Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of Ewyas Harold Group Parish Council

held on Tuesday 3rd January 2006

In the Memorial Hall at 7.30 p.m.

Present

Councillor Mrs E Overstall (Dulas) in the chair

Councillor Revd L Rickards

Councillor J Middle

Councillor G Sprackling

Councillor P Jinman

Councillor Mrs J Addis

Councillor Mrs M Tovey

Councillor D Harries

Councillor P Sheen (Rowlstone)

Councillor R Weaver

Councillor Mrs M Williams (Rowlstone)

The Clerk

In attendance:

1 member of the public

Apologies for Absence

Councillors W Lloyd, W Preece

Declaration of Interest

Councillor P Jinman declared an interest in item 4.3

Minutes

The minutes of the ordinary meeting of the council held on Tuesday 6th December 2005 were approved without amendment.

Proposed: Councillor Revd L Rickards

Seconded: Councillor J Middle

Carried unanimously

4.1

Recycling Facilities at Ewyas Harold

There are two collection services available throughout Herefordshire:

Where population density allows (Hereford, Leominster, Bromyard, Ledbury) coloured bag system is used. (one for papers + textiles, other for cans + plastics). Expansion of service when funding allows – likely to be years.
Ross and some of the surrounding areas use blue box scheme. This service is part HC and part private. Hoping to expand in March 2006 but no news on areas that will benefit. For people not yet receiving this service it is possible to register interest by telephoning 01989 566275

It was highlighted by a member of the public that the recycling site at Longtown appeared to work well and that the lidded wheelie bins were available from HC provided a site was available.

Resolved

That the Clerk should continue to request that Herefordshire Council look into the possibility of the site at Pontrilas. That the Clerk should contact local businesses who might be prepared to have a recycling site on their land (addresses to be provided by Councillors)

ACTION CLERK

4.2

Rowlstone Village Hall and Land

Email from John Armson today with attached affidavit for approval. Three elderly residents have agreed to testify and the secretary to the hall committee is prepared to arrange for the statements to be collected.

Resolved

That the draft affidavit needs to be modified to indicate the period of use as village hall. That the Clerk should ascertain from HALC whether the statements have to be witnessed in the presence of a magistrate/solicitor.

ACTION CLERK

4.3

Access to Ewyas Harold Common

Items/actions for report:

On Wednesday 28th December 2005 the stones were removed from the common and were replaced with earth buns(banks) which will be grassed so that the area can be returned to grazing. The work was undertaken in the presence of the Lord of the Manor, the County Surveyor, Mr Hales and Peter Jinman.
The pond is now a registered site for the great crested newt and as such cannot be filled in. However, it will be left and in time will fill in naturally.
There will be a meeting of the Common Society next week.
At the recent Graziers Meeting it was announced by the Lord of the Manor that he has applied for planning permission to construct a car park at the side of the Neville Arms. Access from the car park to the common will be made as easy as possible but this will probably not solve the problem for disabled/elderly access. Provision for disabled parking may be a future consideration.
The Community Commons project is now underway.
The Lord of the Manor has applied for entry level stewardship under the Single Farm Payment Scheme.

Resolved

That this is noted

4.4

Precept 2006/2007

The following points agreed at the December meeting were verified::

Unspent funding for training etc on the Newsletter would be carried forward into the next financial year.
The Clerk’s outstanding salary would be paid for out of this year’s budget.
The election costs relating to possible postal voting in the future would be met out of the reserve held at the bank.
Capital items

Embankment slide to be funded. Part of this cost would be offset by carrying forward £454 from the funds for safety surfacing around the roundabout. This area would be made good for the time being by purchasing extra bark with the remaining capital funds for 2005/2006.
Gestetner would not be replaced and the printing of the Newsletter would be carried out by the outside printers who publish Good News for St Michael’s Church.

Projected income for 2006/2007 would be used to offset the figure required for the 2006/2007 precept.

The final figure for the 2006/2007 precept was agreed at £15,528.82 (see appendix 1)

Proposed: Councillor Revd L Rickards

Seconded: Councillor J Middle

Carried unanimously

Resolved

That these figures should be sent to Herefordshire Council as the precept request for 2006/2007 final

ACTION CLERK

Recreation Ground

5.1

Monthly Audit (December)

No items were identified that required action by EHGPC

Resolved

That this is noted

5.2

Play Area

5.2.1	Safety Audit + Risk Assessment The RoSPA inspection for 2006 is likely to take place in March. Resolved That this is noted
5.2.2	User Group Nothing to report. Resolved That this is noted
5.2.3	Management of Play Area The Clerk has requested information on the implications if this area were to be managed by Herefordshire Council. Still waiting for a response. Resolved That this is noted.
5.2.4	Supply of Bark This service can be provided by Mr Phil Webb. Resolved That the Clerk should place an order for 10 cubic metres. ACTION CLERK

5.3

Gate signs

These have now been attached.

