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Present |
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Councillor P Sheen in the chair (Rowlstone)
Councillor R Weaver
Councillor R Baker (Llancillo)
Councillor Mrs M Bradley
Councillor B Krige
Councillor Mrs M Williams (Rowlstone)
Councillor W Preece (Dulas)
Councillor P Jinman
Councillor Mrs E Overstall (Dulas)
Councillor Glyn James
In attendance:
The Clerk
Councillor J B Williams (Pontrilas Ward Councillor)
1 member of the public
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|
Public Forum
Ewyas Harold Football Club gave a brief presentation of their future ground proposals on land adjoining Elm Green Lane (C1221). Details of this will also be featured in the forthcoming Parish Council Newsletter.
Andy Robertson will be making a presentation of skate boarding possibilities in Ewyas Harold at the December meeting
|
1 |
Apologies for Absence
Councillor D Harries
|
2 |
Declaration of Interest - None declared
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3 |
Minutes
The minutes of the ordinary meeting of the Council held on Tuesday 7th October 2008 were approved without amendment.
Carried unanimously
|
4.1 |
Co-option of Councillors
Glyn James completed the Declaration of Office and was duly welcomed to the post of Councillor for Ewyas Harold
Resolved
That this is noted
|
4.2 |
Parish Plan
- Report requested from representative of the GPC on the School Committee (Mrs Helen Waites)
- Future of Catholic Church (St John Kemble) – No plans under discussion but Father Nicholas will keep EHGPC informed of developments.
Resolved
That this is noted
|
4.3 |
Rowlstone Telephone Box
BT have still to make announcement on their planned closures in Herefordshire but meanwhile Clerk has written to them to indicate that if they remove the service at Rowlstone then EHGPC would like to apply to adopt the box (without the service)
Resolved
That this is noted
It was reported that over the past week the telephone box has been vandalised and that the police and BT have been informed.
Resolved
That this is noted
|
4.4 |
Twinning with Segonzac
The Council have been approached by Segonzac in France with a view to arranging a visit to discuss the possibilities. The date offered in December was not convenient and it was thought setting a later date would give the Council time for further consideration.
Resolved
That the Clerk should ask whether a visit date could be set for early in 2009
ACTION CLERK
That a committee should be formed to look into the values and advantages of twinning.
(Committee members – Councillors Paul Sheen, Peter Jinman and Mrs Maddy Bradley)
First committee meeting Tuesday November 11th at 7.30pm
ACTION PS, PJ + MB
|
4.5 |
Ewyas Harold Common
As part of the Community Commons Project [ EH Common is one of the 12 chosen to take part in Herefordshire] the use of ponies as a means of environmental management of grazing is currently being investigated and subject to approval by the graziers committee will be instigated.
Resolved
That this is noted
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5 |
Recreation Ground
|
5.1 |
Monthly Audit
- Play Area gates still defective – Clerk has been informed by Advance Joinery that they are not able to undertake this work
Resolved
That Pontrilas Timber be approached to see if they can supply suitable gates
ACTION CLERK
- Rubbish was cleared from corner of play area.
- Cricket pavilion window broken – EHCC informed
- Picnic table still to be repaired – Advance Joinery have been reminded
- Moles are active again
- Wire mesh along stream has been damaged in two places
Resolved
That the Clerk should report this to EHCC
ACTION CLERK
- Bird droppings on play equipment as result of birds perching on towers of climbing frame.
Resolved
That the Clerk should make enquiries into the possibility of fitting anti-bird netting
ACTION CLERK
- Barbed wire attached to boundary fence of Recreation Ground – Has been restrung so that it is out of the reach of playing field users.
- Evidence of golfers using field
- Waste pipe broken on football changing rooms
Resolved
That the Clerk should report this to EHFC
ACTION CLERK
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5.2 |
Field Drainage
Following a meeting with Brian Lee (HC) the following conclusions were reached:
- Field drain extends from manhole at Priorsfield to Dulas Brook
- French drains installed earlier in year run into this field drain
- Manhole also has 12” pipe running into it which has now been traced back to corner of field at far end of Priorsfield. Appears that this contributes to problem of playing field flooding in area of manhole as pipe to brook is only 8” and cannot cope with water volume in heavy rains. Water builds up in manhole chamber and flows through chamber wall as mortar is blown. Manhole sits higher than field therefore water escapes through bank onto field.
