Minutes 10th December 2012

MINUTES OF ASTON INGHAM PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON MONDAY 10TH DECEMBER 2012 AT 7.30 P.M. IN THE VILLAGE HALL

ATTENDED BY Mr J. Harding (Chairman), Mr J. Whatley, Mr S. Burns, Mr C. Tormey, Mr E. Green, Mrs R. Tree (Councillors), Mrs C. Marsh (CSO)

COMMUNITY SUPPORT OFFICER – Report
Mrs C. Marsh (CSO) distributed several leaflets giving information about home security and precautionary measures – to be placed on entrance table and noticeboard. There had been several instances of burglaries where entry had been by forcing of patio doors and oil and metal thefts were still a problem. Reminders about marking property using Smartwater were given, and of the importance of photographing valuables and storing photographs sensibly.
Non-emergency crimes should be reported using 101, and bulletins were to be forwarded giving information on scams, local burglaries, etc.

MINUTES OF NOVEMBER MEETING were read, approved and signed.

MATTERS ARISING
1) 30 m.p.h. sign. Carol Saunders (Customer Insight Unit) to be contacted as sign has not been erected although she was informed that it was due to be put up on 21st October.

2) Sandbags have been delivered and are in the process of being filled.

3) Bramley Cottage entrance. No response from Amey, who appear to have disclaimed responsibility, so owner has been advised to get an estimate for the work needed and forward it to Herefordshire Council.

4) Website for The Chimes – thechimes.org.uk

5) Mr Martyn (Chairman of Village Hall Committee) to be thanked for clearing area by Great Giles/Gypsy Lane.

FLOODING
Letters had been received from Mr K. Stephens and Mr C. Hobbs regarding the recent flooding of the Ell Brook, which had affected their properties. The main problems were several blockages in the brook, which were causing a build up of debris and resulting in dams, the blocked drains in the village, the inadequacy of the culvert under the road by The Old Rectory, where there is also a mass of brambles and brush and the water coming from the fields behind Aston Bank where Mr Stallard has removed ditches and diverted the natural water flow.
Copies of the letters are to be sent to Herefordshire Council, the Environment Agency and Mr Bramer, District Councillor. Acknowledgements to Mr Stephens and Mr Hobbs. Mr Whatley suggested a working party to clear some of the vegetation by the culvert. He told the Council that the ditch between Knapp Barn and the Stockings Field has been cleared and the water diverted towards the brook, which should relieve the flooding between The Woodground and Lanx Cottage.
Clerk to report drain blockages in the village and at Crews Hill, as well as culverts by Babylon Farm and The Woodground.

PLANNING
1) Land adjoining Millbrook Gardens, Lea. S123142/0. Site for erection of ten dwellings (six open market and four affordable housing). Construction of vehicular access and estate road and associated works.

The Parish Council were against this application – decision unanimous.

DISPENSATIONS
Parish Councillors need to submit their requests for dispensations to the clerk in order to be able to discuss and vote in setting the precept at the meeting in January

CORRESPONDENCE
I. Electoral Review

II. Police Crime Commissioner

III. Signage

IV. H.A.L.C. Information Corner

V. Broadband

VI. P.A.Y.E.

VII. Community Right to Bid

VIII. Your Community, Your Say

IX. N.A.L.C. notes on Code of Conduct

FINANCE
C.A. £2053.15 A.I.P.C.H.F. £107.63 P.C. £12.58

1. Clerk’s Salary (3 months) Mr Harding proposed Clerk be paid £200.00. Mrs Tree seconded. All in favour. Cheques were written. (£160.00 – clerk. £40.00 – H.M.R.C.)

ANY OTHER MATTERS
Ø The subject of a mobile phone mast was raised, as motorists stranded in the recent flooding had been unable to get reception to obtain help. This is to be discussed again at a later date.

Ø The folder from Mr Peter Boughton was circulated to the Parish Council. This contained information and photographs regarding the erection of the seat at the Village Hall in memory of his wife, and the associated celebration.

DATE OF NEXT MEETING – Monday 14th January

MEETING CLOSED AT 9.30 p.m.