Resolved

That this is noted.

5.4

Vandalism to field

The discussion on the value of erecting a protective fence will be deferred until the next financial year.

Resolved

That this is noted.

5.5

Toilets

Both have become untidy and require a general clean.

Resolved

That Martin Roper would be approached to see if he could undertake this work.

ACTION GS

Local Security Matters

There were no issues raised under this section other than to report that the bulbs from the Xmas lights had been stolen.

Resolved

That this is noted

Correspondence

	Sender	Content
7.1	Highways Agency	Central England – Traffic Information and Roadworks
7.2	James Bailey	Quote for printing Newsletter (email) Resolved That this was noted in item 4.4
7.3	Herefordshire Partnership	Quarterly economic report – November 2005
7.4	Community First	Newsline – Issue 61, December 2005
7.5	HM Revenues & Custom	Online annual tax return information
7.6	HC + Worcestershire CCs	Recycling Posters Paperwork to Councillor G Sprackling
7.7	RoSPA	County Inspection Dates 2006 Resolved That this was noted in item 5.2.1
7.8	npower	Request to read electricity meter
7.9	HC County Secretary	Community Forums – details for January meetings Paperwork to Councillor G Sprackling
7.10	Herefordshire Voluntary Action	Together - Issue No 10
7.11	HC Environment	Statement of Community Involvement Consultation A workshop is planned for 23rd February 2006 on issues surrounding the new planning system. Resolved That Councillor Mrs E Overstall would attend this workshop.
7.12	Mr Richard Baker	Acknowledgement of £50 grant towards upkeep of Rowlstone churchyard
7.13	West Mercia Constabulary	Golden Valley Newsbeat – Dec 2005 Resolved Copies to be sent to Councillors with minutes
7.14	Mr Shaun Hayward	Complaint over erection of way-marking post. Resolved That the Clerk should discuss this matter with the Footpaths Officer and HC and write to Mr Hayward informing him that the matter was being investigated. ACTION CLERK

Lengthsman Scheme

8.1

Lengthsman work undertaken in December

Date	Work	Hours
2/12/05	Check and clear as necessary gullies etc.	180/60
14/12/05	Check storm drains at Old Shoppe Lands
	Check water leak at fire station and divert water to ditch	80/60
17/12/05	Clear out ditch at fire station and divert water	285/60
28/12/05	Clear out ditches Rowlstone to Balls Cross	390/60
29/12/05	Clear out ditches Rowlstone to Balls Cross	495/60
30/12/05	Clear out ditches Rowlstone to Balls Cross	480/60
31/12/05	Clear out ditches Rowlstone to Balls Cross	420/60

Resolved

That this is noted

Financial Report

9.1

Payments for approval

Clerk postage	£	11.46
Clerk travel	£	8.43
Clerk salary (573.33 minus NI £18.19)	£	555.14
Herefordshire Jarvis Services – December road sweep	£	70.50
C&S Signs – Recreation ground signs x 3	£	119.93
Inland Revenue - N I contributions December 2005 (Employer £21.16 Employee £18.19)	£	39.35
Ewyas Harold Memorial Hall (Hire for Parish Meetings)	£	160.00
Ewyas Harold Memorial Hall (Parish Freighter)	£	135.00
Nick Eynon – Refurbishment + erection of swings	£	634.50
Martin Roper – Lengthsman work December 2005	£	582.59
Martin Roper – Rubbish collection December 2005	£	30.00

9.2

Balances as at 23rd December 2005

NatWest Current account	£	804.53
Unpresented cheques	£	568.35
Cheques/cash to be credited	£	nil
NatWest Business Reserve	£	405.84
Alliance + Leicester Current account	£	579.48
Alliance + Leicester Deposit account	£	9,186.06

Total cash assets Consisting of:	£	10,407.56
Precept funds	£	9,207.56
Parish Path Funds	£	1,200.00

9.3

Lengthsman Scheme

Balance ( 23/12/05 )	£	1,260.81
Unpresented cheques	£	149.26
Balance available (unclaimed)	£	543.89
Administration charge	£	217.55
Available funds to cover Lengthsman work Dec 05- Mar 06 (annual allocation £2,175.56)	£	1,445.89

9.4

Payments received

nil

Resolved

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

Proposed: Councillor Revd L Rickards

Seconded: Councillor G Sprackling

Carried unanimously

Planning

10.1

Application number DCSW2005/3264/Q

Notification of planning permission under Crown Land and Crown Development

Site:	Pontrilas Army Training Area, Pontrilas, Herefordshire.
Description:	Single storey modular medical centre

Resolved

That the Clerk write to the Planning Officer and query why comments were no longer sought from EHGPC for such developments. The Clerk should also request whether there was a possibility of a Planning Officer making a presentation to EHGPC so that the Council might be more able to understand what was expected of them under the new system, and the criteria for deciding which plans would not be presented to the Councillors for comments.

