MINUTES OF ASTON INGHAM PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON MONDAY 9TH FEBRUARY 2009 AT 7.30 P.M. IN THE VILLAGE HALL
ATTENDED BY
Mr J. Harding (chairman), Mr J. Whatley, Mr C.Tormey, Mr S. Burns, Mrs R.Tree, (Councillors)
Mr P. Rouse, Mr P. Shaw, Mrs J. Shaw, Mr J. Whiskeard, Mrs M . Reece, Ms L. Stock, Mr G. Jones, Mr R. Owen, Mrs C. Swift, Mr K. Sang
APOLOGIES were received from Mr E. Green
Mr Harding proposed that the meeting be opened to the public. Mr Burns seconded. All in favour.
The Herefordshire Council were proposing to tarmac the road (U70221) known as Dowlers Lane as far as the junction by Rose Cottage. Several of the residents had objections, as the road was very old and was believed to have some historical value, as the original road from Aston Ingham to Newent. The track had always been maintained by residents, and several were against this upgrading as the cost would be high and the rural environment would be spoiled. There was a surface water issue, which had caused deterioration to the lane, as well as the movement of heavy lorries in the course of removals and building works. It was feared that to tarmac the lane could attract off-roaders and motor bikes to the area, especially as the speed limit would technically be the national one. Although everybody agreed that some remedial work on the lane was necessary, particularly where drainage and safety for pedestrians and vehicles were concerned, the extent of repair and materials to be used was causing some controversy. It was suggested that stone could be used instead of a tarmac covering, and this seemed to be a much more acceptable alternative. Mr Shaw would be happy for stone from his quarry to be used for this purpose. The Water Board would be contacted to suggest measures to alleviate the problem of surface water. Meeting was closed to the public.
MINUTES OF JANUARY MEETING were read, approved and signed, with two amendments.
MATTERS ARISING
1. Roads. Gypsy lane UC 70222 – drains blocked and standing water. UC70223/70224 – drains blocked. Clerk to advise Highways Dept.
2. The Chimes. Information about Parish Council meetings to go at end of minutes with contact details when forwarded.
3. Joint meeting to be held on Thursday 26th February at 7.30 p.m. in small room at Gorsley Village Hall. Aston Ingham to host next meeting. Provisional date – Monday 28th September.
4. Mr Tormey is looking at information about Emergency Plan, and will report back to Council.
5. Wall at Maxstoke. No response from Enforcement yet.
6. Scouts. Stream bank repairs had been funded, so donation would not be required for this project, but group would like to apply later for help in upgrading Scout Hut.
7. Mrs Walden would be pleased to continue as Footpaths Officer. Problems to be listed and collated at next meeting to be passed on.
8. Correspondence from Mrs Walden to Mr Wallace had been passed to Paul Leighton, C.S.O., and planned speed management measures had been confirmed.
PLANNING
1) Green Acres Stables, Lea (adjacent parish) DCSE2009/0200/F Construction of a fenced area for exercising horses. The Parish Council had no objections.
SMARTWATER SIGNAGE
West Mercia are currently offering a 3 for 2 deal on signs
(£15.00 each). Mr Whatley is pursuing another possibility through a company in Gloucester. Prices and suitability to be compared at next meeting when details have been checked. No problems with planning – Mark Edwards had confirmed this. Parish Council were unsuccessful with request for grant from Lea Show Committee.
LITTER/FLY TIPPING
Mr Tormey had been checking out ways in which the Parish Council could become involved in alleviating the litter problem. It was suggested that this be put on the Parish Meeting agenda.
Clerk to check who letter regarding fly tipping at Crews Hill had been sent to, as no response had been received.
CORRESPONDENCE
1. Countryside Arts brochure
2. Liaison – survey on services/biodiversity/adapting your home for independent living.
3. Newsline
4. Clerk/Council Direct
5. Poster – St Michael’s Hospice
6. Letter from Tony Butcher regarding website for Aston Ingham village – clerk to respond.
FINANCE
C.A. £1538.95 A.I.P.C.H.F. £7.63 P.C. £22.62
1. Acknowledgement of precept
2. Letter of thanks from A.I.P.C.C. for donation towards grass cutting.
3. Mr Harding proposed Mrs Tree be reimbursed for purchase of key
for Parish notice board. Mr Whatley seconded. All in favour.
ANY OTHER MATTERS
· Mr Whatley and Mr Tormey were unable to attend their courses.
· Police posters to be put on table in entrance.
DATE OF NEXT MEETING Monday 9th March
MEETING CLOSED AT 9.40 p.m.