This blog has moved

This blog is now located at http://news.midgham.com/.
You will be automatically redirected in 30 seconds, or you may click here.

For feed subscribers, please update your feed subscriptions to
http://news.midgham.com/feeds/posts/default.

November 2009 Minutes

MIDGHAM PARISH COUNCIL


Minutes of the meeting held in the Village Hall on Tuesday November 24th 2009 at 7.30 p.m.

Present were Mr H Long (Chairman), Mr J Goddard, Mr D Lombardo, Mr J Ormrod, Mrs I Neill, District Councillor, the Clerk Mrs. E Berry, and five members of the public.
Mrs M Rusbridge joined the meeting at 8.30pm following another commitment.

Apologies for absence there were none.

Declarations of interest: there were none.

The Chairman introduced Mr Jeffrey Carey and explained that he has responded to the notices regarding the councillor vacancy. Mr Carey spoke briefly about his interests, business and family in Midgham. Mr Long proposed that he be co-opted onto the council and Mr Ormrod seconded. Mr Carey was unanimously elected onto the parish council.

Minutes: The minutes of the previous meeting held on 20th October 2009 were read approved and signed.

Matters arising:

Village Hall cleaning – Mrs Gravil has made contact about cleaning the hall. Mr Lombardo will contact her to discuss further. Clerk to obtain another quote for electrical work needed.

District Councillor’s Report – Mrs Neill reported that the new cinema is now open in Newbury. She also mentioned that pupil behaviour has improved and exclusions have reduced significantly.
Nursery Copse:- Mrs Neill thought that West Berks will be resubmitting the enforcement notice after making the amendments sought by the planning inspector but no decision has yet been made. Mr Long repeated that a number of local residents have commented that their own planning applications have been dealt with more vigorously than this one, which has caused a lot of ill feeling towards West Berks. He also asked Mrs Neill to check when the time limitations are likely to expire.

Public Time

No points raised this evening.

Midgham Green

The councillors have had a preliminary meeting and a further meeting with Midgham Green residents is scheduled for Saturday 28th November.

Clerks Report and Financial Review

Financial Statement: c/a £380.97 d/a £20,598.92
Bills to be paid: Gardenmo £58.00
Clerks Remuneration & Reimbursements £626.36
Midgham PCC £250
The councillors present agreed these amounts.

Planning
New applications:
09/02238/HOUSE Glencot, New Road Hill. Councillors discussed the application and have no objections.
09/02263/MINMAJ Land at Colthrop Business Park, Colthrop Lane. (adj parish) Councillors discussed this request for relaxation of various conditions and were uneasy with the removal of these complex conditions but felt they must be guided by the planning officer.
Decisions:- 09/01709/FULD Siting of mobile home – Refused
Appeal:- Vista, Birds Lane. Detached garage. Councillors discussed the appeal and heard representations from the owner and a neighbour and agreed to meet on site on 28th November.

Correspondence:
CCB Invitation to link parish website with CCB – councillors agreed to do this.
WBC Schools Admissions policy – to be circulated.
WBC Winter Service & Adverse weather plan – to be circulated.
WBC Proposed Highway Safety Improvements to Midgham Railway Bridge.
Councillors discussed the two proposals and voted to chose option 2 whereby the 2 way traffic flow would be maintained on the bridge and traffic lights would not therefore be needed.

Play Area – Mr Lombardo reported that there are no problems.

One candidate has enquired about the parish clerk post. She will be invited to the next meeting.

There being no other business the meeting closed at 9.20 p.m.

Date of next meeting – 26th January 2010 at 7.30pm.

PARISH CLERK VACANCY

MIDGHAM PARISH COUNCIL VACANCY FOR CLERK TO THE PARISH COUNCIL

Due to the retirement of the current Clerk, a vacancy has arisen for a new Clerk from 1st March 2010.
Working from home, the hours are nominally 4 hours a week. Pay in accordance with the NALC pay scale.
For more information contact:Elizabeth Berry 971 4626 elizabeth@midghamparish.co.uk

Appeal for help with research

HISTORY OF LOCAL TRANSPORT RESEARCH




Do you have any photos of local buses, charabancs or coaches of the 1920’s and
1930’s, including outings?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I am seeking these to aid my research into local bus and coach operators for a forthcoming book.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
If you have any such photos please send them and I will return them promptly after copying.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Please send to: Paul Lacey
17 Sparrow Close, Woosehill, Wokingham,
Berkshire, RG41 3HT or call 0118 979 4097
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

October 2009 Minutes

MIDGHAM PARISH COUNCIL



Minutes of the meeting held in the Village Hall on Tuesday October 20th 2009 at 7.30 p.m.

