Minutes of the Ewyas Harold Group Parish Assembly

held on Tuesday 10th May 2005

in the Memorial Hall at 7.30p.m.

 

                                   

Present

Councillor Mrs E Overstall (Dulas) in the chair

Councillor R Weaver   

Councillor Revd L Rickards

Councillor W Lloyd (Llancillo)

Councillor W Preece (Dulas)   

Councillor P Jinman

Councillor Mrs M Williams (Rowlstone)

Councillor G Sprackling

Councillor Mrs M Tovey

Councillor P Sheen (Rowlstone)

Councillor D Harries

The Clerk

In attendance:

Councillor J B Williams (Herefordshire Council)

1

Record of Attendance

In addition to the Councillors the following members of the public were present:

Mr Keith Prosser

Mr Clive Powell

Mr John Hook

2

Apologies for Absence

Councillors Mrs J Addis, J Middle

3

Minutes

The minutes of the Annual Group Parish Assembly held on Tuesday 4th May 2004 were approved without amendment

4

Matters Arising.

There were no matters arising

5

Annual Financial Report.

The Clerk reported that the paperwork from the Audit Commission had been delayed by one month and the deadline for submission had been reset to 4th July 2005. The annual report will therefore be made at the nest Parish Meeting on 7th June 2005.

Resolved

That this is noted

6

Chairman’s Report

The Chairman’s report is attached as Appendix 1

7

Public Forum

7.1

The Parish of Ewyas Harold

7.1.1

Mr Clive Powell pointed out that during the election of the Chairman in 2004 the retiring Chairman should have remained in the Chair for the election.

Councillor Mrs E Overstall thanked Mr Powell for pointing out this procedural error.

Resolved

That this is noted

7.1.2

Mr Clive Powell queried why tickets for the recent dinner/dance to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Memorial Hall were apparently available to people outside the community and yet some villagers were unable to purchase them. Mr Keith Prosser also highlighted this concern in writing.

Councillor Revd L Rickards stated that the function was only part of a week long series of events and was not organised by the Parish Council or the Hall Committee. It was organised by the Summer Fair committee but that those “outsiders” did in fact have links with the village. As far as ticket availability it could only be said that the shortage of tickets was an unfortunate result of the event’s popularity.

Resolved

That this is noted

7.1.3

Mr Clive Powell asked who was on the Jubilee Committee and who elected them. He was advised that he should direct this question to the Village Hall committee.

7.1.4

Mr Clive Powell asked whether Trustees were aware of their responsibilities under the Charities Act. when involved in organising such events.

Resolved

That the Clerk would investigate the legal position of volunteers if they are also Trustees/Councillors.

ACTION CLERK

7.1.5

The Clerk read out a letter from Mr Keith Prosser which highlighted the poor facilities for the disabled at the Memorial Hall.

Councillor Mrs E Overstall stated that funds were available for such improvements in community halls and a person had been appointed by  Herefordshire Council to help advise with obtaining this funding.

Councillor Revd L Rickards thanked Mr Prosser for his letter, stating that the hall had been inspected for disabled access and had been found to be satisfactory. This letter clearly indicated that this was not the case.

Resolved

That the Clerk would forward a copy of this letter to the Hall Committee.

ACTION CLERK

7.2

The Parish of Dulas

There were no matters raised.

7.3

The Parish of Llancillo

There were no matters raised.

7.4

The Parish of Rowlstone

There were no matters raised.

The Meeting closed at 8.15pm

 

Appendix 1

Chairwoman’s Speech

 

Last year I reported that the main problem for the future was likely to be lack of interest from the general public. Apathy was perceived as our great enemy, preventing us as a GPC from getting the lively go-ahead Councillors we need to serve this village and the parishes.  This year I am happy to report a distinct change in attitude.  It’s due to a number of factors but the key is better communication.

Quality Parish Council Status

There was talk last year about the possibility of becoming a Quality Parish Council.  But we couldn’t quite see how it could be done or what the benefits might be.  In the space of twelve months a great deal has changed.  Thanks to the hard work of a number of councillors  we have almost reached Quality Parish Council standard.  Whilst twelve months ago we were unsure what the benefits might be, this year we know that substantial sums of grant aid have been set aside for those parishes who can demonstrate QPC standards of management.  All of a sudden it looks both achievable and worthwhile. 

