Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of Ewyas Harold Group Parish Council

held on Tuesday 1st August 2006

In the Memorial Hall at 7.30 p.m.

 

Present

Councillor Revd L Rickards in the chair

Councillor W Preece (Dulas)

Councillor Mrs E Overstall

Councillor G Sprackling

Councillor Mrs J Addis

Councillor Mrs M Tovey

Councillor R Weaver

Councillor Mrs M Williams (Rowlstone)

The Clerk

1

Apologies for Absence

Councillors D Harries, J Middle, P Sheen

2

Declaration of Interest

Councillor Mrs M Williams: Prejudicial interest in item 10.4. Married to applicant

The Clerk reminded Councillors of the appropriate code of conduct:

How often do interests need to be declared and how should they be recorded?

All interests must be declared at every meeting and minuted. In addition the nature of any personal interest must be recorded, but only to the extent that the detail covers how the interest arises and to identify the interest in question.

Do I need to declare a personal interest in a meeting if that interest is on the register?

Yes, even if your interest is shown in the register of interests, you must always daclare it in meetings where matters affecting that interest are discussed.

What is a personal interest?

Where that matter affects the wellbeing or financial position of you, your relatives or your friends more than it would affect other people in the parish. You can still take part in the meeting and vote on the matter.

What is a prejudicial interest?

Where a member of the public who knows the relevant facts would reasonably think it so significant that it is likely to adversely affect your judgement of the public interest. You must leave the room when this matter is discussed. You cannot take part in discussions on the matter or try to improperly influence anyone’s decision on the matter.

 Resolved

That this is noted

3

Minutes

The minutes of the ordinary meeting of the council held on Tuesday 4th July 2006 were approved with the following amendment:

Page 54 The list of those present should include Councillor R Weaver and exclude Councillor P Jinman.

4.1

Community Access Points

There has been no feedback with regard to this possible facility and there is still the issue of finding a suitable site. The organisers require a decision this month and are prepared to give a presentation if this would help generate some interest.

Resolved

That at this time EHGPC did not consider they could pursue this venture.  

4.2

Newsletter

4.2.1

Printing quality

James Bailey is not happy with print quality and suggests that photographs should be sent separately to text so that ideally he can print them on single page. Would possibly involve an extra print run but this would not have a cost implication.

Resolved

That EHGPC agrees that these modifications should be discussed with Isabelle Devereux.

ACTION CLERK

4.2.2

Distribution

It has been requested that copies be made available at the Pontrilas Post Office

Resolved

That this is agreed

4.3

Councillor Vacancy

The Clerk has received a verbal expression of interest but this has yet to be confirmed in writing.

Resolved

That this is noted.

4.4

Museum on the Move

Councillor D Harries has looked into the possibility of this communication road show coming to Ewyas Harold with likely sites being at the Memorial Hall or the School. If successful in getting the road show there would be a donation cost of £15.

Resolved

That Councillor should proceed with the application.

ACTION DH

4.5

Village Artmarkers

Councillor Mrs E Overstall reported that the drawings of proposed artworks had been viewed and the ballot completed. The voting was very close and EHGPC had therefore been asked to make the final decision on artwork and site. It was suggested that the Catholic Church be approached to see if they would allow the artwork to be installed within their land as this was central for the village and easily accessible

Resolved

That Councillor Revd L Rickards should discuss the possibility with the local priest.

ACTION LR

 

4.5

Planning Procedures

Councillor Mrs E Overstall presented the findings of the planning committee (PC):

Suggestions:

  • Modification of current system
  • Individual comment forms for all Councillors including a box to tick if application thought contentious
  • If contentious box ticked by any Councillor they should immediately alert the Clerk to call a planning meeting.
  • The draft form should identify planning issues as laid down by planning department
  • Planning department should be approached for advice once draft form had been produced

Resolved

That these suggestions are agreed and that the draft form should be produced.

ACTION PC

5

Recreation Ground

5.1

Monthly Audit

  • Continuing problem with litter (this was being picked up by various individuals)
  • Gouging of graffiti onto boards of pavilion (this would be dealt with when sections of pavilion are repainted)

Resolved

That this is noted.

5.2

Play Area

5.2.1

Embankment slide

New slide was installed on 25th July.

There have already been some issues raised:

    • Child has torn clothing on edge at top of chute.
    • Chute narrows at bottom causing a problem for larger children.

The manufacturer has been made aware of these concerns and has confirmed that the slide is intended for use by children from 3 to 10 years.

.

Resolved

That the Clerk should check whether the design meets with RoSPA approval.

ACTION CLERK

5.2.2

Insurance Cover

The Clerk confirmed that play equipment does require valuation to identify cost of replacing with new for old. Still waiting for catalogue prices from specialist suppliers for the log play equipment.

Resolved

That this is noted

5.3

Land Registration

The Land Registry has indicated to Mr Parry that Dulas Brook may fall within his property. If this is the case it will be necessary for EHGPC to draw up an agreement with Mr Parry re maintenance of the boundary.

