TONG PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of the Annual Parish Council meeting held on 17th May 2010
Present Cllr N.Smith (Chair), G.Bew, J.Murfin, D.Murray. S.Cllr S.West
Apologies were received from Cllrs J.Watts, A.Lewis
There were no declarations of interest.
1. Chairman’s Report Good progress had been made with the completion of several projects and road safety measures. The Castle Gates had not progressed and we should look to the new website, developed by Dean Williams, to involve the Parish in how they wanted money spent.
The resignation of John Watts was received with regret . .
2.Vacancy on Council Dean Williams was co-opted to the vacancy left by Mrs. Stokes. John Watts’ decision would be relayed to Shropshire Council and the procedure followed.
3. Election of Chairman Cllr Nick Smith was re-elected 4. Election of Vice-Chairman Cllr Gerry Bew was re-elected
Both wished it recorded that they would serve for one more year only .
5 Financial Statement 2009/10 was approved and signed.
The Annual Return was agreed and the Clerk to continue as Responsible Financial Officer
It was noted that core expenditure far exceeded the precept and it was the generosity of the ‘V’ Festival that allowed work to be done.
6. Minutes of meeting held on 15th March 2010 were agreed and signed.
Amendment to Annual Parish meeting : plastics could now be recycled in Albrighton (alter to ‘soon’ pending permissions from Severn Trent) .
7. Matters arising
Church parking –options were discussed
Agreed to obtain consent of Mrs.Stokes for use of part of field GB
Millenium Pool- Stuart Moore had started the season’s mowing. Vital to ensure that Severn Trent’s work was ‘joined-up’
Agreed to arrange meeting:Severn Trent, S.Moore, PC GB
Trees Project- permission of Tom Morris still to obtain.
S.Milner had advised that the back hedgerow (A41) was scheduled for replanting in October.
Website- thanks were due to Dean Williams . Ready to appoint ‘gatekeepers’ for individual sites.
Kissing Wall- the Estate’s Clerk of Works was now aware of the extent of damage. New coping would be used. A start date would be reported to the chairman.
8. Highways matters
Speeding concerns at Tong Norton - Police could only respond to sufficient requests.
Newsletter NS
Over-signage on A41 (to Lamledge etc). In agreement that it distracted rather than helped especially when unfamiliar to area. Highways Authority S.West
Verge maintenance- agreed to draw-up a seasonal programme to appoint a contractor. Possible grant assistance .Meeting: 10th June 3pm Outside Parish Hall. Invite S.Moore GB
9 Projects
It was agreed that the ringfenced money towards the relocation costs of Tong Castle Gates be unreserved. Use should be made of the new websites to encourage public participation in spending.
10. Local Joint Committee- Stuart West encouraged applications for grants from Tong otherwise the lion’s share be taken by Albrighton .
Magazine NS
The AGM would look at the way forward for LJCs. Smaller ones would combine but the Shifnal and Albrighton groups were felt to function well. The great advantage was the power to invite officers (Police etc) by request and meetings accessible to the public.. Next meeting, 28th September . The meeting pattern was changeable thus more difficult to streamline PC meetings. Cllr Murray would always take requests and concerns forward.
Issues and Options Consultation (LDF) Cllr Smith to respond
11. Planning applications- 10/01298/FUL- extension, Willow Cottage, Tong Norton. No objections
12. Accounts S..Moore (Mill pool cut) £49 ALC subscription £117.01
Council’s insurance £299.33 Churchyard mowing £196
Clock service £222.08
13. Date of next meeting Mon. 20th September 2010
N.E.Smith
Chair
TONG PC APCMay2010-minutes5
It’s been three years now since we published the Tong Parish Plan.
Tong is a 