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Present |
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Councillor R Baker (Rowlstone) in the chair
Councillor Mrs E Overstall (Dulas)
Councillor R Weaver
Councillor M Wrigglesworth
Councillor A Burgoyne
Councillor I McNeil
Councillor P Jinman
Councillor S Clayton (Rowlstone)
Councillor Mrs J Webb (Dulas)
In attendance:
The Clerk
County Councillor G Powell |
1 |
Apologies for Absence
Councillor P Baker |
2 |
Declaration of Interests
None declared |
3 |
Minutes
- The minutes of the ordinary meeting of the Council held on Tuesday 6th December 2011 were approved without amendment.
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4 |
Matters for Report |
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4.1 |
Parish Plan
First draft is in production. It is hoped that this will be available for discussion at a public meeting later in January. |
4.2 |
Bus Shelter |
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Herefordshire Housing is supportive of the proposal to move the shelter and stop to Horsecroft.
Resolved
That consultation should take place with the bus company and the service users.
ACTION RB
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5 |
Public Forum |
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No items raised |
6 |
Reports from Committees and Representatives |
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None received |
7 |
Local Security Matters |
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No items raised |
8 |
County Councillor’s Report |
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Village Warden Scheme
The current funding will cease at the end of March 2012 but working for a solution that allows for continuity of the service in the Ewyas Harold area.
GVS Group Parish Council Meeting
Will arrange a further meeting for late January/early February on resilience planning (Ian Baker) and community transport ( Chris Tomlinson)
Community Technology Grant (must be available for community use)
I hope that we will be able to encourage at least one of the community facilities to apply for a Community Technology Grant (£1,600 + £400 from the community). Closing date for applications is 14th February 2012.
Cultural Services Review
There is a need to look at the way these services are managed in light of huge reductions in public expenditure. This is not about closing down any of the services but making savings in the way we manage them.
Three options being considered are:
- Set up a single organisation to manage the services
- Split services into distinct groups based on the people who use them and the way they are used, and bring in smaller trusts to manage the groups of services.
- Keep the management within the council but have clear arrangement for commissioning them
Golden Valley Vanguard Planning Project
Meeting on 5th January to discuss the way forward for the GVVP project – this was awarded in early 2011 for the preparation of a Neighbourhood Development Order
Community Run Library Schemes
Three schemes in operation – Orelton & Brimfield, Lyonshall & Wellington
Two further schemes imminent – Garway & Burghill
Six further schemes, including Longtown & Ewyas Harold, are expected to proceed.
Almost all schemes are looking for the library to add to existing community events or as a central aspect of new community activity.
Local Matters
Range of bins has been placed at the entrance to The Vroe.
I have asked Amey to carry out repairs to the roadway opposite The Temple Bar.
Holes opposite Doctors surgery and along Abbey Dore road have been photographed and sent to Highways
Andrew Lee-Jones, Amey, has advised me that a traffic survey will take place in January 2012.
Can confirm that, as reported in 2011, repairs to this road will be undertaken as part of the 2012/13 capital plan
Graham Powell
3rd January 2012 |
9 |
Community Library |
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Horsecroft has been identified as the most popular choice of location.
Eighteen volunteers are available to man the library, 8 of whom are prepared to serve on a management sub-committee.
The GPC approved a brief, prepared by Cllr R Baker, for using this location as an extended community facility. This proposal has been sent to Herefordshire Housing (HH) in time for their scheduled meeting on January 10th.
It is hoped that services could include early morning sessions for vulnerable people, internet access, GPC & County Councillor surgeries and outreach health clinics etc.
If approval is obtained from HH, they will complete any outstanding building work before handover. The running costs will be externally funded for the first year, but after this, local sources of income will need to be found. |
10 |
Clerk’s Contract |
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Councillors discussed ways in which the current, and likely increasing, workload could be more effectively managed. Consideration was also given to creating a more family friendly contract, so that the post holder could be more in control of when hours were worked.
In principle, it was generally agreed that:
- At least part of the week should be worked as fixed hours at a designated location within Ewyas Harold.
- Means of contact should mostly be through phone and email dedicated to GPC use.
- Space for routine storage should be reviewed.
One possible site for council work could be Horsecroft, and this was identified in the brief presented to HH - see agenda item 9.
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11 |
Precept 2012/13 |
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No alterations were made to the figures presented in November.
