Minutes of the Parish Meeting of Grafton Parish Council held on 9th January, 2007 at 7.15p.m. in the Coronation Hall, East Grafton
Present: Mr Lemon, Mrs Dudney, Mr Beese, Mr. Haddrell, Mrs Fleckney,
Mrs McBride, Mr Hatfield, Mr Parkin, Brigadier Hall (WCC), Mr Veasey (KDC –Shalbourne Ward), Mrs Heard (Clerk) and four members of the public.
The meeting was adjourned to allow PC Bayliss, Mr Peter Vallis, Brigadier Hall and Mr Veasey to speak before leaving to attend other meetings – reports below.
1. Apologies: Mrs Cummins (KDC – Bedwyn Ward), Mr Symons
2. The Minutes: The Minutes of the meeting of 7th November 2006 were approved.(Proposed Mr Hatfield, seconded Mr Haddrell/approved by the P.C.)
3. Neighbourhood Policing Teams: an introduction from PC Michael Bayliss
A new policing initiative is separating future police work into two areas: crime-solving and community policing. PC Bayliss and his team of a support officer and special constable will be community officers for Grafton Parish, they will be responding to low level nuisance calls rather than 999 calls. Their 80 sq.mile total area of responsibility will be foot-patrolled, and PC Bayliss wishes to know about vulnerable or elderly persons who might benefit from personal visits of support. Mr Parkin will be the point of contact for the parish council. Direct contact details for the community policing officers: daytime – 01672 517802 or 24 hours - 0845 408 7000. The Councillors agreed with Brigadier Hall that this was a very encouraging step.
4. Matters Arising:
a)Bedwyn train service. Mr Lemon asked First Great Western to comment on local commuters’ concerns regarding the loss of service- linking in the revised timetable. FGW have responded that they will not be considering any change to their schedules until the timetable’s next issue. As a frequent commuter Mrs Dudney will consider all FGW’s comments and report back.
b)Traffic in Dark Lane, E.Grafton. Eight parishioners have expressed serious worries about the increased use of the lane by heavy lorries directed there by satellite navigation systems. As this is a single track lane, and lacking passing places, Mr Lemon has asked the County Council to restrict use by lorries to access only. WCC wish to delay action pending a Government consultation process on minor roads due in June 2007. Brigadier Hall offered to look into finding a speedier solution to the problem.
5. Planning Update: As shown on noticeboards
6. Hall Report:
a) New build/restoration –The Parish Councillors felt it very important to keep this, the only community hall facility available in the parish. Mr Lemon thanked all those on the sub-committee for their work in considering the various options. In order to pursue any Lottery funding a detailed cost analysis of the options, of either rebuilding, renovation or demolition, has to take place, and in this connection the PC agreed to funding a report by local building surveyors to a maximum fee of £800 (proposed Mrs Fleckney, seconded Mr Beese). Once all the necessary information is available a major survey of the villages will take place before going forward. In the meantime Mr Lemon would be very pleased to hear from anyone with new ideas for how the Hall might be used in the future as soon as possible, so that they can be part of any proposals.
b)Hall Management, General – Nothing to report.
7. Cheques: a) Wiltshire Village Halls Association subscription - £35
b)Action with Communities in Rural England- leaflets (via Mr Lemon) - £5
(Proposed Mrs Fleckney, seconded Mr Beese).
8. District Councillor Mrs Rosemary Cummins: Mrs Cummins has announced her intention to stand down at the next election and the Parish Councillors want to record their gratitude for all her work for Grafton and others over the years. She has attended very many of our meetings and her advice has been much appreciated. The PC also offered their condolences on the death of her husband.
9. Correspondence:
a) Mr Lemon reminded everybody about the parcel delivery scam notified to him by the police. Details previously on boards and in the parish magazine. Please contact Mr Lemon if any concerns.
b) Mr Arnold Baker has asked for the Parish Council’s views regarding liability should anyone fall into Wilton pond, bounded on one side by his property. After discussion the PC agreed suggesting that if he feels the need for a warning sign Mr Arnold Baker should first contact Highways for advice regarding its possible location and style.
10. A.O.B
a) Grafton Gazette – Mr Peter Vallis of Grafton spoke to the meeting about his planned publication of a local news magazine to be delivered free to every household in the parish. He will invite contributions from the public, and offer advertising space to local businesses to help fund it. The PC agreed to provide him with draft Council minutes for publication, and wished him well with his venture.
b) Mr Hatfield reported on action taken in response to local issues drawn to his attention. He has asked local dog owners to be considerate regarding fouling on verges. A request to consider street lighting found no support amongst other villagers, in particular to protect the area from light pollution. Requests have been made to householders to park with consideration. Mr Hatfield is endeavouring to get KDC to remove items resulting from fly tipping.
c) Mr Hatfield wished to record thanks for the helpful and prompt work undertaken by the Parish Steward and everyone agreed the new system is working very well.
d) Mr Beese asked if information was available regarding costs/savings involved in the operation of recent waste recycling schemes. Mr Parkin will investigate and report back.
Dates of future meetings
6th March 2007, 27th March 2007 (AGM) |