Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of Ewyas Harold Group Parish Council

held on Tuesday 7th August 2007

In the Memorial Hall at 7.30 p.m.

 

Present

Councillor D Harries in the chair

Councillor P Jinman

Councillor R Weaver

Councillor R Mailes

Councillor Mrs J Addis

Councillor W Preece (Dulas)

Councillor Mrs M Bradley

Councillor G Amey

Councillor J Middle

The Clerk

In attendance:

1 member of the public

1

Apologies for Absence

Councillors Mrs E Overstall, P Sheen

2

Declaration of Interest

Councillor R Mailes declared an interest in items 7.47

Councillor Mrs J Addis declared an interest in item 7.30

3

Minutes

The minutes of the ordinary meeting of the council held on Tuesday 3rd July 2007 were approved without any amendments.

Carried unanimously

4.1

First Responder Scheme

Several people have expressed an interest in becoming volunteers and their details are being held by Liz and Peter Overstall.

Grant aid may be available through Rural Regeneration Zone Nexus Fund and Councillor Mrs E Overstall is making an application.

It is believed that insurance cover for volunteers should not incur extra costs as the Scheme is covered by their ordinary car insurance and the local Ambulance Brigade insurance covers against any legal actions resulting from being a First Responder. These facts and costs associated with the scheme are being clarified with Michelle Brotherton of West Midlands Ambulance.

Resolved

That this is noted.

4.2

Flooding Problems in Ewyas Harold

4.2.1

Drainage along B4347 from Pontrilas

Herefordshire Council have agreed to attend a site meeting with the Clerk and Mark Ponting but the date is still to be arranged.

Resolved

That this is noted. 

4.2.2

Flood Recovery Grant It was identified that, during the recent rains, 2 properties within the Ewyas Harold area were subject to flooding within the house itself.

Resolved

That the Clerk should pass on these findings to Anthony Bush of HC

ACTION CLERK

4.3

Bus  Shelter

Following a site meeting with Councillor J Middle, Paul Williamson of HC was able to provide details of a suggested design and location of a bus shelter within the village centre. The maximum cost to EHGPC would be £1500 but the final figure may be less.

Resolved

That this item be considered as capital expenditure for 2008/2009.  

4.4

Clerk’s Contract

Notice required for termination of employment after the probationary period was amended to 3 months in writing.

Resolved

That amended contract was approved and will be signed off at the September meeting.

4.5

Rowlstone Notice Board

The suitability of the location of this notice board was discussed.

Resolved

That Councillor G Amey would assess the situation and report back at the September meeting.

ACTION GA

4.6

Community Access Point

The necessary BT connection has been made at the Memorial Hall and the new equipment will be delivered within the next week or two.

Resolved

That this is noted

4.7

Flicks in the Sticks

The next season of films have now been arranged:

14th September – Amazing Grace

12th October – Wah Wah

9th November – Jindabyne

7th December – Painted Veil

Resolved

That this is noted

5

Recreation Ground

5.1

Monthly Audit

  • Litter still a problem
  • Mole hills around the picnic benches
  • Stray dog has been seen around the Recreation Ground

Items still to resolve from earlier inspection

  • Play area fence in poor order and gates do not close automatically.
  • Dog fouling sign removed.
  • Sign on locked gate needs replacing

Resolved

  • That the Clerk would arrange for any corrective work to be undertaken.

ACTION CLERK

5.2

Car Park

The cost for resurfacing the car park with stone is likely to cost £1,000

Resolved

That this item be considered as capital expenditure for 2008/2009.  That the Clerk find out the likely cost of either replacing the surface with smaller stone or tarmac.

ACTION CLERK

5.3

Pavilion

The locks on the pavilion and toilets are becoming difficult to operate and the Clerk has asked K Franklin locksmiths to repair/replace the mechanisms

Resolved

That this is noted

5.4

Electricity/Water Charges

EH Football Club has informed the Council that they will be carrying out their own readings to ensure fair charging for the use of the pavilion facilities. They have also requested that invoices are presented quarterly rather than annually as a present.

Resolved

That this is noted.

5.5

Vehicle Access

Costings are still required for suitable barriers to prevent unwanted vehicular access to the Recreation Ground

Resolved

That costings can be obtained when the Football Club look into purchasing the touchline barriers.

5.6

Football Club – Drainage Improvements

  • The agreed work has commenced but has not been completed because of the wet weather. Some minor work will be carried out this summer but the main drain will not be installed until spring/summer 2008.

Resolved

That this is noted  

5.7

Notice Board

The Clerk has placed an order for the new notice board to be installed  

Resolved

That this is noted

5.8

Play Area

5.8.1

New Equipment

The Clerk read out a letter from a number of older children which highlighted their concerns over the lack of suitable play equipment for their age group. They were also unhappy that their views were not reflected in the final choices made.