Thanks to better communications via our newsletter, our website www.ewyasharold.org.uk and our Parish Plan meetings, people are coming forwards with comments and suggestions about our work and offers of help.  Individuals are asking to be involved in local affairs, suggesting a new group to improve lifelong learning in the village and a group to monitor the footpath network across the four parishes.  We are getting applications from  well-qualified people for voluntary posts such as school governor and Footpaths Officer.  I believe apathy is in retreat.  Last year we asked the question: “How shall we raise interest in Parish affairs?”   I believe the answer is simple.  Let people know what is going on and ask for help. 

Recreation Ground

Here’s an example. The maintenance of the Recreation Ground is one of our biggest expenses. When we asked the school to give us some advice on playground equipment for the Recreation Ground, we were provided with a massive portfolio of carefully thought out art work depicting the kind of open air activities children liked best.   These drawings clearly show us the direction we should go in updating the play area.  This advice is straight from the horse’s mouth.  I hope over the next year we shall be able to take this project forwards to the satisfaction of the talented designers.

Parish Plan

Our hardworking Parish Plan Group has left no stone unturned in trying to find out what people really want to see happen, not only in the village of Ewyas Harold but also in the communities of Dulas, Llancillo and Rowlestone.  We have found out a great deal about the rural parishes which will enable us to give them a better service in the future.  Already, Rowlestone is feeling the benefit as we organise better highway maintenance.

The public has clearly told that we must work towards improving local facilities for young people.  I suggest that this should be a priority for the next year.  However the GPC cannot do all the work on its own.  To make a difference we must work together – all  the groups in the village – so that we can give the Memorial Hall the makeover it needs to bring it up to date to meet the requirements of the 21st century.  

Parish Plan

The first draft of the Parish Plan will be available next month.  This document represents hundreds of hours of effort.   If adopted, it will ensure that we stay on course, providing the right kind of service for our four parishes over the next decade.  It will help us to ensure that our valuable community assets, the Recreation Ground and the Memorial Hall are suitably maintained and updated.  It will guide the way we work; acting as a reference for decision making.  Best of all, it shows the public that we genuinely care what they think and that we really do strive to work in the public interest.

I would like to thank those councillors here tonight who have worked tirelessly to produce the Parish Plan as well as a stalwart group of helpers from the community who have attended meeting after meeting to ensure that everyone’s point of view is heard. 

Newsletter

Our modest free newsletter has turned out to be a very important link with the public. I would like to thank the editor, Isabelle Devereaux,  for  her hard work in developing the newsletter which she has done on an entirely voluntary basis.  She seems to have captured just the right balance with a mix of local stories and useful information and local advertising.  I should also like to thank those councillors who have made an effort to contribute to the newsletter.  It is extremely important that we explain to people what the GPC is doing and why.  . 

There is astonishing talent is out there in the community.   I think it’s important that we remember that intelligent and able people like to be needed, they like to feel they are contributing to their community.  But they don’t always know how to get involved, especially if they are new to the area.  The Newsletter bridges that gap.

Website

Another aid to communication has been our new website.  The website enables us to comply with the Freedom of Information Act, to publish our minutes and our Design Statement and our Parish Plan.  It enables local people to find out what we are doing and it helps outsiders to understand that we are a reliable and well-run council. 

Footpaths

This year we have been honoured to be included in the Parish Plan Partnership (P3) network. We are now one of only 12 parishes in the County to maintain its own footpath network.  As the Design Statement and the Parish Plan show, over 50% of local people use footpaths on a weekly basis.  As our narrow roads become busier, carrying heavier lorries, they are becoming more dangerous for walkers.  The footpath network is not a relic of the old days, but an important local amenity which allows people to enjoy fresh air and our wonderful countryside without danger to themselves.

I’d like to thank the outgoing Footpaths Officer, Bob George, for his work over the last ten years and to welcome Peter Overstall as the new Footpaths Officer.

Lengthsmans Scheme

The GPC has continued to operate the Lengthsman’s scheme, carrying out minor repairs to the road network in the Parishes.  We need feedback from the general public about the state of our roads so that we can organize work for the coming year.

