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Present |
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Councillor P Sheen in the chair (Rowlstone)
Councillor R Weaver
Councillor B Krige
Councillor W Preece (Dulas)
Councillor D Harries
Councillor Glyn James
In attendance:
The Clerk
1 member of the public
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|
Public Forum
Andy Robertson gave a brief presentation of possible skate boarding facilities that could be installed within Ewyas Harold. There are various completed sites around the area for people to view, with the nearest being at Ross-on-Wye. This will be discussed further at the February meeting following the January meeting of HCVYS.
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1 |
Apologies for Absence
Councillors Mrs E Overstall, P Jinman, R Baker, Mrs M Williams
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2 |
Declaration of Interest - None declared
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3 |
Minutes
The minutes of the ordinary meeting of the Council held on Tuesday 4th November 2008 were approved without amendment.
Carried unanimously
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4.1 |
Alliance & Leicester Signatories
Paperwork was completed for the application to increase the number of signatories to 4 Councillors.
Resolved
That this is noted.
|
4.2 |
Xmas Lights
The Events Committee have reported that the Xmas lights will be switched on over the weekend of the 5th December. Allianz Insurance have confirmed that the lights will be covered under EHGPC’s current public liability insurance
Resolved
That this is noted.
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4.3 |
Parish Plan
The Clerk has been unable to identify the representative of the GPC on the School Committee and will clarify the situation with the School Secretary.
ACTION CLERK
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4.4 |
Twinning with Segonzac
Twinning Committee has recommended that the Council agree to discuss the possibilities with Segonzac at a date to be arranged in the New Year. (see report in Appendix 1)
Resolved
That the Committee should organise and attend this preliminary meeting.
The Clerk read out a letter from Mrs R Richardson which pointed out earlier connections with this region in France.
Resolved
That this is noted
|
4.5 |
Precept 2009/2010
Twinning budget
It was raised whether funds should be identified for costs associated with this possible venture.
Resolved
That it was not appropriate to agree to any extra funding through the Precept
Capital Projects
There was a discussion on the following suggestions:
Car Park resurfacing - 2007 quote: £1,000
Path continuation - 2008 estimate: £1,500 to £2,000 depending upon final length
It was proposed that £1,000 should be identified towards the cost of either of these projects.
Resolved
That this should be put to a vote. (Result - 3 in favour of the proposal and 3 against.)
The Chair used his casting vote against the proposal.
The agreed Precept for 2009/10 will therefore total £16,843.30 (see appendix 2) |
4.6 |
Quality Parish
The portfolio has now been completed apart from the inclusion of cuttings from the Hereford Times.
Resolved
That Councillor D Harries would try to obtain cuttings directly from the Hereford Times
ACTION DH
Resolved
That the Clerk should proceed with the application once the cuttings have been obtained
ACTION CLERK |
4.7 |
Rowlstone Telephone Box
After communications with Ofcom, BT and Herefordshire Council, it has now been agreed that the box and line will not be removed as there is no other service within 400 metres. BT reserves the right to appeal against this ruling, but accepts that it will be a lengthy process before they even decide whether to appeal. Meanwhile they have repaired the vandalised box.
Resolved
That this is noted
|
4.8 |
Village Bus Service
It was reported that this has now been reduced to a 2 hourly service. The timetable at the village bus shelter does give the new times.
Resolved
That this is noted.
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5 |
Recreation Ground
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5.1 |
Monthly Audit
- Play Area gates still defective – Clerk has not been able to find a firm who can undertake this work but is having a site meeting with a local joiner on Thursday 4th December at 5pm.
Resolved
That this is noted.
- Picnic table has been repaired.
|
5.2 |
Field Drainage
The drain across the field has been tested by Martin Roper and he has found that it is not free flowing.
Resolved
That this is noted
- [POST MEETING NOTE: Martin has confirmed that there is an obstruction that begins 17 metres from the manhole. Although water eventually flows through it does not appear to reach the brook]
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5.3 |
Grass Cutting Contract
Ewyas Harold Cricket Club would like to address the Council when this comes up for renewal
Resolved
That this is agreed
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5.4 |
Main Gate Lock-up
Richard Mailes is unable to continue locking the gate in the evening and has requested that EHGPC look for other volunteers. He is prepared to be responsible for unlocking the gate in the morning.
Councillors B Krige and D Harries agreed to hold keys and arrange a rota for locking the gate. It is not possible with such few numbers to guarantee that someone will be available every evening so more volunteers are required.
Councillors were reminded that there was still £500 in this year’s budget identified to put towards some form of barrier between the car park and the field.
Resolved
That this is noted.
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5.5 |
Perimeter Fencing
The Clerk requested that the Cricket Club arrange to repair the holes recently identified in the mesh attached to the fence adjacent to the brook. They have agreed to look at this problem but raised the question as to who should be responsible for future maintenance.