ACTION CLERK

10.2

Application number DCSW2005/3393/F

Notification of planning permission

Site:	3 Lion Terrace, Ewyas Harold, Herefordshire. HR2 0ER
Description:	Single storey front extension, rear dormer and new access onto B4347.

Resolved

That this is noted.

10.3

Application number DCSW2005/3396/F

Notification of planning permission

Site:	Llancillo Tithe Barn, Pandy, Abergavenny. NP7 8EG
Description:	Conversion of redundant agricultural building to a dwelling

Resolved

That this is noted.

10.4

Application number DCSW2005/3664/F

Notification of planning permission

Site:	4 Cherry Tree Close, Ewyas Harold, Herefordshire. HR2 0DQ
Description:	Construct new external brick clad chimney

Resolved

That this is noted.

10.5

Application number DCSW2005/3664/F

Site:	3 Temple Terrace, Ewyas Harold, Herefordshire. HR2 0EU
Description:	Single storey rear extension
Application type:	Full
Applicant:	Mr O Beman, Westlands, Much Birch. HR2 8HJ

Resolved

That EHGPC have no objections to this application

Proposed: Councillor G Sprackling

Seconded: Councillor Mrs J Addis

Carried unanimously

10.6

Application number DCSW2005/4111/F

Site:	The Sycamores, Ewyas Harold, Herefordshire. HR2 0JD
Description:	Two storey extension
Application Type	Full
Applicant	Mr + Mrs Young, The Sycamores, Ewyas Harold, Herefordshire. HR2 0JD

Resolved

That following a site meeting on 4th January 2006 attended by Councillors Overstall, Jinman, Harries, Weaver, Rickards, Sprackling, Tovey and Middle it was agreed to pass this planning application.

Proposed: Councillor P Jinman

Seconded: Councillor D Harries

Road Maintenance and Related Matters

11.1	Street lighting in Gilbert’s Wood Herefordshire Council have been re-informed of the streetlight that requires repairing. Resolved That this is noted
11.2	Water Leak on C1121 by Fire Station This has been traced to a telecom manhole and has been repaired by BT. Resolved That this is noted
11.3	Water Leak on C1121 by B4347 Junction This has been reported to Welsh Water Resolved That this is noted
11.4	Rowlstone Village Centre Uncompleted work has been re-reported to HC Resolved That this is noted
11.5	Culvert near Wigga Farm Culvert under the road is blocked and this has been reported to HC Resolved That this is noted
11.6	Temple Terrace Pavement The pavement outside Temple Terrace is uneven and sloping. Resolved That this should be reported to HC ACTION CLERK

Footpaths

12.1

Parish Footpaths Officer (PFO)

No report was presented this month.

Resolved

That this is noted

12.2

Prince’s Place to Springfield (EH37)

It was reported that an established hedge had been removed and that substantial damage is being caused by cattle entering onto this footpath.

Resolved

That the Clerk should inform the Parish Footpaths Officer (PFO) so that a report can be made to Herefordshire Council.

ACTION CLERK

12.3

Slurry Contamination (EH37)

It was reported that a large slick of slurry was in danger of contaminating the water course in this area.

Resolved

That the Clerk should obtain details of the problem from the PFO so that a report could be sent to the Environment Agency.

ACTION CLERK

Parish Newsletter

Several alterations were made to the draft of the Newsletter. The next issue will be published when these changes have been made and when all items agreed at the last meeting have been received by the Editor.

Other items to include:

Dog fouling (telephone number of Dog Warden 01432 352243)

Resolved

That this is noted

Parish Website

Future plans:

Providing extra pages for other groups within the community.
Providing links with other websites which would increase the importance attached to the Ewyas Harold website and as such make it easier to find through search engines.

Resolved

That this is noted.

15.1

Refurbishment of Swings

It was noted that the work recently undertaken by Mr Nick Eynon had resulted in the play area obtaining effectively new swings for a very small amount of money.

Resolved

That the Clerk should send a letter of thanks to Nick Eynon.

ACTION CLERK

15.2

Xmas Lights

It was noted that the success of the Christmas Lights had been achieved through considerable hard work by several individuals.