Present were Mr H Long (Chairman), Mr J Goddard, Mr D Lombardo, Mrs M Rusbridge, the Clerk Mrs. E Berry, and one member of the public.

Apologies for absence apologies were received from Mr Ormrod and Mrs Neill.

Declarations of interest: there were none.

Minutes: The minutes of the previous meeting held on 22nd September 2009 were read approved and signed.

Matters arising:

Hedges in School Lane – still not cut – clerk will contact WBC again as they had said they would trim them.
Village Hall – quote received from an electrician for work to a heater and the emergency lighting. Derek volunteered to get more information from the electrician before a decision is made.
Volunteers – wording for the leaflet was agreed and clerk will let councillors have enough copies to issue in their respective areas.
John – Bath Road & Brimpton Road
Derek – Birds Lane & Goddard Drive
Moira – School Lane, Midgham Green & Midgham Park
Hanslip – New Road Hill

Mrs Rusbridge reported on the District Parish Meeting that she had attended, where there had been a presentation on registers of interest and declarations of interest by councillors.

Public Time

No points raised this evening.

Midgham Green

There was a discussion on the need to reinstate the path edges and it was agreed that councillors will meet on the green on Saturday 24th Oct at 10.30 to inspect recent repairs to potholes, and to decide the next action to take. Dr Powell has advised that some of the damage is from a soak away from Toad Hall.

District Councillor’s Report – Mrs Neill was not present.
Budget & Expenditure Review Budget document was circulated and councillors noted the balances. They noted that there may still be future costs in relation to the village hall, but that they may wish to use the reserves to reduce the precept for the following year.

Clerks’ report: Financial statement: c/a £468.10 d/a £20,598.92

Bills to be paid: £88.00 Gardenmo
The councillors present approved this amount for payment.

Mrs Neill joined the meeting at this point.
Planning Applications
Decision
09/01532/HOUSE Hall Court Farm – Allowed.
Applications
09/01709/FULD Nursery Copse – objections have already been sent to WBC. And the district councillor will call the case in for committee if the application is allowed.
West Berks Council is considering the response to the appeal which the Inspector has declared a nullity.
Clerk to write to WBC to express the parish council’s views.
Mrs Neill noted that the Barrister acting on behalf of WBC had particularly thanked the people from the village who attended the appeal to express their interests and concerns.
09/01151/FUL Nightfreight Ltd, Colthrop Lane, Thatcham. Erection of temporary Canopy.
Discussed by councillors who did not object to the application but asked for the lighting to be placed underneath the canopy to minimise light pollution and visual impact and that the colour chosen should also minimise the visual impact during the day time.
Appeal Mulberry House, Carbinswood Lane – will be held on 29th October (adjacent parish)

Correspondence:

Sue Ryder Nettlebed Hospice appeal for funds. Councillors felt unable to support this request but will promote the cause within the village in view of previous fundraising which has been carried out.
BALC A.G.M. 7th November to be held in Grazeley Village Hall.

Play Area – Mr Lombardo reported that there are no problems.

There being no other business the meeting closed at 9.20 p.m.

Date of next meeting – 24th November 2009 at 7.30pm.

September 2009 Parish Council Minutes

MIDGHAM PARISH COUNCIL



Minutes of the meeting held in the Village Hall on Tuesday September 22nd 2009 at 7.30 p.m.

Present were Mr J Goddard, Mr D Lombardo, Mr H Long, the Clerk Mrs. E Berry, and two members of the public.

Clerk apologised for bringing the meeting forward by one week.

Election of Chairman Mr H Long agreed to become chairman until such time as someone else comes forward and he was unanimously elected.

Councillor resignation Mr Disson had tended a letter of resignation effective immediately. Mr Long expressed thanks on behalf of the council for his work as a councillor and as a past Chairman. Mr Long will speak to Mr Ormrod to clarify his position.

Apologies for absence apologies were received from Mrs Rusbridge and Mrs Neill.

Declarations of interest: there were none.

Minutes: The minutes of the previous meeting held on 25th August 2009 were read approved and signed.