Resolved
That the Clerk should request that Martin Roper checks for the free flowing of the 8” drain. ACTION CLERK
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5.3 |
Electrical Equipment in Pavilion
- Faulty kettle has been replaced.
- Plug burnt out on water urn and has been replaced.
Resolved
That the Clerk should arrange for PAT checks to be undertaken
ACTION CLERK
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5.4 |
HCVYS
Meeting was held on Wednesday 15th October to agree an effective method of communicating with teenagers in Ewyas Harold. The Clerk read out minutes taken by Councillor D Harries which identified that Hereford Youth Services would be undertaken a survey and reporting back in January 2009.
Resolved
That this is noted
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6 |
Local Security Matters
Vandalism to Rowlstone telephone box reported under item 4.3
Two attempted burglaries in area
- Isolated property in Pencoyd – intruders disturbed by alarm and left empty handed
- Another isolated property near Garway – again intruders appear to have left empty handed
Fuel make-offs still occurring
Four distraction burglaries (Hereford, Bromyard and two in Orleton)
Newly installed wooden entrance fencing stolen from farm in Dulas
Some of the Smart Water signs have been stolen/broken
Resolved
That this is noted.
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7 |
Correspondence
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|
Date received |
Sender |
Content |
7.1 |
HC Regeneration |
Affordable Housing – Guide for Parish Councils |
7.2 |
Wicksteed |
Play equipment catalogue |
7.3 |
Richard Baker |
Monthly inspection update (email) |
7.4 |
Herefordshire VSA |
Herefordshire VSA Newsletter (email attachment) |
7.5 |
Andy Robertson |
Confirmation of intention to attend public forum 4th November (email) |
7.6 |
Mrs Ponting |
Ewyas Harold Primary School Governor – contact update |
7.7 |
Mrs Curtis |
Request for inspection and quotation if repairs necessary to donated bench (Pontrilas & District WI) in village centre.
Resolved
That Clerk should obtain the necessary quotation.
ACTION CLERK
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7.8 |
Herefordshire Council |
Notice concerning Schedule 3 to the Commons Act 2006
Paperwork to Councillor P Jinman
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7.9 |
Richard Baker |
Monthly inspection update (email)
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7.10 |
Rosina Cathcart |
Police briefing 17/10/08 (email) |
7.11 |
Cllr D Harries |
Flicks in The Sticks flyer for The Kite Runner – Sat 8th November 2008 at 7.30pm in Memorial Hall
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7.12 |
Cllr D Harries |
Notice of Film matinee at EH Memorial Hall (50 years Ago) – Tuesday 11th November 2008 at 2.30pm
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7.13 |
Cllr D Harries |
Minutes of Special Exploratory Meeting 15th October 2008 (effective means of communication with local teenagers)
Resolved
That this was noted in item 5.4
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7.14 |
Cllr D Harries |
Request to find out more about Playbuilder/Pathfinder Scheme
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7.15 |
Richard Baker |
Response to plans DCSW2008/2506/F (email) |
7.16 |
HALC |
Notice of Southern Area Meeting 27/10/08 (email) |
7.17 |
Rosina Cathcart |
Police briefing 25/10/08 (email) |
7.18 |
Richard Baker |
Monthly inspection update (email) |
7.19 |
John Middle |
Written confirmation of resignation as councillor |
7.20 |
SLCC |
Newsletter (email) |
7.21 |
Fran White |
Feedback re Playbuilder/Pathfinder Scheme (email)
Herefordshire Council have sent in an expression of interest for funding to improve up to 30 playgrounds. If successful it is unlikely the EH would be considered for this list.
Resolved
That this is noted.
