Minutes of 12 April 2021

Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting
On Monday 12th April 2021
at 19:30
by Video Conference meeting.

Present: Cllr Crumpton (Chairman); Cllr M Bertenshaw; Cllr B Clark; Cllr A Newton; Cllr A Reeves

In attendance: 3 members of public; Parish Clerk Elizabeth Malcolm.

  1. Apologies for absence: Cllr J Gough; Ward Cllr Wilding.
  2. Declarations of interest: None
  3. Co-option of Councillors: None.
  4. Minutes of the Parish Council it was noted that there was an error in the reporting of item 12 for Allotments and the words “Grass lengthsman to be asked if he can look at this” to be removed and following this it was RESOLVED to agree and sign the minutes of the meeting of 8 March 2021 as a true and accurate record, together with the financial reports.
  5. Clerk’s Report – The Clerk submitted a report, which was noted.
  6. Public Submissions
    1. Ward Councillor – Not present
    2. Public – None.
  7. Planning
    1. A schedule of decided applications was circulated and noted.
    2. 201961 Hartleton – Cllr Bertenshaw advised that local residents had obtained legal advice which had been submitted to Herefordshire Council Planning department. Arrangements for representation at any Planning Committee meeting were discussed and it was noted that Ward Cllr Watson, who is representing the Parish on this matter is on holiday for the April meeting. RESOLVED to seek reassurance that the matter would not be on the Planning Committee agenda until she was available.  It was agreed that a draft representation to the Planning Committee be drawn up by Cllr Bertenshaw for discussion by the Councillors.
    3. Neighbourhood Development Plan – it was noted that the plan would be put to referendum on 6 May 2021. It was RESOLVED to approve expenditure up to £200 to prepare leaflets to all households reminding them of their opportunity to vote.
  8. Locality Steward & highways matters –
    1. Reports were noted. No matters arising.
    2. SIDs at Bromsash – placement at North end was confirmed. Cllr Crumpton reported it was operating sporadically and Clerk was asked to report this to Balfour Beatty. The Clerk was asked to investigate procedure to report near-miss incidents.
    3. Gorsley Traffic Calming – the proposal and costings had been received from Balfour Beatty and circulated. It was acknowledged that further work was needed to consider means of financing the proposals and that volunteers were needed to run an active Steering Group to follow-up the matter.  Cllr Reeves undertook to contact interested parties.
    4. B4224 Multi Parish Strategy Group – No further meetings called.
    5. Large vehicles in Steelworks / Burrups Lane– Clerk reported that map of locations for signs had been delivered to Balfour Beatty who have to review the locations and consider legislative requirements.
    6. Shutton Crossroads – Cllr Bertenshaw relayed that reports of vehicles stopping and backing in the lane to make the turning to Motorway had increased. It is suggested that signage is needed.  The mirror erected some time ago is now damaged.  Cllr Bertenshaw is arranging to meet with the Temporary Locality Steward and undertook include this in discussions.
    7. Public Spaces Protection Order for Dog Control – was noted.
  9. Public Rights of Way –
    1. Update -Cllr Newton advised that 3 sets of stiles in very poor state and he is in communication with landowners to arrange replacement.
    2. Hartleton Lakes footpaths – Cllr Newton reported a pack has been prepared by the working group which may be used by those wishing to support by evidencing the use of the routes for over 20 years. These are being distributed.
  10. Lengthsman
    1. Grass Lengthsman – Clerk reported that normal strimming and mowing routine will return in April. Cllr Newton alerted Councillors to the interest of the Climate Group in developing a policy on verge cutting.
    2. Roads Lengthsman – no work requested. Salt bins were discussed and it was agreed to seek a shareable map to identify salt bins in the villages.
  11. Financial
    1. Current Receipts & Payments and budget progress were noted.
    2. The following payments were approved: Welsh Water, Allotments winter water rates £31.27; Elizabeth Malcolm, Clerk Salary & Expenses £339.45 (Salary £330, Mileage £9.45).
  12. Allotments – The Clerk reported that renewal invoices need to be sent out. Ashley Godfrey Porter has proposed work on the west opening gate to make it less tricky, a price awaited. The Clerk advised that it had been reported that some of the perimeter fencing needs replacement.  It was agreed to seek estimates for repairs for consideration later in the year.
  13. Climate Change Working Group – Cllr Newton reported that newsletters will continue with the last covering home insulation.
  14. Chairman’s & Councillors’ submissions – Cllr Crumpton confirmed his decision to stand down form the Council. Cllrs individually and together thanked Cllr Crumpton for his work and dedication to the Parish.
  15. Next meeting – following discussion it was RESOLVED to host the Annual Parish Meeting at 7.00pm on Wednesday 5th May by Zoom video conference. It was further RESOLVED to hold the Annual Parish Council Meeting at 7.30pm on Wednesday 5th May 2021 by Zoom video conference.

There being no further business the meeting ended at 20.53.