Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of Ewyas Harold Group Parish Council

held on Tuesday 7th March 2006

In the Memorial Hall at 7.30 p.m.

Present

Councillor Mrs E Overstall (Dulas) in the chair

Councillor J Middle

Councillor R Weaver

Councillor G Sprackling

Councillor Mrs J Addis

Councillor Mrs M Tovey

Councillor D Harries

Councillor Mrs M Williams (Rowlstone)

The Clerk

In attendance:

Councillor J B Williams (Herefordshire Council) and 1 member of the public

Apologies for Absence

Councillors P Sheen, P Jinman, W Lloyd

Declaration of Interest

None declared

Minutes

The minutes of the ordinary meeting of the council held on Tuesday 7th February 2006 were approved without amendment.

Carried unanimously

4.1

Recycling Facilities at Ewyas Harold

Only glass recycling at moment although Mr Will Bowen is approaching Herefordshire Council to increase range to include paper, cans and plastic.
Insurance liabilities are that the site is covered by Pontrilas Garden Centre, but all equipment and procedures associated with the recycling are the responsibility of HC.
Martin Roper now has large shredder available with a likely hire cost of £30 per hour and a minimum charge of £30

Resolved

That this is noted

4.2

Rowlstone Village Hall and Land

The application for land registration is now in process.

Resolved

That this is noted.

4.3

Village Artmarkers

The meeting with Herefordshire Council and the chosen artist is to take place on Mar 29th at 3pm in Dulas Court.

Resolved

That this is noted

4.4

Herefordshire County Councillor Feedback

Councillor Berris Williams gave a short presentation of the 2006/7 budget for Herefordshire Council

Budget due to be set on Friday March 10th 2006.
A new financial advisor, Sonia Reece, has been appointed.

There has been an increase in the revenue support grant
Herefordshire has 8% less funding than other unitary authorities
Reserves stand at £3m
Increase in budget will be 6.4% (4% increase ring fenced for schools therefore 2.4% increase for services)
Band D Council Tax charge will be £1043 (not including Fire, Police and local precept)

Resolved

That this is noted

4.5

Access to Ewyas Harold Common

Nothing to report in this section.

Resolved

That this is noted

4.6

Charity donations

In keeping with the policy of favouring local charities if funds allowed it was decided to award a grant of £50 to Dore Community Transport.

Proposed: Councillor D Harries

Seconded: Councillor R Weaver

Recreation Ground

5.1

Monthly Audit (February)

Litter is still a problem

Discarded tapes from footballers which is not biodegradable

Resolved

That Clerk would write to the football club.

ACTION CLERK

Behind pavilion
Behind small wooden shed adjacent to far wall of pavilion. Bottom wall of shed has been removed allowing escape of contents. Whole area wants tidying up and shed repairing.
Area of car park and picnic benches has discarded polystyrene food containers and forks.

Resolved

That the Clerk would ask Martin Roper if he was willing to make a regular monthly rubbish collection.

ACTION CLERK

It was also reported by the Lengthsman that a black bag dumped through the gate leading to the brook contained the body of a dead pet rabbit.

Evidence of cars being taken over stone margins and damaging grass surface on the edge of the football pitch.

Resolved

That Councillors would consider what actions would be appropriate to prevent cars accessing the grassed area of the Recreation Ground

ACTION ALL

Problem of moles on cricket pitch
Log platform in play area has lost top centre roof cross piece and some evidence to suggest that the adjacent cross pieces may be becoming loose.
Nut missing off bolt that holds the top cross posts on the far support nearest the entrance gate of the log walkway.

Resolved

That the Clerk would request that Brian Ball undertake these repairs

ACTION CLERK

It was agreed that a master sheet should be maintained by the Clerk to ensure that all items actioned under the monthly audit were properly recorded’

ACTION CLERK

Play Area

5.2.1

Supply of Bark

Order still outstanding but will be completed later this month in time for the annual inspection which will take place in either week commencing 3rd or 24th April.

Resolved

That this is noted.