Resolved

That the Clerk contacts the Land Registry to inquire about voluntary registration of the Recreation Ground.

ACTION CLERK

5.4

Car Park sign

Two quotes have been received with the cheapest from HJS for £50 including fixing brackets.

Resolved

That the Clerk should place an order with HJS.

ACTION CLERK

5.5

Pavilion redecoration

A quote has been received from Mr Tim Howells for £420 plus materials

Resolved

That, if the total cost was no more than £620, the Clerk should place an order for the work to be carried out.

ACTION CLERK

6

Local Security Matters

No issues raised under this section.

7

Correspondence

Date received

Sender           

Content          

7.1

Hereford Museum

Joseph Ince – Bicentenary Exhibition

15th July to 3rd September 2006

Paperwork to Councillor G Sprackling

7.2

HC Chairman

Invitation to PC Chairman to attend  reception

on Monday 7th August 2006

7.3

HC Corporate

Golden Valley Community Forum – 18th July 2006

7.4

Marches Housing

Annual Report 2006

7.5

SLCC

The Clerk- Vol 36 No 4 July 2006

7.6

Sandi Harriss

This letter was identified a need for a train station at Pontrilas.

Resolved

That the letter should be passed on to the local MP

ACTION CLERK

7.7

HALC

Agenda for Southern Area Meeting 24/7/06

 (inc minutes for 24/4/06)

7.8

HALC

Herefordshire Rural Police/Community Consultative Group –

 Open Meeting 25th July 2006 at Burghill Village Hall

7.9

HC Adult + Community

Proposed mobile library stops for Saturday and evening service.

EHGPC were asked to choose whether Gilberts Wood or Elmdale should be axed from the evening run

Resolved

That the Clerk request that the evening service be alternated between Gilberts Wood and Elmdale.

ACTION CLERK

7.10

Herefordshire Voluntary Action

HVA services and membership

Paperwork to Play Area User Group

7.11

Glasdon

Park furniture catalogue

7.12

UHY Hacker Young

Audited annual return for 2005/2006

Resolved

That this was noted

7.13

Paul Keetch MP

Acknowledgement of receipt of letter re UDP

7.14

Leominster Shopmobility

Information plus appeal for donation

7.15

Wicksteed

Flyer for playground equipment

7.16

Mr Mark Ponting

Acknowledgement of letter re work on Herefordshire UDP

7.17

Community First

Newsline Issue 65 August 2006

7.18

Charity Commission

William Pye Annual Returns

Resolved

That this was noted

7.19

Central Networks

Safer Environment Fund. Information re applying for a grant of up to £2,500 to support community projects.

Paperwork given to Councillor Mrs E Overstall

7.20

West Mercia Constabulary

Golden Valley News Beat – July 2006

Copies to councillors with minutes

7.21

“Flicks in the Sticks”

Films will be shown at the Memorial Hall on 13th October, 10th November, 8th December 2006

Resolved

That this is noted

8

Lengthsman Scheme

8.1

Lengthsman work undertaken in July

Date

Work

Hours

6/7/06

Cutting verges at Gilberts Wood and Priorsfield

30/60

7/7/06

Clearing visibility fencing at Rowlstone

120/60

8/7/06

Grass cutting around playing field

80/60

15/7/06

Verge cutting MH to A465

100/60

20/7/06

Cutting verges at Gilberts Wood and Priorsfield

30/60

22/7/06

Verge cutting at Pontrilas junction

36/60

TOTAL

396/60

Resolved

That this is noted and approved

8.2

Lengthsman Work Requested

8.2.1

Pontrilas junction

The grass on the triangle at the junction of the A465 and the Rowlstone road needs cutting.

Resolved

That the Clerk should instruct the Lengthsman to carry out this work

ACTION CLERK

8.2.2

Prill Bridge

The yew tree in this area needs trimming.

Resolved

That the Clerk should instruct the Lengthsman to carry out this work and inform HC of the decision to carry out this work.

ACTION CLERK

9

Financial Report

9.1

Payments for approval

Clerk salary

£

456.43

Clerk stationery/office supplies

£

14.62

Clerk postage

£

17.37

Clerk travel     

£

33.73

HM Inland Revenue (PAYE £4.60, NI £5.07 employee £5.90 employer) 

£

15.57

CompuPrint – Printing July Newsletter

£

46.00

External Auditor

£

176.25

Herefordshire Jarvis Services – July Roadsweep

£

70.50

LexisNexis Butterwoths (New Arnold Baker “Local Council Administration”)

£

53.45

Councillor Mrs E Overstall - Artmarkers expenses [s137]

£

6.60

Martin Roper – Lengthsman work in July

£

104.69

Martin Roper – Waste collection in July

£

80.00

Martin Roper – Grass cutting around play area

£

15.86

Brian Ball – Recreation Ground Work

£

47.50

Brian Ball – Flower beds

£

50.00

Brian Ball – Play area repairs

£

14.00

9.2

Balances as at 25/7/06

NatWest Current account        

£

1,407.60

Unpresented cheques

£

642.17

Cheques/cash to be credited

£

nil

NatWest Business Reserve

£

1,126.29

Alliance + Leicester Current account

£

1,028.87

Alliance + Leicester Deposit account    

£

18,245.77

Total cash assets

Consisting of:

