Report of Parish Council Meeting – May 6th 2008

The Parish Plan is now under way, and a steering Committee will soon be formed.

County Councillor Brian Gillow reported that rates are to increase by 4.5%.
The Unitary Council will start on April 1st 2009.
There will only be 75 District Councillors, and Parish boundaries will be changed. The final decision about these changes will be made in October by the Boundaries Commission.

District Councillors Fred Udale and Mick Gould reported that North Shropshire District Council have a large pot of money, and they, together with other District Councillors, are trying to obtain a grant for the Maurice Chandler Sports Centre, who currently get no help from the District Council at all.
Sports people from our Parish use the Centre, and it was agreed to write to North Shropshire District Council supporting this application.

Car Scheme – Mrs Kaye Balchin reported that she and Mrs Kent have had another successful year. They have driven 128 passengers 2244 miles to hospitals etc.
She was thanked for the wonderful service they give to the Parish.

Charities Report – Mr Higgins reported that the two Parish Charities currently hold between £3000.00 and £4000.00 each, in bank accounts.
It has been agreed that these accounts will be amalgamated to form a Parochial Fund, which will be administered by the Parochial Church Council.

Neighbourhood Watch – Mr John Mc Guinness reported that Hinstock has the lowest crime rate in the District.
He urged people to report crime, and to safeguard their property.
He also suggested that the Parish needs to work with children in the Parish to reduce vandalism.

The Recreation Association has now been disbanded, and it was agreed that monies held in banks should be transferred to the Parish Council account, as the Parish Council now pays all bills relating to the Recreation Ground.

Allotments for the Parish – Mr Maybury has collected a list of twelve people who would like an allotment. It was agreed that the Parish Council will look for suitable sites.

Memorial Hall – Mr Lutner reported that the toilet for the disabled will soon be finished.
He also reported that the Hall is being cleaned by volunteers who are doing a wonderful job. Every body agreed that the Hall is looking really good, and he was asked to pass on their thanks.

Street Lighting – Shropshire County Council say that it would be too expensive to change the timing on the street lighting. At present they are all light sensitive, and it would be necessary to install a timer to each column, which would not be practicable

Village web site should soon be up and running.

Litter Pick – the litter pick carried out on March 29th 2008 produced 32 bags of litter.

Officers elected:-