Minutes of the Meeting of Grafton Parish Council held on 2nd September 2008 at 7.15pm in the Coronation Hall, East Grafton Present: Mr Lemon, Mrs Dudney, Mr Hatfield, Mrs Brew, Mrs Comyn, Mr Garman, Mr. Evans, Mr Beese, Brigadier Hall (WCC), Mrs Zweck (KDC - Bedwyn Ward), Mr Veasey (Shalbourne Ward), Mrs Heard - Clerk, and two members of the public.
1. Apologies: none
2. The Minutes: The Minutes of the meeting of 1st July 2008 were approved (unanimous).
3. Resignation of Mr Cannadine. Mrs Dudney proposed a vote of thanks to Mr Cannadine for his work for the PC, unanimously agreed. Notices have been posted inviting replacement candidates to come forward.
4. Matters Arising: a) Parish road conditions/road flooding. Mrs Zweck kindly arranged for the drain at Dark Lane to be top cleared, but Mr Evans suggested that deep clearing equipment was needed to properly resolve the flooding issue. Mrs Zweck agreed to progress this as well as drainage work at the site by the old bakery, and to get a written report on the timing and detail of work to be carried out in Wexcombe to deal with long-standing flooding issues there. b) WCC – Towards One Council. Mrs Brew outlined the composition of the planned Area Boards and advised that she and Mr Garman have been selected to join the Marlborough Area Board Working Group. Parish Councils are being asked what local services, if any, they would like to control. Brigadier Hall advised that his experience so far indicated there was only interest in undertaking verge cutting locally. Brigadier Hall also stressed the importance of Parish Plans, which are being seen as key statements of local policy. Mr Lemon thanked all our representatives for their help to the PC. c) Defibrillator in the Community. Mrs Brew is awaiting costs and further information on one of the two options available, but advised that the version adopted by Chew Valley is in place and has already been tested, and as it is a complete package it could offer the best solution. When all information is available the public will be asked for their views before deciding what route to take. d) Parish seats/Marten noticeboard. Further quotes are to be obtained before proceeding on the renovation work to a limit of £750 incl VAT (proposed Mr Hatfield, seconded Mr Garman). e) Beech hedge, Grafton Road. Mr Evans will discuss cutting back the hedge with the Parish Steward and the property owner.
5. Hall Report:
a) Fundraising Activities – Music on the Green. In addition to the sums already reported an additional £1265 was collected on the night to be specifically donated to the Parachute Regiment. General fundraising - Mr Lemon has received a thank you letter from the Chair of the School Governors for the donation, which will be used to refurbish the keystage 1 classroom. Mr Lemon thanked all concerned, including the bridge players, for their efforts. Internet Fundraising – Mrs Brew told the meeting about the facility to donate to the Hall rebuild by selling on ‘ebay’, information is on the noticeboards and parish website.
b) General – Representatives of the Big Lottery will be visiting the Parish shortly to interview the team with regard to Stage 2 of the application for funding the hall rebuild.
6. Planning: Applications are as listed.
7. Cheques: Mr David Bennett – grass cutting on the Green. £60 (£10 via Mr Lemon), (proposed Mr Evans, seconded Mr Hatfield). A maximum sum of £70 was agreed unanimously to cover any interim payment before the next meeting
8. Correspondence: KDC are supporting Keep Britain Tidy’s first ‘Big Tidy Up’ campaign and have asked parishes to consider organising a local litter pick. Notices to be posted asking for volunteers.
9. A.O.B: a) PC Bayliss attended the meeting and asked the Parish Council to comment on his Oct-Dec Policing Priorities List. Speeding is a concern in the Parish and it was agreed he would concentrate his efforts on the Green, the A338 and the junction out of Wexcombe. He is also looking at hare coursing, littering, anti-social behaviour, farm crime and general theft. b) Parishioner Mr Dobson raised the question of the overgrown hedge around the Hall. He and neighbour Mr Coppard have very kindly offered to work with Mr Hatfield to reduce the hedge. Mr Lemon thanked them on behalf of the PC.