Minutes of the Full Council meeting held in Walford Village Hall
At 7.30pm on Wednesday 12th October 2016
Present: Frank Myers – Chairman
Councillors: Dave Berry, Shane Carlson, Karen Chinn, Eric Drummond, Heather Evans, Nesta Hirst, Sophie Hurley, Angus McIntosh.
In attendance: Clerk Catherine Murray. Ward Councillor Paul Newman.
1. Apologies: Murray Alston (On leave), Simeon Cole (Family Commitment), Luke Freeman and Martyn Jenkins (Work Commitments).
2. Declarations: None
3. Minutes: It was unanimously RESOLVED to accept minutes of the previous meeting held on 31/08/16.
4. receive brief verbal reports from and address any questions to:
4.1 Police representative: Was not present
4.2 Ward Councillor Paul Newman: Assisted in cutting the first patch of turf at the site of the new Walford play area; has registered an interest in volunteering under the Community Support Scheme; submitted a motion to Herefordshire Council asking the executive to lead the Council in wholeheartedly objecting to fracking, hydraulic fracturing and associated hydrocarbon extraction processes taking place in and under Herefordshire’s AONB; the motion was blocked but Cllr Newman will present another draft in December. Herefordshire Council has won a judgement against Amey for overcharging (£9.5m), probably subject to appeal. The review of business rates in the County may lead to variation of income for the Council (currently able to keep 50% of business rates), but grant amounts will be adjusted by central government to ensure that Herefordshire doesn’t lose out. Cllr Newman has been nominated as the Council’s Board Member (unpaid) on the Member’s Board of the South West Audit Partnership (SWAP). He attended an update on the joint nutrient management plan, and an update at BBLP on possible budget changes. The authority has asked parish councils to advise their precept rates by 31/12/16, but the Council itself will not be able to finalise budgets until after the autumn statement on 23rd November 2016, possibly later. We recognise that will leave things tight for parish councils in considering their precepts.
4.3 Localities Steward: Was not present.
5. Public Participation Session: Mr Constable thanked the Parish Council for mediating regarding HGV traffic on Howle Hill.
6. Finance – Finance Appendix A & bank statements for August & September were approved and signed.
6.1 It was unanimously RESOLVED to approve the following payments: Lengthsman; Enviroability – Rights of Way; TCT – Computer domain; Walford Village Hall hire; Grant Thornton – External Audit; Cllr Hurley Community Support Scheme expenses; Bridget Vine AONB expenses; HMRC PAYE & NI.
6.2 The following payments were noted: Clerk salary and expenses September, Community Support co-ordinator September.
7. Planning: Applicants and the public were invited to comment before applications are considered.
7.1 Planning Applications: Planning Appendix B was noted and comments put forward on:
a) Application No: 162740. Site: Porters Lodge, Coughton, HR9 5ST.
Comments: There were no objections to the application.
b) Application No: 162992. Site: Upper Cottage, Leys Hill, Walford, HR9 5QU.
Comments: There were no objections to the application.
7.2 Neighbourhood Planning:
The Steering Group has met and looked at examples of other Neighbourhood plans and has considered all the questions that need to be answered, in order to create a plan that works for Walford Parish. Information on the detail of discussions is available from the clerk.
8. Highways / Rights of Way / AONB – (Appendix D contains Highways & Rights of Way Reports)
8.1 Reports: Lengthsman Co-ordinator: Cllr Cole was not present, but the Clerk explained the new status of Lengthsman and P3 grants for 2017-18: The Lengthsman grant is being reduced to 25% of current levels, but the P3 grant will remain the same; however, mandatory contributions will be required from all PCs that wish to access the grant funding. The clerk will write to Herefordshire Council to ask for an explanation for the grounds on which they are mandating us to make this contribution. <<Action Clerk>>
Rights of Way Officer: Work has been carried out according to the Annual Plan.
8.2 Work orders for the Lengthsman and Rights of Way: None above those listed in the Annual Plan.
8.3 HGV traffic and directional signage for Howle Hill Nurseries: Signage has been delivered and is ready to be put up. The clerk was asked to contact Howle Hill Nursery to ask if they wish to have a sign and if they will be prepared to pay for it. <<Action Clerk>>
8.4 Traffic Regulation Orders: The Clerk explained the TRO process and it was unanimously RESOLVED to put in place a process of addressing traffic issues through the Parish Council.
