Present:-

Mr C Tolley (Chairman)

Mesdames, S Clarke, M Scott, C Williams,

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

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

Minutes:-

The minutes of the previous meeting held on Tuesday 16^th April 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 deed to terminate the lease agreement with the Village Hall Committee was signed. No response has been received from the Cricket Club following the secretary’s agreement to discuss the council’s proposals at their meeting on 18^th April.

Footpaths and Highways;

Confirmation has been received for the Parish Council to manage footpath maintenance directly by receiving a grant of £1200 (£600 – first payment) from the County Council. A full set of footpath details has been received. Surveys and actions are to be planned by the clerk and the Footpaths Officer. It was agreed to cover the Footpaths Officer’s expenses in managing this activity.

Highways;

The Highways Partnership will be writing to residents of Swan Orchard regarding the shrubs which have grown to obscure the original sight-lines before taking action to re-instate the original situation.

Old Storridge Lane; repairs are needed to the road surface; Highways Partnership Unit confirm action to be taken.

Celebrating the Queen’s Jubilee;

Coach outing for older members of the parish on June 27^th. Notices are on all council notice boards. Tickets (free) are with the Thursday Club and available in the Alfrick Post Office. The coach is booked. (Martin Perry – Bromyard – best quotation £147 for 53 seater.) Visit to the Slimbridge Wildfowl Trust confirmed, departing from Alfrick about 11am and returning at 5pm. Further costs will be in the order of entrance £4 each, lunch £5.

The chairman Mr C Tolley left the chair and Mr L Higginson asked for nominations for chairman

Mr C Tolley was proposed by Mrs S Clarke, seconded by Mrs M Scott and approved unanimously. Mr Tolley took the chair again and thanked the meeting for their confidence and support. He then signed the formal ‘acceptance of office’.

The chairman asked for nominations for vice chairman. Mrs C Williams was proposed by Mr L Higginson seconded by Mr G Ashmore and approved unanimously.

Footpaths Officer, Mr J Goldsmith

Tree Warden, decision postponed until August.

Village Hall committee, Mrs M Scott

Alfrick Educational Charity, Mrs C Williams, Mr G Lowe.

All approved unanimously

Planning Matters:

Three items in Lulsley required replies in advance of the meeting. The clerk had discussed these with local members and replied as follows;

02/00520/FUL, Station House, Lulsley. Replacement for existing house which is to be demolished. No comment.

02/00511/FUL, Slad Barn Lulsley. Objection, a change from the approved plan and work started in advance of application. 02/00548/FUL, New garage, The Hopkilns, Lulsley Court. Objection, too large and in an inappropriate position.

None

The accounts as presented by the clerk were approved and signed by the Chairman. (attached)

Mrs C Tebbitt of St Mary’s Church Alfrick, Parochial Church Council regarding financial support for a Village Jubilee Event on 20^th July. It was agreed to ask Mrs C Tebbitt to attend the next meeting to discuss this in detail.

Dr Linda Cotterill, Chartered Accountant offered to audit the council’s accounts according to the ‘New Audit Regime’ for £50. It was agreed to accept this. The clerk will make the necessary arrangements.

Worcestershire CALC – Malvern Hills area, meeting 6^th June, 7.30pm

Worcestershire CALC – Post of Office Assistant.

MHDC – copies of agenda arrangements.

MHDC – Village Services and Facilities Review

MHDC – Details of members’ allowances

WCC – Review of Definitive Map

WCC – Temporary Closure of road UC62222

The Milestone Society – meeting 28^th May.

West Mercia Constabulary – Beat Manager attendance at meetings.

University of Gloucestershire, Training for Parish Councils – Distance learning.

CPRE – Invitation to join as a council

The Countryside Agency – Community Services Grants.

The clerk’s salary was confirmed as set out by NALC national agreement at an hourly rate of £7.974 from 1^st June 2001. For 3.5 hours/week this equates to £1451.27 per year. This was agreed.

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

The meeting closed at 9.40pm.

Chairman