Matters arising:

Hedges on one side of School Hill have been cut but the other side and by ‘Hambledown’ are still overgrown. Clerk will write to WBC or owners depending on who has responsibility.
Midgham Green – councillors to inspect again before next meeting and discuss further then.
Village Hall – New vacuum has been purchased and Mr Lombardo has cleaned the hall. Mr Long thanked him for his hard work.
Request for volunteers – clerk to reissue draft for further comment.

Public Time

Parish Plan – money to be left in the account until such time as the committee reforms.
Thanks expressed for the hedge cutting on School Hill and Bath Rd.

District Councillor’s Report – Mrs Neill was not present.

Feedback from District Parish Meeting – None available as Mrs Rusbridge not present.

Budget & Expenditure Review Budget document was circulated and clerk drew councillors attention to monies in respect of church bollards and also bus shelters, which is being held in the account but which may need reallocation within the budget. To be discussed at the next meeting.

Village Hall – Discussed earlier in the meeting.


Clerks’ report: Financial statement: c/a £722.32 d/a £18,096.62

Bills to be paid: £94.00 Gardenmo
£161.00 Mazars
The councillors present approved these amounts for payment.

Planning Applications
Decisions
09/01032/HOUSE Vista, Birds Lane – Detached Garage - Refused
09/01411/FUL Orchard Cottage, Bath Road – Removal of condition – Allowed

Nursery Copse – Planning Appeal hearing started today and was adjourned subject to the Inspectors decision on the nullity or otherwise of the enforcement notice. Miss Hibberd wished to record her thanks to Mrs Rusbridge for attending and speaking at the hearing.
Hearing likely to recommence 12 January 2010.

Correspondence: WBC Junior Citizen of the Year Award – request for nominations.
WBC Questionnaire about flooding – clerk to reply that Midgham do not wish to enrol for workshops. Councillors felt that it is the district council’s responsibility to lead in this area, as they have funding for it.
CPRE Bradfield AGM on 13 October 2009.

The clerk mentioned that as she will be moving out of the area within the next 6 months, the council may wish to start looking for a replacement to facilitate a smooth takeover. Clerk to advertise locally.

Play Area – Mr Lombardo reported that there are no problems and noted that the hedge has been cut lower as requested.

There being no other business the meeting closed at 9.00 p.m.

Date of next meeting – to be arranged.

MPC Minutes August 2009

MIDGHAM PARISH COUNCIL

Minutes of the meeting held in the Village Hall on Tuesday August 25th 2009 at 7.30 p.m.

Present were Mr R Disson, Mr J Goddard, Mrs. M. Rusbridge, Mr D Lombardo, Mrs I Neill, District Councillor, the Clerk Mrs. E Berry, and two members of the public.

Election of Chairman Mr R Disson agreed to become chairman for this meeting only and was unanimously elected.

Cooption of Councillor Mr Hanslip Long was co-opted on to the council and the Chairman welcomed him on behalf of everyone present.

Councillor resignation there was no resignation.

Apologies for absence there were no apologies received.

Declarations of interest: Mr Long declared an interest in the planning application for Hallcourt Farm as he lives there.

Minutes: The minutes of the previous meeting held on 21st May 2009 were read approved and signed.

Matters arising:

Parish Plan – the councillors discussed the difficulty in recruiting and retaining volunteers either for the village hall or the parish plan. It was agreed that a flier would be hand delivered to all households in Midgham by the councillors so that they can introduce themselves and discuss matters face to face.
It appears that the last full meeting of the parish plan committee was on 5 May and nothing has been heard from then since then. Ray agreed to contact the secretary.

Midgham Green – All councillors to inspect the green and Ray to circulate a draft of the proposed letter to residents, before the next meeting.

Budget & Expenditure review carried forward to the next meeting.

Village Hall

WBC have carried out their inspection of the hall and commented that they have been unable to check the emergency lighting and that the rear emergency exit door is a little stiff.
Clerk to contact electrician.
Risk assessment document will need to be updated.
Clerk to purchase a new Hoover and cleaning materials and Derek volunteered to clean the hall once a month.

Birds Lane Garden

It was noted that someone has strimmed the area and cut down most of the original plants.
Moira volunteered to tidy the garden and up to £150 was agreed for purchase of necessary materials.


Clerks’ report: Financial statement: c/a £829.22 d/a £18,985.74

Bills to be paid: £568.44 CCB Clerk’s quarterly salary and reimbursements.
£29.00 CPRE membership.
The councillors present approved these amounts for payment.
A request had been received from, St Matthews PCC for a contribution to the cost of the upkeep of the graveyard. It was agreed to make a donation of £250.00 in December.