Proposed: Cllr Mrs J Webb
Seconded: Cllr A Burgoyne
That the precept for 2012/13 is set at £16,651
Carried unanimously. |
12 |
Recreation Ground |
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12.1 |
Monthly Audit
- Firexpire lid has been ordered for waste bin by pavilion
- Safety inspection of electricity meter will be undertaken by npower on 26th January.
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12.2 |
Pavilion Improvements and Usage |
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Further discussions took place, and it was felt that the options needed to be raised with all interested parties before a final proposal could be considered for GPC approval.
Resolved
That the Clerk should organise a meeting between Councillors, representatives from the Football Club and other interested users of the sports facilities.
That this meeting should be in the pavilion and within the next week.
ACTION CLERK
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12.3 |
Car Park |
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The surface continues to deteriorate, and it was suggested that a lorry load of scalpings be spread out over the existing surface.
Resolved
That Cllr Wrigglesworth liaises with the Clerk over likely costs, so that consideration could be given to funding this from within the current budget.
ACTION MW + CLERK
It was agreed that the proposed removal of the container will be carried out in consultation with the current Events Committee. The storage of essential items can either be at Paradise Farm or at a site agreeable to the Events Committee.
ACTION CLERK |
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13 |
Correspondence |
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Herefordshire Council |
13.1 |
Report from Winter Maintenance meeting 8/12/11 – see agenda item 17.1 |
13.2 |
Standards and the Localism Act update
Following the abolition of the Standards Board, HC and parishes must adopt a code of conduct, and system for handling allegations of code breach. The Standards Committee is working on a process which parishes may wish to consider for adoption. Drafts will be sent to parishes once available. |
13.3 |
C Cllr G Powell – U74213 footbridge update – see agenda item 17.3 |
13.4 |
Electoral Services – Electronic register |
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Local Council Associations/SLCC |
13.5 |
HALC – Information Corner 8/12/11 |
13.6 |
SLCC – Dec Newsletter |
13.7 |
HALC – Neighbourhood Planning Event 8/2/12 (booking forms) |
13.8 |
NALC – Planning explained booklet |
13.9 |
HALC – Copy of Family Drug Support information |
13.10 |
HALC – Information Corner 15/12/11 |
13.11 |
HALC – Training course evaluation form |
13.12 |
SLCC – Agenda for 11th Jan 2012 |
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Other |
13.13 |
CSO Fiona Witcher – Golden Valley briefing for 7th December 2011 |
13.14 |
CSO Fiona Witcher – Additional Golden Valley briefing |
13.15 |
Hereford Museum – International Garden Photographer of the Year (poster) |
13.16 |
Community First E-Bulletin 12.12.11 |
13.17 |
Came + Co Insurers – Dec Newsletter |
13.18 |
Came + Co Insurers – Managing seasonal issues – see agenda item 17.1 |
13.19 |
CSO Fiona Witcher – Golden Valley briefing for 18th December 2011 |
13.20 |
Festival Housing newsletter |
13.21 |
CSO Fiona Witcher – Golden Valley briefing for 23rd December 2011 |
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14 |
Lengthsman Scheme |
14.1 |
Lengthsman work undertaken in November/December. |
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Date |
Work |
Hours |
3/11 |
Clearing ditches on Rowlestone Road and litter pick |
480/60 |
4/11 |
Check and clear grips and bridge sides at Elmbridge plus marking salt bin locations |
480/60 |
6/11 |
Check and clear ditches as required plus marking salt bins |
180/60 |
24/12 |
Check and clear ditches and grips as required |
330/60 |
30/12 |
Check and clear ditches and grips as required on C1213 |
360/60 |
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TOTAL |
1830/60 |
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Resolved
That this is noted and approved |
15 |
Financial Report |
15.1 |
Payments for approval |
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Clerk salary |
£ |
558.31 |
Stationery/Office Expenses |
£ |
0.00 |
Clerk postage |
£ |
10.02 |
Clerk travel |
£ |
9.62 |
HM Inland Revenue (PAYE £1.40 NI £0.00 employee £0.00 employer) |
£ |
1.40 |
Golden Valley Insurance – Newsletter printing |
£ |
70.00 |
Headland Archaeology – Walks booklet (Parish Paths) |
£ |
720.00 |
Amey Wye – Road sweep Dec 2011 |
£ |
147.18 |
Herefordshire Council – Parish Plan questionnaire |
£ |
1,063.23 |
Honorarium for Recreation Ground gate locking (Oct – Dec) |
£ |
100.00 |
Martin Roper – Lengthsman work in November 2011 |
£ |
398.64 |
Martin Roper – Waste collection in November 2011 |
£ |
81.68 |
Martin Roper – Lengthsman work in December 2011 |
£ |
231.84 |
Martin Roper – Waste collection in December 2011 |
£ |
102.10 |
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15.2 |
Balances as at 3rd January 2012 |
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NatWest Current account |
£ |
969.19 |
Unpresented cheques |
£ |
110.00 |
Cheques/cash to be credited |
£ |
40.00 |
NatWest Business Reserve |
£ |
18,920.79 |
Santander (A + L) Current account |
£ |
1,083.52 |
Santander (A + L) Deposit account |
£ |