Councillors noted that recent grant applications for this age group had been unsuccessful but were keen to reassure the children that they took their concerns seriously and would continue to look for funding from other sources.

Resolved

That the Clerk, after consulting Councillor Mrs E Overstall, would write to the youth group to update them on the situation.

ACTION CLERK

5.8.2

Fencing

The Clerk has received one quotation of £11,400 to replace the picket fencing with metal hoped fencing with a verbal quote from another source of approximately £6,000.  The available funds only total £2,780

Resolved

That the existing fence should be repaired with the identified funds being held to put towards other play equipment, possibly that discussed in item 5.8.1

That Councillor G Amey would inspect the current fencing and undertake any immediate repairs necessary but report back to Council if the work proved extensive.

ACTION GA

It was noted by Councillor J Middle that wiring in the upright slats would make the overall structure more secure.

5.8.3

Balloon Race

It was noted that two of the balloons had reached Belgium and agreed that prizes of £30 should be made to both sender and finder of the furthest travelling balloon.

Resolved

That the Clerk would liaise with EH Primary School to agree the best way to issue these prizes

ACTION CLERK

5.8.4

Play Equipment Maintenance Checks

The Clerk reported back on his recent on-site training session with Hags Play and Councillors were given a checklist for future inspections. Hags Play have agreed to make their own inspections on a 3-monthly basis for the next year, and a written report will be sent to EHGPC

Resolved

That this is noted

5.8.5

Safety Inspection Report

The independent report identified several areas that required action:

  • Identification labels required on swings
  • Wet pour surface was high in places
  • Matting at base of slide required lowering
  • Roundabout clearance needed increasing

                                                These have all now been corrected by Hags

Resolved

That this is noted

5.8.6

Signing- off New Play Installation

The Clerk advised the Council that the installation had now been completed as per contract.

Resolved

That the Clerk should complete project completion reports and arrange for release of funds to cover associated costs

ACTION CLERK

The Clerk informed the Council that Hags recognised that the final stages of the installation had not gone smoothly and besides agreeing to pay the costs associated with removing the contractor’s site debris they had made the following contributions in way of recompense:

  • £67.22 towards the cost of the balloon race.
  • Replacement slat for that damaged by vandalism
  • Replacement grommet for games panel
  • Extra safety matting for embankment slide

Resolved

That this is noted

5.8.7

Signage

The Clerk has placed an order for the new play area signage to be installed 

Resolved

That this is noted

6

Local Security Matters

  • No issues were raised under this item

7

Correspondence

Date received

Sender           

Content          

7.1

Jack Bruten etal

Comments re new play area

Resolved

That this was noted in item 5.8.1

7.2

Clerks and Councils Direct – July 2007

7.3

Register of Electors

Amendment for Parish of Ewyas Harold (email)

7.4

Alliance + Leicester

Confirmation of change of signatories

7.5

SLCC

The Clerk – July 2007

7.6

Madley Parish Council

Opportunity to part purchase a Portable Speed Sign

Resolved

That the Clerk should write and decline the offer

ACTION CLERK

7.7

HC Environment

Core Strategy Development Plan

Resolved

That this is noted

7.8

Sutcliffe Play

Contact details

7.9

Rekk Limited

Contact details

7.10

Awards for All

Confirmation of grant completion

7.11

West Mercia Constabulary

Golden Valley News Beat – July 2007

Copies sent to Councillors

7.12

NALC

Training Day for Model Code of Conduct 19th July 2007

7.13

Mr Edwards

National Vine Collection – Open Weekend 1st + 2nd September 2007 

7.14

Glasdon

Local Councils News-Sheet

7.15

Peterchurch PC

Golden Valley campaign – Meeting 11th August 2007 at 7.30pm

7.16

HC Adult + Community

Funding Directory – June 2007

7.17

HC Adult + Community

Community Aggregates Grant. Unfortunately Ewyas Harold is not eligible for this award.

Resolved

That this is noted

7.18

HC Adult + Community

Herefordshire Funding Fair – Hereford 13/9/07

7.19

HC Adult + Community

Take Action on Climate Change - Energy and water saving advice for householders

7.20

Steelway Fensecure

Play Area Fencing Brochure

7.21

Paul Keetch MP

Annual Report

7.22

Cwmbran Fencing

Quotation for replacement play area fencing

Resolved

That this was noted in item 5.8.2

7.23

John Armson

Request to consider re-siting Rowlstone Notice Board

Resolved

That this was noted in item 4.5

7.24

EHFC

Request for copies of utility bills 2005/2006

7.25

UHY Hacker Young

Audited Annual Return 2006/2007

Resolved

That this was noted in item 9.4

7.26

Marches Housing

Annual Report 2007

7.27

Kinder

Playground matting brochure

7.28

Worcestershire CC

Leaflets covering re-use organisations in Herefordshire and Worcestershire

7.29

HC Environment

Speed Indicator Devices

Resolved

That the Clerk should write to inform HC that EHGPC had now decided not to proceed with their earlier request.