Planning Applications

08/02366/LBC 43 Birds Lane – wood burning stove – application withdrawn.
09/01032/HOUSE Vista, Birds Lane – Detached Garage. The parish Council has objected to this application on the grounds of increased urbanisation. Moira will attend the planning meeting on 26th August.
09/00124/HOUSE Mulberry House, Carbinswood Lane – Appeal – no comments
09/01411/FUL Orchard Cottage, Bath Road – Removal of condition – No objections.
09/01532/HOUSE Hall Court – Tennis Court – No objections (Mr Long left the room while this application was discussed)

Decisions 09/00530/HOUSE Tree House Bailiffs House – Approved
09/00480/CERTE Hall Court Farm – Approved

Nursery Copse – Planning Appeal hearing, 22 September 2009. Moira will attend with Ray.

District Councillor’s Report – A level results are out and all WBC schools bar one have improved their results.

Correspondence: District Parish Conference Event – 9th September. Moira will attend.
WBC Clear Streets Parking Strategy.
WBC Anti Social Behaviour Database – cllrs do not wish to access this.
West Berks CAB – letter of thanks for donation.

Play Area – Mr Lombardo reported that there are no problems but it was agreed to ask the contractor to cut the hedge to just above the existing chain link fence.

Public Time Holly hedges in School hill are still overgrown and need cutting back. A contractor is booked for about 3 weeks time.
Lorries using Kennetholme gravel extraction site are employing reversing sirens contrary to a previous undertaking not to do so. Clerk to take up with WBC.
Wren House, possible change of use of garage. To check for permission.


There being no other business the meeting closed at 9.30 p.m.

The next meeting will be held in the Village Hall on Tuesday 22nd September 2009 at 7.30pm.

July 2009 AGENDA

MIDGHAM PARISH COUNCIL

10 Mallard Way, Aldermaston. RG7 4UT
Email – Elizabeth@midghamparish.com

You are summoned to the meeting of Midgham Parish Council to be held on Tuesday 28th July 2009 in the Village Hall at 7.30pm.

AGENDA

Election of Chairman:

Apologies for absence:

Declarations of interest:

Minutes of the previous meeting held on Thursday 21st May 2009.

Matters arising including Midgham Green and Parish Plan update.

Budget & Expenditure review

Village Hall - including cleaning required and risk assessments

Councillor Vacancies

Birds Lane Garden - Maintenance

Clerks’ report: Financial statement:
Bills to be paid - £76.00 Gardenmo
CPRE annual membership £29.00
ISS Waterers - £359.08

Planning Applications

08/02366/LBC 43 Birds Lane – wood burning stove – application withdrawn.
09/01032/HOUSE Vista, Birds Lane – Detached Garage
Mulberry House, Carbinswood Lane – Appeal

Decision 09/00530/HOUSE Tree House Bailiffs House – Approved
09/00480/CERTE Hall Court Farm - Approved

Correspondence: WBC - Next District Parish Conference Event - Weds 9 Sept
WBC – Clear Streets Parking Strategy
Readibus – Annual General Meeting – 2nd July 2009
WINGS 2009 Showcase – Scouts & Girl guides event w.c. 1 August 2009
Open Spaces Society A.G.M. 30 June 2009
West Berks Heritage Forum 29th July, Shaw House
West Berks CAB – Letter of thanks.

Play area: Inspection report Derek
Date of next meeting: To be arranged

MPC Minutes June 2009

The June meeting was not held as the council was not quorate.

MPC Minutes May 2009

MIDGHAM PARISH COUNCIL



Minutes of the meeting held in the Village Hall on Thursday May 21st 2009 at 6.30 p.m.

Present were Mr J Goddard, Mrs. M. Rusbridge, Mr J Ormrod, Mr D Lombardo, the Clerk Mrs. E Berry, Mrs I Neill, district councillor, and two members of the public.

Mr Ormrod was unanimously elected as Chairman for the meeting.

Mr Sawyer had tended a letter of resignation effective immediately. Mr Ormrod noted the council’s thanks for all his hard work. Mr Ormrod also noted that due to work commitments he will be resigning within the next two months but offered to stay on until then in order to bridge any gap left by these resignations.

Apologies were received from Mr R Disson.

Declarations of interest: there were none.

Minutes: The minutes of the previous meeting were read approved and signed.