Thank you to our councillors and Clerk

A council is only as good as its members and I would like to thank you all for the work you have done over the last 12 months, monitoring the Recreation Ground, caring for the Memorial Hall, keeping a watch on the state of our highways and minding the public purse.  It all takes time, and I know that some councillors have put in a lot of time.  I should also like to thank our Clerk Andy Shipp who has risen to the considerable challenge of learning how to be a Clerk with astonishing rapidity.

Double taxation: 

Our council tax pays for Herefordshire Council-owned playgrounds and public halls up and down the county.  We pay for the Courtyard, the Leisure Centre, the Hereford Swimming Pool as well as many other sports and social facilities, many of which we will never use.  Herefordshire Council does not contribute to our play area on the Recreation Ground or help maintain our Memorial Hall.  We contribute to the wider community of Herefordshire, but we get nothing in return. This is double taxation and it’s unfair.

The best way round the situation is to ensure that we obtain as much grant aid from the public purse as possible to maintain our local amenities.  I am aware that people are reluctant to apply for grants.  They are put off by the paperwork and afraid of disappointment should they be refused.  However, I urge you all to overcome your hatred of paper to ensure that we in South Herefordshire get our share of the grant aid available to meet our local needs, to provide leisure and recreation facilities for our young people and redress the double-taxation balance. 

Thank you for your attention.

 

Annual Meeting of the Council – Tuesday 10th May 2005

 

Present

Councillor Mrs E Overstall (Dulas) in the chair

Councillor R Weaver   

Councillor Revd L Rickards

Councillor W Lloyd (Llancillo)

Councillor W Preece (Dulas)   

Councillor P Jinman

Councillor Mrs M Williams (Rowlstone)

Councillor G Sprackling

Councillor Mrs M Tovey

Councillor P Sheen (Rowlstone)

Councillor D Harries

The Clerk

In attendance:

Councillor J B Williams (Herefordshire Council)

1

Apologies for Absence

Councillors Mrs J Addis, J Middle

2

Minutes

The minutes of the Annual Meeting of the Council held on Tuesday 4th May 2004 were approved without amendment

3

Matters Arising.

There were no matters arising

5

Election of Chairman

Councillor W Lloyd proposed Councillor Revd L Rickards who declined the nomination.

Councillor Mrs M Tovey proposed Councillor Mrs E Overstall and this was seconded by Councillor G Sprackling. Councillor Overstall accepted this nomination but pointed out that she was unwilling to stand for election in 2006.

Councillor Mrs E Overstall was unanimously elected as Chairman for the ensuing year.

6

Election of Vice Chairman

Councillor Mrs E Overstall proposed Councillor Revd L Rickards and this was seconded by Councillor Mrs M Williams. There were no other nominations.

Councillor Revd L Rickards was unanimously elected as Vice-Chairman for the ensuing year.

The Meeting closed at 8.20pm

Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of Ewyas Harold Group Parish Council

held on Tuesday 10th May 2005

In the Memorial Hall at 8.20 p.m.

 

Present

Councillor Mrs E Overstall (Dulas) in the chair

Councillor R Weaver   

Councillor Revd L Rickards

Councillor W Lloyd (Llancillo)

Councillor W Preece (Dulas)   

Councillor P Jinman

Councillor Mrs M Williams (Rowlstone)

Councillor G Sprackling

Councillor Mrs M Tovey

Councillor P Sheen (Rowlstone)

Councillor D Harries

The Clerk

In attendance:

Councillor J B Williams (Herefordshire Council)

1

Apologies for Absence

Councillors Mrs J Addis, J Middle

2

Declaration of Interest

Councillor D Harries declared an interest in items 4.8 and 9.5

Councillor Mrs E Overstall declared an interest in item 11.1

Councillor P Jinman declared an interest in item 4.2

3

Minutes

The minutes of the ordinary meeting of the council held on Tuesday 5th April 2005 were approved with the following amendment:

Item 4.2  should read “and an informal meeting of some of the graziers has been scheduled for 7th April 2005”

4

Matters for report (Not covered by separate agenda items)

4.1

Herefordshire Unitary Development Plan

No further developments ahead of the Inquiry to be held in June 2005

Resolved

That this is noted.

