MINUTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD IN THE VILLAGE HALL, WIXFORD
11th March 2008 AT 7.30 P.M.
Present: Councillor Colin Hales (in the Chair)
Councillors Chris Pierson and Matthew Smith
Clerk: Karen Parnell
In attendance: District Councillor Kim James
Plus three members of the public
Apologies: Cllrs Jack Fryer and Jon Haworth
Comments from the Public
Concerns were expressed and noted regarding:
Hedges in Grafton road, footpaths within Wixford and removed signage.
Also, about traffic calming. The Clerk will follow these up.
1) District and County Councillor's reports
Kim talked about the new council tax figures: 3.5% for SDC and 13% to the police authority. He also expounded on the consultation regarding Alcester healthcare.
The housing list figures have recently been ascertained and the 'Review' has been delivered to all households.
£ 318,000 is available in flood monies from SDC and Kim advised us to pursue a grant from this.
2) Apologies
Cllr Jack Fryer conveyed his apologies to the Clerk in good time.
Cllr Jon Haworth conveyed his apologies to the Chairman.
3) Disclosure of Interest
There were no disclosures of interest.
4) Minutes
Minutes having been circulated were confirmed as an accurate record of the meeting in January 2008 and were duly signed by the Chairman.
5) Matters arising therefrom
Three Horseshoes - Enforcement regarding Culvert
This has been progressed by Dave Tiley SDC, but is now on hold due to the nesting birds as per the wildlife and countryside act of 1981. In time it will be progressed and enforced.
Lengthsman scheme - Update
Bidford have agreed to use DM Clenzing who?s background is with the Highways Agency. The Council were very uncomfortable about going along with this as it raises issues of double taxation and is not the village maintenance scheme we wish to adopt. We concur with Cllr Kim James and Salford Priors in so far as we wish to be part of this, but to benefit the village and taxpayer therein.
Ground adjacent to Wixford bridge
After meeting with Tony Iwanikiw WCC on 28/01/08 temporary fencing was installed and some works commenced on 16/02/08 but not to a high enough standard, Karen will chase this.
6) Village maintenance
Drains were Jetted on 23/01/08. Karen will chase Severn Trent regarding the leaking water main in Wixford bridge
Karen will also chase a replacement man hole cover in Enniston Lane.
Church Lane will be resurfacing during April/May for one week, WCC will advise residents and put up signage one week before works commence.
7) Planning
08/00084/FUL Mr T Ley, The Barns, Wixford: Construction of car shed and stables. Change of use of land to residential curtilage.
Retention of shed and satellite dish - OBJECT
Pending a response
Kim mentioned a mobile home site on the outskirts of Wixford should be commented on by the Council, Karen will address this.
8) Environment and Safety
Newsletter - Progress report
The next newsletter will go out at the end of March, from which time Cllr Smith will give this role over to Cllr Haworth as he is not seeking re-election.
Matt suggested amplifying the parish council?s achievements and activities in future newsletters.
We have entered the WRCC Calor village of the year competition.
Parish Council Elections 2008
Will be publicised and take place on 1st May 2008. Colin and Karen hold nomination forms for anybody wishing to stand for election.
As Cllr Smith is standing down a vacancy exists and all nominations must be in by 04/04/08.
9) Finance
Insurances - Were reviewed and are correct.
Payments between meetings
None.
10) Accounts for payment
Cheque No 284 Clerks Salary/Expenses £ 407.64
Cheque No 285 Viking Direct £ 62.57
Cheque No 286 Colin Hales (6 Months broadband) £ 150.00
Accounts authorised for payment:
Proposed: Cllr Pierson - Seconded Cllr Smith
Cheques Signed: Cllr Smith - Countersigned Cllr Pierson
11) Correspondence
11/02/07 Viewpoint Magazine WCC - Copies to all Councillors
21/02/07 Info on Parish Council Elections (Electoral Commission)
21/02/07 Invite to drinks reception at Shire Hall on 29/03/07
22/02/07 WCC Re Church Lane resurfacing
23//02/08 SDC Re standard planning comments form (1APP)
28/02/08 SDC Nomination forms and notices for Parish Council Election
01/03/08 WRCC Calor Village of the year application
On behalf of the district councillors, Cllr Kim James thanked Cllr Smith for his work with Wixford Parish Council over a number of years.
There being no further business the meeting closed at 8.30 pm
??????????????????Chairman
13th May 2008
13th May, 2008