Resolved
That EHGPC believed that this mesh had been installed by EHCC to prevent cricket balls getting into the brook.
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6 |
Local Security Matters
No items were raised under this section
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7 |
Correspondence
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Sender |
Content |
7.1 |
Community First |
Newsline – November 2008 |
7.2 |
|
Clerk & Councils Direct – November 2008 |
7.3 |
Festival Housing |
Annual Report 2007/2008 |
7.4 |
SLCC |
The Clerk – November 2008 |
7.5 |
Peter Overstall |
Copy letter to Brian Ball re 3 replacement footpath gates (Parish Paths Scheme) |
7.6 |
Upper Bridge Enterprises |
Flyer advertising Your-community website development |
7.7 |
HALC |
Information Corner – 6/11/08
Copies to Councillors
|
7.8 |
HALC |
Booking forms various (see Info Corner for details |
7.9 |
HALC |
Welcome sheet for PC meetings
Resolved
That the Clerk should prepare a modified version for consideration at the January meeting.
ACTION CLERK
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7.10 |
HALC |
Communication sheet for notice boards
Resolved
That the Clerk should prepare a modified version for consideration at the January meeting.
ACTION CLERK
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7.11 |
HALC |
Rural Housing Seminar |
7.12 |
HALC |
Code of Conduct re planning |
7.13 |
HALC |
Legal Briefing – Good Practice for Co-opted Councillors |
7.14 |
HALC |
Health + Social Care leaflet |
7.15 |
HC Regeneration |
Draft for Consultation – Guidance notes on Signs, Advertising boards and displays of goods on Herefordshire’s highways (comments by 9th January 2009)
Resolved
That this is noted
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7.16 |
HC Regeneration |
November funding opportunities update |
7.17 |
Liz Overstall |
Suggestions for capital projects to be considered at precept setting
Resolved
That was noted in item 4.5
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7.18 |
Michele Morgan (HC) |
Acknowledgement of road maintenance works identified for November (email)
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7.19 |
PC Chris Griffiths |
West Mercia Police November Newsbeat (unable to download – reported)
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7.20 |
Malcolm Walker |
Copy email re future of Parish Freighter service (Clerk has contacted HC)
Resolved
That this noted
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7.21 |
PC Chris Griffiths |
Police report of vehicle thefts in Greater Manchester – warning of possible trend in taking vehicles left unattended briefly with engine running.
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7.22 |
Sukhpreet Walia |
Response from Ofcom to complaint sent by Clerk re BT phonebox in Rowlstone.
Resolved
That was noted in item 4.7
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7.23 |
Charlie Davis |
Link to latest edition of The Local Channel |
7.24 |
HALC |
Information Corner 6.11.08 (electronic version) |
7.25 |
DC Gardening |
Ground maintenance works service |
7.26 |
M+E Forget |
Acknowledgement of request to change date of meeting to discuss possible twinning with Segonzac (email)
Resolved
That was noted in item 4.4
|
7.27 |
Anthony Bush (HC) |
Update on communications between HC and BT re phonebox closures.
Resolved
That was noted in item 4.7
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7.28 |
Ron Cole |
Updated twinning request form re Segonzac (email)
Resolved
That was noted in item 4.4
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7.29 |
Ruth Richardson |
Historical connections with Segonzac
Resolved
That was noted in item 4.4
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7.30 |
Cllr John Jarvis |
Response re Parish Freighter
Councillor James confirmed that HC were looking into the future of the Parish Freighter and that after gathering information they would consult with those parishes who wanted to continue a service.
Resolved
That this is noted. |
7.31 |
Electoral Office |
Paperwork to request Register of Electors (Clerk has responded) |
7.32 |
HC Environment |
Reminder of paperwork required for claims |
7.33 |
Community First |
Information re community development support |
7.34 |
Glasdon |
Equipment catalogue |
7.35 |
PC Chris Griffiths |
West Mercia Constabulary Local Policing News + Golden Valley Newsbeat December 2008
Copies to Councillors
|
7.36 |
Peter Overstall |
Footpaths Report for December
Resolved
That was noted in item 12.1
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7.37 |
David Butler |
Harmonica Workshop – Temple Bar Ewyas Harold – Sunday 7th December 1pm
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|
8 |
Lengthsman Scheme
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8.1 |
Lengthsman work undertaken in November.
