MINUTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD IN THE VILLAGE HALL, WIXFORD
7th July 2009 AT 7.30 P.M.
Present: Councillor Colin Hales (in the Chair)
Councillors Jon Haworth and Angela Ballard
Clerk: Karen Parnell
In attendance: District Councillors Brian Slaughter and Kim James
Plus seven members of the public
Apologies: Cllr Jack Fryer
Comments from the Public
The weir by the Fish Inn on the Arrow is no longer effective as water is coming down both sides due to higher water levels. Karen will write to the Environment Agency.
Enforcement at Horseshoe cottage was discussed. This is now between SDC and the owners. The parish council is unaware of any planning application.
An issue of fly tipping had now been cleared. It was noted this is the responsibility of Street scene at SDC to clear and future incidents should be reported thus. Cllr James expounded on the procedure.
Speeding traffic is causing concern in Wixford and this includes speeding school buses and joy riders. Buses have been speeding at 42 mph and their average speed is 35 mph according to Warwickshire County Councils speed summary monitoring figures.
Karen will write to VOSA and Stagecoach on this issue.
The issue of police and WCC responsibilities was discussed regarding changing and enforcing speed limits.
Cllr Haworth with represent the council on this issue at the community forum in Bidford on 11/08/09. Cllr James will ensure a WCC representative is present.
Karen will again report speeding and ask for a greater police presence from Alcester police. Speeding will be an agenda item at the September meeting.
Traffic calming including the provision of a refuge may be a consideration.
It was suggested that parish, district and county councillors be seated together.
1) Apologies
Cllr Jack Fryer notified the Clerk of his unavailability in good time.
2) Disclosure of Interests
There were no disclosures of interests.
3) Minutes
Minutes having been circulated were confirmed as an accurate record of the Parish Assembly/ Annual Meeting in May 2009 and were duly signed by the Chairman.
4) Matters arising therefrom
Berry Coppice quarry. Cllr James reported 8,000 responses had been submitted to WCC regarding the minerals core strategy with two officers to analyse. A result should be known in September/October. There were many objections to the inclusion of Berry Coppice.
5) District Councillor's report
Cllr Kim James said the annual meeting of Stratford district council had taken place. A new chair had been elected. The new system of having one planning committee is working well. Two meetings had taken place.
Warwickshire county council had abandoned joint area committees (WCC/SDC) for the forthcoming year at its annual meeting.
Friday furlong has planning consent for 115 houses and a doctors surgery. The railway site has submitted an application for a gypsy site of seven pitches (seven static/seven touring). It was noted SDC must find fifty pitches in the south of the district. The Darlingscote site has set a president regarding accommodating gypsies and travellers.
Kim said how well the community forum in Bidford is going. This incorporates WCC, SDC and the police. Kim would like to see community forums delivering grants in the future.
6 ) Planning
Reference: 09/00671/FUL
Single storey side extension. At Wixford Villa, Wixford, Alcester, Warwickshire B49 6DA For: Mr And Mrs G Hosking. SUPPORT - GRANTED WITH CONDITIONS.
Reference: 09/00902/FUL
Proposed two storey side/rear extension and single storey rear extension. At Wickers Bank, Grafton Road, Wixford. For: Mr D Horsley. NO OBJECTION (EXHALL PARISH)
Reference: 09/00911/FUL
Proposed Alterations to form additional accommodation over existing garage including steeper roof and closing in of drive through access. Form new gated access to rear yard.
At Icknield House, Wixford, Alcester, Warwickshire B49 6DD. For: Mr And Mrs Turner.
NO OBJECTION
Planning enforcement at Horseshoe Cottage. Pending further information.
7) Environment and Safety
Newsletter - Progress report
This has now been produced and was circulated in June. It is also on the website. Articles were requested for the next issue due out in September.
Calor Village of the year competition
We have entered this competition which replaces the best kept village
competition. Judging is in August and results will be known in September.
8) Finance
External Audit
The external audit has been forwarded - No response as yet. The relevant
notice re electors rights - end of year accounts is now displayed.
Bank Reconciliation
Was produced, and expounded upon by the Clerk.
Insurances
Are up to date and we have adequate protection.
Payments between meetings
None.
9) Accounts for payment
Cheque No 322 Clerks Salary/Expenses £ 435.39
Accounts authorised for payment:
Proposed: Cllr Haworth - Seconded Cllr Ballard
Cheques Signed: Cllr Ballard - Countersigned Cllr Haworth
10) Correspondence
05/05/09 Letter from John Maples MP to WCC re Berry Coppice, Dunnington.
11/05/09 SDC Request for evidence on flood grant allocation.
15/05/09 Letter of thanks from Bryan Knight re Churhyard.
16/06/09 Wixford Speed Summary
Cllr Haworth will liaise with residents regarding speeding in Wixford prior to the community forum on 11/08/09 in Bidford.
There being no further business the meeting closed at 8.10 pm
Jack Fryer Chairman
8th September 2009
8th September, 2009