Report of Parish Council Meeting – Tuesday July 1st 2008

Prior to the Meeting Mr K. Jones and Mr P. Betts from SCC gave very helpful advice to farmers about Public Rights of Way on their land.

Group Captain David Prowse spoke about the importance of Pilot Training at RAF Shawbury. It has become necessary to increase the night training to 2.9%, which is annoying for local residents, but essential for the wellbeing of front line troops in Afghanistan and Iraq. Two local residents complained about excessive flying over their properties, and he promised to look into their complaints.

The Website is now up and running.

The post box which was stolen from the Crosses is to be replaced with a new post box on Mill Green, in the next three months.

District Councillors Report – Mr Udale reported that the Chief Executive of NSDC has left, and hasn’t been replaced yet. The Clerk said that she has not had a reply to her letter concerning the Maurice Chandler Sports Centre, and Mr Udale suggested re sending it.

The Boundary Commission has produced an interim Report, which makes few changes to this area. Overall it suggests 74 County Councillors not 75.

County Councillors Report Mr Gillow reported that the Chief Executive of SCC is now working two days a week for the Department of Justice.
He was congratulated on being awarded an OBE.

Memorial Hall – The toilet for the disabled is now completed.

School – Hinstock Hedgehogs is expanding already. Pupils from Childs Ercall School which is to close will be transported to Hinstock School.

Village Initiative – The Summer planting has been completed with the assistance of some new volunteers. The Group is organising a Musical Weekend in November, which will include a Blues Tribute Band.
The Football Pitch is to be reseeded shortly, and it is important that it is not used while the grass is getting established. The gates will be locked and notices will be put up.

The new footpath to the Village Centre has now been resurfaced, but unfortunately some mothers going to the School, walked on the tarmac while it was wet, causing damage.

The Five–a-side football pitch. – there is a small hole within the tarmac surface. This will be repaired shortly under guarantee.

Allotments – The land owned by the Severn Trent is not suitable for allotments, but other sites are being looked at.

Speeding traffic at Lockley Wood is causing concern. SCC will be approached to see if a 40 MPH speed limit can be enforced from Lockley Wood to Wood Lane.

Cycling Ramps – The Parish Council is applying for a grant to build a Cycling Ramp Area on the Recreation Ground.
Councillors would also like to upgrade the equipment on the Play Area.

It was agreed to give financial assistance to the Hinstock Playgroup.

There are Travellers Vans on Goldstone Common. The Clerk will report this to NSDC.