Matters arising:

Nursery Copse – date of Inquiry now set for 22.09.09.
Dog fouling notices have been purchased for footpath through Midgham Park.
Midgham Green. Unable to confirm if letter has been issued to residents.
Blocking of footpath by church – still ongoing.

Annual Accounts y.e. 31.03.09

The clerk presented the accounts for 2008/2009 and noted that the internal audit had been completed. They were approved by the council, proposed by Mr Ormrod and seconded by Mr Goddard and were signed by the Chairman. The councillors noted the comments of the internal auditor and agreed to review budget and expenditure at the next meeting paying particular attention to the contingency sum.

Clerks’ report: Financial statement: c/a £540.28 d/a £20,985.74
Bills to be paid - £108 Gardenmo
£125.75 PO Box Annual Fee
£363.27 Parish Council Insurance
£587.44 Clerks quarterly salary & reimbursements
£50.00 Internal Auditor
£30.00 CCB Subscription
£180.00 Village Hall Rental
£150.00 Grant to CAB for outreach work

The councillors present approved these amounts for payment with the exception of the PO Box renewal which will be allowed to lapse.

Correspondence WBC has confirmed that the mobile library will park in Goddard Drive.

Play Area No problems to report. Hedge may need to be cut back further in the future.

Public Time Pot holes appearing in Church Hill and overgrown footpath on A4 to be reported to WBC.

There being no further business the meeting closed at 7.00pm.


The next meeting will be held in the Village Hall on Tuesday 23rd June 2009 at 7.30pm.

MPC Minutes April 2009

MIDGHAM PARISH COUNCIL

Minutes of the meeting held in the Village Hall on Tuesday April 28th 2009 at 7.30 p.m.

Present were Mr R Disson(Chairman), Mr S Sawyer (vice Chairman), Mr J Goddard, Mrs. M. Rusbridge, Mr J Ormrod, Mr D Lombardo, the Clerk Mrs. E Berry, and two members of the public.

Apologies – there were no apologies received.

Declarations of interest: Mr Sawyer declared an interest in Midgham Green as he lives there and Mr Disson declared an interest in Colthrop as he lives nearby.

Minutes: The minutes of the previous meeting were read approved and signed.

Matters arising:

Footpath 5 – WBC have contacted the owner of the land and a drain is going to be built soon.
Dog fouling – up to £70 has been authorised for the purchase of two notices.
New Road Hill – reply received from WBC that work is not scheduled there for a number of years although they accept that the carriageway needs to be resurfaced and new highway drainage installed. Clerk to write to obtain an estimate for resurfacing and installation of a drain, and also for an update on S106 monies available.
Midgham Green – Chairman will be issuing a letter to Midgham Green residents about the footpath.
Vehicle still parked blocking footpath by Church – clerk to write to the owner on behalf of the parish council.
Annual Village Meeting – will now be held on 21st May together with the parish council meeting. The Chairman reported that due to other commitments he will be unable to attend meetings for the next three months.

Public Time

Holly hedges in School hill are still overgrown and need cutting back. They will be cut back after 1st July (to protect birds)
The verges at the bottom of Church Hill towards Reading are not being cut back. Clerk to report to WBC.
Clerk will reissue councillors contact details.

District Councillor’s Report – there was no report as the District Councillor was not present.

Village Hall Discussion

Accounts and annual report were circulated and discussed. Trustees details held by the Charities Commission have been updated as have the signatories at the bank.
Chairman proposed recommencing work on the steps outside the hall and Mr Lombardo agreed to advise on the recommended depth of the steps. Mr Sawyer abstained from the vote which was otherwise agreed unanimously.

Parish Plan
The committee are applying for grants and the sum of £250 was agreed as a loan until such grants come through.

Midgham Green Maintenance
Mrs Rusbridge agreed to hold a meeting with the residents of the green to discuss the footpath and alternatives for the edging.
ISS Waterers will be asked to clear the leaves, aerate and top dress the green, and reseed with shade tolerant seed.

Clerks’ report: Financial statement: c/a £289.36 d/a £18,985.74
£1673.50 has been received from the insurance company IRO the bus shelter.

Bills to be paid: £150.00 CCB Community Buildings Advice Service.
£250.00 Parish Plan committee.
The councillors present approved these amounts for payment.

Planning:
New applications: 09/00440/MINMAJ Colthrop-adjoining parish
09/00441/FUL Panasonic House
09/00530/HOUSE Baillifs House-Tree House
09/00478/FUL Parkfield – adjoining parish
09/00480 Hall Court – certificate of lawfulness
08/02366/LBC 43 Birds Lane – additional drawings – no comments made.

