Minutes of Upton Warren Parish Council held at the Sailing Centre on Wednesday 30^th July 2008 at 7.30pm.

PRESENT.   Councillors C. Scott (Vice-Chair), Mrs. A. Haywood, C. Poole.

APOLOGIES.   Councillors T. Daly, J. Cartwright, District Councillor Pearce. County Councillor Broomfield.

In the absence of the Chairman the Vice-Chairman presided over the Meeting.

PUBLIC COMMENTS.   The absence of suitable premises in the Parish to hold community functions prompted a resident who was present to put forward the suggestion that the Parish Council consider using the £500 "litter pick" bursary for the purchase of a marquee.  The Council requested further information and agreed to discuss the matter at the next Meeting.

P.C. Tony Carter - Local Beat Officer and Jemma - Community Support Officer introduced themselves and gave a brief presentation.

Speeding through the village was a major issue raised by the Council, a regular Police presence would be helpful.  P.C. Carter drew attention to a new revolutionary marking system for use on property which, if stolen, could be traced to its rightful owner.  Information in Parish Links.

MINUTES.   The Minutes of the Annual General Meeting and Ordinary Meeting held on Monday 19^th May 2008 were approved by the Council and signed by the Vice-Chairman as a true record.

DECLARATION OF INTEREST.

PROGRESS REPORT.

PARKING RESTRICTION - SWAN LANE.   Matter resolved.

LITTER PICK 28^th JUNE 2008.    Special thanks to those residents who accompanied the Clerk on the Litter Pick.  £500 has been received from Wychavon on conclusion of an efficient exercise.

SLUICE GATE.   The Environment Agency confirmed the sluice gate adjacent to the Mill House was functioning efficiently, the problem was beneath the A38 and therefore the responsibility of Worcestershire Highways.

It was agreed to identify blocked ditches in the Parish and take appropriate action funded by the Wychavon £1,000 grant.

BYWATER FARM - REPORT.   Following several Court actions a public enquiry into the appeal will open on 25^th November 2008 at the Committee Rooms, Wychavon District Council, Pershore.

FINANCE.

APPROVAL OF ACCOUNTS.   The Accounts and Annual Return were approved by the Council and signed by the Vice-Chairman and R.F.O.

ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT.   Cheques were drawn in favour of:

Iain Selkirk £80. 00 (Internal Audit).  Worcestershire County Council £10. 00 (Room Hire).  David Miles Gardening Services £336. 00 (Lengthsman - 2 months).  Proposed by Councillor Scott, seconded by Councillor Poole.

£500 received from Wychavon (Litter Pick bursary).

MATTERS FOR ACTION.

STATEMENT ON INTENT.   Statutory Standing Orders were adopted by the Parish Council several years ago, however, with the likelihood of policy changes at Government level it was agreed that an appendix be added in the form of a Statement of Intent - The aim of Upton Warren Parish Council is to serve the people of the Parish by protecting the environment, green belt and conservation area, whilst enabling appropriate development that maintains the rural nature of the Parish.

APPOINTMENT OF TRUSTEES TO ELIZABETH LACEY CHARITY AND SAUNDERS CHARITY.  

LACEY'S CHARITY.   It was proposed by Councillor Haywood and seconded by Councillor Poole that Councillor Scott be appointed a trustee to Lacey's Educational Charity.

SAUNDERS CHARITY.   It was proposed by Councillor Scott and seconded by Councillor Poole that Councillor Haywood be appointed trustee to Saunders Charity.

NO PLANNING APPLICATIONS.

DISTRICT COUNCILLOR AND COUNTY COUNCILLOR ON HOLIDAY.

CORRESPONDENCE.   South Worcestershire Joint Core Strategy - Housing Land Availability.  Assessment.  Report now published and can be viewed on (swjcs.org under publications/swjcs evidence base).  Hard copy is also available.  Enquiries to Andrew Ford, Wychavon District Council. Tel: 01386 565362.

COUNTRYSIDE ACCESS OFFICER            - Mr. G. Sheringham, Worcestershire County Council.  Tel: 01905 768289.

PARISH MATTERS FOR DISCUSSION.   Councillors were uncertain if the room occasionally used for Meetings at the Sailing Centre was compliant with disability requirements.

A dropped kerb was recommended at the entrance to the engineering company premises A38.

Overhanging lay-landi trees at a property in Swan Lane presented a safety issue and required attention.

There being No Further Matters for Discussion the Vice-Chairman closed the Meeting at 8.55pm.

The next Parish Council Meeting will be held at The Sailing Centre on Monday 22^nd September 2008 at 7.30pm.