June 2010 Minutes

MIDGHAM PARISH COUNCIL

Minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on Tuesday 29th June 2010 in the Village Hall at 7.30pm.

Present were Mr H Long (Chairman)(HL), Mrs M Rusbridge (MR), Mr D Lombardo (DL), Mr J Goddard, the Clerk Mrs A Spoor and 8 members of the public.

1. Apologies for absence were received from J Carey and I Neill due to other commitments. J Ormrod did not attend.
2. Declarations of interest – Mr Lombardo declared an interest re Play area as he resides next door. It was agreed that Mr Lombardo should participate in the discussion but not be included in any voting..

3. Minutes of the previous meeting held on Tuesday 25th May 2010 were read, approved and signed.
4. Matters arising:
4.1 Fire proof safe for clerk to store valuable records – to be carried forward to next month
4.2 Housing Strategy 2010-2015 – clerk advised that comments received from M Rusbridge and H Long were submitted to WBC
4.3 Town and Emergency Planning: - Clerk advised that the seminar planned for 22 June was cancelled. Discussion to identify and advise WBC of contact numbers in event of an emergency – identified concerns over using ward members already allocated for planning purposes may mean that the councillors may not be aware of who the ‘vulnerable’ people as the area is not their immediate neighbourhood and also that the Councillors may not always be present in the village at a time of emergency. MR suggested that we ask the question of the village – who wants to be involved and that we consider a cascade system to communicate by phone.
Resolved: The Chairman advised that we would like to get a representative from WBC to come to a meeting to talk about the Emergency Planning issues. Item to be added to agenda at future meeting.

5. Risk Assessment Document review – was reviewed and agreed
6. District Councillor’s report - - the District Councillor was not present.

7. Nursery Copse Appeal – MR gave a brief summary of the Inspectors report and was thanked again for attending the Inquiry. The Inspectors decision was that the appeal was dismissed. The Inspector concluded after the 3 day hearing that the Council’s deemed refusal to grant a certificate of lawful use or development in respect of a hard surfaced farmyard was well founded and the appeal should fail. The appeals for costs by both West Berks Council and the appellant were also refused.
The Parish Council are still keen to meet with WBC to discuss the next steps and whether an enforcement notice to dig up the hard standing was to be issued. This would be the 3rd attempt for WBC to issue a notice.
Resolved: Clerk to action the meeting

8. Brimpton Road: Mrs Hutchins from Brimpton Road kindly gave an update on the flooding problems they have experienced – flooded 10 times and in 2007 they had to move out of their houses – insurance premiums are now very high – the ditch which should have been dredged has not been touched for the last 3 years and is now overgrown. A meeting with Jon Winstanley from WBC was held on18 June – attended by HL, Mrs Hutchins, John Barber and Chris Ashfield. Responsibility for the ownership of the ditch was questioned – subsequently this has been identified as Mr Michael Goddard who is away on holiday at present. On his return WBC will contact Mr Goddard and raise the obligation to clear the ditch – if no action a notice will be served to this effect. MR raised the issue that plans do exist to deliberately allow these fields to flood to prevent Thatcham flooding by controlling the canal – the question was raised where responsibility (i.e. financial loss) lies in this eventuality especially as residents would be responsible to pay their personal insurance excess (3.5K)
Resolved: Mrs Hutchins has agreed to act as our warden on flooding issues and she will inform her neighbours. Clerk to investigate issue of potential financial loss if deliberate flooding of this area was considered by WBC.

9. Public Time – Village Hall – see below item
Miss Di HIbberd reported the following:
Noted that Cox’s Lane looks good following its recent resurfacing but the grass on the corner could do with cutting.
Resolved: Clerk to raise with WBC.

A branch has been broken on a tree on Midgham Green –
Resolved: HL will investigate.

The fire hydrant/drain opposite the entrance to Midgham Park has been seen to be leaking regularly. Resolved: Clerk to advise Water board.

10. Village Hall:
10.1 Update from meeting 24 June - a group of volunteers are to form a committee, draw up a business plan looking at entertainments / social events that could make use of the hall and present it to the trustees. The members of this committee attended this meeting to keep the Parish Council aware of developments and to obtain the support from the Council – this was given. Legal entities were clarified as follows: The managing trustees of the village hall are June Dutton, Moira Rusbridge and Ray Disson. The Parish Council is the holding trustee – with the hall owned by the Charities Commission. Resolved: Plan will be drawn up and presented to the trustees in due course.
Scott Hutchins (son of Mrs Heather Hutchins) raised the concern about lack of suitable sporting opportunities in Midgham which necessitated children going to other towns to play sport. Much discussion followed about the previous football pitch.
Resolved DL will find out about the Woolhampton football pitch (beyond the Rowbarge) which was reinstated last year and will report back
10.2 Cleaning of hall – the clerk would like to look at alternative ways to arrange payment for cleaning of the hall
Resolved : Clerk to contact the hall treasurer to arrange and will advise the trustees

11. Clerks’ report: Financial statement: c/a £422.82Cr d/a £17385.38Cr
Bills to be paid £104.00 Gardenmo
£150.00 Citizens Advice Bureau
The councillors present agreed these amounts.

