Minutes of the Meeting of Grafton Parish Council held on 4th September 2007 at 7.15p.m. in the Coronation Hall, East Grafton
Present: Mr Lemon, Mrs Dudney Mr Beese, Mr Parkin, Mr Hatfield, Mr Cannadine, Mrs Heard (Clerk). Ms Zweck (Bedwyn Ward), Mr Veasey (Shalbourne Ward) Brigadier Hall (WCC) and four members of the public
1. Apologies: Mrs Comyn, Mrs McBride, Mr Symons,
2. The Minutes: The Minutes of the meeting of 10th July 2007 were approved (unanimous).
3. Matters Arising: a) Traffic in Dark Lane, E.Grafton. Mr Lemon expressed his thanks to the County Council for the new sign, now in position. b) Grafton Parish Website. Mrs Dudney reported that a new free community site was now in place: www.graftonparish.com, and the public will be able to input information once a system for ‘keyholders’ is established. c) Parking on the Green, E.G. Mr Lemon has been in touch with some residents on the Green already, and it was further agreed that monitoring with take place to encourage consideration by all residents to keep accesses clear. d) Phone booth at Wexcombe. Mr Hatfield reported that the box was in the process of repair, and pointed out that it is a credit card only facility. e) Marten noticeboard. A replacement noticeboard is to be organised.
4. NHS Trust: Mr Lemon outlined the proposals made in the Trust’s recent consultation documents and it was felt that the situation had already been decided, despite public opinion, and that the closure of Savernake’s A & E was to take place. Mrs Dudney asked if information could therefore be got regarding provision of a defibrillator in the community, a service offered some time ago but not concluded. Mrs Heard to check with the Trust.
Hall Report:
a) Fundraising activities. Mr Lemon thanked everyone for the efforts which have resulted in £19,963 being in the bank. The team are currently working on fundraising activities for the next six months, and are looking for sponsors, ideas to Mr Parkin. The Lottery Fund are considering Grafton’s application and have arranged a telephone interview with Peter Lemon and Ann Dudney next week. Our application is amongst 540 being considered more fully for stage 2 by the Big Lottery who have already discarded 1100 application out of 1600 received. We will know if we are selected to go onto stage 2 in December.
b) Hall Finances/General. Mrs Dudney explained that the Hall’s current account for running expenses had not received any of the usual fund raising income since the re building project had started and needed funds for electricity and water. After discussion it was agreed that the Parish Council would advance reasonable amounts to cover these costs (Proposed Mr Parkin, seconded Mr Beese).
5. Wexcombe – Water run off from Fairmile and drainage: Mr Hatfield met Paul Gerrard from County Highways and George Hosier to find a solution to the flooding problems in Wexcombe. Mr Gerrard has agreed to put a drain on the side of the Fairmile road, to clear or replace a pipe under the road by Chapel Cottage and to fill in the pot holes and cut the verges back in the narrow roads at the lower end of Wexcombe. Peter Lemon has written to thank Paul Gerrard for his help.
6. East Grafton Village Green - Management: Mr Lemon thanked Mr Walsh and his helpers for the tremendous effort in putting on Music on the Green. There followed discussion about how impressed people were with the Green at the event and how best to maintain the standard. Mr Butt has kindly agreed to have informal talks with residents. Mr Walsh thanked the PC and offered his support.
7. Planning Update:
Process at Kennet District Council – The District Councillors present were asked to outline the planning process in the event that the PC opposed any Planning Application as there appeared to have been some misunderstanding. The Councillors told the meeting that new rules had been introduced by KDC in the event of a parish council objecting to an application. Previously all opposed applications went to the Planning Committee, whereas now the individual councillor of the Ward is asked if the application can be dealt with by the officials under delegated powers, or whether it should go to the Planning Committee. The PC made it clear that if Grafton Parish Council made written objection to an application then they wished this application to always go to the KDC Planning Committee for their consideration. At no time should this application be dealt with by the officials under delegated powers.
8. Cheques:
a) Data Protection - £35.00
b) Uncontested election fees - £150.00 requested (double for two wards). It was agreed 4:2 and two abstainers to submit £75.00 in protest.
c) Skips – KDC - £130.00
d) PCC – Contribution to churchyard maintenance - £300.00
e) Coronation Hall Hire - £52.50
(Proposed Mr Hatfield, seconded Mrs Dudney)
9. Correspondence
a) Post Office Closures – It was agreed to write to Bedwyn and Burbage Clerks to give support against any proposed closures of their post office.
b) Unitary Council – Brigadier Hall told the meeting that the Junior Minister is ‘minded’ to select Wiltshire for Unitary status. This would then be estimated to take place May 2009. There are to be meetings to discuss these plans. Mr Veasey felt that there remained serious legal issues to be resolved.
10. A.O.B.
a) Mrs Dudney reported that a stile needed repair at Stoney Steps
b) A member of the public asked about children’s play areas in the Parish. It
was suggested that he contact the School as there is no public space in the
Parish.
c) Mr Parkin reported on forthcoming visits to the Parish by the Parish
Steward and it was agreed to publicise his activities in order that the public
could request any remedial work in his area.
Dates for future meetings:
6th November 2007, 8th January 2008, 4th March 2008, 25th March 2008 (AGM)