit. Cllr Peter Barnes is to liaise with Cllr Colin Hales on this issue.
The problem affects many bridges (notably Bidford) and a solution covering Warwickshire is being sought. Karen will talk to Alcester police.
The lock on the noticeboard is broken. Cllr Peter Terry will fix this.
The issue of the footpath sign was again raised.
Concerns were expressed regarding planning enforcement at the Fish Inn. This is now a legal matter so Councillors could not comment on actions.
1) District and County Councillor's reports
Cllr Brian Slaughter outlined the new recycling procedures, green waste collection being suspended from October to April. The new system will be introduced from August 2008.
Cllr Kim James outlined the new committee structure between WCC and SDC, which will facilitate grants. The first meeting (with 21 Councillors and 14 Officers) did not prove too successful!
Kim emphasised that District Councillors will not comment on legal cases.
Cllr Peter Barnes talked about the fire brigade review, and although there are no guarantees closures will never happen, Cllr Hobbs has said publicly there are no plans to make closures at this time. The review will look into greater collaboration and standing alone as options. The senior management structure is also being looked at.
Peter will keep us informed on progress.
2) Apologies
Cllr Jack Fryer and Cllr Daren Pemberton notified the Clerk of their unavailability in good time.
3) Disclosure of Interests
There were no disclosures of interests.
4) Minutes
Minutes having been circulated were confirmed as an accurate record of the meeting in May 2008 and were duly signed by the Chairman.
5) Matters arising therefrom
Training for Councillors 13th September 2008
Cllrs Angela Ballard and Peter Terry to attend.
6) Village maintenance
Repairs to fence adjacent to Wixford Bridge:
Land adjacent to Wixford Bridge (visit by Chris Nason of WCC 03/06/08 -
Posts installed 27/06/08)
Concerns were expressed about the works carried out and communication to Councillors on this issue. Karen will chase up the reinforcing of the posts, as a fence cannot be erected until better foundations are in place.
Grass Cutting:
Grass Cutting (wc 23/06/08) Was completed.
Lengthsman Scheme:
Kim reported some progress with WCC on this issue, and the area committee structure may have an impact. Salford Priors continue to maintain signs and brambles.
Kim will keep us informed regarding progress.
7) Planning
Application No: 08/00695/FUL
Mrs and Mrs Chilton, Heathfield cottage: Two storey rear extension and single storey side extension to dwelling.
SUPPORT - Granted with conditions
Applications No: 08/00085/LBC and 08/00084/FUL
Mr T Ley, The Barns:
Relocation of satellite dish.
Construction of car shed and stables.
Change of use of land to residential curtilage.
Retention of shed and satellite dish - OBJECT - Granted with conditions
Application No: 08/01155/FUL
Mrs F Buxton, Lodge View:
Change of use of agricultural land to residential curtilage in order to create new vehicular access / drive to existing dwelling.
The clerk will send details of any planning conditions with future agendas.
8) Environment and Safety
Newsletter - Progress report
This has now been produced and circulated. It looks much more professional thanks to the new software.
Police crime lists
Karen has asked for these to be e mailed to her, she will then put them onto
The website. Cllr Haworth is to liaise with Andrew Allen to research whether
updates on the website can be notified to users. Jon will also liaise with
Matthew Smith regarding taking over production of the newsletter.
9) Finance
Internal / External Audit
The external audit has been forwarded - No response as yet.
The internal audit was conducted by Mike Gerrard on 16/05/08 :
He gave us a glowing report; Finances are all minuted for transparency.
Mike Gerrard was appointed as our internal auditor for the next financial year.
Proposed by Cllr Haworth and Seconded by Cllr Ballard.
(The Chairman would like to meet with Mr Gerrard at some point).
Bank Reconciliation
Was produced, and expounded upon by the Clerk.
Insurances
Are up to date and we have adequate protection.
Clerks Bursary
The Clerk has been granted £ 200 from NALC towards her degree.
Payments between meetings
None.
10) Accounts for payment
Cheque No 292 Clerks Salary/Expenses £ 411.40
Cheque No 293 Internal Audit (Mike Gerrard) £ 60.00
Cheque No 294 Clerks Bursary £ 200.00
Cheque No 295 SDC Election £ 100.00
Cheque No 296 Viking Direct £ 49.60
Cheque No 297 SDC Computer Training £ 24.00
Cheque No 298 Warwickshire Training Partnership £ 25.00
Accounts authorised for payment:
Proposed: Cllr Haworth - Seconded Cllr Terry
Cheques Signed: Cllr Terry - Countersigned Cllr Haworth
11) Correspondence
06/06/08 Decorum newsletter from SDC x 3
20/06/08 New homes for local people from WRCC x 3
27/06/08 Letter from Bryan Knight re rubbish collection (Reply from Rob Weeks SDC received 04/07/2008)
02/07/08 Letter from Nigel Turner re flooding (Karen confirmed we have applied for a grant of £ 2000 from SDC)
Cllr Terry mentioned the village hall committee is seeking volunteers, he also mentioned they may want payment for the council's use of the hall. The clerk advised corresponding with her on this issue.
There being no further business the meeting closed at 8.40 pm
Jack Fryer Chairman
9th September 2008
10th September, 2008