42.88 |
Total cash assets
Consisting of: |
£ |
20,946.38 |
Precept funds |
£ |
16,442.62 |
Lengthsman Scheme
Balance available but not yet claimed |
£ |
1,273.50 |
Claim outstanding |
£ |
636.75 |
Administration charge outstanding |
£ |
63.63 |
Available funds for remainder of financial year
(annual allocation £2,547.00) |
£ |
2,011.67 |
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£ |
186.28 |
Parish Path Funds |
£ |
1,834.90 |
Parish Plan Funds |
£ |
2,482.58 |
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15.3 |
Payments Received |
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Resolved
That the monthly financial statement is accepted and that payments are made
Carried unanimously
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16 |
Planning |
16.1 |
Planning Application DMS/112831/F
Notice of Planning Permission |
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Site: |
Malt House, Ewyas Harold, Herefordshire HR2 0EX |
Description: |
Proposed two bay portal frame, agricultural TB Testing building. |
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16.2 |
Planning Application DMS/113260/FH
Notice of Planning Permission |
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Site: |
2 Elmdale, Ewyas Harold, Herefordshire HR2 0HZ |
Description: |
Conservatory to front of property. |
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16.3 |
Planning Application DMS/113503/FH |
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Site: |
Meadow View, Ewyas Harold, Herefordshire HR2 0EL |
Description: |
Extension to rear of existing house. |
Applicant: |
Mrs C Pratter, Meadow View, Ewyas Harold, Herefordshire HR2 0EL |
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Resolved
That the GPC has no objections to this application
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17 |
Road Maintenance and Related Matters |
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17.1 |
Winter Self Help Scheme |
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Following the GPC’s successful application to hold emergency salt supplies under this scheme, Amey provided advice on the local management of the scheme.
- If undertaking snow and ice clearance of footpaths (and roads), a risk assessment must be carried out and kept on file.
- Any clearance should be carried out by an external contractor.
- Insurance company must be informed.
- Clear communication must be maintained with the community
It was confirmed that the GPC saw the purpose of the emergency salt supply as a source to refill bins if the routine supplies were not available for any reason. There is no intention to draw up a policy for footpaths or road clearance.
Updates of gritting are available through twitter by following herefordstreets |
17.2 |
Road Salt Bins |
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Extra bins have now been installed and filled, but not all in the exact locations as agreed and marked by the GPC. |
17.3 |
U74213 Footbridge |
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Following inspections in 2010 and November 2011, the footbridge across the brook, which forms part of the highway, has been re-inspected by Malcolm Jackson (Bridges and Structures Manager for HC). In his judgement the bridge does not require upgrading or replacement. He is aware that it is required for access, and so inspections and maintenance will be undertaken accordingly. |
17.4 |
Dark Lane |
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It was noted that there were a number of small potholes in this lane which have been reported. |
17.5 |
Rowlestone Notice Board |
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It was noted that the replacement board was still to be erected. |
17.6 |
Rowlestone Phone Box |
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A notice has appeared incorrectly identifying this as an adopted box. The structure remains the property of BT who are responsible for any maintenance. |
17.7 |
Christmas Lights |
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It was agreed that a letter of thanks should be sent to the Events Committee.
ACTION CLERK |
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C Cllr Powell reported that he has been contacted directly about some outstanding local highway issues and he will be addressing these. |
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18 |
Footpaths |
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18.1 |
Footpaths Officer’s Report |
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No report this month
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18.2 |
EH32 Bridge |
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The Environment Agency is intending to install hand rails and will also consider fitting a safety mesh between these and the bridge parapet.
Resolved
That the Clerk informs the Footpaths Officer.
ACTION CLERK |
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19 |
Newsletter |
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No report this month |
20 |
Parish Website |
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No report this month |
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The Meeting closed at 9.15pm |
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Chairman
Date
NEXT MEETING Feb 7th 2012 at Ewyas Harold Pavilion .
Future Meetings: Mar 6th
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