Correspondence: Open Spaces – the councillors agreed not to make a donation.
District Parish Conference Event – 27th May – no councillors able to attend.
Mobile Library – Clerk to write to WBC to suggest that this could stop by the church or if this is not suitable, in Goddard Drive.

Play Area – Mr Lombardo reported that there are no problems to report. The new contractor has cut the grass and the hedge but it may be necessary to cut it shorter in the autumn.

There being no other business the meeting closed at 9.00 p.m.

The next meeting will be held in the Village Hall on Thursday 21st May 2009 at 6.30pm.

MPC Minutes March 2009

MIDGHAM PARISH COUNCIL

Minutes of the meeting held in the Village Hall on Tuesday March 25th 2009 at 7.30 p.m.

Present were Mr R Disson(Chairman), Mr J Goddard, Mrs. M. Rusbridge, Mr J Ormrod, the Clerk Mrs. E Berry, Mrs I Neill District Councillor and two members of the public.

Apologies were received from Mr D Lombardo and Mr S Sawyer.

Declarations of interest: There were none.

Minutes: The minutes of the previous meeting were read approved and signed.

Matters arising: The footpath issues have been reported to WBC who is investigating what action is needed. They have also suggested putting up notices in areas affected by dog fouling. Clerk to investigate the purchase of notices.
The Chairman and Mr Goddard had attended the District Parish Conference. Access to the countryside and the Rights of Way Improvement plan were discussed as well as antisocial behaviour in West Berkshire.
Allotments – Mrs Rusbridge had made enquiries about the boundary issues with Woolhampton parish but had not elicited any concrete information. Clerk to maintain a list of requests for allotments.

Public Time
The logs on Midgham green were discussed together with difficulties for vehicles using the track. The chairman reiterated that the path across the green is a footpath which most vehicles do not have a right to drive across and therefore any damage to vehicles will not be the responsibility of the council. Residents are concerned that access is needed for various services.

Water running onto New Road Hill near to Midgham Green was also discussed again. Clerk to write to Mark Edwards, Head of Highways about the serious safety issues.

There was a discussion about travel tokens only being issued to people with disabilities as a cost saving initiative by WBC. It was noted that GPs have been receiving unprecedented requests for confirmation of disability as a result.

Holly hedges in School hill are overgrown and need cutting back.

District Councillor’s Report – WBC are now rated as a 3star authority, improving strongly.

Village Hall Discussion & Update

CCB are no longer able to fund a village hall advisor and have requested a subscription of about £150 to cover this post in future. Payment agreed in principle as Midgham are likely to need advice in this area in the future. Wendy Dacey to be invited to attend the Annual Village meeting in April.
There is a CCB meeting on 15 April.
It was noted that there must be a village hall AGM by the end of May and there are various other health and safety issues and legal requirements in order to comply with Charities Commission rules. Mr Berry will be asked to prepare the accounts and to change the trustee details. (proposed by Mrs Rusbridge, seconded by Mr Ormrod).

Parish Plan
The insurance company have confirmed that volunteers are covered by the parish council policy providing that a councillor attends the meetings and minutes of the meeting are kept.

New Bus Shelters
Both shelters have now been installed and compliments have been made by a number of residents.

Midgham Green Maintenance
Quotes were agreed for cutting the grass on the green, the play area, and outside the village hall. Scarifying and spiking of the green will also be carried out.
A letter had been received from a Midgham Green resident regarding the logs which have been placed around the green and a reply was discussed and agreed. Further poles will be placed around the green and Mrs Rusbridge explained that old telegraph poles are being replaced in Birds Lane, and the council may be able to utilise them for this purpose.

Clerks’ report: Financial statement: c/a £149.89 d/a £17,812.24

Bills to be paid: £173.25 Monksmead Farms - for logs
£46.00 Clerks training
£48.72 BALC Subscription
£94.06 Parish Plan Launch expenses

The councillors present approved these amounts for payment.

Planning:
New applications: 09/00347/HOUSE 9 Rowlands Copse, Porch extension. No objections.

Decisions: 08/02412/HOUSE Vista, Birds Lane. Application withdrawn

Correspondence: Already raised elsewhere.

Annual Village Meeting will be held on 30 April 2009. PCSO to be invited.