4.2

Access to Ewyas Harold Common

Councillor P Jinman reported that, as a result of an informal meeting of some graziers on the 7th April 2005 and a meeting of the Common Society on the  19th April 2005, several possibilities were now in the pipeline:

  • Looking into working with the Herefordshire Nature Trust and the newly appointed Commons Officer.
  • A small working group has been set up – hoping to create a plan for maintenance of the Common.
  • It is also hoped that a stewardship application will be made through the Single Farm Payment Scheme.

He also stated that the Lord of the Manor was looking at ways of improving access including car parking by the Common.

Councillor Jinman expressed his thanks to Barbara Lloyd for her work in organising these meetings and stated that the overall aim was that maintenance of the Common could be linked with lawful access so that the Common could be enjoyed by all people in the future.

The Clerk reported that Mr Reginald Smith of Brynfield had expressed concern over damage caused by people exercising horses along footpath/bridleway EH19. Councillor Jinman agreed that the damage was excessive and this had been raised at both recent meetings.

Councillor Mrs M Tovey said that several people had raised the question of car access to the Common. It was noted that, apart from a 15 metre fringe,  such access was not permitted across the Common.

Resolved

That this is noted

4.3

Parish Plan

Final draft of the Parish Plan will be available by June and on receipt of this the Countryside Agency will release the final £2,000 of the grant award.

Resolved

That this is noted

4. 4

Dog Fouling

4.4.1

Designation of Land.

The Council have applied for designation of the Recreation Ground and Memorial Ground under the Dogs (Fouling of Land) Act 1996. The Cleaner Neighbourhoods and Anti-Social Behaviour Act, giving increased powers to local councils, has effectively superceded the Dogs Act. Herefordshire Council are therefore to undertake a county-wide consultation exercise over the next few months.

Resolved

That this item be moved to the supplementary list.

4.5

Llancillo Signs

Herefordshire Council have again confirmed that they will not be erecting village signs in Llancillo. Councillor Berris Williams is still waiting to hear from Stephen Oates as to whether HC has an obligation to provide these signs

Resolved

That Councillor Berris Williams would continue to pursue this issue with Stephen Oates  

ACTION BW

4.6

Obstructions outside Dog Inn

The Clerk was unable to carry out a registry search on this property, but Herefordshire Council have reported that the wooden fence is not on the public highway and appears to fall within the boundary of the property. They do not intend to take a further action and have advised EHGPC likewise. 

The Clerk has written to the County Solicitor to ensure that she was aware of the problems being dealt with by HC’s Legal Services and copied this letter to the Licensing Officer.

It was noted that there has now been an application for the transfer of the Justice’s Licence

Resolved

That EHGPC would leave the matter in the hands of Hereford Council’s Legal Services. 

4.7

Rowlestone Village Centre

Herefordshire Council have agreed to carry out a detailed inspection of the road surface at Rowlestone.

The verges are still to be tidied, and the passing place just beyond the village sign requires clearing. The later would require a bobcat and lorry, and as such would need to carried out by HC rather than the Lengthsman. The Clerk is still waiting for specific location details of the problem areas and Councillor Berris Williams has agreed to provide details.

Resolved

That the Clerk would write to the Divisional Surveyor to request the bobcat and lorry and confirm the site visit once he has received the details from Councillor Williams.

ACTION CLERK + JB

4.8

Ewyas Harold Primary School Governor

Mrs Sue Harries, (EHGPC’s nominee for the above post), is to meet with representatives of the school on Thursday May 11th to hopefully confirm her appointment to this post.

The Clerk has received a second application from Helen Waites of Lower Cefn.

Resolved

That the Clerk should write to Helen Waites thanking her for the expression of interest and, depending upon the outcome of the meeting on 11th May, clarify the situation over this post.

ACTION CLERK

POST-MEETING NOTE The School have appointed Mrs Sue Harries to this post.

4.9

Clerk’s Contract

This item was held over for discussion at the next Parish Council meeting

Resolved

That this is noted.

4.10

Rubbish on A465

Herefordshire Council have agreed to schedule the removal of the rubbish and carry out a sweep of the channels in this area.

