Great Bedwyn - Parish Council

1.Playground. Inspection. The meeting decided to ask RosPa to bring forward the annual inspection. If not possible, we will arrange a post-installation inspection (cost Ł300 plus VAT) even though the contractor has provided a letter confirming compliance with the relevant standards. It was agreed that Ł2000 would be put in a reserve for unspecified additional playground works. The PC provides for maintenance, repairs and insurance of the site as part of the annual budget. Cllr Nicholson is dealing with the residual snag list and balance of the Landfill grant. Some councillors declined to support the planting of trees along the Farm Lane and Castle Road boundaries of the playground on the grounds of additional maintenance and lack of space on the long boundary. It was felt that the proposed trees would not provide useful shade, due to the direction of afternoon sun.

2. Traffic items.

-Farm Lane. The playground exit is very dangerous for children due to the poor visibility in the direction from the school. The PC has written to Highways who will install warning signs. However, the PC considered that these would serve little purpose, as most drivers are already aware of the exit, and will seek a more effective solution, such as limiting access to through traffic.

-The PC will chase a response regarding school signs by the Three Tuns.

3. Allotments

-Flooding in Back lane. The run-off from the field results in the drain in Back Lane being overwhelmed if the grille is blocked with debris. KDC have ordered a new grille and will re-build the chamber "sometime this Summer". Other proposals for mitigating the problem including storage channels at the field edge and both sides of the central channel across the allotments, to slow down the discharge to the Back Lane drain were not resolved. The Parish Steward will be asked to clear the grille as part of his monthly routine.

-The PC will write to tenants of neglected plots, for re-possession.

-Cllr van Haperen advised that there are plots available.

-Tenants are reminded that dogs must be on a lead within the allotments.

4. Insurance.

The success of the playground project (and other works) has inevitably resulted in an increase in the insurance policy. The PC agreed that the clerk should decide whether any items on the schedule could be self-insured, to reduce the premium. This would not affect statutory insurances such as Public Liability. Cllr Durie will investigate alternative insurers before we renew.

5. The PC supported a donation to the Parish News.

Correspondence:

6. Savernake Hospital. The judicial review is proceeding. The request for funding support for Val Compton who has challenged the PCT over closure of the hospital, has met with very good support from individuals, and the Friends of Savernake have pledged to meet any shortfall.

7. KDC consultation re Spatial Options for the Future. This is all about where the 1800 houses the Government require to be built in Kennet will go. There is an easy to use on-line questionnaire at www.kennet.gov.uk All are encouraged to respond, as one of the options is for substantial building in villages such as Gt. Bedwyn.

Planning: JC

Parish Council, no objection: (omitted where approval is listed below):

-Crofton Pumping Station, Renovation of store building.

-15 High St., Treeworks.

Parish Council objection/comment:

-91 Church St., Demolition of brick tiled shed in Back Lane.

KDC Full Planning Approval:

-147 Stokke Common, 2-car garage and woodstore.

-17 High St., Treeworks.

-34 Castle Rd., 2-storey extension.

KDC refusal:

-92 Church St., Work to front elevation.

AOB:

The meeting expressed concern over the uncertainty regarding the future of the Post Office.

M. Goss

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LITTLE BEDWYN PARISH COUNCIL

Note from the Clerk

If any fly tipping is seen or found the number to ring is K.D.C. on 01380 724911 and ask for the Environmental Health Department.

Mrs A Elliott, Clerk to the Parish Council

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