ACTION CLERK

7.30

Jean Addis

Copy of quotation from Downey Engineering to EHPCC to replace Churchyard gate. ? funding request

Resolved

That EHPCC should be informed that EHGPC would agree to identify £300 towards this cost from the 2008/2009 budget.

ACTION CLERK

7.31

HC Environment

The request to extend the 40mph speed limit along Abbey Dore Road has been turned down.

Resolved

That this is noted

7.32

Peterchurch PC

Amended date – 14th August – for Golden Valley campaign

7.33

HC Environment

Response to request for site meeting re flooding problems

Resolved

That this was noted in item 4.2.1

7.34

HALC

Information Corner – 25.7.07

Copies to Councillors

7.35

HALC

Herefordshire Rural Police/Community – Open Meeting 31st July 2007

7.36

HALC

Member Survey

7.37

HALC

Parish Talk Grant

7.38

HALC

Herefordshire County Training Programme 2007/8

7.39

HALC

Southern Area Meeting – 30th July 2007

7.40

Leominster Shopmobility

Request for funding

7.41

HC Register of Electors

Parish of Dulas – Notice of Alteration

7.42

HC Register of Electors

Parish of Rowlstone – Notice of Alteration

7.43

Mrs E Overstall

Artmarkers’ site (email)

Councillor Mrs E Overstall has suggested the creation of a quiet meditational area which would include a Community Herb Garden. She also noted that signage was required so that people were aware of the significance of the heritage artwork.

Resolved

That the Clerk would raise these suggestions with Father Nicholas.

ACTION CLERK

7.44

Commission for Patient + Public Involvement in Health

Volunteers sought to join PPI Forums

Resolved

That this is noted

7.45

Local Works

Update on Sustainable Communities Bill and Citizen’s Convention Bill

Resolved

That this is noted

7.46

IOG Saltex

Recreation and Play Equipment Exhibition – Windsor September 4th-6th 2007

7.47

EH Football Club

Letter re charges for use of water and electricity

Resolved

That this was noted in item 5.4

7.48

HC Adult and Community

Flood Recovery Grant Scheme

Resolved

That this was noted in item 4.2.2

7.49

Wicksteed

Flyer for new play equipment catalogue

7.50

HC Environment

Copy of adopted  Herefordshire Unitary Development Plan

Resolved

That this noted and that the Clerk should write to HC highlighting the concern over the volume of printing/costs associated with this plan.

ACTION CLERK

8

Lengthsman Scheme

8.1

Lengthsman work undertaken in July

Date

Work

Hours

4/7

Check drain by Dicks Pitch and verge cutting on Dulas ford road

40/60

7/7

Verge cutting Upper House and MH to A465

105/60

9/7

Grass cutting by telephone kiosk

30/60

12/7

Verge cutting Gilberts Wood and Priorsfield

Clear drains by bridge on B4347 road and spray

Spraying at Elmdale – 15 litres spray

75/60

16/7

Verge cutting Gilberts Wood and Priorsfield

30/60

Resolved

That this is noted and approved

9

Financial Report

9.1

Payments for approval

Clerk salary

£

481.62

Stationery/Office Expenses

£

nil

Clerk postage

£

27.40

Clerk travel     

£

33.73

HM Inland Revenue (PAYE £5.80 NI £6.48 employee £7.54  employer)

£

19.82

UHY Hacker Young – External Auditor fee

£

334.88

npower – pavilion electricity 16/4/07 to 18/7/07

£

105.41

Welsh Water – Water charge for pavilion to 1/8/07

£

21.50

Martin Roper – Lengthsman July 2007

£

89.07

Martin Roper – Waste collection July 2007

£

80.00

Martin Roper – Grass cutting around play area

£

12.37

Hags Play UK – Payment towards new play area installation (Grant funding held)

£

21,400.00

9.2

Balances as at  31st July 2007

NatWest Current account        

£

130.83

Unpresented cheques

£

38.00

Cheques/cash to be credited

£

1,024.10

NatWest Business Reserve

£

340.86

Alliance + Leicester Current account

£

620.14

Alliance + Leicester Deposit account    

£

29,055.75

Total cash assets

Consisting of:

£

31,133.60

Precept funds

£

7712.11

Lengthsman Scheme

Balance available but not yet claimed

£

1,114.98

Administration charge outstanding

£

148.67

Available funds for remainder of financial year

(annual allocation £2,229.95)