12. Planning:
- Applications 10/01384/FUL The Barn, Old Acre, Bath Road – Section 73. Variation of conditions 8, detailed drainage plan and 9. Soakage tests for reference 08/01877/FULD – No objections
- Decisions 10/00360/CERTP Construction of Pickleball Court - Certificate of Lawfulness granted – the council noted that this application had not been seen by the council when it was submitted.
Resolved: Clerk to investigate.

The following planning application was exceptionally added to the agenda at the meeting as received just prior to the meeting after the agenda was published.

Adjoining parish aplication – 10/01430 Mulberry House, Carbinswood Lane – Erection of proposed pool building. This application stems from a previously refused scheme 09/00124/HOUSE a decision that was subsequently upheld at appeal. The council discussed briefly the application - MR wished to look at previous papers before passing a decision whilst all other councillors were satisfied with the application.

13. Correspondence:
CPRE membership renewal – refused by vote at meeting
Preparing for Emergencies booklet – agreed to re agenda this item when people have received copies
WBC District Parish Conference 19 July – no one wishing to attend

14. Play area:
Decision re equipment request – item deferred to September meeting
Monthly check – all OK

15. Midgham Green:
Reflectors for posts update – DL has obtained these and will install them himself. Invoice to be sent to clerk for reimbursement of costs.

Cutting of the Green/contract for work – Clerk advised that she has been unable to contact ISS Waterers who are contracted to look after the green – emails and calls have been ignored. Clerk to continue to chase & resolve.

Date of next meeting 20 July 2010 – brought forward to 3rd Tuesday of month in view of holiday commitments

April 2010 Annual Village Meeting Minutes

MIDGHAM ANNUAL PARISH MEETING
Minutes for the meeting held in the village hall on Tuesday 27st April 2010 at 7.30 p.m.
The meeting was chaired by Mr H Long, Chairman of the Parish Council, and the minutes were taken by Mrs A Spoor(parish clerk). The meeting was attended by four further Parish Councillors - Mrs M Rusbridge, Mr D Lombardo, Mr J Ormrod & Mr J Goddard, the District Councillor- Mrs Irene Neill, PC Jason Murphy, Alison Prudden and 22 members of the public.
Apologies were received from Mr J Carey and also from the Reverend Des Foote.
The chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting and the minutes of the Annual Meeting for 2009 were approved and signed.
Chairman’s report – The Chairman welcomed everyone and noted the excellent turnout. Mr Long explained how the parish is divided into wards in respect of planning applications, each with a nominated councillor who will seek comments from the applicant and neighbours. Applications are then considered at the next Parish Council meeting before being returned to West Berkshire Council who retain the final decision.
Mr Long reported that flooding has not been an issue again and that Mrs Hutchins has kindly agreed to act as a point of contact in respect of flooding matters. The snow/ice in the severe winter did however present problems and special thanks were given to Mr Inwood and others who helped rescue people in the difficult conditions. The parish council propose holding a special meeting with representation from West Berks council later in the year to address this issue – this will be advertised and villagers will be invited to attend.
Mr Long concluded by offering his thanks to the individual councillors for their continued hard work, to Mrs Berry for her services to the council as clerk and wished her well in her move and also welcomed Mrs Spoor as the new clerk. Thanks were also acknowledged to all who helped with the monthly parish magazine for their ongoing support.
Mrs Rusbridge gave a short update on the Village Hall and added that a meeting of the Village Trustees was being held in May to which the public are invited.
District Councillor’s report - Irene Neill presented her report, a copy of which is attached to these minutes.
PC Jason Murphy Neighbourhood Specialist Officer, Thames Valley Police covering Midgham spoke about the neighbourhood team. Midgham is one of 12 parishes they cover with Sarah Preston regularly visiting the parish. Midgham has the lowest recorded number of offences in the area. He reminded residents to be aware of and report any suspicious goings on – they rely on public feedback. He is hoping to organise a crime reduction evening in the near future, but also offered personal visits to residents with concerns.
Alison Prudden from West Berkshire Adult & Community Learning team is keen to increase the level of community learning as this has significantly reduced over the past years and explained how the West Berkshire Adult Learning team would like to work with Midgham as a community. She promoted the laptop service where a mobile learning unit could provide internet access, word, photoshop or powerpoint courses at beginner or advanced level. Other community courses to consider include yoga, history, languages, gardening etc which can be organised evenings, daytime or even Saturdays to suit. Free taster sessions and assistance in setting up courses were offered by Alison. Six of the audience showed an interest with one person volunteering to make contact with Alison direct. The Adult and Community Learning team can be contacted on 01635 519060 or Alison’s direct line is 01635 519025.
Public time - Two questions were raised which will be taken to the next Parish Council meeting for consideration. These were:
- Mrs Sheila Porteous asked the council to consider installing play equipment in the play area on Birds Lane
- Mr M Inwood asked if there was progress regarding the opening to the wood below his property and the consequent risk of trespass.
Additionally a comment was made about parking at the village hall – it was explained that previous investigations show this as price prohibitive.
Any other business - There was none.
Finally the Chairman thanked Irene Neil, our two visiting speakers and members of the village for attending the meeting. The meeting closed at 8.45 pm and refreshments were served.

