PARISH COUNCIL - The November meeting of Ewyas Harold Group parish Council was held at the Memorial Hall with Councillor Mrs E Overstall in the chair:

VILLAGE SIGN - After discussion with Pontrilas and District Women's Institute, it was agreed that it should be erected with a metal post, not the more expensive one of oak.

SPEED LIMIT - The clerk has written again to the West Mercia Police Authority and to Hereford Council Highways Department asking for a 40mph limit on the A465 road, and for reductions of the speed limit in the village. Ideal traffic survey points would be at Gilbert's Wood and Cherry Tree Close.

CHARITABLE DONATIONS - Councillor P Jinman said he would produce a list of criteria for dealing with such requests at the next meeting.

TRAINING COURSE - Councillors Mrs M Williams and Paul Sheen attended a core training course for councillors at Brockington.

NOTICE BOARD - An order has been placed with Falcon Woodwork to make this notice board.

ROAD SWEEPING - Despite offering a cost to undertake this work, Tom Head Ltd have advised that they do not have a suitable machine. An order has now been placed with HC Commercial Services to do a sweep on November 6.

CRICKET PITCH - The parish council will place an order with Mr Les Dallow to allow cricket club members to spread a load of top soil.

CAR PARK SIGN - It was agreed that this directional sign for cars entering the Recreation Ground, should be placed outside the gate. There would be consultation with the owner of the nearby property, Brook House.

ELMDALE DEVELOPMENT - Hereford Council have been advised by the clerk that the Dale Close was the preferred name after consultation with local residents but the name Oak Brook Close had been published. The clerk would write to Hereford Council asking for this to be changed to Dale Close.

KISSING GATE - It was reported that some people with push chairs were having difficulty in gaining access to the recreation ground via the footpath at the parish church wall .

REPAIRS TO SWINGS - Repairs to the iron supports has now been carried out. Downey Engineering have advised that the remaining four supports need to be repaired.

FINANCIAL REPORT - The clerks report was studied and approved and a number of payments authorised.

PLANNING - An application for extension of the watch-room, at the Fire Station, Ewyas Harold, was approved. An application for single garage and car port at Pwll yr Hunt, Rowleston, was also approved.

PRECEPT 2004/05 - The clerk presented an up-dated proposal sheet for discussion. A precept of £12,756 was agreed for 2004/05.

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS - Councillor R Weaver requested authority to proceed with the purchase and installation of a Christmas Tree with associated lights and illuminations. This was agreed. The next parish council meeting will be on Tuesday, December 2, at 7.30pm, in the Memorial Hall.