£

1,399.12

£

432.82

Parish Path Funds

£

736.00

Parish Plan Funds

£

852.75

Awards for All Grant

£

5000.00

Network Fund

£

5575.00

People’s Millions

£

10,000.00

Small Projects Fund

825.00

9.3

Payments Received

Hags – Donation towards cost of play area opening event

£

67.22

Mrs Fenner – pavilion booking 15/7/07

£

15.00

EHFC – Water + Electricity charges for 2006/2007

£

451.61

Mrs Whistance – pavilion booking 30/7/07

£

15.00

HC – Lengthsman Scheme July-September 2007

£

557.49

Resolved

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

Carried unanimously

9.4

Audited Annual Return 2006/2007

 The accounts have been signed off but the following comments were made by the external auditors:

  • Regular internal auditor reports required

  • Fidelity guarantee needs to be increased to maximum cash balance held. The Clerk will discuss this with the insurers.

ACTION CLERK

  • Recording of assets needs to include play equipment/pavilion etc.

Resolved

That this is noted

9.5

Appointment of Internal Auditor

There was a discussion on the re-appointment of Mr Ray Harris as the internal auditor.

 Resolved

That Mr Ray Harris is asked to continue as internal auditor.

Proposed: Councillor P Jinman

Seconded: Councillor Mrs J Addis

Carried unanimously

10

Planning

10.1

Application number DCSW2007/1539/F

Notification of Planning Permission

Site:

Hafod, Ewyas Harold, Herefordshire. HR2 0JB

Description:

Removal of conservatory to be replaced with two storey extension

Resolved

That this is noted

10.2

Application number DCSW2007/1612/F

Refusal of Planning Permission

Site:

Barn1 Penywyrlod Farm, Rowlstone, Herefordshire. HR2 0DS

Description:

Relocation of access and demolition of steel barn. Change of use of redundant outbuilding to garage and games room.

Resolved

That this is noted

10.3

Application number DCSW2007/1755/F

Withdrawn application

Site:

Upper Cefn Farm, Bacton, Hereford. HR2 OJJ

Description:

Proposed new livestock housing/fodder storage building including alterations

Resolved

That this is noted.

10.4

Application number DCSW2007/2407/F

Site:

Land adjacent to Westwood Industrial Estate, Pontrilas, Hereford. HR2 OEL

Description:

Storage of construction materials, plant equipment and vehicle parking

Application Type:

Full

Applicant

PH + HH Collins, Unit 5 Westwood Industrial Estate, Pontrilas, Herefordshire.  HR2 0EL

Resolved

That EHGPC has no objections to this amended application

Comments

The identified footpath crossing the development is not shown on the plans therefore it is not possible to comment on its possible impact

10.5

Application number DCSW2007/2388/F

Site:

Barn One, Penworlord Farm, Rowlstone, Herefordshire. HR2 ODS

Description:

Relocation of access and demolition of steel barn. Conversion of redundant outbuilding to garage and games room.

Application Type:

Full

Applicant

Mr + Mrs C Jones, Barn One, Penworlord Farm, Rowlstone, Herefordshire. HR2 ODS

Resolved

That EHGPC has no objections to this application.

11

Road Maintenance and Related Matters

11.1

Hill Lane

A collapsed drain chamber in Hill Lane has been reported but as yet no action has been taken

Resolved

That the Clerk re-reports this to HC.

ACTION CLERK

11.2

Trees in Brook Retaining Walls

Several trees are now growing in the brook retaining walls within the centre of Ewyas Harold and are undermining the stability of these walls. This was reported in July but no action has been taken

Resolved

That the Clerk re-reports this to HC

ACTION CLERK

11.3

Road sweep

Councillor J Middle reported that the sweep through the village took place on Thursday 2nd August but that the sweeper was not able to gain access to the village centre.

Resolved

That this is noted.

11.4

B4347 to Pontrilas

There are several dead trees on the side of the brook opposite Weir End and these are in danger of falling across the road.

Resolved

That the Clerk should report this to HC

ACTION CLERK

11.5

Footways

The footways outside Lion Terrace and opposite the Catholic Church are in poor repair.

Resolved

That the Clerk should report this to HC

ACTION CLERK

12

Footpaths

12.1

Gilberts Wood

The overgrown hedge at the north side of  Gilberts Wood – Owner has agreed to carry out the necessary work and Martin Roper will  provide a quote.

Resolved

That this is noted

12.2

Footpaths Officer’s Report

                                                     No report received

13

Parish Newsletter

Items for inclusion in Autumn issue:

  • CAP
  • Artmarkers

14

Parish Website

                                                    No issues were raised under this item

15

Items for Future Discussion

15.1

New Code of Conduct

15.2

Standing Orders

15.3

Planning Template

The Meeting closed at 9.25pm

Chairman

Date

NEXT MEETING                              Sept 4th 2007

Future Meetings

Oct 2nd   Rowlstone

Nov 6th

Dec 4th