Present:-

Mr C Tolley (Chairman)

Mesdames, S Clarke, M Scott, C Williams,

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

Mr J Goldsmith – Footpaths Officer

Apologies:- Mesdames, E Clift (District Councillor), B Hickling , (County Councillor)

Minutes:-

The minutes of the previous meeting held on Tuesday 19^th February 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 is drawing up a deed to terminate the lease agreement with the Village Hall Committee and is awaiting details of signatories from them. The clerk has written to and discussed with the Cricket Club their use of the field. He was asked to approach them with proposals that they take responsibility for the maintenance of the field (Mowing, Hedges and Ditches) together with the upkeep of their pavilion, and the installation of football goal-posts as previously promised.

County Councillor’s Report:-

Mrs Hickling had sent a report as follows;

1. Proposals for Residential and Nursing Home Fees 2002/3, Services to Older People.

The County Council has offered a 5% increase for Residential Homes from £234 to £246 1n Band 1, £273 to £287 in Band 2 and 6.9% increase to £383 in Band 4 at a cost to Council of £1.5 million.

This is aligned with an intention of further increases in future years as part of an incremental and phased approach.

An analysis of Local Authorities in the region indicates that Worcestershire's fee increases are higher than most; a

significant increase above inflation.

2. All change on the buses; With effect from lst. April 2002, First Midland Red will amalgamate with First Leicester and First Northampton. The new company will be known as 'First Midland' with its Head Office at Heron Lodge, Worcester. Ian Humphreys Managing Director of First Leicester and First Northampton will become MD of First Midland.

District Councillor’s Report:-

Miss Clift had sent invitations to the presentation of  The Young Peoples’ project on 26^th March at the Talbot Hotel Knightwick at 7.30pm.

Financial Matters:-

The subscription to the Worcestershire County Association of Local Councils subscription was due. (£140.43) It was agreed to renew this.

Planning Matters:-

02185FUL, Old Police House, Stocks Lane, Rear extn. Reply required before the meeting – ‘no comment’ agreed between the chairman and clerk.

0200200LBC, Lulsley Court, damp-proofing cellar, re-roofing, interior changes. Reply required before the meeting – ‘no comment’ agreed between the chairman and clerk.

01/01414 FUL, Springhill, Alfrick – Erection of Car Port. – Approved

01/01249/FUL Corbetts Cottage Hill Road. Change of use, orchard etc - approved

Re-route footpath no.1 Lulsley. The clerk had discussed this with the chairman and visited the site. He had advised the WCC Footpaths office that there was no objection but it would have been more useful if the developer of the adjacent buildings had re-routed this footpath in advance of the work.

Footpath Officer’s Report (Mr John Goldsmith)

The scheme which enables individual Parish Councils to manage footpath maintenance directly by receiving grants from the County Council has been investigated and the Council would be eligible for this scheme. The clerk signed the application form on behalf of the Council. He had discussed the similar scheme for work on highway hedges, ditches etc. with the Clerk of Leigh Parish Council. They were not using this scheme as the conditions were too onerous for a small parish. It was agreed not to pursue this matter.

The clerk gave members copies of the Parish Councils (Model Code of Conduct) Order 2001. Together with the briefing notes issued in January these set out the new requirements for members. At the April meeting the council will be asked formally to accept the new code, to complete new ‘Declarations of Acceptance of Office’ and the ‘Register of Members’ Interests’.

Discussions are continuing on the best ways to celebrate this event. Members will consider the proposal for a ‘Jubilee Footpath’ or a waymarked footpath guide published by the council. The Alfrick & Lulsley Show committee have offered the use of the main marquee for an evening event but it was felt that the beginning of September was rather late in the year for a ‘Jubilee’ event.

MHDC – Progress on the Local Plan Review – this will be reviewed when the full analysis of the returns is available.

WCC – Highways – Overhanging trees at Stichens Hill – The clerk will reply to this.

WCC – Government’s proposals for planning regulations – noted.

WCC – Role of Highways Forums – noted.

GPU Power – problems with Street Lights – noted.

DETR warning on illegal poisoning of wildlife. This has been displayed on the council’s notice boards.

1) The improvements to the grass triangle and pound at Alfrick Pound were noted and appreciated. The clerk to convey the council’s appreciation to Gill and Terry Ellard who have done this work.

2) The signpost at the junction of Green Street and Folly Road was reported to be in poor condition. A similar situation relates to the sign at Swan Orchard. The clerk will contact WCC Highways Dept. about this.

3) The exit from Swan Orchard onto the C2065 is made hazardous by the overgrown hedge hiding the approach to this junction. The clerk will raise this with the WCC Highways Dept.

4) No action has yet been taken at Whitehouse Lane, raised previously and acknowledged by the Highways Dept. The clerk will contact WCC Highways Dept

5) The Annual Parish Meeting will be held prior to the May council meeting on Tuesday 21^st May. The clerk will contact all the local organizations who present reports to this meeting and make the necessary arrangements.

Date Of Next Meeting:- 16^th April 2002 at 7.30pm in the Village Hall.

The meeting closed at 8.45pm.