Report of Parish Council Meeting – Sept 2nd 2008

Group Captain David Prowse has informed the Parish Council that RAF Shawbury has now got an additional helicopter, a Bell 212, which is noisier than their other helicopters, but essential for training purposes.

Village seat – it was suggested that this could be sited on the bank overlooking the tennis courts and the five-a-side football pitch.

Allotments - to date a suitable site has not been found, but the Council is still looking.

Memorial Hall – The Committee is applying for a large grant to upgrade the Hall, to cover replacement windows, more insulation, and rebuilding the bar area. Plans will be produced and planning permission will be applied for.

Snooker Room – it is possible that the Snooker Club may disband, in which case the Memorial Hall Committee will be responsible for its future.

The litter bin outside the Hall has been set on fire. If it is replaced with another plastic bin the same thing could happen again. A cast iron bin would be very expensive, so it was agreed that quotations for a steel bin will be obtained.

School – An Independent Policy Commission on Primary School Education has requested the views of the Council on the future of Primary Education in Shropshire. Councillors feel that Village Schools are very important to their Communities, and should be preserved. Hinstock is designated as a “Main” Village and is likely to expand. The Parish Council will request that Shropshire C.C. earmark land behind the school for future development, and that this should be put in the Structure Plan.

Village Initiative – The Musical Weekend in November is going ahead, and the proceeds are to be shared between the Memorial Hall and the Church.

The Football Pitch - the grass is growing well and will need cutting soon.

The 5-a-side football pitch – there are problems with access at the moment, but these should be resolved shortly.

The new footpath to the Village Centre - The Parish Council has received requests for lighting the footpath, and the Clerk will obtain quotations.

Neighbourhood Watch – Mr Balchin reported vandalism at the bottom of the Village, and also children shining laser lights at motorists. This has been reported to the police.

There are various potholes and unofficial signs in the Village which will be reported to the Highways Department.
There is also an unauthorised business selling motorbikes on Hatton Road. Councillors consider this to be a. safety hazard for motorists, and this will be reported to Shropshire County Council.