March 2010 Minutes

MIDGHAM PARISH COUNCIL

Minutes of the meeting held in the Village Hall on Tuesday 23rd March 2010 at 7.30 p.m.

Present were Mr H Long (Chairman), Mrs M Rusbridge, Mr J Goddard, Mr D Lombardo, Mr J Carey, Mr J Ormrod, the Clerk Mrs A Spoor, Mrs E Berry (retiring Clerk) and one member of the public.

Apologies for absence were received from Mrs I Neill (District Cllr).

Declarations of interest: there were none.

Minutes: The minutes of the previous meeting held on 23rd February 2010 were read, approved and signed.

Matters arising: No matters arising - Nursery Copse discussed under District Councillors report.

Public Time: No issues raised.

Village Hall

Cleaning – Mrs Gravil has continued cleaning the hall and has left an invoice but omitted the number of hours worked. Clerk will contact her to ascertain how long she worked.
Electrical Work – Electrician has completed the requested work including PAT checks. Invoiced £434.81 Retesting due March 2011.
Committee – Mr Lombardo is still trying to gain support to re-establish a committee. Mrs Rusbridge advised that a meeting of the Village Hall Trustees would take place this week 25th March. Wendy Dacey of the Community Buildings Advice Scheme (see below) is attending to offer advice. Mrs Rusbridge will report back.
Mrs Berry raised issue that her husband Mr M Berry (MB) is acting treasurer undertaking all administration work and a replacement is urgently require as MB is leaving the area – item to be discussed at Thursdays’ meeting and Mrs Rusbridge will report back. The Parish Council recognised and noted its gratitude for Mr Berry’s valuable contributions.
Community Buildings Advice Scheme – our membership of the scheme is up for renewal £150. Again Mrs Rusbridge will discuss at Thursdays meeting and advise the clerk of the decision of whether to renew.
Loan of crockery – it was agreed that village hall crockery should not be hired out as replacing items is difficult. Mr Lombardo to notify recent interested individual.

Midgham Green:
Reflectors - Mr Lombardo still investigating reflectors for the posts. Mrs Rusbridge provided details of a potentially cheaper source. It was felt that possibly 7 would suffice, 3 on corner, 2 on parking are and 2 between.

Tree trimming – Steve Sawyer advised of intent to have trees trimmed to the edge of his property. Confirmation from Mr Lombardo that no preservation orders in existence. It was agreed that Mr Sawyer can proceed ensuring the branches in question are trimmed to the base of the limbs. Clerk to advise Mr Sawyer.
Leaf collection - Mrs Rusbridge noted that the annual contracted leaf clearing on Midgham Green hasn’t been done (ISS have contract). Clerk to action.

District Councillor’s Report – In Mrs Neill’s absence Mrs Rusbridge reported on
Nursery Copse – WBC have pre-warned that a public enquiry will be held on 18 May (official notice will be issued) regarding the certificate of lawful use. Mrs Rusbridge believes that the parish council do not need to be involved at this stage as it is likely to be a purely legal matter. Item will be carried forward to monitor progress.
Mr Ormrod raised concerns that the runoff from drains from Nursery Copse are a strange colour looking distinctly chemical.

Clerks Report and Financial Review

Financial Statement: c/a £456.54 d/a £17,815.43

Bills to be paid:
Parish Clerk quarterly remuneration and reimbursements £361.53 & £198.24.
BALC Subscription £51.22
Mrs Rusbridge – reimbursement for plants purchased £86.36
The councillors present agreed these amounts.

Date for annual village meeting to be next meeting 27 April with a short parish council meeting at 7pm. Members of the public invited from 7.30pm. Refreshments to be provided. Each councillor to send the chairman a brief paragraph with items for the Chairman’s report. It was felt that the councillors should sit at the front to field questions rather than in the audience. Sarah Preston (Community police) & Community laptop project to present.

