Ewyas Harold

PARISH COUNCIL -- The June meeting of the Group Parish Council was held in the Memorial Hall with Councillor Mrs E Overstall in the chair. Hereford Councillor J B Williams was present, also one member of the public.

DECLARATION OF INTERESTS -- There were none to declare.

MATTERS FOR REPORT -- Elm Green Road - Footway: An email received from Herefordshire Council advised that the proposed dedication omitted the land across the front of the drive. The parish council would request that this land be included. Cllr J Middle agreed to speak to the owner to resolve this matter.

DESIGN STATEMENT/VILLAGE PLAN -- Cllr Overstall reported that the design statement was now ready for printing and would be passed on to Herefordshire Council for adoption at their July meeting. A statement confirming the adoption would be included in the preface of the document.

CHILDREN'S ROUNDABOUT -- On the advice of Fran White of Herefordshire Council, Cllr R Weaver had invited Mark Burstan to come and inspect the roundabout. Mr Burstan has advised that the total cost of repair could be as high as £1,900 and it was resolved to postpone any further work and immobilise it. The clerk would contact the Trading Standards Institute, concerning the suitability of purpose of the equipment. Cllrs L Rickards and R Weaver would seek the views of families using the equipment as to a suitable replacement for this item of play equipment.

JARROLD'S FOOTPATH SIGN -- The theft of this recently-installed sign had been reported to the police. A replacement sign would be obtained and a meeting held to evaluate its re-instatement and position.

GRANT APPLICATION EHPTFA -- Collr P Jinman was preparing a set of criteria by which to judge all grant applications. In his absence it was decided to make a grant of £25 and leave discussion of the criteria till the next meeting.

INSURANCE COVER APPRAISAL -- Copies of the present policy and schedule were circulated to each councillor. Details of a similar policy had been obtained from Zurich International Insurance. It was resolved to have the pavilion re-valued. The chairman of the Memorial Hall would have that hall re-valued. If it was thought to be beneficial, an insurance quotation that included the hall would be sought. The hall proportion of the premium would be borne by the Memorial Hall Management Committee.

CARS ON RECREATION GROUND -- A letter would be sent to the cricket clubs expressing concern about the safety of very young children and possible damage when cars were driven across the field. At the same time councillors were pleased that cricket was being fostered and young people encouraged to participate.

CHILDREN'S PLAY AREA -- More bark would be ordered when a section of the perimeter fence had been modified to allow for direct trailer access to the site.

CORRESPONDENCE -- Many items were discussed.

MEMORIAL HALL -- Members were notified of an increase in charges for use of the hall and for parish freighter visits. Kentchurch Parish Council would be invited to join in the funding and use of this facility.

LENGTHSMAN SCHEME -- An annual instruction would be issued covering various aspects of the lengthsman's duties so that they could be regarded as ongoing and not requiring repeat instructions.

FINANCIAL REPORT -- The clerk presented a number of items for payment, which were approved. Current balances in the main account and the lengthsman scheme were explained. The statement of accounts was accepted.

PLANNING -- A full application for conversion of Bethal Barn, in Rowlestone parish, into a house, was approved.

BUS SHELTER -- A possible site was discussed. The only reasonable place was thought to be at the roadside of Temple Bar gardens, recessed into the bank. The Clerk would approach the owner of Temple Bar Inn for his views. Cllr Mrs J Addis would investigate various types of shelter available for consideration.

ROAD SIGN -- It was noticed that the School road sign at the junction by the dentist's surgery had been removed. It was decided to ask the clerk to write to Herefordshire Council requesting a replacement sign bearing the words 'Chemist Lane' as well as 'School Lane'.

FOOTPATH -- It was reported that the bottom rung of the stile on path EH4 between Trap House and the field below Callow Wood, had been sawn off. This requires repairing and has been reported to the footpath officer.

ELMDALE HOUSING -- It was noted that no details of the current housing development at Elmdale were available to enable local residents to apply for the properties. The clerk would obtain this information and display it on the parish notice board. The next parish council meeting will be held at the Memorial Hall on Tuesday, July 1.

MEMORIAL HALL -- At the AGM of the hall committee on May 27, Robin Michael resigned as chairman after 13 years. The amount of work he has put in over that period has been enormous and is very much appreciated by the hall committee. Several new members have joined the management team. During the year, new lounge curtains and doors to the lounge, improvements to the stage front, safe access to the loft space and new heaters have been provided with the help of grants from Awards for All. The kitchen is at present being refurbished also with the aid of a grant from the Rural Development Area Small Projects Fund via the Herefordshire Partnership. Members of the community are planning to set up a committee to raise funds for major new projects. A lot of help will be needed. The hall has a number of vacant dates over the coming months and anyone wishing to book it should contact Robert Watts on 01981 240443. The next full meeting is on Tuesday, July 22 at 7.30pm, in the hall lounge. Anyone who would like to join the committee is welcome to attend.