To be advised
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9 |
Financial Report |
9.1 |
Payments for approval
Clerk salary |
£ |
521.38 |
Stationery/Office Expenses |
£ |
28.05 |
Clerk postage |
£ |
9.78 |
Clerk travel |
£ |
35.71 |
HM Inland Revenue (PAYE £6.80 NI £9.29 employee £10.81 employer). |
£ |
26.90 |
Advance joinery – timber + repair to picnic bench |
£ |
321.63 |
Advance joinery – timber for Elm Green Lane bench |
£ |
51.70 |
SLCC – membership renewal 2008/2009 |
£ |
94.00 |
Black Hill Computer Software – Website hosting 2008/2009 |
£ |
84.00 |
Black Hill Computer Software – Website domain name renewal 2008 to 2010 |
£ |
28.49 |
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|
9.2 |
Balances as at 25th November 2008 |
|
NatWest Current account |
£ |
1,322.79 |
Unpresented cheques |
£ |
58.75 |
Cheques/cash to be credited |
£ |
50.00 |
NatWest Business Reserve |
£ |
2,429.83 |
Alliance + Leicester Current account |
£ |
265.92 |
Alliance + Leicester Deposit account |
£ |
15,125.01 |
Total cash assets
Consisting of: |
£ |
19,134.80 |
Precept funds |
£ |
16,634.59 |
Lengthsman Scheme
Balance available but not yet claimed |
£ |
557.49 |
Administration charge outstanding |
£ |
74.35 |
Available funds for remainder of financial year
(annual allocation £2,229.95) |
£ |
1,107.20 |
|
£ |
624.06 |
Parish Path Funds |
£ |
1,104.40 |
Parish Plan Funds |
£ |
771.75 |
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9.3 |
Income received |
|
Herefordshire Council – Lengthsman Scheme |
£ |
557.49 |
Golden Valley Construction – Newsletter advert |
£ |
25.00 |
C J Finnie – Newsletter advert |
£ |
25.00 |
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9.4 |
Budget Adjustment |
|
Source of transfer |
Sum to transfer |
Budget code receiving payment |
26 – Miscellaneous |
125.00 |
16 – Rec. Ground Maint.
|
26 – Miscellaneous |
275.00 |
1 – Fees/subscriptions.
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|
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Resolved
That the financial statement is accepted and that payments and transfers should be made.
Carried unanimously.
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9.5 |
Internal Auditor
The half-yearly report did not identify any problems in the accounts or control measures. Audit program report has been filed.
Resolved
That this is noted.
The Clerk will make his half-yearly budget report at the next Parish Council Meeting.
Resolved
That this is noted
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10
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Planning
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10.1 |
Application number DCSW2008/2506/F
Additional plans |
|
Site: |
Former garden centre, Pontrilas, Herefordshire. HR2 0DJ |
Description: |
Demolish existing building, build new warehouse store and retail builders merchants, retain hardened yard as open storage space. |
Application Type: |
Listed Building Consent and Full |
Applicant: |
Pontrilas Timber + Builders Merchants, Sawmills, Pontrilas, Herefordshire. HR2 0BE
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|
|
Resolved
That EHGPC have no additional comments to add to those posted in November (plans viewed prior to the meeting).
|
10.2 |
Application number DCSW2008/2793/L
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|
Site: |
Journeys End (Cwm Barn), Ewyas Harold, Herefordshire. HR2 0EE |
Description: |
Internal upgrade alteration of existing staircase, removal of kitchen partition wall. Introduction of additional west facing window to living room. |
Application Type: |
Listed Building Consent |
Applicant: |
Mr R Stow, Nant-y-Felin, Llanvihangel Crucorney, Monmouthshire. NP7 8DB
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|
|
Resolved
That EHGPC have no objections to this application.
|
10.3 |
Application number DCSW2008/2822/L
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|
Site: |
Old Rectory, Abbey Dore, Herefordshire. HR2 0AA |
Description: |
Dressing room to be made into an en-suite bathroom |
Application Type: |
Listed Building Consent |
Applicant: |
Mr E Howes, Old Rectory, Abbey Dore, Herefordshire. HR2 0AA
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|
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Resolved
That EHGPC have no objections to this application.
|
10.4 |
Application number DCSW2008/2528/S
Agricultural + Forestry Buildings and Operations – Prior Approval Not Required
|
|
Site: |
New House Farm, Rowlstone, Herefordshire. HR2 0DR |
Description: |
Covered yard and livestock handling area. |
|
|
Resolved
That this is noted
|
11 |
Road Maintenance and Related Matters
11.1 |
B4347 (Pontrilas End)
The surfacing is breaking up along the centre of the roadway. This was first reported to HC on 16th April 2008 and recently some repair work has been undertaken. The Clerk has been informed that this road is still identified as needing resurfacing and will therefore be on a future work list after funding considerations have been made.
Resolved
That this is noted.
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11.2 |
Prill Road
The Clerk confirmed that the state of this road had been reported to HC.
Resolved
That this is noted
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11.3 |
Rowlstone Lane (C1210)
A recently repaired deep pothole between Court House and the telephone box appears to be reforming owing to the patch compacting.
(GRID REF 3727)
Resolved
That the Clerk should report this problem to HC
ACTION CLERK |
11.4 |
Pudding Street (U74420)
Several potholes have formed on this road. (GRID REF 3726).