Play Area – Mr Lombardo was not present so no report was received.
In view of the special nature of the business about to be transacted, it was advisable in the public interest that the public be temporarily excluded and they were instructed to withdraw.
A resolution to exclude the public was moved in accordance with the council’s usual rules. There then followed a discussion concerning the council’s likely response to the planning appeal at Nursery Copse.

There being no other business the meeting closed at 10.10 p.m.

The next meeting will be held in the Village Hall on Tuesday 28th April 2009 at 7.30pm.

MPC Minutes February 2009

MIDGHAM PARISH COUNCIL

Minutes of the meeting held in the Village Hall on Tuesday February 24th 2009 at 7.30 p.m.

Present were Mr S Sawyer (Deputy Chairman), Mr. D. Lombardo, Mr J Goddard, Mrs. M. Rusbridge, the Clerk Mrs.E Berry, Mrs I Neill District Councillor and four members of the public.

Apologies were received from Mr R Disson and Mr J Ormrod.

Declarations of interest: Mr Sawyer declared an interest in Midgham Green as he lives there.

Minutes: The minutes of the previous meeting were read approved and signed.

Matters arising: There were none.

Public Time The clerk was asked to check with WBC regarding the flooding of the footpath in Midgham Park. It was noted that the broken stile had been repaired in Midgham Park but another stile is broken on footpath 3 and the footpath sign in Birds Lane is currently obscured. The footpath sign by the church is not pointing along the footpath and there is a lot of dog fouling in the area. Additionally there has been vandalism and 4 separate incidents of criminal damage to a vehicle near the church, which have been reported to the community police officer.

District Councillor’s Report – Nursery Copse – Discussions are ongoing with the legal team and the certificate of lawfulness is still being considered. No date has been set for the appeal as yet.

The Council Tax rise has been set at 3.9%. Travel tokens for the elderly and disabled are likely to be cut.
There will be an initiative to encourage schoolchildren to walk or cycle to school.

Village Hall Discussion & Update – No news to report. Councillors to canvass for volunteers and report back to the next meeting.

New Bus Shelters Mr Disson had attended a site meeting with WBC representative and agreed the sites for the new shelters. Clerk to confirm continued action with Paul Hyde.

Fly Tipping in Birds Lane There had been some reports of fly tipping but it does seem to have been removed now.

Village Gateway signs Mr Sawyer raised the possibility of obtaining these together with reviewing the speed limits in the village. Clerk to contact WBC to obtain further information about the criteria for setting speed limits.

Midgham Green Maintenance – The logs have been placed around the green however the contractor failed to contact Mrs Rusbridge before hand to discuss their positions. It was expected that they would be laid lengthwise but they have been placed as stumps around the edges and it was felt that this will not serve the purpose. Mrs Rusbridge will take the matter up with the contractor. Letters have been received from Midgham Green residents expressing their dissatisfaction with the logs and their positioning which will be replied to following her investigations.
Quotes for maintenance of the green will be discussed at the next meeting.

Clerks’ report:Financial statement: c/a £233.08 d/a £18,312.24

Bills to be paid: Clerks salary & reimbursements £534.58. The councillors present approved this amount for payment.

Planning: New applications:

09/00124/HOUSE Mulberry House, Carbinswood Lane – The majority of councillors did not object to the application but noted that the proposed development is extremely large and queried whether it would be within current planning policy.

Decisions: 08/01909/FUL fence for tennis court at Bailiff’s House – conditional approval
08/02268/HOUSE Tree House at Bailiff’s House – application withdrawn.

Correspondence:

Application for Renewal of Street Trading Consent for Sun Hill Lay By. No objections except that the application mentioned that the burger trailer would be open until 4.00am. Clerk to query this with WBC.

Woolhampton Parish council had replied concerning allotments. They state that they have no tenancy records relating to the boundary change in 1991 and confirm that they have a policy of requiring allotment holders to reside in Woolhampton. Clerk to make further enquiries of WBC and land registry concerning the boundary change and land ownership.

District Parish Conference Event 17 March 2009 will be held at 6.00pm in the council offices. Mr Disson will attend.

WBC has booked the village hall for the European parliamentary elections on 4th June 2009.

Parish Plan Update – Next meeting will be 2 March and the committee and organisation of volunteers will be discussed. A number of residents have expressed interest in helping with the plan. A request has been received for £200 loan from the parish council to fund activities in advance of grants coming through. Following a vote the amount was agreed in principle but it was noted that the parish plan committee would have to set up a bank account to receive the cheque, or claim the monies back after they have been purchased, as cash sums cannot be advanced. Proposed by S Sawyer, seconded D Lombardo. It was also suggested that the loan might not need to be repaid

It was confirmed that volunteers carrying out parish plan business will be covered by the parish council insurance.

