Minutes of the Parish Meeting of Grafton Parish Council held on 5th September, 2006 at 7.15p.m. in the Coronation Hall, East Grafton
Present: Mrs Dudney, Mrs McBride, Mr Beese, Mr. Haddrell, Mrs Fleckney,
Mr Symons, Mr Parkin, Mrs Heard (Clerk) and three members of the public.
1. Apologies: Mr Lemon, Brigadier Hall (WCC)
2. The Minutes: The Minutes of the meetings of 4th July 2006 were approved. (Proposed Mr Haddrell, seconded Mrs Fleckney and approved by the P.C.)
3. Co-option of new member: Mr Tom Hatfield of Wexcombe and Mr George Weldon of East Grafton put themselves forward for the vacancy. After considering the candidates’ submissions a vote was taken and Mr Hatfield was duly elected and joined the meeting. Mrs Dudney thanked the candidates and said that with a concentration of members in East Grafton and Wilton it was important to have a representative from Wexcombe.
4. Matters Arising a) Community Policing/New Decriminalised Parking Regulations: Mr Parkin advised the meeting that KDC have taken over from the police the management of car parking. This is a self-financing, non-profit making scheme intended to free police for other duties and to tailor parking needs to the local community b) Parish Stewards Scheme: Mr Parkin told the meeting about this replacement for the Parish Lengthsmen Scheme, which will focus on more direct action with feedback from the public and Parish Councils. Specific problems should be reported to Mr Parkin for attention.
5. Hall Report: a) New Build/Restoration: Mr Symons advised that new revised plans have been submitted to KDC following some initial comments regarding the roof structure for any proposed new build. The Diocese and the Charity Commission are still considering their position b) General: Mrs Dudney has agreed a reduced fee for a commercial wheelie bin for the Hall. Mrs Dudney asked the Council to keep in mind consideration of the urgently needed remedial works.
6. Refuse Collection Issues: a) Fly tipping: Mr Parkin said that KDC were taking this issue very seriously and they should be notified of any illegal actions. They will clear the refuse, and investigate and examine the bags to identify perpetrators with a view to prosecution. Offences can be reported by phone (01380 724911) on or the KDC website (www.kennet.gov.uk). b) Wheelie bin microchips: KDC have told Mr Parkin that the chips are not activated and Mr Veasey confirmed that there is no software in place to monitor them. They have been included in the bins as a cost-cutting exercise to allow for any future change in government policy regarding weight restriction in the collection of waste. Mrs McBride asked if there might be more tolerance for bins left slightly open for collection. Mr Parkin conveyed KDC’s difficulties in having a flexible policy and pointed out that extra bins could be requested from the District Council. Regarding a question relating to plastic and cardboard collection, Mr Parkin advised that these materials can not at present be separated on the trucks, but could be recycled at Everleigh or at the recycling bins in Waitrose’s car park at Marlborough. For security purposes it was recommended that the public ask neighbours to return personalised bins onto their property should they be away from home. Mr Veasey said that the volume of recyclable waste had been under-estimated and the situation was constantly being reconsidered; Council officers will do all they can to help individual cases.
7. Planning Update: Mr Symons reported on current applications
8. Cheques
a) KDC Skips – 3 x £60
b) Mazars – External audit – maximum £100
c) Document laminator – Marlborough Office Supplies - £24.99
(all proposed Mr Beese, seconded Mr Parkin)
9. Parish Magazine: Mrs Dudney thanked Mr Beese and his family for providing a very important means of community communication over many years. Mr Beese in turn thanked Libby Gilbert for the editorial work, and also the thirteen distributors who ensure it reaches the widest audience. There was some discussion regarding providing more support to the team and whether there were ways to have the magazine free to all households.
10. Correspondence – KDC Review of Management Strategy – Mrs McBride gave a précis of the mission statement. Mrs Dudney is assessing whether WCC’s Grants for Young People 17-22 yrs might benefit the community. KDC are asking the public to be sure to complete their Voter Registration Forms.
Dates of future meetings
7th November 2006,
2nd January 2007, 6th March 2007, 27th March 2007 (AGM) |