Members present:-

Mr C Tolley – Chairman,

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

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

Cllr Mary Wilkinson, Chairman MHDC

J Goldsmith (Footpaths Officer)

The chairman welcomed Cllr Wilkinson who in reply said she was delighted to be able to support parish councils by visiting them during her year in office. It was through them and their local knowledge that the structure of the countryside and local democracy survive.

The minutes of the previous meeting held on Tuesday 21^st January and circulated in advance to members were approved as a correct record and signed by the chairman.

Mr L Higginson reported that the Village Hall committee had agreed to the siting of a ‘recycling skip’ on the car park for a trial period of three months. He emphasised that it was conditional on stray debris being cleared away after the visit of each skip.

The clerk reported that the WCC Computer Bus course had started and that he was collecting names for a further course. The auditor’s report on the 2002/3 accounts was on the council notice board and the Precept for 2003/4 had been submitted to MHDC at the revised level of £3000. He had written to the Elgar Housing Assn. regarding possible breaches of their Tenants’ Agreement at Lulsley and they had telephoned him to say they appreciated the council’s concern and would be working with the various agencies concerned to achieve a resolution of this matter.

Mrs Hickling reported as follows;

Christopher Whitehead High School; Outline Planning Permission for a new school building at Earls Court Farm had been granted at a Special Planning Meeting yesterday, Tuesday 11th February. This decision will now be put to the Secretary of State for approval.

Malvern Service Centre; will open in July. This is being developed within the Malvern Library using a sophisticated computer system to help staff deal with all County & District enquiries under one roof.

‘Malvern Matters’ (Rural Bus Challenge); Following Vision 21 Strategy consultation, Worcs. C.C. has been awarded £992.000. This will be spent within the District funding the delivery of flexible transport in rural areas.

Council Tax; Worcs. C.C. has been crippled in their attempt to keep the Tax below double figures as was hoped. The new Government Resource Equalization is grossly unfair. Funding, we in the rural areas should be given, is being diverted to the Metropolitan and Urban areas.

Local Access Forum for Worcestershire; Worcestershire County Council is in the process of setting up a Local Access Forum for the county, in line with the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 which requires all local highway authorities, such as the County Council, to put in place a Local Access Forum for their area. The local Access Forum will act as an advisory group to the County Council, advising on issues relating to the Countryside and Rights of Way Act- such as the mapping of access land, rights of way improvement plans and other access and recreational issues as are relevant. The Forum will have a membership of up to 22 people, who will represent a broad range of interests. These will include users of Worcestershire's countryside e.g., walkers, cyclists, horse-riders, as well as representatives from landowners within the county. The Forum will also seek to secure membership from the business and tourism sector and other relevant interests. The Forum's first meeting will take place in the summer of 2003 and during the latter part of February and March the County Council will be publicizing the opportunity for members of the public and individuals from organisations to apply for membership of the Forum. The contact is Ian Bamforth Ext 6478

Ms E Clift reported;

Following the successful launch of the Teme Valley Youth Group, they have together with Worcestershire Rural Youth established a leading role in this area. The Alfrick and Lulsley entry in the Phillip Lawrence Awards had been highly commended. At the Village Hall on Friday 21^st February the West Mercia Police would be making a presentation to the group. All were invited to attend. She had also been involved in promoting the case for affordable housing in the area (see later) and in trying to resolve the problem of antisocial behaviour at Lulsley.

Payment to; W-CALC, Training session – Parish Plans, £5.00 Confirmed.

Footpaths Officer - John Goldsmith had sent is apologies. He reported – an appeal has been made re FP 53 Old Forge, now with the Secretary of State. WCC have in hand the supply of signposts for all footpath/highway intersections.

Sandy Lane – U62252 maintenance; The chairman advised that the landowner was now in the process of improving the drainage in this area.

Mr G Lowe reported on a joint meeting on 16^th February with Suckley and Knightwick & Doddenham councils. It had been agreed to conduct a survey in all parishes which would be co-ordinated by the Housing Enabling Officer who would receive and analyse all the replies. It was believed that there was a good case for some 5 houses in Suckley, 3 in Alfrick and a similar number in Knightwick & Doddenham. The HEO’s advice was that the council should begin a search for possible sites. These should be outside the development boundary and have access to mains drainage. The clerk would arrange the distribution of the questionnaire through the Alfrick Post Office. It was noted that the HEO had some funds available to meet the costs of distribution.

There were no matters for discussion.

03/00068FUL Nightingale Bower, – Retain Mobile Home No objections

03/00150/FUL Fox & Hounds, Lulsley, - Extension etc No objections

The clerk drew members’ attention to the item -W-CALC, Planning Seminar 5^th April. He considered that the council should be represented at this and would attend himself if the members agreed. Confirmed.

The clerk said that he was working with Mrs S Clarke to identify all those who might qualify for a distribution of the fund.

Mr G Lowe said that he had recently conducted an RSPB tour on parish footpaths and was impressed by their general state.

Date Of Next Meeting: 18^th March at 7.30pm in the Village Hall.

The meeting closed at 8.30pm.

Chairman