PARISH OF CHURCHILL AND BLAKEDOWN

Minutes of the Annual Parish Meeting held on Wednesday, 16^th April 2008 in Blakedown C of E Primary School

PRESENT 8 Parish Councillors

38 parish residents, including pupils of Blakedown C of E Primary School

R D Gurney, Clerk to Churchill and Blakedown Parish Council

WELCOME

The Chairman of the Parish Council, Cllr Bob Whiston, chaired the meeting. He welcomed those present and thanked Mrs Pritchard, the Head Teacher, for making the school available for the meeting. The Chairman explained that this is an opportunity to hear the views of residents and report of the meeting will be made to the Parish Council for any action to be taken on matters raised.

APOLOGIES

These were received from Cllr Brian Pitt, Sue Gray and Martin Hobson.

PRESENTATIONS

Blakedown C of E Primary School. Mrs Hilary Pritchard, the Head Teacher, explained that the pupils had set up an Eco Committee, of children from Years 4-6, to look at ways that the quality of life at school and in the village could be developed in an eco-friendly way. Already their work has been recognized and the school has received a flag. Six pupils, with slides, took turns to explain the work which has been done, ranging from environmental improvements, such as litter picking, around the school; waste and energy conservation; and travel to school. Concerns with the latter were raised about parking of cars on pavements and the speed of traffic through the village.

The Chairman thanked the children for their enthusiastic and informative presentation and said that he hoped the Parish Council could help the project in some way.

Churchill and Blakedown Parish Plan. Cllr Peter Dearden reported that the Parish Plan for Churchill and Blakedown was started last Summer and there are already 39 in the County. The Parish Plan Group comprises both councilors and non councilors. The idea is for local people to have an influence as to how the village could be improved. One period of consultation has been held and the information received is being collated. There will be further consultation and some events are planned. Offers of help, especially with deliveries, are welcomed. A grant of £1,000 has been given by Defra towards the costs of the Plan. From the Parish Council viewpoint a Parish Plan would help in attaining Quality Parish Status. In response to a question Cllr Dearden said that views of children would be welcomed.

The Chairman thanked the Parish Plan Group for its work.

Blakedown Playground. Jim Brown reminded the Meeting that about 3 years ago the Playground had to be closed for safety reasons, after being in existance for some 30 years it was “worn out”. After a public meeting was held a small committee was established, funding was sought, and the new Playground is now complete. The cost was about £75,000 and grants were obtained from many sources, including the Lottery, Biffa Waste, the Parish Council and the Norman Dawson Trust. There is still some work to be done, such as access paths for disabled, and some on-going maintenance. It is noted that some of the boundary fence has been vandalised.

The Chairman thanked Jim Brown and the committee for their hard work, which had proved to be successful.

MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL MEETING HELD ON 18th APRIL 2007

Copies of the minutes of the 2007 Annual Parish Meeting were circulated at the start of the meeting. That these be approved was proposed by Mr Dearden, seconded by Mr Hall, and agreed. There were no matters arising.

REPORT OF THE CHAIRMAN OF THE PARISH COUNCIL

The Chairman referred to the newsletter which had been delivered to all residences in the Parish, which contained a resume of the work of the Parish Council during the previous year.

EMILY LYTTELTON AND UNITED CHARITIES

Cllr Jim Long, the Parish Council representative on these Charities, told the meeting that these Charities are for helping those people who may need medical attention and/or have some financial difficulties. Small funds are held and only one grant, for £120, was paid out last year. Contact details are available via the Post Office.

OPEN FORUM

Lengthsman/handyman. The Chairman introduced Mark Jones. He explained his role in the two capacities and thanked him for his work during the year.

Walking to School. Mrs Thomas commented on the difficulty in crossing the A.456, particularly at school times. There is need for a crossing and for new signage.

Churchill Lane/Stakenbridge Lane. There continues to be concern about the traffic problems, particularly at the railway bridge. Signing is not appropriate and satnavs still send heavy vehicles along this route. Cllr Mrs Hayward reported that she is already in discussion with the police on these problems.

Litter Picking. Georgina James, age 9, asked whether the Parish Council would be able to help in promoting a Litter Pick in the village. The Chairman said this is an excellent idea which needs to be followed up.

Allotments. Lesley Brown asked whether allotments could be provided in the village. The Clerk responded by stating that the Parish Council must consider providing allotments if requested by a number of parish residents. (subsequently confirmed as 6).

Belbroughton Road/456 junction. Ken Carline drew attention to the difficulty that pedestrians have crossing at this junction. Railings are positioned so that visibility on both roads is not possible at the some time. On the walk to school day the police had to hold up traffic at this junction. Would it be possible for a section of railing to be removed or for a crossing on Belbroughton Road?

Speed limits. There was concern that there is little support from the police with traffic problems and speeding. It was suggested that speed limits should be more realistic, ie, not changing from 60 mph down to 30 mph at one point.

Obstructed footpaths. Mrs Penny reported that some residents have been depositing their hedge clippings on public footpaths. The Clerk commented that Mark Jones has referred to this in his monthly lengthsman report.

The Chairman thanked those who attended and closed the Meeting closed at 8.31 pm.

Dated this day of 2009 ……………………….

Chairman