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7.22 |
Hereford Museum |
Exhibition by Herefordshire Art & Craft Society - 18th October to 19th November (Poster)
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7.23 |
Hereford Museum |
From Court to Countryside – workshops 5th November + 13th November (poster)
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7.24 |
Paul Freeland |
Notification of domain name renewal costs due on 24/11/08 (£28.49 for next two years)
Clerk has confirmed intention to renew
Resolved
That this is noted
|
7.25 |
HC Environment |
Traffic Management Training for Clerk – 15th December 2008
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7.26 |
Peter Gunn-Wilkinson |
Cycle Tracks in the Golden Valley (email attachment)
Resolved
That this is noted
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7.27 |
Father Nicholas |
Response to request for information on future use of St John Kemble Chapel (email)
Resolved
That this was noted in item 4.2
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7.28 |
SLCC |
Notice of permission to download copy of Essential Clerk from the SLCC website (email)
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7.29 |
SLCC |
Application form for distance learning course Working With Your Council
Resolved
That this is noted
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7.30 |
Memorial Hall Committee |
Request for written support of their application for improvements under the COMMA scheme (Aggregates Levy Sustainability Fund) [email]
Resolved
That the Clerk should send a letter of support from EHGPC
ACTION CLERK
|
7.31 |
Herefordshire Council |
PACT Meeting – Community Centre, Peterchurch at 7pm November 27th (Poster)
|
7.32 |
Alliance + Leicester |
Paperwork re change of signatories
Resolved
That this is noted |
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|
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|
8 |
Lengthsman Scheme
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8.1 |
Lengthsman work undertaken in October.
Date |
Work |
Hours |
9/10 |
Verge cutting – Gilberts Wood and Priorsfield |
30/60 |
11/10 |
Grass cutting Chapel Bank |
120/60 |
13/10 |
Application of 15 litres spray – Chapel Bank to Trappe House |
|
13/10 |
Grass cutting – Island at Rowlstone turning |
30/60 |
23/10 |
Verge cutting – Gilberts Wood and Priorsfield |
30/60 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL |
210/60 |
|
|
Resolved
That this is noted and approved
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8.2 |
Lengthsman Training
The Traffic Management Course on 15th December will entail all day attendance with no provision being made for recompense to the self-employed. The Clerk has spoken to HC who have agreed that they will not insist that the Lengthsman attends as he:
- Has attended the course in the past
- Is experienced in his job
- Only works for one PC
Resolved
That this is noted
|
9 |
Financial Report |
9.1 |
Payments for approval
Clerk salary |
£ |
521.18 |
Stationery/Office Expenses |
£ |
5.11 |
Clerk postage |
£ |
8.69 |
Clerk travel |
£ |
26.78 |
HM Inland Revenue (PAYE £7.00 NI £9.29 employee £10.81 employer). |
£ |
27.10 |
Replacement kettle for pavilion (reimbursement to Clerk) |
£ |
24.99 |
npower – pavilion electricity 9/7/08 to 8/10/08 |
£ |
35.30 |
Rowlstone Village Hall – booking fees 23/9 + 7/10 |
£ |
26.00 |
Martin Roper – Lengthsman Work October |
£ |
75.19 |
Martin Roper – Waste collection October |
£ |
100.00 |
Martin Roper – Play area grass cutting |
£ |
21.50 |
|
|
|
|
9.2 |
Balances as at 4th November 2008
NatWest Current account |
£ |
765.30 |
Unpresented cheques |
£ |
116.34 |
Cheques/cash to be credited |
£ |
nil |
NatWest Business Reserve |
£ |
2,429.83 |
Alliance + Leicester Current account |
£ |
254.10 |
Alliance + Leicester Deposit account |
£ |
16,089.34 |
Total cash assets
Consisting of: |
£ |
19,422.23 |
Precept funds |
£ |
17,529.72 |
Lengthsman Scheme
Balance available but not yet claimed |
£ |
1,114.98 |
Administration charge outstanding |
£ |
92.93 |
Available funds for remainder of financial year
(annual allocation £2,229.95) |
£ |
1,038.41 |
|
£ |
16.36 |
Parish Path Funds |
£ |
1,104.40 |
Parish Plan Funds |
£ |
771.75 |
|
9.3 |
Payments Received
|
|
Herefordshire Council – Newsletter advertisement |
£ |
60.00 |
HM Customs & Excise – VAT reclaim April to Sept 2008 |
£ |
377.26 |
|
|
|
|
|
Resolved
That the financial statement is accepted and that payments should be made.
