MINUTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD IN THE VILLAGE HALL, WIXFORD
3rd March 2009 AT 7.30 P.M.
Present: Councillor Jack Fryer (in the Chair)
Councillors Colin Hales, Jon Haworth and Peter Terry
Clerk: Karen Parnell
In attendance: District Councillors Kim James and Brian Slaughter
County Councillor Peter Barnes
Plus three members of the public
Apologies: Cllr Angela Ballard
Comments from the Public
Three members of the village hall committee attended to meeting to discuss the future of the hall. They had a meeting with WRCC recently and are looking towards obtaining funding of around £100,000. A report of a recent survey was passed to the council and funding information was passed to the committee. Funding opportunities were discussed including European funding, a parish council grant, the public works loan board and increasing the precept, if the public were in support. The council offered its help and support and offered to include any information on its website and in the newsletter.
1) Apologies
Cllr Angela Ballard
2) Disclosures of Interest
There were no disclosures of interest.
3) Minutes
Minutes having been circulated were confirmed as an accurate record of the meeting in January 2009 and were duly signed by the Chairman.
4) Matters arising therefrom
All matters are covered elsewhere on the agenda.
5) District and County Councillor's reports
Peter Barnes said the county's element of the council tax will be 3.79%. The park and ride has been discussed and British rail will use a section of this for a new station. Fire stations will remain open for three years and no Hereford and Worcester merger will take place. The parish boundary for Wixford will now take in a slightly larger area. 50mph speed limits are now in place and signs erected.
Kim James talked about the new council tax figures: 3.5% for SDC, meaning a band D property in Wixford will now cost £ 1491.11 per year. The recent budget debate at SDC was lively and the increase was amended from 4.9%, with both parties making recommendations. There will be one planning committee in future. A property have three green bins will now be charged £40.00 for the third. There will be no increase in Councillors allowances.
A planning application for a gypsy site for 14 caravans in Bidford will be discussed on 05/03/09 at SDC. Following the planning appeal in Darlingscote the inspectorate and Government say we must provide more gypsy sites and the is no need to prove 'local need'.
The 'Minerals core strategy' is out for consultation until 03/04/09. Pinpointed areas include Salford Priors, Broom and Dunnington, and could involve 2 million tons of sand and gravel. Kim suggested the council hold a special meeting on this issue. (Karen will obtain further copies of the strategy prior to any meeting).
6) Village maintenance
Flood defence works have now been completed by Simon Woodhouse. The culverts, Grafton Road and car park of the Three Horseshoes have all been cleared and improved.
The council awarded the remaining £ 200 of the £3200 grant from SDC to Nigel Turner at Icknield House, providing he can produce a receipt for works undertaken.
7) Planning
08/02991/FUL Mr R Owens, Hillside, Wixford:
Two storey extension to side SUPPORT Granted with conditions.
8) Environment and Safety
Newsletter - Progress report
Cllr Haworth is gathering input for a flood defence feature. Cllr Fryer is collecting information from the village hall committee for the newsletter and website and any other relevant news.
.
9) Finance
Insurances - Were reviewed and are correct.
10) Accounts for payment
Cheque No 311 Clerks Salary/Expenses £ 403.76
Cheque No 312 Viking Direct £ 66.47
Cheque No 313 Simon Woodhouse (Flood defence works) £ 3000.00
Cheque No 314 Nigel Turner (Icknield House) £ 200.00
Cheque No 315 Village Hall Committee £ 160.00
Accounts authorised for payment:
Proposed: Cllr Terry - Seconded Cllr Haworth
Cheques Signed: Cllr Haworth - Countersigned Cllr Terry
There being no further business the meeting closed at 8.05 pm
Jack Fryer Chairman 5th May 2009
3rd July, 2009