Minutes of the Meeting of Grafton Parish Council held on 10th July 2007 at 7.15p.m. in the Coronation Hall, East Grafton
Present: Mr Lemon, Mrs Dudney Mr Beese, Mr Parkin, Mr Hatfield, Mrs Comyn, Mr Cannadine, Mrs Heard (Clerk).
1. Apologies: Mrs McBride, Mr Symons, Brigadier Hall (WCC)
2. The Minutes: The Minutes of the meeting of 1st May 2007 were approved (unanimous).
3. Matters Arising: a) Traffic in Dark Lane, E.Grafton. Mr Lemon has heard from the Highways Department that they are assessing how best to sign the Lane. The public to be advised via the parish magazine. b) Wilton Flood Map. A meeting was held with representatives of the Environmental Agency, who also walked through the village in order to view the position of properties on their current map. After extensive discussion the Agency agreed to take readings of Wilton based on contours and height readings rather than aerial photography. This work is planned for Spring 2008. The Agency have sent a questions and answers sheet should issues arise with insurers, etc. before the Spring c) Grafton Parish Website. There was discussion regarding whether the Parish should have its own dedicated website. Mrs Dudney advised that we currently use a free, restricted nationwide website and also that Wiltshire now has its own. Questions were asked about whether there is enough new information to sustain a Grafton Parish site. Mr Parkin made the case that a Parish website could gain feedback from a ‘noticeboard’, update information on events and fundraising, and it might allow the possibility of credit card sales for those events. The Council unanimously agreed to consider the matter further and Mrs Dudney and Mr Parkin will look into costs, equipment and the process for updating such a site.
4. Planning Update: Following receipt of a letter from KDC’s Arboricultural Officer it was agreed to let him and the owners of 237 East Grafton know that the Parish owns no common land and is therefore unable to offer a site for a replacement tree for one felled at the property.
5. Hall Report:
a) New build/restoration –Mr Lemon hoped to have Lottery feedback on our application for funds in September/October. Following the Music on the Green event Mr Lemon will report back to parishioners on their outstanding achievement in raising large sums so quickly, and will outline plans for the future. Applications have been made to various Trusts for financial support and Mr Lemon believes they will be very impressed by the efforts of the Parish. b) Hall Management, General – Mrs Dudney expressed concern about the condition of the gutter at the front of the Hall, the Council will look into this.
6. Parish Council Audit 2006/7: a) Mr Lemon thanked Miss Crees for once again undertaking the internal audit and approving the accounts. The Council unanimously agreed that the requirements of the external audit had been satisfied and that Mr Lemon’s risk assessment addressed all risks. It was agreed that the accounts could go to the external auditors, Mazars. b) In considering items of expenditure it was also agreed that the Marten noticeboard needed urgent replacement and Mrs Heard will look into costs, etc. (Proposed Mr Parkin, seconded Mr Hatfield).
7. Code of Conduct: The Standards Board for England has produced a new Code for the use of local Councils. The PC officially adopted the Code (Proposed Mrs Comyn, seconded Mr Cannadine, unanimously agreed).
8. Correspondence: Nothing to report
9. A.O.B. a) Broken glass in the phone booth at Wexcombe - Mr Hatfield has reported this to BT, having cleared the glass away, but no action has been taken. If there is no response to a further call by Mr Hatfield the Council will write to BT. b) Parking on the Green at East Grafton - Mr Cannadine passed on some comments from residents regarding vehicles blocking access to properties and damaging verges. Mr Parkin will talk to builders working locally, and the Council will look into what further measures can be taken. The Council will also look into including some standard wording on the care of verges when responding to planning applications.
Dates for future meetings:
6th November 2007, 8th January 2008, 4th March 2008, 25th March 2008 (AGM) |