Planning Applications –
10/00388/HOUSE Rowlands Copse – Adjacent Parish – No objections
10/00322/HOUSE Highcroft Kennels – Two storey extension – Mrs Rusbridge to investigate thoroughly as there was concern over the percentage increase of the development in line with countryside regs especially as the recent building that was granted met resistance in the planning stages. Also noted that the plans were misleading as not all plans show the recent addition to the property.

Correspondence: CCB Affordable Homes Project
Community Policing Awards 2010 – propose Sarah Preston
West Berks Proposed submission core strategy documents – further info available online
District Parish Conference Questionnaire – completed. Clerk to return.

Play Area – Mr Lombardo reported that grass and hedges have been cut including around the bench. No problems to report.

There being no other business the meeting closed at 9.00 p.m.
Date of next meeting – 27th April 2010 at 7.00pm.

May 2010 Minutes

MIDGHAM PARISH COUNCIL

Minutes of the meeting held in the Village Hall, Tuesday 25th May 2010 at 7.30 p.m.

Present were Mr H Long (Chairman), Mrs M Rusbridge, Mr D Lombardo, Mr J Goddard, the Clerk Mrs A Spoor and 1 member of the public.

1. Election of Chairman – Mr Hanslip Long was duly re-elected as chairman. Proposed by Mrs Rusbridge, seconded by Mr Lombardo. Declaration of Acceptance of Office was signed.

2. Resignations – there were none.

3. Apologies for absence were received from Mr Jeffrey Carey who is away on business and Mrs I Neill who had another meeting. Mr J Ormrod did not attend.

4. Declarations of interest – Mr Lombardo declared an interest re Play area as he resides next door. It was agreed that Mr Lombardo should participate in the discussion but not be included in any voting.

5. Minutes of the previous meeting held on Tuesday 27th April 2010 were read, approved and signed. Correction noted to Correspondence – ‘Rowlands’ Copse should read ‘Nursery’ Copse.

6. Matters arising:
- Parish Council meeting – there were none
- Annual Village Meeting: i) matter re opening to wood below M Inwood’s property is being dealt with following consultation with Mr Lovell. Delay due to ill health – Mr Inwood is aware that matter is being resolved.
ii) Play equipment c/f to agenda item 15
iii) Emergency Planning – c/f to agenda item 11

7. Annual Accounts for 2009/ 2010 were presented by the clerk, agreed by the councillors present and signed by the chairman and the clerk. It was agreed that as the new clerk had taken over prior to preparation of the internal audit it was acceptable for Mr M Berry the previous clerk’s husband to undertake the audit. It was also agreed to add item to next agenda re keeping valuable documents in a fireproof safe.

8. District Councillor’s report - the District Councillor was not present.

Mrs Rusbridge gave a brief update of the Nursery Copse Inquiry having attended it on behalf of the parish council. The Chairman thanked Mrs Rusbridge for the considerable amount of time she has given in support of this case and apologised for the lack of support from other councillors. Mrs Rusbridge highlighted that the time given had been to the detriment of her personal work commitments and she was concerned that she may be the sole person with the knowledge. Two members of the public also attended.

The Inquiry took place over 3 days after being adjourned on day one due to illness.
Given the complex history of the site, WBC was represented by a Barrister. The Inquiry covered the entire history of Nursery Copse concentrating on the applicant, Mr Rogers’ use of the land. Conclusions of the case will be available when the Inspector will pass his ruling – this report should be available end June/early July. It was useful to have Parish Council representation.

Mrs Rusbridge recommends that a meeting with the head of planning or appropriate legal person is planned in response to the results of the Inquiry. Mr Lombardo and Mrs Rusbridge would hope to attend this meeting.

Resolved: Clerk to establish when results would be available and to organise a meeting.


9. Public Time – Miss Di Hibberd (the member of the public present):
- noted and thanked that the Woolhampton side of Church Hill had been strimmed and cut
- thanked Mrs Rusbridge for her continued commitment to the Nursery Copse case on behalf of the village.
Mrs Rusbridge thanked Miss Hibberd for weeding the corner of Birds Lane.


10. Village Hall:
Cleaning of hall – Mrs Gravil is still cleaning the hall. It was noted that Mrs Gravil may need a safety briefing. Mrs Rusbridge will look into the forthcoming Fire course.
Resolved: Clerk to make contact with Mrs Gravil and make arrangements to brief her.

Update following Village Hall AGM: Mrs Rusbridge advised that 5 members of the public attended the public meeting. The trustees discussed the options for the hall 1) make more use of it 2) transfer it the Parish Council 3) continue as present until money runs out the shut the door. The 5 people present favoured the hall’s continued use and made various suggestions on how the hall could potentially be used and were keen to meet again. The next meeting of the trustees is 24 June 2010. Mr Long apologised for not being able to attend due to other commitments.

Village Hall committee – Mike Berry has agreed to be acting treasurer until a replacement is found.