Resolved
That the Clerk should report these problems to HC.
ACTION CLERK.
|
11.5 |
Vroe Lane (U74421)
Several potholes have formed on this road. (GRID REF 3726)
Resolved
That the Clerk should report these problems to HC.
ACTION CLERK.
|
|
12 |
Footpaths
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12.1 |
Footpaths Officer’s Report
EH35B There has been some erosion of the Monnow bank alongside the footpath. The path is still usable but repairs will be undertaken by Hereford.
EH19 The bank has eroded by the causeway over the Dulas brook. Hereford has put this into their major work programme.
EH14/18 The mud continues to be a problem where the two paths cross. The plan was for stone to be delivered to the landowner during the summer and he would spread it over the affected area. Hereford has decided instead to give the job to its contractors, Amey Wye Valley Ltd, who will do it at the same time as they are repairing the bank by the EH19 causeway.
Resolved
That this noted
|
13 |
Parish Newsletter
Councillors reminded to consider items for inclusion in the next issue (February)
|
14 |
Parish Website
It was noted that the news pages need updating. The Clerk will work with Councillor E Overstall to change some of the content. Volunteers are always welcome to become involved
Resolved
That this is noted.
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The Meeting closed at 9.00pm |
|
Chairman
Date
NEXT MEETING January 6th 2009 at MEMORIAL HALL
Future Meetings February 3rd, March 3rd 2009 |
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|
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Appendix 1
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Minutes of the Twinning Committee Meeting of Ewyas Harold Group Parish Council
held on Tuesday 11th November 2008
|
|
Present |
|
Councillor P Sheen
Councillor Mrs M Bradley
Councillor P Jinman
The Clerk
|
1 |
Response to Twinning
Agreed that this could offer various opportunities to the local community/organisations therefore would advise GPC to enter into discussion with counterparts in Segonzac.
|
2 |
Response to Invitation
Keen to discuss this further but the dates of offered in December were not convenient. Would try to re-arrange date of visit to Seronzac for sometime in the New Year with a party of up to 4 people.
Would need to check whether the party should include a member who was a fluent French speaker.
|
3 |
Actions prior to Visit
Prepare ideas for what to discuss on the visit.
Find out what Segonzac hope to get from the twinning.
Involve local people/organisations (including businesses) and get their views.
|
|
|
Appendix 2
2009/10 Precept |
|
Item |
Precept 08/09 |
Proposed budget 09/10 |
|
|
£ |
£ |
1 |
Fees/Subscriptions |
700.00 |
800.00 |
2 |
Insurance |
2,937.62 |
3,120.16 |
3 |
Newsletter |
250.00 |
480.00 |
4 |
Training |
120.00 |
0.00 |
5 |
Postage + Travel |
525.00 |
525.00 |
6 |
Stationery |
200.00 |
200.00 |
7 |
Office equipment reserve |
250.00 |
0.00 |
8 |
Salaries |
6,031.00 |
6,568.14 |
9 |
Members Expenses |
30.00 |
0.00 |
10 |
Hire of Premises |
240.00 |
300.00 |
|
Sub total = |
11,283.62 |
11,993.30 |
|
|
|
|
|
RECREATION GROUND |
|
|
11 |
Grass Cutting |
1,100.00 |
1,100.00 |
12 |
Hedge Laying/Trimming |
200.00 |
200.00 |
13 |
Water |
120.00 |
120.00 |
14 |
Electricity |
200.00 |
400.00 |
15 |
Play Area Maintenance |
500.00 |
500.00 |
16 |
Recreation Ground Maintenance |
1,000.00 |
620.00 |
17 |
Maintenance of Flower Beds |
50.00 |
80.00 |
18 |
Contingency |
300.00 |
300.00 |
|
Sub total = |
3,470.00 |
3,320.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
COMMUNITY TIDYING |
|
|
19 |
Litter Control/ Parish Freighter |
1,000.00 |
1,400.00 |
|
Sub total = |
1,000.00 |
1,400.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
GRANTS/DONATIONS |
|
|
20 |
Village Halls |
150.00 |
150.00 |
21 |
Burial Grounds |
600.00 |
600.00 |
22 |
Community Groups |
100.00 |
100.00 |
23 |
Charities |
50.00 |
50.00 |
|
Sub total = |
900.00 |
900.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
SPECIAL CONTINGENCIES |
|
|
24 |
Elections |
0.00 |
0.00 |
25 |
Capital Projects |
2,000.00 |
|
26 |
Miscellaneous Expenditure |
850.00 |
500.00 |
|
Sub total = |
2,850.00 |
500.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
TOTALS |
19,503.62 |
18,113.30 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income TOTAL |
700.00 |
1,270.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
Final precept |
18,803.62 |
16,843.30 |
|
