Leckhampstead

1    Apologies for absence – received from Christopher Ball and Alastair Ogilvie.

      No expressions of interest were received.

2   Minutes of the last meeting were approved and signed

3    Matters arising:

      a)   Maintenance work on Grove Pit Common

                 i)    P Harrod had again completed a large area of clearing towards the

                 southern end of the Common with the help of a team of young people

                 ii)   EV had topped the north west corner and was arranging for it to be                          levelled in the parts which were too uneven so that topping would be easier         in future years

                 iii)  As a result of meeting Karen Davies of FWAG an Expression of                              Interest had been submitted to North Wessex Downs AONB Sustainable           Development Fund for further work and hazel planting to be carried out.            This had been successful and the Council was now being asked to submit a              full application for funds.  Agreed to have the application ready for                          discussion with councillors at the May meeting.  DH offered to oversee                              this, which offer was gratefully accepted.

                 Noted that Mr Passmore had put down wood chippings at the entrance                         towards his middle gate. Also that a person was cutting down trees without         permission and not clearing up afterwards.

      b)   Village Website

Web hosting facilities and domain name had been purchased.  The ‘ready to go’ version would be demonstrated at the May meeting with a view to going live after that.  Statistics of use would be provided at each subsequent PC meeting.

4a  Planning Report

      The Chairman reported on applications and decisions since the January meeting. 

4b  Downland Patient Representative Report

      D Hartwell had not been able to obtain latest Minutes.

5   Correspondence:

a)      West Berks Council Core Strategy: proposals and maps for consultation and comments by 9 April

b)      From Leckhampstead PCC with thanks for £300 donation towards upkeep of churchyard

c)      Notification of CCB Annual Conference 8 July, Reading University

d)      From RAF Welford with invitation to attend the Memorial Service on

      31 March, 10.30 for 11 am service

e)      From Mr A Taylor, Hill Green requesting assistance with mowing costs for the coming year.  (Sum already in budget.)

6      Bills for Payment:

          (Cheque 000140 approved previously.)  All approved plus agreement for                        RoSPA inspection and Scofell contract.

7    Appointment of new Clerk

       Resolved to accept the offer of Lesley Pace to be Parish Clerk and to pay expenses.

       The Chairman paid tribute to Angela Sutton’s 31 years as Parish Clerk and presented her with gifts to mark her retirement.

8   Date and time of next meeting was confirmed as Thursday,

       13 May, 7.30 pm.

EV

DH

DF

DH