11. Town and Emergency Planning: – The Seminar 22 June clashes with next PC meeting. Mr Long will contact WBC to see if it is important to attend the seminar but the concern was raised that if the Parish Council was not represented we compromise our right to complain. If attendance is required the June meeting could be delayed by a week. Various options of who could be the contact points in the case of an emergency were discussed and the question raised to identify who are the vulnerable residents.

It was noted that the salt bin on Midgham Green was still there whilst others had been collected.

Resolved: The date of the next meeting is to be determined following the Chairman’s contact with Carolyn Murison re the Emergency Planning meeting.
Matter to be carried forward to next month following the seminar.
Clerk to contact WBC re salt bin.

12. Clerks’ report: Financial statement: c/a £657.80 Cr d/a £17836.07 0Cr
Bills to be paid: £84.00 Gardenmo
£374.71 Parish Council Insurance
£50.00 Internal Auditor
£180.00 Village Hall
The councillors present agreed these amounts.

13. Planning:

- Applications – None

- Decisions

- 10/00322/HOUSE Highcroft Kennels – Two storey extension - Conditional Approval
- 10/00388/HOUSE Rowlands Copse (Adjacent Parish) – Approved
- 10/00420/HOUSE Plum Cottage -new double garage, store and log store with home office above – Refused. The Chairman has spoken with the applicant Mrs Percy.

14. Correspondence: West Berks Citizens Advice Bureau – grant of £150 agreed by all councillors present
The Housing Strategy 2010-2015 – consultation document had been mislaid. Clerk to obtain a new copy and circulate for comments to be returned by 4 June.
Broadband provision WBC event 1 July Newbury 6.30pm – no interest in attending
Allotment briefing Woolhampton 10 June – no one is able to attend. Clerk will endeavour to obtain any output from the meeting.
Bucklebury Community questionnaire – clerk to liaise with Bucklebury clerk to try and obtain copy of the findings.

15. Play area i) Re request for play equipment on play area – It was noted that the PC had looked at this issue previously and had not pursued it. Concerns raised - is a small hamlet big enough to sustain play equipment and do we have the manpower to support it.
Resolved: agenda the item again next month when hopefully more councillors will be present to agree way forward.
ii) Inspection report – all OK

Mrs Rusbridge had to leave the meeting at 9.23pm

16. Midgham Green: No progress re reflectors for post. Mr Lombardo will pursue.


There being no other business the meeting closed at 9.25 p.m.

Date of next meeting – 29 June 2010 at 7.30pm – delayed by one week because of clash with Town and Emergency Planning meeting.

April 2010 Minutes

MIDGHAM PARISH COUNCIL

Minutes of the meeting held in the Village Hall on Tuesday 27th April 2010 at 7.00 p.m.

This was a short meeting with limited agenda to deal only with matters that could not be deferred until May, in order to allow more time for the annual parish meeting which followed.

Present were Mr H Long (Chairman), Mrs M Rusbridge, Mr D Lombardo, Mr J Ormrod, the Clerk Mrs A Spoor and 16 members of the public.

Apologies for absence were received from Mr Jeffrey Carey and Mr J Goddard.

Declarations of interest: There were none.

Minutes: Previous minutes of meeting 23rd March 2010 were read, approved and signed.

Matters arising: No matters arising. Village Hall update discussed at later meeting.

Clerks Report and Financial Review

Financial Statement: c/a £359.93 d/a £17,215.43

Bills to be paid:
OALC - Parish Clerk finance training £52.88
Gardenmo - £77.00
Community Buildings Advice Service subscription £150.00 (council agreed to retain this service and renew the annual subscription)
The councillors present agreed these amounts.

Planning Applications –
10/00322/HOUSE Highcroft Kennels – Two storey extension – Mrs Rusbridge further investigated the concerns over the percentage increase of the development in light of previous resistance and reported these comments to WBC. Also noted that the plans were misleading as not all plans show the recent addition to the property.
10/00420/HOUSE Plum Cottage – Garage, store & home office. Support given subject to specific comments concerning space for parking not obstructing the public right of way, the site remains part of the curtilage of the property, construction vehicles do not damage the green & proposed height is not exceeded.

Correspondence
Councillors were advised that the Nursery Copse Inquiry is to be held at 10am Tuesday 18 May at Council Offices Newbury.
The clerk advised that the Village Hall would be used as the polling station on election day Thursday 6 May.
District Parish Conference 27 May - advised change of format to training session. Mrs Rusbridge recommended the course and noted that it is also relevant for clerks.

There being no other business the meeting closed at 7.25 p.m.

Date of next meeting – Tuesday 25th May 2010 at 7.30pm.

February 2010 Minutes

MIDGHAM PARISH COUNCIL

Minutes of the meeting held in the Village Hall on Tuesday February 23rd 2010 at 7.30 p.m.