£

21,166.35

Precept funds

£

8,125.46

Lengthsman Scheme

Balance available but not yet claimed

£

1,672.46

Administration charge outstanding

£

148.67

Available funds for remainder of financial year

(annual allocation £2,229.95)

£

1,936.94

£

413.15

Parish Path Funds

£

1,200.00

Parish Plan Funds

£

852.75

Awards for All Grant

£

5,000.00

Network Fund

£

5,575.00

9.4

Payments received

Lengthsman Scheme payment for Apr-June 2006

£

557.49

Resolved

That the financial statement is accepted and that payments should be made.

10

Planning

10.1

Application number DCSW2006/2092/L

Site:

Bridge Farm House, Bridge Farm, Ewyas Harold, Herefordshire HR2 0TY

Description:

Water-proofing of cellar by tank membrane method and installation of opening light to act as fire escape.

Application type:

Listed Building Consent

Applicant:

Mr A Robinson, Bridge Farm House, Bridge Farm, Ewyas Harold, Herefordshire HR2 0TY

Resolved

That EHGPC has no objections to this application. (plans viewed prior to meeting)

10.2

Application number DCSW2006/2153/F

Site:

2 Rosebury Place, Ewyas Harold, Herefordshire HR2 0EW

Description:

Proposed new garage and store to existing dwelling

Application type:

FULL

Applicant:

Mr + Mrs Clewer, 2 Rosebury Place, Ewyas Harold, Herefordshire. HR2 0EW

Resolved

That EHGPC has no objections to this application. (plans viewed prior to meeting)

10.3

Application number DCSW2006/2154/F

Site:

2 Rosebury Place, Ewyas Harold, Herefordshire HR2 0EW

Description:

Proposed new infill dwelling: 4 bed

Application type:

FULL

Applicant:

Mr + Mrs Clewer, 2 Rosebury Place, Ewyas Harold, Herefordshire. HR2 0EW

Resolved

That EHGPC has no objections to this application. (plans viewed prior to meeting)  

10.4

Application number DCSW2006/2357/F  

Councillor Mrs M Williams left the room while this item was being discussed

Site:

Rowlestone Court, Pontrilas, Herefordshire. HR2 0DW

Description:

Scalping topped car park (with drainage as necessary)

to facilitate parking for farm gelateria under construction

Application Type:

FULL

Applicant:

Mr Mark Williams, Rowlestone Court, Pontrilas, Herefordshire.

HR2 0DW

Resolved

That EHGPC has no objections to this application.

11

Road Maintenance and Related Matters

11.1

Pudding Street junction Rowlstone

It was reported that the hedge and verges were overgrown but the Clerk has now heard that the overgrown vegetation has now been cut back.

Resolved

That this is noted

11.2

Dulas Brook banks on B4347

It was reported that the bushes on the Dulas Brook near to the triangle in EH village were overgrown and as such possibly adversely affecting the view of drivers on this bend when approaching from Pontrilas.

Resolved

That the Clerk should report this to HC

ACTION CLERK

That the Clerk should follow-up request to find alternate setting down point for school bus.

ACTION CLERK

11.3

Obstructions outside Dog Inn

There have been several complaints about the number of items placed on the highway in this area.

Resolved

That Councillors Revd L Rickards and R Weaver would raise these concerns with the publican

ACTION LR + RW

Resolved

That as the centre of the village was a congested area the Clerk would contact HC to see if any traffic calming measures were possible.

ACTION CLERK

11.4

Temple Bar sign on triangle

It was noted that a permanent sign for the Temple Bar had been erected on the triangle.

Resolved

That Councillor Revd L Rickards would speak to the publican

ACTION LR

11.5

Walterstone Road

Councillor W Preece reported that deep potholes have formed on this road 50 yards past Pool Farm

Resolved

That the Clerk should report this to HC

ACTION CLERK

11.6

A465

Councillor Mrs E Overstall reported that trees in the Kentchurch estate are overhanging the road in the area of the low bridge when approaching Pontrilas from Abergavenny

Resolved

That the Clerk should report this to HC

ACTION CLERK

11.7

Ragwort

Councillor Mrs J Addis reported that HC had been informed two weeks ago of ragwort on the road through the army camp but still no action had been taken.

Resolved

That the Clerk would remind HC.

ACTION CLERK

12

Footpaths

12.1

Parish Footpaths Officer (PFO)

No report was received this month.   

 Resolved

That this is noted

13

Parish Website

Councillor Mrs E Overstall reported that there would be information on the website re the Archaeological Group’s fair and “Flicks in the Sticks”

Resolved

That this is noted

The Meeting closed at 9.15pm

Chairman

Date

NEXT MEETING   September 5th 2006     (future meetings Oct 3rd, Nov 7th, Dec 5th , Jan 2nd )