Resolved

That the Clerk should write a letter of thanks to Revd L Rickards to record EHGPC’s appreciation.

ACTION CLERK

15.3

Post Meeting Note to Councillors

Meetings of the Memorial Hall Committee take place on the 4th Tuesday of every month, as trustees of the hall you are welcome to come and offer practical help.

The Meeting closed at 9.50pm

Chairman

Date

NEXT MEETING February 7th 2006

Future Meetings

March 7th

April 4th

May 2nd

June 6th

Appendix 1

EWYAS HAROLD GROUP PARISH COUNCIL

SPENDING PROPOSALS 2006/2007

No		Actual		Expenditure	Projected	Proposed
		Expenditure	Budget	To Date	Expenditure	Budget
	Item	04/05	05/06	05/06	05/06	06/07
	ADMINISTRATION	M	N	O	P	Q
1	Fees/Subscriptions	£ 498.00	£ 440.00	£ 471.00	£ 504.00	£ 550.00
2	Insurance	£ 1,946.86	£ 2,097.72	£ 2,106.56	£ 2,106.56	£ 2,279.36
3	Newsletter	£ -	£ 250.00	£ -	£ -	£ 264.00
4	Training	£ -	£ 110.00	£ 160.00	£ 220.00	£ 120.00
5	Postage + Travel	£ 512.16	£ 400.00	£ 372.57	£ 558.86	£ 500.00
6	Stationary/Office Equipment	£ 380.06	£ 350.00	£ 193.25	£ 289.88	£ 176.00
7	Salaries	£ 4,047.23	£ 3,541.28	£ 2,576.79	£ 3,423.96	£ 5,149.46
8	Members Expenses	£ -	£ 30.00	£ -	£ -	£ 30.00
9	Hire of Premises	£ 195.00	£ 180.00	£ 174.00	£ 324.00	£ 200.00
	Sub total =	£ 7,579.31	£ 7,399.00	£ 6,054.17	£ 7,427.25	£ 9,268.82

	RECREATION GROUND
10	Grass Cutting	£ 1,006.02	£ 1,250.00	£ 899.76	£ 899.76	£ 1,000.00
11	Hedge Laying/Trimming	£ 202.00	£ 200.00	£ -	£ 200.00	£ 200.00
13	Water	£ 336.44	£ 120.00	£ 47.03	£ 120.00	£ 120.00
14	Electricity	£ 226.95	£ 200.00	£ 124.41	£ 240.00	£ 200.00
15	Play Area Maintenance	£ 716.87	£ 1,200.00	£ 1,029.05	£ 2,043.58	£ 1,200.00
16	Repairs	£ 253.35	£ 100.00	£ 206.02	£ 309.03	£ 100.00
18	Maintenance of Flower Beds	£ 30.00	£ 50.00	£ -	£ 50.00	£ 50.00
19	Contingency	£ 557.50	£ 300.00	£ 324.69	£ 487.04	£ 400.00
	Sub total =	£ 3,329.13	£ 3,420.00	£ 2,630.96	£ 4,349.40	£ 3,270.00

	COMMUNITY TIDYING
21	Litter Control/ Parish Freighter	£ 741.65	£ 600.00	£ 746.93	£ 916.39	£ 800.00
	Sub total =	£ 741.65	£ 600.00	£ 746.93	£ 916.39	£ 800.00

	GRANTS/DONATIONS
22	Village Halls	£ 100.00	£ 150.00	£ -	£ 150.00	£ 150.00
23	Burial Grounds	£ 500.00	£ 550.00	£ 450.00	£ 550.00	£ 550.00
24	Community Groups	£ -	£ 50.00	£ 200.00	£ 200.00	£ 50.00
25	Charities	£ -	£ 50.00	£ -	£ 50.00	£ 50.00
	Sub total =	£ 600.00	£ 800.00	£ 650.00	£ 950.00	£ 800.00

	SPECIAL CONTINGENCIES
26	Elections	£ -	£ 250.00	£ -	£ -	£ 600.00
27	Hire of Equipment	£ -	£ -	£ -		£ -
28	Capital Projects	£ 921.71	£ 1,950.00	£ 1,216.00	£ 1,500.00	£ 2,000.00
29	Miscellaneous Expenditure	£ 891.50	£ 250.00	£ 92.00	£ 138.00	£ 250.00
	Sub total =	£ 1,813.21	£ 2,450.00	£ 1,308.00	£ 1,638.00	£ 2,850.00

	TOTALS	£14,063.30	£14,669.00	£11,390.06	£15,281.04	£16,988.82

	Likely Income from 2006/2007					£ 860.00

	Payment from Bank reserves					£ 600.00

	Proposed precept for 2006/2007					£15,528.82