Present were Mr H Long (Chairman), Mrs M Rusbridge, Mr J Goddard, Mr D Lombardo, the Clerk Mrs E Berry, Mrs I Neill (district Cllr), Mrs A Spoor (new clerk) and three members of the public.

Apologies for absence were received from Mr J Carey.

Declarations of interest: there were none.

Minutes: The minutes of the previous meeting held on 26th January 2010 were read approved and signed.

Matters arising:

Mrs Berry introduced the new Clerk, Mrs Angela Spoor, who will be taking over the post by the end of March.
Mr Long announced that Mrs Hutchins from Brimpton Road has agreed to take on the role of flood warden.
Salt Bins – 2 new bins have been purchased. Clerk to liaise with WBC and Mr Inwood about their positioning.
Drain on Church Hill has been cleared by West Berks.

Public Time

Query raised about a further salt bin for New Road Hill. Chairman said this would be looked in to.

Village Hall

Cleaning – Mrs Gravil has commenced cleaning and is invoicing monthly as agreed.
Electrical Work –Electrician has completed the first phase of the work, including the new switches and testing of the heating.
Further quotes were discussed regarding safety checks and PAT checks on the small electrical equipment. Agreed to have the work done and ask re PAT checks also.
Committee Derek agreed to approach the 4 people who have expressed an interest in helping with the committee. Clerk to approach Mrs Dutton re taking over the treasurers position.





Midgham Green
Posts have now been installed on the green. Mr Lombardo to investigate reflectors for the posts.

Reassignment of planning Areas

Agreed that Hanslip will be responsible for Area 4 (Midgham Green to Button Court Farm), and Jeffrey for Area 6 (Birds Lane and West Lodge to Hambledown inclusive.)

District Councillor’s Report – Mrs Neill reported on WBC grit stocks and their management during the recent severe weather conditions. There will be a scrutiny of the management of the stocks and a review of salt bins and snow plough procedures.
Parish Council noted their thanks to Michael Inwood who helped a number of residents during the heavy snow employing his tractor to good use.
Nursery Copse – WBC has been holding various discussions with legal representatives and is moving towards a new enforcement notice.
Council Tax is likely to rise by 1.9% next year.

Clerks Report and Financial Review

Financial Statement: c/a £147.73 d/a £19,315.43

Bills to be paid: Parish Clerk quarterly remuneration and reimbursements £835.88
OALC Training for new clerk and councillor £158.62
The councillors present agreed these amounts.

Planning

There were no applications or decisions this month.

Correspondence:

WBC Speed Limit Review – discussed. Cllrs did not feel the need to attend the review.
WBC District Parish Conference 17th March
CCB Community Planning Conference 6th March
Buckingham Palace Garden Party – Nominated Mr J Goddard.


Play Area – Mr Lombardo reported that there are no problems.

There being no other business the meeting closed at 8.50 p.m.

Date of next meeting – 23rd March 2010 at 7.30pm.

January 2010 Minutes

MIDGHAM PARISH COUNCIL

Minutes of the meeting held in the Village Hall on Tuesday January 26th 2010 at 7.30 p.m.

Present were Mr H Long (Chairman), Mrs M Rusbridge, Mr J Goddard, Mr D Lombardo, Mr J Carey, the Clerk Mrs E Berry, and four members of the public.

Apologies for absence were received from Mr J Ormrod.

Declarations of interest: there were none.

Minutes: The minutes of the previous meeting held on 24th November 2009 were read approved and signed.

Matters arising:

The Chairman discussed problems following recent heavy snowfall, and some flooding. He reported that two residents are considering taking up the post of flood warden, both of them live in Midgham marsh being the most affected area. The warden would liaise with WBC.
Councillors noted that there are currently 2 salt bins, one on the A4 and one near the church. Agreed to purchase two further bins – one for Windmill Rd/School Hill and one for Midgham Green.

Parish Clerk Vacancy – adverts have been placed in 3 parish magazines and will also be placed with NALC and in the Newbury Weekly News as the only candidate for the post has now withdrawn.

Public Time

Two drains in Church Hill are blocked – clerk to report to WBC.

Village Hall

Cleaning – Mr Lombardo will liaise with Mrs Gravil to arrange for cleaning to be carried out. Payments to be made at no more than £30 per month.
Electrical Work – quotes were discussed and councillors agreed to instruct Thorne Electrical to carry out the work. Proposed H Long, Seconded M Rusbridge.
Accounts – discussed and signed. Noted that the Village Hall is running at a deficit as costs exceed revenue. Trustees to be asked to assess the situation and report to Parish Council. Councillors also to consider the future of the hall and discuss at the next meeting.


Midgham Green

Councillors agreed a document for issue to Midgham Green residents.
Mr Lombardo will contact Mike Inwood to arrange for the new posts to be fitted.
Clerk will order new notices.

District Councillor’s Report – District Councillor not present.