5.2.2

Safety Surface

An application has been made under Grants for All for £5,000 towards the installation of a safety surface.
Match funding for a further £1,000 will be made under the Small Projects Fund.
The possibility of another application for up to £7,000 is being investigated.
Further money may be available from Herefordshire Council’s share of the Big Lottery Children’s Play Fund.

A letter from Mrs J Scarrott was read out which supported the installation of a wet-pour safety surface. The letter also highlighted safety aspects of replacing the current bark surface.

Resolved

That this is noted.

5.2.3

5.3

Litter Bins

It was reported that the existing bins were being well used. The extra cost incurred to empty two extra bins would be approximately £4 per collection but there may also have to be a small additional charge to cover the cost of supplying the plastic bags. .

Resolved

That the Clerk should order one litter bin for the picnic area and that the need for a second one would be reviewed.

ACTION CLERK

5.4

Alleged Drug Abuse

This matter has been reported to the police but they require more details to take action (e.g. names of the person being reported or the address at which these activities are allegedly occurring). The informing person does not need to divulge their own

Information re discarded hypodermic needles:

Environmental Health has a hotline 01432 260051 which is available during office hours Mon-Fri to report such incidents. A contractor will collect discarded needles etc within the hour. Out of hours Martin Roper is prepared to collect and store needles ready for collection.

Resolved

That this is noted

5.5

Pavilion

The outside needs a general clean-up and the window/door frames need repainting

Resolved

That the Clerk would ask Mr Robin Michael to undertake the painting and to arrange for Mr S Duggan to power wash the outside. This work to be undertaken at the end of the football season.

ACTION CLERK

Local Security Matters

Vandalism at Village Hall

Cars parked at the village hall have been vandalised. The police are aware and are prepared to be extra vigilant when functions are occurring at the hall.

Resolved

That the Clerk should pass on the correspondence to the Memorial Hall Committee.

ACTION CLERK

Correspondence

	Sender	Content
7.1	HC Adult & Community	Parish Plans Update
7.2	HC Adult & Community	HC Forward Plan 1st February 2006 to 31st May 2006
7.3	HC Adult & Community	HC Notice of Meetings 2nd February 2006 to 30th March 2006
7.4	HC Adult & Community	Public Transport Timetables
7.5	HC Adult & Community	HC Telephone Directory (Paperwork to Councillors at meeting)
7.6	HC Adult & Community	Age Concern – “Older Peoples Voices’” consultation exercise
7.7	HC Adult & Community	Appeal for Information on village shops
7.8	Kilpeck GPC	Costs for local elections 2007 It was agreed that these costs were high and that EHGPC sympathised with the position of Kilpeck GPC. At the moment no further actions were agreed by the Council. Resolved That this is noted
7.9	HC - Environment	Prill Orchard – Work on Foul Sewer Resolved This was noted in item 11.5
7.10	Herefordshire Council	Contract and returns for P3 Scheme 2006/2007 Resolved This was noted in item 12.2
7.11	HC - Environment	Email from Mr Jim Smith re work on foul sewer at Prill Orchard Resolved This was noted in item 11.5
7.12	HM Revenue+Customs	Employer pack for 2006
7.13	Worcestershire County Council	Freecycle posters Paperwork to Councillor G Sprackling
7.14	HC Adult & Community	Play Grounds Survey + Annual Inspection Dates Resolved This was noted in items 5.1 and 5.2.2
7.15	Laura Preece	Response re liabilities at recycling facilities Resolved This was noted in item 4.1
7.16	Caroline Fitzgerald	Follow up on alleged drug abuse (email) Resolved This was noted in item 5.4
7.17	Stephen Oates	Response re lighting at Gilbert’s Wood and Olde Shoppe Lands Resolved This was noted in item 11.1
7.18	Andrew Middlecote	Response re salt bins and drainage at Cwm Dulas Lane Resolved This was noted in item 11.3
7.19	Andrew Middlecote	Response re litter on A465 and Elmdale Resolved This was noted in item 11.2
7.20	Caroline Fitzgerald	Vandalism at village hall (email) Resolved This was noted in item 6
7.22	West Mercia Constabulary	Golden Valley Newsbeat – Feb 2006 (Paperwork to Councillors with Agenda)
7.23	HALC	Information Corner 24.2.06 (Paperwork to Councillors at meeting)
7.24	Vitalise	Appeal for funding (Holidays for disabled and carers) Resolved This was noted in item 4.6
7.25	HALC	Annual Parish Council Meeting – 10 helpful hints (Paperwork to Councillors at meeting)
7.26	HALC	Annual Parish Meeting – 10 helpful hints (Paperwork to Councillors at meeting)
7.27	Councillor J Addis	Report of graffiti on Trappe House Pitch wall (reported to Lengthsman prior to meeting)
7.28	HC Environment	Acknowledgement of request for signage on Cym Dulas Lane Resolved This was noted in item 11.4
7.29	Community First	Village of the Year 2006
7.30	HC Adult + Community Services	Herefordshire Funding Directory – 16th edition plus presentation dates Paperwork for dates given to Councillor Mrs E Overstall
7.31	HC Adult + Community Services	Bus + Train timetables
7.32	Herefordshire CAB	Annual Report + Financial Statements
7.33	Herefordshire CAB	Donation request Resolved This was noted in item 4.6
7.34	HC Environment	Notice of safety inspection of Hereford Council’s 4 cemeteries
7.35	SLCC	The Clerk – Vol 36 No 2 March 2006
7.36	Councillor P Jinman	Playing fields inspection – February 2006 (email) Resolved This was noted in item 5.1
7.37	Mrs J Scarrott	Letter re surfacing of play area. Resolved This was noted in item 5.2.2