8.5 AONB: Landscape Enhancement Initiative proposal: It was unanimously RESOLVED to support the LEI proposal put forward by the Wye Valley AONB.
8.6 Howling Bull Run: It was unanimously RESOLVED to support the Howling Bull Run, which raises funds for Walford Preschool Playgroup.
9. Parish Projects: Updates and further action.
9.1 Community Support Scheme: The project is now fully set up, has gone live and clients are already on the list and receiving support. A new Community Support Co-ordinator has been appointed; Sarah Hayes was present and introduced herself to the Parish Council, explaining how she proposes to take the project forward. She was welcomed by all those present.
9.2 Kerne Bridge Canoe Launch Site: Shane Carlson gave formal thanks to Richard Freeman and his helpers, who have cleared the whole site and carried out a comprehensive litter pick. The Parish Council is extremely grateful for this assistance and asked the Clerk to write to Richard, to express thanks. <>. The Chairman reminded those present that the PC’s aim is to make the site the best canoe launch destination in the area. Further details will be discussed in confidential session.
9.3 Community Speedwatch: The Chairman explained that previous appeals for volunteers to support this initiative have fallen on stony ground, reminding those at the meeting that 6 volunteers are needed. It was proposed that an article should go in the next newsletter to appeal for volunteers. Cllr Berry offered to supply a write up. <<Action Clerk and Cllr Berry>>
10. Information and correspondence:
10.1 Correspondence Appendix C, Clerks Report Appendix D and HALC Information corner were noted.
10.2 Responses required to correspondence received: Letter from Walford Village Hall committee regarding the proposed new play area: The Chairman read out the letter and recommended that WVH approach the Community Foundation for support, he expressed his personal view that it was not the Parish Council’s remit to assist local charities in this way. Cllr Berry explained the status of the project, which is still seeking £5k in funding. Cllr Chinn said that it would be of great benefit to the community and recommended support in some way. The Clerk was asked to respond; <>; a decision cannot be made on financial support now, but it will go on the next agenda to discuss the level and type of support. Cllr Chinn suggested pledging PC support and putting an article in the newsletter. Cllr Drummond suggested getting the original group of sponsors together to discuss next steps.
10.3 Consultations:
(1) Bus Services consultation: It was unanimously RESOLVED not to respond to this consultation as a body, but to encourage members of the public and Cllrs to respond as individuals.
(2) Boundary Commission: Proposed parliamentary boundaries: It was unanimously RESOLVED not to respond to this consultation as a body, but to encourage members of the public and Cllrs to respond as individuals.
10.4 Parish Newsletter: The Clerk asked those present to send their copy in as soon as possible, as it is hoped that the next issue will be published at the beginning of November. For inclusion, an article explaining the figures relating to Lengthsman and P3 grants and the impact that their withdrawal will have on the precept; and information on the Parish Defibrillator, including the unit located at EC Drummonds.
10.5 Councillor’s reports on local matters: Cllr Hirst asked what the plan was for the BT phone box in Walford Village and suggested a Parish Information hub; Cllr Berry explained that the BT box is in a location which is not easily and safely accessible, as it is at the roadside, with no footway adjacent. Cllr Drummond asked what was happening about Daycroft Lane; the clerk was asked to speak to Cllr Cole about the culvert and to put it on the next agenda. <<Action Clerk>>
11. Public Response: A member of the public said that one sign post to stop HGVs going down Church Lane was acceptable, but did not want too many signs. Another asked the clerk for contact details for Herefordshire Wildlife Trust; <<Action Clerk>> Another drew the council’s attention to the consultation which is inviting comments on closing BT public phone boxes, including the one on Howle Hill. The clerk explained that a response to this consultation will be on the next agenda, as the closing date is 25th November. Another said that he disagreed with the Chairman about his stance on not giving to local charities, as his view is that PCs have a role to support local projects. Another asked if there would be any liability involved in carrying out the Community Speedwatch scheme, should a driver act in a violent way towards a volunteer; the Clerk was asked to look into this. <<Action Clerk>>
12. Items for next meeting agenda: As above and Walford Village Hall play area (Finance and Full Council)
13. Next meeting: 23/11/16 Finance Committee 18.30 Full Council 19.30 at Bishopswood Village Hall.
14. CONFIDENTIAL SESSION: The public were asked to leave the meeting.
Bishopswood WCs and Kerne Bridge Canoe Launch Site.
Proposals from Herefordshire Council and self-repairing lease.