Resolved

That this noted

4.11

Overhanging Trees in Pudding Street

Councillor P Sheen reported that Mr Lyng, the owner of the property, has agreed to cut back these trees.

Resolved

That this is noted

4.18

Charges for Users of Recreation Ground Facilities

This item was held over for discussion at the next Parish Council meeting

Resolved

That this is noted.

5

Local Security Matters

Councillor Jinman reported a major theft of portable electrical equipment from one of the local farms.

Councillor Revd L Rickards reported that a transit van had been touring the area trying to sell items such as generators and that the police were aware.

Councillor Mrs E Overstall reported that her garden furniture had been stolen

Resolved

That this is noted

6

Correspondence (Not covered by separate agenda items)

Date received

Sender           

Content          

6.1

Inf. Commissioner

Acknowledgement of notification for data protection

6.2

Wicksteed

Catalogue and price list 2005

6.3

Jonathan Roger

Acknowledgement of appointment of new Footpath Officer (email)

6.4

HC Environment

Dates of Licensing Forums to discuss Licensing Act 2003

6.5

Herefordshire Partnership

Invitation to be a Facilitator during Herefordshire Plan Review

6.6

Allianz Cornhill

Notice of renewal for Local Council Insurance Policy (date due 1st June 2005)

Resolved

That this is noted

6.7

HC Environment

Notice of successful application for Parish Paths Partnership Scheme

Resolved

That this was noted in item 11.2

6.8

Wicksteed

“Toddlers to Teens” flyer

6.9

HC

Request for details of Parish Newsletter by Local Area Forum Co-ordinator (email). Details sent by Clerk

6.10

AmeyMouchel

Response to request for A465 channel sweeping

Resolved

That this was noted in item 4.10

6.11

HC Secretary

Notice of Election – Thursday 5th May 2005

6.12

HALC

Information Corner – 11.4.05  Section 137 expenditure, Annual Parish Meeting, Data Protection, Audit …….

6.13

HC Environment

Highway Signing – Ewyas Harold

Resolved

That this was noted in item 4.5

6.14

Nominet UK

Confirmation of registry of domain name ewyasharold.org.uk

6.15

Community First

Membership renewal notice

Resolved

That this was noted

6.16

HALC

Agenda for meeting 25th April 2005 plus minutes of previous meeting

6.17

EH Cricket Club

Acknowledgement of Council’s response to problem with mowing contractor. Plus contact details for coming season (email)

6.18

Margaret Woodward

Information on Ewyas Harold History and Archaeology Group

Resolved

That the Clerk should invite Margaret to speak for 15 minutes at the beginning of the Parish Council meeting in June.

ACTION CLERK

6.19

A & Leicester

Notice of change to quarterly statements.

6.20

Glasdon

Street Furniture catalogue

6.21

Computershare

Annual Statement of interest on Pye Charity

6.22

Isabelle Devereux

Complaint re dumping of garden rubbish (email)

Resolved

That the Clerk should write to Richard James of Court Farm to see if he was aware of this dumping.

ACTION CLERK

6.23

HC Treasurer

Briefing note on main reasons for increase in Council Tax

6.24

HALC

Response to queries on New Clerk’s Contract and Liability of Councillors

Resolved

That this item will be discussed at the next Parish Meeting

6.25

National Probation Service

Testing Times – No 2 Spring/Summer 2005

6.26

HC Environment

Dog Inn – Fencing

Resolved

That this was noted in item 4.6

6.27

Information Commissioner

Confirmation of Entry In the Data Protection Register

6.28

Herefordshire UDP

Updated entry re objection to be raised  at Inquiry 24th June 2005

Resolved

That this was noted in item 4.1

6.29

Herefordshire UDP

Reminder to submit any further Statement of Evidence for Inquiry 24th June 2005 (deadline 9th May 2005)

Resolved

That this was noted in item 4.1

6.30

University of Gloucestershire

Request for case studies for new good practise guide

6.31

Mr Keith Prosser

Comments on EH Memorial Hall 50th Anniversary Celebrations inc disabled facilities

