Present

Councillor D Harries in the chair

Councillor P Jinman

Councillor Mrs J Addis

Councillor R Weaver

Councillor J Middle

Councillor Mrs E Overstall (Dulas)

Councillor Mrs M Bradley

Councillor Mrs M Williams (Rowlstone)

Councillor W Preece (Dulas)

Councillor G Amey

Councillor R Mailes

The Clerk

In attendance:

4 members of the public

CPO Rosina Cathcart

Public Forum

Neighbourhood Watch(NW)

CPO Rosina Cathcart reported on the relaunch of the Neighbourhood Watch Scheme and Community Safety Evening held on 2nd November 2007 (disappointing attendance)

• Looking to recruit co-ordinators whose role is disseminate information from police through the community but could also work the other way.
• Hoping to promote community spirit
• Forms left with Parish Council encouraging members of the public to enrole as members of the NW
• Malcolm Walker spoke briefly on his role as area co-ordinator and left contact forms for those prepared to be involved via his email nhwcm@aol.com

Extra information will be included in the next Parish Newsletter

Vandalism

John Boileau relayed his concerns over the latest round of vandalism that he has experienced. This involved his car being “egged” and an attempt being made to burn his front door by setting fire to some material that had been attached to the outside.

Need to promote a community spirit that resists such mindless behaviour. Local police are stretched throughout the area but people need to keep reporting these mindless acts and ensure that best routes of communication are kept open with police. 

1

Apologies for Absence

Councillor P Sheen

2

Declaration of Interest

Councillor P Jinman declared an interest in item 4.7

3

Minutes

The minutes of the ordinary meeting of the council held on Tuesday 2nd October 2007 were approved with the following amendment:

Item 4.1 3 “grant applications for funding were under consideration”

Carried unanimously

4.1

Recycling

The Clerk read out a letter from the Memorial Hall Committee in which they acknowledged the need for a recycling site within the area but explaining why the Memorial Hall car park was not suitable.

In the discussion that followed these points were noted:

• A future site would need to be supervised
• Herefordshire Council needed to more proactive and it was believed that announcements on improving facilities were imminent.
• When the sale of the old garden centre has been completed any planning applications could be considered in conjunction with recycling facilities under planning gain.

4.2

Herefordshire Cycle Routes

The Clerk has received a list of people who have signed a petition for cycle paths within Herefordshire.

Resolved

That the Clerk would ask whether anyone on this list would be prepared to liaise with Herefordshire Council.

ACTION CLERK

4.3

First Responders

Councillor Mrs E Overstall requested that EHGPC consider acting as trustees for the First Responders so that funding applications and banking facilities could be formally identified. Resolved

That EHGPC were prepared to act as trustees provided this did not entail operational responsibilities.

That the Clerk requests advice on the appropriateness of the Council EHGPC acting in this capacity.                                                                                                              ACTION CLERK

4.4

Code of Conduct/Standing Orders

The agreed Standing Order written with respect to the adoption of paragraph 12.2 in the revised Code of Conduct has been sent to the Standards Board for comment.

Resolved

That this is noted

4.5

Flooding Problems in Ewyas Harold

The Clerk read out minutes provided by Mark Ponting of the site meeting held on Thursday 11th October 2007. The purpose of the meeting was to explain the pattern of highway flooding in Ewyas Harold, particularly along the Pontrilas Road.

Resolved

That the Clerk should liaise with Mark Ponting and Herefordshire Council and report back on identified prioritization. 

ACTION CLERK

4.6

Precept 2008/2009

Figures have been discussed and the agreed draft will be sent to Councillors with their minutes

Items for consideration as capital expenditure in order of preference:

1. Bus shelter £1,500
2. Car Park Barrier £936
3. Car Park resurfacing £1,000

Proposed by: Councillor P Jinman

Seconded by: Councillor J Middle

Carried unanimously

It was noted that EHPCC was requesting an increase in their annual donation from the Council

Resolved

That Councillor J Addis will present the case for the increase at the next Council meeting

ACTION JA

Resolved

That the precept including capital expenditure will be ratified at the December meeting.

4.7

EH Common Signage

It was believed that 4 signs had now been installed identifying the restrictions in place when accessing the Common. A copy of the wording was with Councillor Mrs E Overstall and the Clerk had requested a copy from the police.

Resolved

That this is noted

5

Recreation Ground

6

Local Security Matters

Items had been discussed elsewhere during the meeting:

• Neighbourhood Watch – Public forum
• Vandalism/arson – Public forum
• Vandalism in Recreation Ground – 5.3

7

Correspondence

8

Lengthsman Scheme

8.1

Lengthsman work undertaken in October

Resolved

That this is noted and approved

9

Financial Report

9.1

Payments for approval

9.2

Balances as at  6th November 2007

9.3

Payments Received

9.4

Budget Adjustments

Budget code 14 Electricity

Transfer £150 from sale of electricity into this code to prevent overspend

Resolved

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

Carried unanimously.

10

Planning

10.1

Application number DCSW2006/2992/O

Notification of Outline Planning Permission

Resolved

That this is noted

10.2

Application number EWGS 16006

Notification of English Woodland Grant Scheme

Resolved

That this is noted

10.3

Application number DCSW2007/2886/F

Notification of Planning Permission

Resolved

That this is noted

11

Road Maintenance and Related Matters

12

Footpaths

13

Parish Newsletter

Ideas for Winter issue:  

• Bridleways - GA
• First Responders – LO
• Neighbourhood Watch
• Vandalism – Police or victim
• Dog Fouling – Dog Warden
• Flicks in the Sticks

14

Parish Website

• Need to consider funding for improvements

Resolved

That this is noted

15

Items for Future Discussion

The Meeting closed at 10.15pm

Chairman

Date

NEXT MEETING                              December 4th  2007

Future Meetings  Jan 8th, Feb 5th, Mar 4th