Minutes of the Ordinary Parish Council Meeting
On Monday 13th September 2021
at 19:30
at Gorsley Village Hall
Present: Cllr A Reeves (Chairman); Cllr B Clark (Vice Chairman); Cllr J Gough; Cllr A Newton; Cllr A Price.
In attendance: 3 members of public; Parish Clerk Elizabeth Malcolm.
1. Apologies for absence: Cllr M Bertenshaw; Ward Cllr Wilding.
2. Declarations of interest: None.
3. Co-option of Councillors: None
4. Minutes of the Parish Council: It was RESOLVED to agree and sign the minutes of the Parish Council meeting of 9th August 2021 as a true and accurate record, together with the financial reports.
5. Clerk’s Report – Noted
6. Public Subumissions
a. Ward Councillor – not present
b. Local Residents –
i. Problems of access to local footpaths with large dogs was raised and a discussion of possible solutions took place.
ii. It was raised that signage relating to the weight limit into Linton village had been changed, although no consensus on this was reached during the discussion
iii. Visibility difficulties at the junction of M50 East bound were raised and it was pointed out this was a matter for Highways England.
7. Planning – A schedule of decided applications was noted. It was further noted that the Planning Department is very short staffed and is not responding to requests for extension of time to submit comments, which makes it difficult for Parish Councillors to know when to lawfully submit their comments. Following discussion it was determined that all new full applications would be for the PC agenda even if the published comments date is past.
8. Climate Change Working Group –
• Cllr Newton reported on work undertaken with Herefordshire Council and botanists from ‘Verging on Wild’ which has resulted in two sections of verge in the Parish being designated Roadside Verge Nature Reserve status (RVNR) on Fordings Lane and Revells Lane beside M50.
• The Working Group are now looking at ways to reduce damage to verges by drivers.
• The Working Group recommended that the Parish join the Herefordshire Council One Cut scheme on all verges.
• Cllr Newton raised ‘Quiet Lane Schemes’ and it was agree this was worth further investigation by the Group.
9. Locality Steward & highways matters –
a. Reports were noted
b. Bromsash roads – it was noted that concerns were raised by a Parishioner regarding some rocks placed on verges at southern section of B4224 this had been reported to Balfour Beatty who will not be taking further action.
c. Gorsley Traffic Calming – Cllr Reeves advised that the site for village gates had now been agreed with Balfour Beatty and work had been undertaken to cut back hedges and verges near Roadmaker Inn to improve signage visibility. The Lengthsman to be contacted regarding sign cleaning. The speed repeater beside school on eastbound B4221 to be checked by Balfour Beatty.
d. B4224 Multi Parish Strategy Group – no further meetings in period.
e. Large vehicles in Steelworks / Burrups Lane- Clerk visited to photo sites for additional signage.
f. Shutton Crossroads – Clerk and Cllr Bertenshaw to agree signs required and exact location.
10. Public Rights of Way – Cllr Newton reported on current outstanding work on replacement stile in Gorsley. It was noted that felled trees are blocking the footpath through the Quarry and Greenwood Timber would be asked to clear the route. Enquiries would be made as to availability of Community probation team to work on clearing the pathway through the Quarry.
11. Lengthsman
a. Grass Lengthsman – A summary of work undertaken was circulated.
b. Roads Lengthsman – Salt bins were discussed and it was agreed to complete work on identifying location and ownership of each and ensuring appropriate arrangements for filling.
12. Allotments – the Clerk advised that the current lease of plot 15 was keen to take on plot 14 and it was RESOLVED to approve this. No refund would be paid to outgoing lease as the allotments lease provides for an annual fee and vacant plots must be maintained.
13. Risk Assessment & Asset Register – copies of these documents were provided to Councillors for discussion at next meeting.
14. Financial
a. Current Receipts & Payments were noted together with updated budget progress.
b. It was RESOLVED to approve the following : AGP Garden Services, Grass Lengthsman work August – £185.50; Elizabeth Malcolm, Clerk Salary & Expenses -£345.30
15. Chairman’s & Councillors’ submissions – The Clerk was asked to find out if the Local Policing Team had any information or advice to offer on a car fire in Colthars Pitch.
16. Next meeting – Linton Village Hall main hall for meeting on Monday 11th October 2021
There being no further business the meeting ended at 20.58