Minutes of the meeting of Grafton Parish Council held on 2^nd March 2010 at 1915 hrs in the Coronation Hall, East Grafton.

Present:  Mr Lemon, Mrs Dudney, Mrs Brew, Mr Garman, Mr Evans, Mr Beese, Mr Hatfield, Mr Pearson, Mr Wheeler, Mrs Evans – Clerk, and two members of the public.

1.  Apologies:  Mrs Comyn & PC Foord.

2.  The Minutes:  The Minutes of the meeting of 5^th January 2010 were adopted unanimously, proposed by Mrs Brew, seconded by Mrs Dudney.

3.  Matters arising:  Mrs Dudney advised the ditch by the Old Bakery is flooding, Mr Evans will contact Parish Steward.  Mrs Dudney also asked about a grant towards Design costs, Mr Wheeler informed he is still making enquiries and will advise at a later meeting.  Documentation for the Youth Club has not yet been completed.

4.  Coronation Hall Official Opening:  Mr Lemon advised this was a great success and thanked all of the Parish who had helped.  He has received many letters of thanks including one from Shiela Crees, Tessa and a letter from Clarence House thanking everyone for making the Duchess of Cornwall so welcome.  Mrs Dudney informed photos from the ceremony will be available from a link on the Parish website (www.graftonparish.com) very soon, for anyone without computer access the Computer course will be held on 10^th March 2010.  Details will also be posted on Notice Boards.

Future actions for the Hall – Mr Garmen discussed noise limiters and will make enquiries on costs.  Until something is installed no loud functions will be held.  Mrs Dudney is arranging a survey ref bounce of noise and will advise outcome at a later date.  Parking – Mr Lemon informed this could be a long term problem, Mrs Dudney will check how many cars can be parked and will check Planning to see if kerbs can be removed in Green Close, Mr Lemon remarked that a Chamfer may be preferable. 

5.  Speed Limits Marten:  Mr Garmen informed that he has been in touch with the Police and Council regarding this problem and that a Metro Count is likely to be arranged for Marten after a visit to arrange a suitable safe position.  There may be a possibility of a speed gun which trained residents would use to monitor but only after Risk Assessments had been performed.  Mr Garmen informed a Speed Survey will be completed on all C road and villages in the area but would take possibly two years to complete.  Mrs Sue Hislop, a Marten resident, advised of heavy traffic driving through the village and there are no footpaths and a very narrow winding with limited vision which causes problems.  Mrs Dudney informed there are no street lights and discussed the possibility of road markings. Mr Wheeler told the meeting that Great Bedwyn has already trained residents in the use of the Speed Gun. There will be an article in the Community News discussing options and asking for any information regarding accidents in the past.

6.  Wilton Telephone Box:  Mrs Nunu Hogarth told the PC that a group would be set up called Wilton Heritage Society to look after the Red Telephone Kiosk on behalf of Grafton Parish.  Liability issues have been checked and there are no H & S issues as the phone and electricity supply will be removed.  It is expected to be used as a Tourist Information site and the cost of £15.00 per annum will be raised by the Society.  B.T. are to be advised by 21/03/2010 and Wiltshire Council then need to agree.  A vote was taken, agreed by six members, one abstained.

7.  Defibrillator:  Mrs Brew informed that 2010 would be a fund raising year.  It is expected that one unit will be available in each Hamlet at a cost of £2,000 - £2,500.00 each.  A small committee has been set up and their first meeting has been held.  The first fund raising event will be on April 17^th, details will be in the next Parish News.

8.  Planning:  As per attached list.

9.  Cheques:  CPRE - £29.00  Proposed by Mr Beese, seconded Mr Hatfield.  Rex W. Knott - £350.00 Proposed Mrs Brew, seconded Mr Garman.  Victim Support – after more information was received it was decided not to offer funding. Wiltshire Music Centre- Yanomo.  Mrs Dudney informed that monies had been taken from School funds for this project, a vote was taken and all agreed to no further funds being offered.

10.  Best kept Village Competition:  It was unanimously agreed no Hamlet wished to participate.

11.  A.O.B:  Mrs Dudney requested future PC Meetings be held on days later in the week due to Hall bookings, all agreed.

Mr Hatfield informed of flooding problems in Wexcombe, the ditches are not coping and field is flooding.  Mr Lemon agreed to meet Mr Wheeler on site to try to resolve problem.  Mr Hatfield requested 2 Grit boxes for Wexcombe, Mr Evans to deal.  Mr Hatfield advised all the benches in the Parish have now been repaired and painted and Mr Knott would be available to inspect seats and notice boards regularly for a small retainer.  This was rejected by PC and it was decided the PC will monitor situation.  Estimated cost to repair Marten notice board is £250.00 and was decided to ask for volunteers to make repairs.  Letter was received from Wiltshire Air Ambulance asking Parish to have a Clothing Bank installed to help raise funds.  Mrs Evans to check web site for more info and advise at AGM.  Mrs Evans to arrange skips for Wexcombe, Wilton and East Grafton and advise dates at AGM.  Date of AGM Thursday 25^th March 2010 at 7p.m.  Cheese and wine will be available with a charge to cover costs.  Meeting ended at 2010 hours.