Play Area – The bin does need emptying but no problems to report.

There being no other business the meeting closed at 9.00 p.m.

The next meeting will be held in the Village Hall on Tuesday 24 March 2009 at 7.30pm.

MPC Minutes January 2009

MIDGHAM PARISH COUNCIL

Minutes of the meeting held in the Village Hall on Tuesday January 27th 2009 at 7.30 p.m.

Present were Mr R Disson (Chairman), Mr. D. Lombardo, Mr J Goddard, Mrs. M. Rusbridge, Mr S Sawyer, Mrs. E Berry the Clerk and three members of the public.

Apologies were received from Mr J Ormrod. Mrs Neill, District Councillor arrived at 8.00pm

Declarations of interest: There were none.

Minutes: The minutes of the previous meeting were read approved and signed.

Matters arising: There were none.

Public Time Representations were made about a new drainage ditch at The Barn, Midgham Park, which may be causing flooding on to a footpath, Clerk to raise with the footpath officer at W.B.C. together with a broken stile between East Lodge and Midgham Park.
It was also noted that a vehicle is sometimes parked partially blocking a footpath near the church. The matter has been raised with the owner and resolved.

District Councillor’s Report – Nursery Copse – still ongoing. There has been an appeal against the enforcement notice.
Mrs Neill reported that the council are setting the budget for 2009/10 and are experiencing increased costs but some loss of revenue for example from car parking and reduced house building.


Village Hall Discussion & Update - There are still two people interested in serving on the village hall committee. Councillors agreed to canvass their own local area to see if anyone else is interested. W.B.C. has asked to rent the hall for an election which was agreed subject to them collecting the key the night before. The accounts and other arrangements will be discussed at the next meeting.

New Bus Shelters W.B.C. have raised a number of queries about installation and preparation of the areas where the new shelters will be sited. Mr Disson will liaise with the Public Transport Officer to resolve the issues including siting of services.

Midgham Green Maintenance – Mrs Rusbridge has now obtained the relevant quotes and will instruct the clerk on ordering as per the last meeting.


Clerks’ report:Financial statement: c/a £231.51 d/a £18,562.24

Precept 2009/2010 – A discussion document was circulated and the clerk and Chairman answered questions regarding the past and present budgets. After much discussion and a vote it was agreed to set the precept for 2009/10 at the level of £5,000 rather than £5500. This figure being £2,500 lower than last year to reflect the economic climate and the expected reduction in costs compared to last year.

Correspondence:

Pang, Kennett & Lambourne Valleys Countryside Projects (FWAG) – clerk to enquire further regarding this correspondence.
St Matthew’s Parish Church – request for financial help with costs of grass cutting. £250 grant made. The councillors present approved this amount.
Open Spaces – request for a donation to legal funds. The parish council felt unable to make a contribution on this occasion.
District Parish Conference Agenda items. Planning enforcement & feedback suggested.
Provision of Mobile Youth work in West Berkshire. Councillors felt that there was little point in contributing towards purchasing expensive vehicles when the parish already has a village hall for this purpose.
Redevelopment of West Berkshire Museum – meeting on 11th Feb at Shaw House – noted.
Development Control Planning Meeting at Woolhampton Village Hall 12th February 2009.

Planning: New applications:

08/02320/CERTE Nursery Copse Certificate of Lawfulness
08/01909/FUL Bailiff’s Cottage – erection of fence to Tennis Court – no objections made.
08/02268/HOUSE Bailiffs Cottage – Tree house – Tree officer’s recommendation sought.
08/02366/LBC 43 Birds Lane – Wood Burning stove pipe – no objections made.
08/02412/HOUSE Vista, Birds Lane, Attached Garage /office - Objection - a number of parishioners have raised points on this application which was fully discussed. Councillors noted that a previous application to build a separate bungalow on this site had been turned down and they felt that the size of the proposed building was inappropriate.

Decisions: 08/01877/FULD The Barn Old Acre - Approved

Parish Plan Update – Next meeting will be 2 February and committee and organisation of volunteers will be discussed. A number of residents have expressed interest in helping with the plan.

Play Area – No problems to report.

There being no other business the meeting closed at 9.30 p.m.

The next meeting will be held in the Village Hall on Tuesday 24 February 2009 at 7.30pm.