Carried unanimously.
|
9.4 |
Internal Auditor
Jenni Chapple has agreed to undertake the role on a trial basis and will meet with the Clerk in November to produce a half yearly report.
Resolved
That this is noted
|
9.5 |
Precept 2009/2010
The final precept will be set at the Parish Council meeting in December but draft proposals are attached as appendix 1.
|
10
|
Planning
|
10.1 |
Application number DCSW2008/2506/F
|
|
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
|
|
|
Resolved
That the Group Parish Council approves of the plans in principle but would raise concerns if sufficient thought was not given to improving access/visibility from this site. It is believed that the likely increase in traffic use warrants a redesign of the mouth of the junction with appropriate road markings and warning signs.
|
10.2 |
Application number DCSW2008/2276/L and DCSW2008/2274/F
|
|
Site: |
The Stone Barn, Walterstone, Herefordshire. HR2 0DT |
Description: |
Conversion of redundant agricultural stone barn to residential dwelling.
|
|
|
Resolved
That this is noted.
|
11 |
Road Maintenance and Related Matters
11.1 |
A465 De-trunking (Hereford to Llangua)
This came into force at Midnight on 29th October 2008 when Herefordshire Council took responsibility for this road.
Councillor J B Williams assured Councillors that he believed sufficient funding was in place for maintaining this highway. He was still waiting confirmation of this from HC.
He stated that he believed the installation of speed limits along this stretch of the A465 should be easier to agree.
He also stated that he was not aware of any plans to slim down the Highways department.
Resolved
That this is noted.
|
11.2 |
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 the work was then passed on to Highways for scheduling. The Clerk was informed that this road would be identified as needing resurfacing and would therefore be on a future work list after funding considerations were made. It now appears that some patch repair work has been undertaken.
Resolved
That the Clerk should clarify the situation with HC.
ACTION CLERK
|
11.3 |
Seat at Elmdale Junction
Replacement planks have been ordered and Martin Roper has agreed to fit these.
Resolved
That this is noted
|
11.4 |
Rowlstone Lane (C1210)
- A large deep pothole has formed just past the village sign (Grid Ref 3727)
- A culvert just past the print works requires clearing (Grid Ref 3727)
Resolved
That the Clerk should report these problems to HC
ACTION CLERK |
11.5 |
C1213 Blocked Drain (Dulas Court)
Water is still flowing across the road 200 yards from Dulas Court on the Ewyas Harold side. There was a recent failed attempt to solve this problem and the conclusion was that a new drain was required.
Resolved
That the Clerk should check with HC whether this requirement has been logged.
ACTION CLERK.
|
11.6 |
Recent Flooding
It was reported that one contributing factor to the September floods within Ewyas Harold village centre may have been a large fallen tree acting as a dam at Cwm Dulas. When the weight of water became too great the dam broke and a large surge of water flowed down the brook. This highlights the need for regular maintenance by the Environment Agency on the river system.
Resolved
That this is noted
|
|
12 |
Footpaths
|
12.1 |
Footpaths Officer’s Report
EH31A The section of the path through Cae newedd wood has been cleared and it is now passable.
EH 14 The padlock on the gate at the Ewyas Harold end of the path has been removed.
Resolved
That this noted
|
13 |
Parish Newsletter
13.1 |
Winter Issue
Items for inclusion:
- Twinning – PS + CLERK
- Precept – CLERK
- Football Club plans
- Cycle Way – report to EO (ACTION CLERK)
|
13.2 |
Winter Issue Approval
Councillors will be sent either electronic or hard copies for approval as this issue will be printed before the next PC meeting.
Resolved
That this is noted.
|
|
14 |
Parish Website
It was noted that the news pages need updating. Volunteers are always welcome to become involved
Resolved
That this is noted.