Budget & Expenditure – Precept 2010/2011

Councillors discussed the budget document and agreed a precept of £2000 for 2010/11. Proposed H Long, Seconded J Carey.

Clerks Report and Financial Review

Financial Statement: c/a £148.34 d/a £19,915.43

Bills to be paid: Odin Manners £601.39
The councillors present agreed this amount.

Mr Carey agreed to become a second signatory for the parish account.

Planning

New applications: 09/02266/FUL Bailiffs House – no objections.
Decisions: 09/01151/FUL Nightfreight Ltd. Conditional Approval
09/02238/HOUSE Glencot – Conditional Approval
09/02266/FUL Bailiffs House – Approved
09/02297/LBC 43 Bird’s Lane - Approved

Correspondence:
Pang, Kennet & Lambourne Valleys Countryside Project – councillors decided not to make a donation as Midgham Parish not directly involved in this project.
Letter of thanks from St Matthew’s PCC.
WBC District Parish Conference dates – next event 17 March 2010.
Birds of Berkshire Atlas – councillors decided not to make a donation.
Thames Valley Police Conference on Rural Crime – Hanslip will attend.
JSPU Withdrawal of Berks Minerals & Waste Core Strategy – clerk to query this.
West Berks Heritage Forum AGM 9th March 2010.
West Berks Restorative Justice – agreed to ask them to take over cleaning of bus shelters.

Play Area – Mr Lombardo reported that there are no problems except that the bushes around the bench need to be cut back.

There being no other business the meeting closed at 9.10 p.m.

Date of next meeting – 23rd February 2010 at 7.30pm.

New Parish Clerk

NEW PARISH CLERK – ANGELA SPOOR

Welcome to Midgham Parish Council’s new Clerk, Angela Spoor.
Angela will be making her first official appearance at the Parish Council meeting on Tuesday 23 March which is being held in the village hall.
Angela has lived in nearby Aldermaston Wharf for 15 yrs and is a member of Willink Parent Teacher Association and takes an active involvement in local community issues. She is looking forward to meeting as many locals as possible at the Annual Village Meeting on April 27th.

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November 2009 Minutes

MIDGHAM PARISH COUNCIL


Minutes of the meeting held in the Village Hall on Tuesday November 24th 2009 at 7.30 p.m.

Present were Mr H Long (Chairman), Mr J Goddard, Mr D Lombardo, Mr J Ormrod, Mrs I Neill, District Councillor, the Clerk Mrs. E Berry, and five members of the public.
Mrs M Rusbridge joined the meeting at 8.30pm following another commitment.

Apologies for absence there were none.

Declarations of interest: there were none.

The Chairman introduced Mr Jeffrey Carey and explained that he has responded to the notices regarding the councillor vacancy. Mr Carey spoke briefly about his interests, business and family in Midgham. Mr Long proposed that he be co-opted onto the council and Mr Ormrod seconded. Mr Carey was unanimously elected onto the parish council.

Minutes: The minutes of the previous meeting held on 20th October 2009 were read approved and signed.

Matters arising:

Village Hall cleaning – Mrs Gravil has made contact about cleaning the hall. Mr Lombardo will contact her to discuss further. Clerk to obtain another quote for electrical work needed.

District Councillor’s Report – Mrs Neill reported that the new cinema is now open in Newbury. She also mentioned that pupil behaviour has improved and exclusions have reduced significantly.
Nursery Copse:- Mrs Neill thought that West Berks will be resubmitting the enforcement notice after making the amendments sought by the planning inspector but no decision has yet been made. Mr Long repeated that a number of local residents have commented that their own planning applications have been dealt with more vigorously than this one, which has caused a lot of ill feeling towards West Berks. He also asked Mrs Neill to check when the time limitations are likely to expire.

Public Time

No points raised this evening.

Midgham Green

The councillors have had a preliminary meeting and a further meeting with Midgham Green residents is scheduled for Saturday 28th November.

Clerks Report and Financial Review

Financial Statement: c/a £380.97 d/a £20,598.92
Bills to be paid: Gardenmo £58.00
Clerks Remuneration & Reimbursements £626.36
Midgham PCC £250
The councillors present agreed these amounts.

Planning
New applications:
09/02238/HOUSE Glencot, New Road Hill. Councillors discussed the application and have no objections.
09/02263/MINMAJ Land at Colthrop Business Park, Colthrop Lane. (adj parish) Councillors discussed this request for relaxation of various conditions and were uneasy with the removal of these complex conditions but felt they must be guided by the planning officer.
Decisions:- 09/01709/FULD Siting of mobile home – Refused
Appeal:- Vista, Birds Lane. Detached garage. Councillors discussed the appeal and heard representations from the owner and a neighbour and agreed to meet on site on 28th November.