Resolved

That this was noted in the public forum of the Annual Group Parish Assembly

6.32

Helen Waites

Expression of interest in post of School Governor at Ewyas Harold Primary School

Resolved

That this was noted in item 4.8

6.33

HC Environment

Acknowledgement of request for channel clearing of A465

Resolved

That this was noted in item 4.10

6.34

Wicksteed Leisure

Quotation for safety surfacing at Recreation Ground

Resolved

That this was noted in item 12.2

6.35

Herefordshire Community Safety

Copy of Herefordshire Crime, Disorder and Drugs Reduction Strategy 2005-2008

6.36

NALC

Invitation to take part in Trafalgar Weekend – 21st to 23rd October 2005

Resolved

That this was noted

6.37

HC Environment

Notification of reduced funding for Lengthsman Scheme

Resolved

That this was noted in item 7.3

6.38

HC Environment

Further acknowledgement of request for channel clearing of A465.

Resolved

That this was noted in item 4.10

6.39

EH Cricket Club

Request to use pavilion for refreshments (email)

Resolved

That this was agreed

That the Clerk should write to EHCC to ask whether they would require invoicing. 

ACTION CLERK

6.40

Defra

Change to administration of Claims for Parish Plan Grants

Resolved

That this is noted

6.41

Clerks & Councils Direct – May 2005 Issue 39

6.42

John Hook

Suggested Lengthsman work at Priorsfield

Resolved

That this was noted under item 7.2

6.43

Julia Tilson + Andrew Wright

Expression of interest in role of Footpath Officer

Resolved

That this was noted under item 11.1

6.44

HC

Posters for exhibition at Hereford Museum + Art Gallery – 30th April to 12th June 2005

Paperwork to Councillor Sprackling.

6.45

HC Environment

Acknowledgement of missing verge markers  at Old Trout and drainage problems at Cwm Dulas Pitch.

Resolved

That this was noted under items 10.4 and 10.5

6.46

HC Environment

Acknowledgement of reported potholes at Prill Farm and Dulas Mill, together with state of road in Rowlestone

Resolved

That this was noted under items 4.7 and 10.1

6.47

HC Treasurer

Notification of benefit take-up campaign

Resolved

That this is noted

6.48

Herefordshire Partnership

Review of Herefordshire Plan 2005 - 13th June 2005 (apply by 27th May)

Resolved

That this is noted

POST-MEETING NOTE Councillor D Harries will attend this review.

6.49

HVA

Together – Issue No 7

6.50

CPRE Herefordshire

News Update – May 2005

Paperwork to Councillor Mrs E Overstall

6.51

CPRE Herefordshire

Annual Report 2004/2005

Paperwork to Councillor Mrs E Overstall

6.52

Cross + Cross Solicitors

Copy of application for transfer of Justice’s Licence at Dog Inn.

Resolved

That this is noted

6.53

National Vine Collection

Open Weekend (20th-21st August)

6.54

West Mercia Constabulary

Golden Valley Newsbeat – April 2005

Resolved

That the Clerk will distribute copies to the Councillors with the minutes.

ACTION CLERK

7

Lengthsman Scheme

7.1

Lengthsman work undertaken in March.

Date

Work

Hours

19/3/05

Power-washing at Gilberts Wood

450/60

19/3/05

Removal of fencing at Rosedene

    ‘’

19/3/05

Removal of rubbish from Dulas Brook

    ‘’

26/3/05

Completion of powere-washing at GW

210/60

No Lengthsman work was undertaken in April

Resolved

That this is noted

7.2

Other work identified for Lengthsman Scheme

7.2.1

Footway Sweep

The Clerk has been informed by Councillor Middle that this had been completed to a satisfactory standard.

Resolved

That this is noted

7.2.2

Priorsfield

The Clerk read out a letter from Mr John Hook which identified work that the residents of Priorsfield would like to be considered for the Lengthsman Scheme.

  • Area next to substation to be levelled and reseeded
  • Grass at kerbside in front of numbers 14 and 15.

Resolved

That Mr Hook would provide the Clerk with a sketch map of the areas concerned so that a site visit could be arranged.

7.2.3

Monthly Roadsweep

It was identified that the stretch of the B4347 alongside the Memorial Hall was being poorly swept.

