Minutes of the meeting of Grafton Parish Council held on 3rd November 2009 at 1915 hrs in the Coronation Hall, East Grafton.

Present:  Mr Lemon, Mrs Dudney, Mr Hatfield, Mrs Brew, Mrs Comyn, Mr Garman, Mr Evans, Mr Beese, Mr Pearson, Mrs Evans – Clerk, and four members of the public including Mr Stuart Wheeler, local Councillor for Burbage and The Bedwyns.

1.  Apologies:  P.C. Derrick Foord.

2.  Report on Crime:  Delayed until report by Mr Garman.

3.  The Minutes:  The Minutes of the meeting of 1^st September 2009 were adopted unanimously, proposed by Mr Evans, seconded by Mr Bees.

Before the next item Mr Lemon offered sincere and grateful thanks to the Committee and Parish for all their help with the new Coronation Hall.  He expressed his personal thanks to the so many people who have helped in various ways.  Mrs Brew and her team for the Furnishings & Fitting who at present are £233 under budget.  Mr Pearson for his enormous help and hard work and Mrs Dudney for all the paperwork and red tape involved in Licensing to name a few.  He informed the first official function to be held at the new Hall would the The Windmill A.G.M. on 4^th December 2009.

4.  (a). Pewsey Area Board update:  Mrs Brew attended the last meeting and informed it was well attended with 60 – 70 people.  Various local issues were discussed, roads and potholes, speeding and Community Road Watch.  The Fire Service gave a Review of Strategy.  Meeting was informed of a Performance Reward Grant Scheme whereby funds could be applied for local schemes.  Mr Wheeler informed there is a web site for advice and information on how to apply.  Mr Lemon, Mrs Brew, Mrs Dudney and Mr Pearson have arranged a meeting on Tuesday to discuss applying for Grant.  Mr Hatfield told meeting he had been approached by Walkers asking for better footpath signs in the area, this will be discussed at the meeting.

(b).  Community Area Partnership:  Mr Garman advised next meeting is on 12^th November 2009 where many sub-groups will discuss various issues, he will report at next Committee meeting in January.  He will get more information regarding Health & Social Care as he has been approached regarding this matter.  The Transport sub group gives reports on local issues similar to this area, i.e.  similar to speeding issues on the Fairmile.  The “Community Speed system” is up running, member’s of the public are trained to monitor and record speeding vehicles and report them to the Police for follow up.

Mr Garman read out P.C. Foord’s report but advised he still has issues outstanding which he has not received reply’s to date.

5.  Hall Update:  Mr Pearson informed the project is close to finish.  Floors will be finished by the end of next week and then all fixtures and fitting will begin to be installed.  Hall is expected to be finished in time for Windmill A.G.M.

Mr Lemon advised that the final figures are expected to be within +/- £4,000.00 of budget but he is waiting for final costings.  He also advised he has applied for a further grant.

Mrs Dudney informed National Lottery is visiting Hall on 16^th November to check on progress, bookings and sort of enquiries received.  Booking forms are now available for functions and all information will be available on the Web Site.  It was unanimously decided not to have a separate Web Site for the Coronation Hall; information will be available on The Grafton Web Site.

6.  Fly Tip at Windmill Restaurant:  Mr Lemon informed he had written to Council to advise but finally got a reply they could not do anything to stop this occurring.  The property is now under offer so problem will be resolved.

7.  Post Point:  A possibility of a Post Office being opened in the Hall.  Mrs Dudney suggested passing information to Hall Manager, all agreed.

8.  Planning:  Mrs Comyn gave update on all Planning applications granted and outstanding.  She also advised Parish Council of two badly diseased trees on the Green. The Tree Surgeon has inspected them and Mrs Comyn advised information was being passed to Tree Pathologist for confirmation.  If diseased the individuals who own the Trees will be informed of outcome for further action.

9.  Cheques:  Coronation Hall Insurance is due at a cost of £446.55, it was unanimously agreed to issue a cheque.

10.  A.O.B:  The Parish Council has the opportunity to purchase Wilton telephone kiosk for £1.00 but would be responsible for future maintenance.  Mrs Nunu Hogarth of Wilton has requested that she would take responsibility in the future but Mrs Dudney informed that the P.C. would be liable for any Insurance Claims for injury etc, if a member of the public got hurt.  It was unanimously decided not to pursue this offer.  Mr Hatfield apologised for the delay in repairs to benches and notice boards advising Company who won the contract are now too busy to carry out work, second bidder not available due to illness in family but will carry out works in near future.  The Coronation Hall notice board will be sited backing onto fence so it can’t be hit by vehicles.  Mrs Dudney suggested Gazette & Herald newspaper be invited to report on the Christmas Party, all agreed.  Mr Lemon informed the official opening of the Hall would take place late winter/spring.  Mrs Brew informed the final defibrillator training would take place on 19^th November 2009 at Grafton School.

Meeting ended at 2010 hours.  Next meeting:  5^th January 2010.