Lengthsman Scheme

8.1

Lengthsman work undertaken in February

Date	Work	Hours
22/2/06	Collecting litter at picnic area	30/60
28/2/06	Washed off graffiti at Dark Lane junction, school sign, Dark Lane and toilet
28/2/06	Cleared flower bed at Trappe House
28/2/06	Collecting litter at pavilion
28/2/06	Removed suckers from tree at EH centre
28/2/06	Cut off metal peg by bridge at EH centre
28/2/06	Cleared visibility fencing at Elmbridge	465/60

Resolved

That this is noted

8.2

Lengthsman rates for 2006/2007

Increase in hourly rate from £15.00 to £15.90 inc VAT

Resolved

That this is noted

Financial Report

9.1

Payments for approval

Stationery/Office Expenses	£	9.93
Clerk postage	£	3.97
Clerk travel	£	8.43
Clerk salary (573.33 minus NI £30.53)	£	542.80
Lengthsman administration (217.55 minus NI £11.59)	£	205.96
Transfer of NI payments from Lengthsman	£	25.07
Inland Revenue - N I contributions February 2006 (Employer £49.01 Employee £42.12)	£	91.13
Information Commissioner’s Office – Data Protection Annual Registration	£	35.00
Martin Roper – Rubbish collection for January + February	£	60.00
Martin Roper – Lengthsman work in February	£	123.77
Herefordshire Jarvis Services – February road sweep	£	70.50
Rowlstone Village Hall – Land Registry	£	30.00

9.2

Balances as at 28th February 2006

NatWest Current account	£	144.22
Unpresented cheques	£	425.47
Cheques/cash to be credited	£	nil
NatWest Business Reserve	£	79.00
Alliance + Leicester Current account	£	820.30
Alliance + Leicester Deposit account	£	6546.05

Total cash assets Consisting of:	£	7164.10
Precept funds	£	5131.35
Parish Path Funds	£	1180.00
Parish Plan Funds	£	852.75

9.3

Lengthsman Scheme

Balance (28th February 2006)	£	931.85
Unpresented cheques	£	nil
Available funds to cover Lengthsman work Feb/Mar 06 [After payment of administration and NI] (annual allocation £2,175.56)	£	700.82

9.4

Payments received

nil

Resolved

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

Proposed: Councillor G Sprackling

Seconded: Councillor Mrs M Tovey

Carried unanimously

Planning

10.1

Application number DCSW2005/4080/F

Notification of planning permission

Site:	3 Temple Terrace, Ewyas Harold, Herefordshire. HR2 0EU
Description:	Single storey rear extension

Resolved

That this is noted.

