Minutes of the Meeting of Grafton Parish Council held on 6th November 2007 at 7.15p.m. in the Coronation Hall, East Grafton

Present: Mr Lemon, Mrs Dudney Mr Beese, Mr Parkin, Mr Symons, Mrs Comyn, Mr Cannadine, Mrs McBride, Mrs Heard (Clerk). Ms Zweck (Bedwyn Ward), Brigadier Hall (WCC) and one member of the public

1. Apologies: Mr Hatfield

2. The Minutes: The Minutes of the meeting of 4th September 2007 were approved (unanimous).

3. Matters Arising: a) Wexcombe – Water run off from Fairmile. The gulley has been cleared and Mr Hosier has cut back some verges to help road widening. Mr Lemon thanked the County Council. b) Footpaths – broken stile. Mr Lemon has had the stile at Stony Steps repaired. c) Defibrillation in the Community – Mr Dickens of the NHS ambulance service has agreed to attend the PC’s January meeting to explain how this might operate in the parish, and to answer any questions. Brigadier Hall advised on the training schemes available through the St Johns Ambulance service.

4. Music on the Green: General Walsh outlined his proposal for a second event on The Green to take place on 24th May 2008 when the Parachute Regiment Band will play a wide range of music for us all. Proceeds from this event will be split equally between the Parachute Regiment Central Fund and the Coronation Hall rebuilding fund and we want to encourage, and also anticipate, a very wide interest in this event. The Parish Council gave their full support and will liaise with the committee to coordinate sponsorship efforts for this and other fundraising events.

5. Hall Report: Fundraising activities: Mr Lemon reported on the meetings
held with KDC, WCC and the Landfill Trust who responded well to the presentations given. The Christmas Party, The Game Fair in April and Music of the Green in May will demonstrate continuing fundraising efforts by the community.

6. Planning Update: Mr Lemon apologised to Ms Zweck for not giving notice that September’s meeting would be addressing the PC’s concerns regarding the handling of objections to planning applications by the PC. Ms Zweck explained some changes to the regulatory committee process, and pointed out that three supporters and objectors may attend to make representations.

7. East Grafton Village Green - Management: Mr Lemon has passed to Green resident Mr Martin Butt cost estimates for grass cutting and bank/verge maintenance. It was unanimously agreed that it would not be appropriate for the Parish to contribute to the cost of this work and it was for the owner residents to decide what action would be taken. Mr Parkin declared an interest and did not vote. In answer to Mrs McBride’s question it was confirmed that the Green is available to all parishioners for lawful leisure activity.


8. Southern Electric – Power failure at Wilton/Bedwyn: Mr Lemon wrote to the electricity company expressing concern about the long delay in restoring power after a swan hit the power line over Wilton Water, and reminded them of his request that reflectors be put onto the wires to help prevent this happening again. Southern Electric have now agreed to attaching reflectors.

9. Finance:
a) Precept – After discussion it was agreed 4:3 that the Precept be set at
£4500 for 2008/9.
b) PC Audit – Mazars have approved the audit for 2006/7.
c) Cheques –
i) Mazars (auditors) - £58.75
ii) Mrs J Heard, Clerk’s half year salary/expenses - £500/£41.67
iii) Coronation Hall electricity bills to Oct 07 - £153.43
iv) It was agreed to pay KDC the second part of the double fee
for an uncontested election. - £75
d) Clerk’s salary – It was agreed to increase Mrs Heard’s salary to £1200
p.a.
( b), c), d) proposed Mr Parkin, seconded Mr Symons, unanimous)

10. Parish Skips/recycling: Mrs Heard reported that pending unitary council (estimated 2009) KDC have advised they are unable to extend their recycling schemes to include plastic or cardboard kerbside collection. Their view is that these facilities will not be available for some time as the County will need to first bring all recycling up to Kennet’s current standard. General Parish skips will be ordered for the New Year and notices will be posted regarding time and location.

11. Correspondence:
a) Mrs McBride reported on DEFRA’s report ‘Ways to Tackle Climate
Change’, in particular the comments regarding the importance of
recycling.
b) KDC are offering to transfer certain properties to local councils as part of
their unitary council strategy. The PC will not be taking up an offer to
own, run and maintain the Sewage Disposal Unit at Marten

12. AOB: Brigadier Hall updated the meeting on unitary council.
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Dates for future meetings:
15th January 2008 (Note changed date)
4th March 2008, 25th March 2008 (AGM)