Parish Councillors Present:
- Stuart Fox (Chairman)
- Elaine Byles (Vice Chairman)
- Bridgette Crundwell
- Peter Greening
- Rob Morgan
Parish Clerk:
- Angela Barnes
Members of the Public:
- No members of the public present
1. APOLOGIES:
Apologies were received from District Councillor Hilary Hibbert-Biles and County Councillor Rodney Rose.
2. ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN AND VICE CHAIRMAN:
Peter Greening proposed that Stuart Fox be re-elected as Chairman, this was seconded unanimously. Stuart Fox proposed that Elaine Byles be re-elected as Vice Chairman, this was seconded by Peter Greening.
2. MINUTES:
The April Minutes were approved, but were not signed and dated as the Minute Book was with the Internal Auditor.
4. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST:
There were no declarations of interest.
6. MATTERS ARISING:
OCC Highways
The Clerk was asked to chase OCC Highways on all outstanding issues as some of these were now considerably overdue.
Pavilion/Sports Club
Stuart Fox reported that the fencing will be started in May.
Village Shop
Nothing to report only a reminder that the AGM will be held on 26 May at the Swan Public House.
2a Shipton Road
Huw Thomas from Thames Water had contacted the Clerk and accepted an invitation to attend the June meeting. The Clerk was asked to organise posters advertising this to the public.
Cornbury Estate
Ongoing
Signal Box
Stuart Fox reported that he had spoken with Moreton-in-Marsh Town Council with regard to their Signal Box. He also confirmed that he had spoken with Network Rail and discussed the future of the Signal Box and the possibility of dismantling and re-erecting it. At this stage Network Rail were not in a position to enter into any negotiations about this. It was discussed and agreed that Stuart Fox would apply for listed building status on the Signal Box.
Sports Field Sign
Elaine Byles gave another contact Essential Signs & Graphics. The Clerk was asked to contact them and ask them to quote for a finger post sign.
Christmas Tree on the Green
A quotation had been received from SEC to provide a power box on the Green, this was agreed and the Clerk was asked to organise the works and to contact Malcolm Cochrane of Shipton Parish Council and enquire about lights for the tree.
Natural History Project
This matter was discussed and it was agreed that Stuart would suggest to Mike and Kathy Pearce that a historical record of gravestones be started. Rob Morgan agreed to start the preparation of this.
8. CONTINGENCY PLAN:
Flooding;
Network Rail had confirmed that work on the bridge will be carried out this year, but further investigation of the foundations is required before the repairs can start. Soil and substrate samples are currently being taken and analysed. There was still works that had not been carried out on the bridge on the Chipping Norton road. Stuart Fox had contacted Gordon Hunt at OCC and then Keith Lead at the Environment Agency, who confirmed that this was the responsiblity of the riparian owners. Lord Rotherwick was contacted and he confirmed that he would instruct a contractor to carry the works out.
Stuart Fox reported he had spoken with Phil Roderick at Network Rail with regard to the Rail Bridge who confirmed that work will be done in conjunction with Environment Agency work in the area. Network Rail did advise that they will need to re-visit all scheduled works and so this will delay the start.
It was discussed and decided that a practice run of the contingency plan was needed. Stuart Fox will set up a time and date and confirmed that Nick Leadbetter will coordinate.
9. PLAY EQUIPMENT:
Peter Greening reported that he had double checked the dimensions and would approach Bidwells, the Landagents again.
10. CORRESPONDENCE:
An envelope enclosing correspondence received had been circulated to all Councillors.
11. PLANNING:
09/0282/P/FP Erection of two storey side and single storey rear extension at Arbourcote House 29 London Lane
Granted
Application for a Music Licence for Ascott Music Festival in July
Ongoing
09/0153/P/FP Erection of Temporary Hoarding 2.45m (retrospective) at 2A Shipton Road
Granted (Hoarding to be painted Burford Green (BS 4800 12 B17) within two months)
AB/08/1757/P/FP Erection of detached dwelling and garage at Land adj 9 High Street, Ascott-under-Wychwood
Appeal to Secretary of State; Appeal Start Date: 23 February 2009
12. FINANCIAL REPORT:
Insurance Renewal; Stuart Fox reported that he had attempted to find alternative quotations, but it would seem there are only two main underwriters who will cover this risk. Ongoing.
Receipts
- VAT refund £562.43
Payments Out
- None.
13. COUNTY COUNCILLORS REPORT:
No Report
14. DISTRICT COUNCILLORS REPORT:
No report.
15. ANY OTHER BUSINESS:
• Peter Greening reported that he had spoken with RH Transport who had agreed to move where the Bus waits elsewhere to alleviate the congestion being experienced at 3pm on weekdays.
• Rob Morgan reported under Item 8 of the April Minutes that this should read a “petrol driven water pump” had been purchased and not a “petrol pump”. Rob also reported on the debris/growth on the road surface of the Chipping Norton bridge.
• Stuart Fox reported that the Tree Surgeon would commence the works and confirmed that the cost to repaint the gates into the Playing Field would be at £100 + materials.
16. PUBLIC QUESTIONS:
There were no public questions.
There being no further business, Stuart Fox closed the meeting at 9.20pm and confirmed the next meeting would be Monday 8 June 2009.