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The Meeting closed at 9.10pm |
|
Chairman
Date
NEXT MEETING December 2nd 2008 at MEMORIAL HALL
Future Meetings January 6th, February 3rd, March 3rd 2009 |
|
|
Appendix 1 |
|
Item |
Precept 08/09 |
Budget 08/09 |
Projected spend 08/09 |
Proposed budget 08/09 |
|
|
£ |
£ |
£ |
£ |
1 |
Fees/Subscriptions |
700.00 |
750.00 |
960.00 |
800.00 |
2 |
Insurance |
2,937.62 |
2,954.70 |
2,954.70 |
3,120.16 |
3 |
Newsletter |
250.00 |
250.00 |
480.00 |
480.00 |
4 |
Training |
120.00 |
420.00 |
300.00 |
0.00 |
5 |
Postage + Travel |
525.00 |
525.00 |
525.00 |
525.00 |
6 |
Stationery |
200.00 |
200.00 |
200.00 |
200.00 |
7 |
Office equipment reserve |
250.00 |
500.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
8 |
Salaries |
6,031.00 |
6,253.96 |
6,256.34 |
6,568.14 |
9 |
Members Expenses |
30.00 |
30.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
10 |
Hire of Premises |
240.00 |
240.00 |
300.00 |
300.00 |
|
Sub total = |
11,283.62 |
12,123.66 |
11,976.04 |
11,993.30 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RECREATION GROUND |
|
|
|
|
11 |
Grass Cutting |
1,100.00 |
1,100.00 |
1,100.00 |
1,100.00 |
12 |
Hedge Laying/Trimming |
200.00 |
200.00 |
200.00 |
200.00 |
13 |
Water |
120.00 |
120.00 |
100.00 |
120.00 |
14 |
Electricity |
200.00 |
400.00 |
400.00 |
400.00 |
15 |
Play Area Maintenance |
500.00 |
500.00 |
500.00 |
500.00 |
16 |
Recreation Ground Maintenance |
1,000.00 |
970.00 |
900.00 |
620.00 |
17 |
Maintenance of Flower Beds |
50.00 |
80.00 |
80.00 |
80.00 |
18 |
Contingency |
300.00 |
300.00 |
300.00 |
300.00 |
|
Sub total = |
3,470.00 |
3,670.00 |
3,580.00 |
3,320.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
COMMUNITY TIDYING |
|
|
|
|
19 |
Litter Control/ Parish Freighter |
1,000.00 |
1,120.00 |
1,425.42 |
1,400.00 |
|
Sub total = |
1,000.00 |
1,120.00 |
1,425.42 |
1,400.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
GRANTS/DONATIONS |
|
|
|
|
20 |
Village Halls |
150.00 |
150.00 |
150.00 |
150.00 |
21 |
Burial Grounds |
600.00 |
600.00 |
600.00 |
600.00 |
22 |
Community Groups |
100.00 |
4,008.21 |
4,000.00 |
100.00 |
23 |
Charities |
50.00 |
50.00 |
50.00 |
50.00 |
|
Sub total = |
900.00 |
4,808.21 |
4,800.00 |
900.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SPECIAL CONTINGENCIES |
|
|
|
|
24 |
Elections |
0.00 |
1,449.68 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
25 |
Capital Projects |
2,000.00 |
2,000.00 |
|
|
26 |
Miscellaneous Expenditure |
850.00 |
800.00 |
500.00 |
500.00 |
|
Sub total = |
2,850.00 |
4,249.68 |
500.00 |
500.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTALS |
19,503.62 |
25,971.55 |
22,281.46 |
18,113.30 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Likely Income |
** allowed for at budget setting in 08/09 |
|
|
|
Newsletter advertising |
200.00 |
|
|
350.00 |
|
Pavilion hire |
100.00 |
|
|
100.00 |
|
Pavilion fees |
100.00 |
|
|
100.00 |
|
Interest |
300.00 |
|
|
300.00 |
|
Kentchurch Parish Freighter** |
120.00 |
|
|
120.00 |
|
Sale of Electricity/Water** |
300.00 |
|
|
300.00 |
|
Income TOTAL |
700.00 |
|
|
1,270.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Proposed precept |
18,803.62 |
|
|
16,843.30 |
|
