DRAFT MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL PARISH COUNCIL MEETING
HELD IN CHEARSLEY VILLAGE HALL
MONDAY APRIL 21st 2010 AT 7.30 P.M.
PRESENT:
Councillors Brown, Edmonds, Mrs Dormer, Miss Gibson, Mrs Timberlake, Smith 22 members of the public, Parish Clerk
CHAIRMAN’S WELCOME
The Chairman, Mr Nic Brown, welcomed those attending the meeting and, at the request of County councillor Michael Edmonds announced agenda was being re-arranged.
APOLOGIES:
District Councillor Smith, Councillor Mrs Towell, Mr Michael Heybrook
MINUTES OF PARISH MEETING OF APRIL 2009
These were approved as a true record
COUNTY AND DISTRICT COUNCILLOR’S REPORT
Councillor Edmonds reported that finance was very tight for both County and District. Grants from the Government were the lowest in the Country for Bucks. Council tax cap led to a 2% increase in council Tax.
Roads. During the worst winter for years the council did not run out of salt, but had to give some to Milton Keynes. Bus and School bus routes were the priority and frost damage to roads has led to ongoing problems with potholes.
There is currently a speed limit review in Area 11 which will be implemented in the summer.
Waste. An incinerator has been planned but the agreed Bedfordshire site could not be uses, so the location is now back at Calvert.
In the District there are also financial constraints, although capital projects including the new theatre are going ahead. There is to be a new conference centre in the town centre development, and the demolition of the Civic Centre will start at the end of the year.
Aylesbury Vale Estates is involved in a joint venture running the commercial property in the town centre with 50% of the profits going to AVDC.
There are plans to build 25000 houses in the next 15 years in the Vale, mainly in Milton Keynes and Aylesbury,
Refuse collection is efficient and timely, but there is no progress as to green waste bins as yet, due to problems finding somewhere to dispose of it.
POLICE REPORT
Sue Jones, CPSO, who works out of Waddesdon with Dean Kingham introduced herself. She reported minimal crime in the area, anti social behaviour being the main problem, together with speeding and vandalism.
There had been complaints about parking in residential roads in Haddenham and graffiti in Long Crendon. Neighbourhood Watch was active but need new recruits and the Neighbourhood Action Group AGM is to be held on April 28th. There had been reports of a nude man on the Baulk and in the Millennium Recreation Ground and these were being investigated.
There have been incidents of lead thefts from houses, and distraction burglaries.
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
The Chairman thanked those present for attending. He thanked the shop and the pub for their presence and appealed for support.
Litter picks had been carried out during the year and the Chairman thanked those who had helped. Cllr Hytten maintains the Village website, which is much appreciated. The snow in the lanes was cleared thanks to a work party arranged by Cllr Ms Gibson.
The Christmas tree and Carols were a great success, thanks to all.
Priority for the coming year is road safety and repairs, Traffic calming measures are usually the result of fatalities, but the Parish council is intent on finding a solution. Grit bins are to be replaced.
There are various other projects in hand including new benches on the Green, replacement of phone box, and Stockwell.
Meetings are held monthly, on the first Monday of the month with the exception of August. Each meeting begins with a public session.
The Chairman then opened the Meeting to the public.
DOG BINS
These have been requested in the past, but there is a cost implication. Some villages have dog walking areas, but it is up to dog owners to pick up the mess.
VILLAGE CAR SERVICE
The Village Car Service reported 39 requests for transport from 11 members of the community. Drivers were thanked. Volunteers are always welcome. The Chairman proposed a vote of thanks to Keith Wright who has taken over from Jock Scholefield.
VILLAGE HALL REPORT
The Kitchen was not finished over Christmas or Easter but will be completed over the summer. The asbestos has been sorted out. The Hall will be totally redecorated once the patio is completed.
Meeting closed 8.45.
