Present:-

Mr C Tolley (Chairman)

Mesdames, M Scott, C Williams, E Clift (District Councillor), B Hickling , (County Councillor)

Messrs, G Ashmore, G Lowe, P Brown, L Higginson, G M Brewin (Clerk)

Mr H Thomas – Knightwick, Observer.

Apologies:- Mrs S Clarke, Mr P Gilbert.

Minutes:-

The minutes of the previous meeting held on Tuesday 19^th March and circulated in advance to members were approved as a correct record and signed by the chairman.

Matters Arising:-

Alfrick Village Hall and the Playing Field; the clerk reported that the Council’s solicitor has been delayed in drawing up the deed to terminate the lease agreement with the Village Hall Committee as he is still waiting for details of signatories from them. Mr Higginson will take this up with the VH Committee.

The Cricket Club Secretary has agreed to discus the council’s proposals at their meeting on 18^th April.

County Councillor’s Report:-

Mrs Hickling reported as follows;

The present Worcestershire Council has existed for just over four years. The latest audit has put it in the top authorities in relation to 37 performance indicators. We have risen from 31^st position in 1999/2000 to joint 23^rd overall in 2000/2001.In order to achieve this we have forged closer links with District Councils, and the Fire & Police Authorities thereby preventing the duplication of effort and work. In doing so we have secured almost £10 million extra funding to spend on public services in Worcestershire.

However, whilst government is giving this with one hand, they have caused much outrage by sidelining County Councils from the planning process. The only merit in this as far as I can see is that planning applications will be dealt with more speedily with Planning Officers making decisions in isolation. For example, you could see a by-pass running round the Teme Valley and there would be nothing County could do about it.

District Councillor’s Report:-

Miss Clift reported that the Young Peoples’ project was progressing after a successful presentation on 26^th March and their fund-raising ‘Chicken Hunt’ on the Easter weekend which raised some £104. An open progress meeting will be held on 17^th April to identify locations for activities in Alfrick and Suckley and discuss the implications with nearby residents. The target is to have these areas completed by the start of the school summer holiday.

As a result of their involvement in this project Kirsty Fraser and Daryl Jones both of Alfrick are to be sponsored by Worcestershire Youth Comm. to attend an Earth Summit Conference in Johannesburg in the summer.

Financial Matters:-

The Council’s insurance policy is due for renewal at a premium of £246.01. It was agreed to renew this.

The clerk’s salary and expenses for February and March were £475.84 which included a cash payment of £72 for a year’s grass cutting. It was agreed to pay this.

New Audit Regime; The clerk described the new audit arrangements which were more appropriate for small councils. A local internal auditor has to be appointed and it was suggested that one resident in the district would be appropriate. The clerk will follow up on this.

The acceptance of the Parish Councils (Model Code of Conduct) Order 2001 was proposed by L Higginson, seconded by P Brown and approved unanimously.

‘Declarations of Acceptance of Office’ and the ‘Register of Members’ Interests’ documents were given to members for completion and to be returned at the May meeting.

Planning Matters:-

02/00354/FUL, 3 St Mary’s Crescent, Extension to integral garage. A reply had been required in advance of the meeting. The clerk had discussed this with Mrs S Clarke and visited the site. It was decided not to offer any objection but to question the advisability of an extension in front of the building line. A reply was sent on 11^th April.

Land at OS 7413 5290 on C2244 at Workhouse Bank, Alfrick. (ref aob, Mr P Gilbert, Nov 2001). A reply from Mr I Thomson MHDC Senior Enforcement Officer indicated that following advice to the owner by the Highways Partnership Unit he did not intend to invite a planning application. Accepted.

The following decisions have been received:-

02/00056/FUL, Brooksbatch Farm, Stichens Hill - External Flue Pipe. Granted

02/00143 /FUL, Cherry Trees, Yarrington Road, Alfrick – Conservatory. Granted

02/00185/FUL, Old Police House, Stocks Lane, Alfrick – Rear extn. To form Dayroom and Bedroom. Granted.

The development of barns at Folly Farm where a change to the number of dwellings was rumoured and the non-provision of passing places on Folly Road was raised. The clerk will check the documentation and contact MHDC Planning office if appropriate.

The clerk reported that the Footpaths Officer had applied to join the scheme which enables individual Parish Councils to manage footpath maintenance directly by receiving grants from the County Council but has yet to receive confirmation of this.

A reply had been received from the Highways Partnership Unit regarding matters raised at the last meeting:

Coach outing for older members of the parish; The clerk had discussed this recently with the Thursday Club. The preference of the members, about 20, was for a visit to the Slimbridge Wildfowl Trust, departing from Alfrick about 11am and returning at 5pm. The costs would be in the order of, coach £250, entrance £4 each, lunch £5. It was agreed to go ahead based on this, opening the outing to all residents over sixty years of age. A date early in July was suggested. The clerk will advertise this in the Village Shop and proceed with the arrangements.

The proposal for a ‘Jubilee Footpath’ or a waymarked footpath guide published by the council will be reviewed later in the year.

Services for older people in south Worcestershire – consultation conference 15^th May.

Affordable Warmth – community event – 11^th June.

Action for Market Towns – conference 22^nd May

Environment Agency ‘LEAP’ annual review.

Draft recommendations for electoral arrangements for Malvern Hills.

Agenda for the Annual Parish Meeting – approved.

Old Storridge Lane; repairs are needed to the road surface; clerk to advise the Highways Partnership Unit

Alfrick Educational Charity committee is meeting on the same evening as the Parish Annual meeting. The clerk to contact the chairman, Mr A Duncan to see if a change can be made as several members would want to attend both meetings.

Date Of Next Meeting:- 21^st May at about 8.30pm in the Village Hall after the Annual Parish Meeting at 7.30pm.

The meeting closed at 8.45pm.