Correspondence:
CCB Invitation to link parish website with CCB – councillors agreed to do this.
WBC Schools Admissions policy – to be circulated.
WBC Winter Service & Adverse weather plan – to be circulated.
WBC Proposed Highway Safety Improvements to Midgham Railway Bridge.
Councillors discussed the two proposals and voted to chose option 2 whereby the 2 way traffic flow would be maintained on the bridge and traffic lights would not therefore be needed.

Play Area – Mr Lombardo reported that there are no problems.

One candidate has enquired about the parish clerk post. She will be invited to the next meeting.

There being no other business the meeting closed at 9.20 p.m.

Date of next meeting – 26th January 2010 at 7.30pm.

PARISH CLERK VACANCY

MIDGHAM PARISH COUNCIL VACANCY FOR CLERK TO THE PARISH COUNCIL

Due to the retirement of the current Clerk, a vacancy has arisen for a new Clerk from 1st March 2010.
Working from home, the hours are nominally 4 hours a week. Pay in accordance with the NALC pay scale.
For more information contact:Elizabeth Berry 971 4626 elizabeth@midghamparish.co.uk

Appeal for help with research

HISTORY OF LOCAL TRANSPORT RESEARCH




Do you have any photos of local buses, charabancs or coaches of the 1920’s and
1930’s, including outings?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I am seeking these to aid my research into local bus and coach operators for a forthcoming book.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
If you have any such photos please send them and I will return them promptly after copying.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Please send to: Paul Lacey
17 Sparrow Close, Woosehill, Wokingham,
Berkshire, RG41 3HT or call 0118 979 4097
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

October 2009 Minutes

MIDGHAM PARISH COUNCIL



Minutes of the meeting held in the Village Hall on Tuesday October 20th 2009 at 7.30 p.m.

Present were Mr H Long (Chairman), Mr J Goddard, Mr D Lombardo, Mrs M Rusbridge, the Clerk Mrs. E Berry, and one member of the public.

Apologies for absence apologies were received from Mr Ormrod and Mrs Neill.

Declarations of interest: there were none.

Minutes: The minutes of the previous meeting held on 22nd September 2009 were read approved and signed.

Matters arising:

Hedges in School Lane – still not cut – clerk will contact WBC again as they had said they would trim them.
Village Hall – quote received from an electrician for work to a heater and the emergency lighting. Derek volunteered to get more information from the electrician before a decision is made.
Volunteers – wording for the leaflet was agreed and clerk will let councillors have enough copies to issue in their respective areas.
John – Bath Road & Brimpton Road
Derek – Birds Lane & Goddard Drive
Moira – School Lane, Midgham Green & Midgham Park
Hanslip – New Road Hill

Mrs Rusbridge reported on the District Parish Meeting that she had attended, where there had been a presentation on registers of interest and declarations of interest by councillors.

Public Time

No points raised this evening.

Midgham Green

There was a discussion on the need to reinstate the path edges and it was agreed that councillors will meet on the green on Saturday 24th Oct at 10.30 to inspect recent repairs to potholes, and to decide the next action to take. Dr Powell has advised that some of the damage is from a soak away from Toad Hall.

District Councillor’s Report – Mrs Neill was not present.
Budget & Expenditure Review Budget document was circulated and councillors noted the balances. They noted that there may still be future costs in relation to the village hall, but that they may wish to use the reserves to reduce the precept for the following year.

Clerks’ report: Financial statement: c/a £468.10 d/a £20,598.92

Bills to be paid: £88.00 Gardenmo
The councillors present approved this amount for payment.

Mrs Neill joined the meeting at this point.
Planning Applications
Decision
09/01532/HOUSE Hall Court Farm – Allowed.
Applications
09/01709/FULD Nursery Copse – objections have already been sent to WBC. And the district councillor will call the case in for committee if the application is allowed.
West Berks Council is considering the response to the appeal which the Inspector has declared a nullity.
Clerk to write to WBC to express the parish council’s views.
Mrs Neill noted that the Barrister acting on behalf of WBC had particularly thanked the people from the village who attended the appeal to express their interests and concerns.
09/01151/FUL Nightfreight Ltd, Colthrop Lane, Thatcham. Erection of temporary Canopy.
Discussed by councillors who did not object to the application but asked for the lighting to be placed underneath the canopy to minimise light pollution and visual impact and that the colour chosen should also minimise the visual impact during the day time.
Appeal Mulberry House, Carbinswood Lane – will be held on 29th October (adjacent parish)

Correspondence:

Sue Ryder Nettlebed Hospice appeal for funds. Councillors felt unable to support this request but will promote the cause within the village in view of previous fundraising which has been carried out.
BALC A.G.M. 7th November to be held in Grazeley Village Hall.

Play Area – Mr Lombardo reported that there are no problems.

There being no other business the meeting closed at 9.20 p.m.

Date of next meeting – 24th November 2009 at 7.30pm.