10.2

Application number DCSW2005/4111/F

Notification of planning permission

Site:	The Sycamores, Ewyas Harold, Herefordshire. HR2 0JD
Description:	Two storey extension

Resolved

That this is noted.

10.3

Application number DCSW2006/0622/L and DCSW2006/0621/F

Site:	Journeys End, King Street, Ewyas Harold, Herefordshire. HR2 0EE
Description:	Proposed single storey extension, also provision of three new windows, internal alterations to partitions and stairway.
Application type:	Listed Building Consent and Full
Applicant:	Mr + Mrs B Edwards, Journeys End, King Street, Ewyas Harold, Herefordshire. HR2 0EE

Resolved

That EHGPC have no objections to this application

Proposed: Councillor J Middle

Seconded: Councillor R Weaver

Carried unanimously

10.4

New Planning Regulatons

Councillor Mrs E Overstall informed the meeting on how the new planning regulations would affect parish councils. A copy of her report was given to all Councillors.

Resolved

That this is noted

Road Maintenance and Related Matters

11.1	Street lighting in Gilbert’s Wood and Olde Shoppe Lands Stephen Oates of Herefordshire Council has assured EHGPC that the light will be repaired and that the outstanding street lights will be adopted. Resolved That this is noted
11.2	Litter on A465 and at Elmdale Work has commenced on the A465 but it is still bad at Pontrilas. Resolved That the Clerk should clarify whether the work is believed to be complete ACTION CLERK Councillor Mrs J Addis will inform the Clerk whether the litter at Elmdale has been collected. ACTION JA.
11.3	Salt Containers in Cwm Dulas Lane Herefordshire Council are still to make a report. Resolved That this is noted
11.4	Heavy Goods Vehicles in Cwm Dulas Lane Herefordshire Council have acknowledged receipt of the order for suitable traffic restriction signs to be erected. Resolved That this is noted.
11.5	Prill Orchard Sewers Letters have been received from Herefordshire Council apologising for the lack of notice for this disruptive work. Resolved That the Clerk should check whether all work had now been completed and whether the drains had been adopted by Welsh Water. ACTION CLERK
11.6	Kington School Bus Concern was raised on where the bus was stopping to offload children in the village. The children had to get off on a bend and to an area with no footpath or kerb. Resolved That the Clerk should write to Herefordshire Council to request that a more suitable dropping-off point was used by the bus company. ACTION CLERK

Footpaths

12.1

Parish Footpaths Officer (PFO)

No report was received this month.

Resolved

That this is noted

12.2

Parish Paths Scheme.

A new contract requires signing for 2006/7 and returns are required for the work undertaken in 2005/6

Resolved

That this is noted

12.3

Access from Recreation Ground

There was a discussion on liabilities associated with access to Dulas Brook and Mr Parry’s Land from the Recreation Ground. It has been suggested that signs may be appropriate

Resolved

That RoSPA be approached for advice when they make their annual inspection in April.

ACTION CLERK

Parish Newsletter

13.1	Items for Inclusion Recycling - DH Children’s Play Area Surfacing Improvements - LO Discarded Hypodermic Needles – Clerk Archaeology Group award Resolved That this is noted

Parish Website

There were no issues raised under this section

15.1

Trees in EH Village Centre

It was reported that trees were growing out of the walls in this area.

Resolved

That the Clerk should ask the Lengthsman to inspect these trees and report back on the work necessary.

ACTION CLERK

The Meeting closed at 9.30pm

Chairman

Date

NEXT MEETING April 4th 2006

PLEASE NOTE THIS WILL BE AT ROWLSTONE VILLAGE HALL

Future Meetings

May 2nd

June 6th

July 4th

Aug 8th

Sept 5th