Resolved

That the Clerk should ask Councillor Middle to investigate this complaint.

ACTION CLERK + JM

7.3

Lengthsman Funding

The Clerk reported that funding for the scheme had now been reduced from £4,245 to £2,175 which, given the current workload, would be sufficient to just cover Martin Roper’s work plus the monthly road sweep.

Resolved

That this is noted

8

Financial Report

8.1

Payments for approval

Clerk stationery/office supplies

£

59.32

Clerk postage

£

20.10

Clerk travel     

£

27.27

Nick Piech – Repair of toilet in Recreation Ground

£

48.02

Herefordshire Council – Parish Freighter charges 2005-2006

£

232.68

Rowlstone Village Hall (hire charge for 5th April 2005)

£

24.00

Downey Engineering – Gate latch for playing fields

£

32.90

Herefordshire Jarvis Services (road sweep August-February)

£

211.50

Brian Ball – work at Recreation Ground

£

252.50

Community First – Membership renewal

£

34.00

Allianz-Cornhill – Local Council Insurance renewal

£

2106.56

Isabelle Devereaux (Parish Plan Expenses)

£

46.28

Herefordshire Jarvis Services – Footway sweep (work completed 13/4/05) [Lengthsman Scheme]

£

587.50

Herefordshire Jarvis Services – Road sweep (work completed 4/4/05) [Lengthsman Scheme]

£

88.13

Herefordshire Jarvis Services – Road sweep (work completed 19/4/05) [Lengthsman Scheme]

£

123.38

Martin Roper – Lengthsman work in March

£

148.51

The Clerk advised the Council that there he was unable to confirm whether the road sweep charges related to actual visits.

Resolved

That payments to HJS should be withheld until either the Clerk or Councillor J Middle could confirm that these invoices were appropriate

8.2

Balances as at 30h April 2005

NatWest Current account        

£

536.48

Unpresented cheques

£

312.42

Cheques/cash to be credited

£

40.00

NatWest Business Reserve

£

7276.07

Alliance + Leicester Current account

£

835.96

Alliance + Leicester Deposit account    

£

947.41

Total cash assets

£

9,323.50

8.3

Lengthsman Scheme

Balance (30th April 2005)

£

1,677.81

Unpresented cheques

£

393.16

Balance available

£

2,175.56

Estimated cost of footways sweep

£

500.00

Estimated outstanding road sweep costs for Mar          

£

60.00

Available funds to cover Lengthsman work Mar 05- Mar 06

(annual allocation £2,175.56)

£

2,900.21

8.4

Payments received

Donation towards upgrading children’s play area

£

40.00

This payment reported in April minutes but still to be received

Resolved

That the financial statement is accepted and payments, except for those to Herefordshire Jarvis Services, should be made.  

Carried unanimously

8.5

Internal Auditor

Given the one month delay in the paperwork from the Audit Commission there was nothing to report in this section

Resolved

That this is noted

9

Planning

9.1

Application number DCSW2005/0462/F

Notification of  Planning Permission

Site:

Former Cider Barn, Old King Street Farm, Ewyas Harold . Herefordshire HR2 0HB

Description:

To incorporate existing outbuilding extension into previously consented holiday unit, and modify some minor details of previous consent No. SW2000/1875/F

Resolved

That this noted

9.2

Application number DCSW2005/0639/L

Notification of Listed Building Consent

Site:

Former Cider Barn, Old King Street Farm, Ewyas Harold . Herefordshire HR2 0HB

Description:

To incorporate existing outbuilding extension into previously consented holiday unit, and modify some minor details of previous consent No. SW2000/1875/F

Resolved

That this is noted

9.3

Application number DCSW2005/1141/F

Site:

Old Keepers Cottage, Dulas, Herefordshire. HR2 0HL

Description:

Extension of existing cottage

Application Type:

Full

Applicant:

M Fenton, Old Keepers Cottage, Dulas HR2 0HL

Resolved

That EHGPC have no objections to this application

(plans viewed prior to meeting)

Comments

Concern raised over the large footprint of the proposed building

Application number DCSW20051426/F

Site:

Upper House Farm, Walterstone, Herefordshire HR2 0DT

Description:

Heighten roof eaves to put apex roof to allow office and storage above tractor shed store.

Application Type:

Full

Applicant:

B T Brierley, Upper House Farm, Walterstone, Herefordshire HR2 0DT

Resolved

That EHGPC have no objections to this application

Proposed: Councillor P Jinman

Seconded: Councillor W Preece

Application number DCSW2005/1439/F      

Site:

The Cedars, Dark Lane, Ewyas Harold, Herefordshire. HR2 0EZ

Description:

Erection of UPVC conservatory

Application Type:

Full

Applicant:

Mr + Mrs Bray/Godwin, The Cedars, Ewyas Harold. HR2 0EZ

Resolved

That EHGPC have no objections to this application

Proposed: Councillor Mrs M Tovey

Seconded: Councillor Mrs M Williams

10

Road Maintenance and Related Matters

10.1

Road surface in Rowlestone

Herefordshire Council have agreed to make detailed inspection of the road surface at Rowlestone

Resolved

That this is noted

10.2

Hedge Trimming

Councillor Preece pointed out that Defra set a deadline for hedge laying of 25TH March and yet Herefordshire Council had been trimming hedges in Rowlestone and Dulas on the 4th May.

Resolved

That the Clerk would clarify this situation with HC

ACTION CLERK

10.3

Drainage Ditch by Dulas Church

Councillor Preece lighlighted the problem of a collapsed ditch on the Longtown road which required rebuilding with piped drainage and infill.

Resolved

That Councillors Mrs E Overstall and W Preece would make a site visit.

ACTION EO + WP

10.4

Verge Markers C1213

Herefordshire Council have been informed of missing verge markers between Dulas Court and Old Trout and they are investigating this problem.

Resolved

That this is noted

10.5

Drainage at Cwm Dulas Pitch

Herefordshire Council have been informed of the drainage problem at Cwm Dulas Pitch and they are investigating this problem.

Resolved

That this is noted

10.6

Puddling on B4347 at Ty Bony

Councillor Mrs M Tovey puddling outside Ty Bony, which was reported in May 2004, is still occurring. The problem seems to be caused by a problem with the road surface camber.

Resolved

That the Clerk would pursue this with Herefordshire Council

ACTION CLERK

11

Footpaths

11.1

Parish Footpaths Officer (PFO)

The Clerk has received an expression of interest in the post voluntary footpaths officer from Julie Tilson and Andrew Wright.

Resolved

That the Clerk should write to accept their offer and ask them to contact Peter Overstall.

.ACTION CLERK

11.2

Parish Plan Partnership

EHGPC has been successful with its application and has been awarded an annual grant of £1200.

Resolved

That this is noted.

11.3

Broken Gate on EH19

Councillor Preece reported that a gate on this path/bridleway is faulty and has been chained up, which means that riders have to dismount from their horses to pass through.

Resolved

That the Clerk should report this to FPO.

ACTION CLERK

POST-MEETING NOTE : Herefordshire Council have agreed to put in a self-closing bridle gate (at their expense).

12

Recreation Ground

12.1

Monthly Audit

Councillor J Middle not available to present the report

Resolved

That this is noted.

12.2

Play Area

Following the site visit by Wicksteed the Clerk has received a quote for a safety surface around the rotarider.

Resolved

That this item be held over for discussion at the next Parish Meeting.

Councillor Revd L Rickards reported that the bark in the play area was low and in some areas weeds were growing through.

Resolved

That the Clerk should place an order with Martin Roper for this work.

ACTION CLERK

13

Parish Newsletter

13.1

Items for inclusion:

  • Parish Plan
  • Blue box recycling
  • Chairman’s Annual Report.

14

Parish Website

There were no issues raised under this section

15

Matters for Further Discussion

15.1

Recycling boxes

Councillor Mrs M Tovey asked when the blue box scheme would be extended throughout the whole village.

Resolved

That the Clerk pass this question on to the Environment Office of HC.

ACTION CLERK

The Meeting closed at 10.25pm

Chairman

Date

NEXT MEETING             Tuesday June 7th 2005

Meetings for remainder of 2005

July 5th 2005

August 9th (not first Tuesday)

September 6th

October 4th

November 1st

December 6th