Hook Norton Parish Council

Minutes of the Annual Parish Meeting held on

9th April 2009 in the Memorial Hall, Hook Norton at 7pm

Present: the meeting was attended by Councillors Walsham [Vice Chairman], Barnes, Jelf, Millar, Richardson, Riley and Stubbs, together with Pauline Walters [Heath Allotment Trust], the Parish Clerk and four members of the public.

Apologies: were received from Cllrs Brotherston, Hayward and Leader and District Cllr Irvine.

1. Minutes of the Annual Parish Meeting held on Thursday 10th April 2008 were approved as a true record of the meeting.

2. Conduct of the Meeting: Cllr Walsham welcomed everyone and informed those present that the meeting would be informal.

3. Report by Chairman of the Parish Council: Cllr Walsham informed the meeting that he was presenting the report as Clive Timms, who had been Chairman, had decided that he was no longer able to continue and resigned from the PC in February. Cllr Walsham thanked him for his contribution to Parish affairs over so many years. Going into the Parish year we had two vacancies which were filled by Sharron Barnes and Marie Stubbs and when Rob Bartlett found that juggling work and Parish commitments was becoming increasingly difficult he also resigned and his replacement is Meg Richardson and all three ladies were thanked for agreeing to assist in the running of the Parish. Cllr Walsham also thanked his fellow councillors for their contribution during the past year and, in particular, those who had chaired the various working groups and not forgetting our District Councillor, Victoria Irvine, and Ray Jelf who doubles both as our County Councillor and a serving member of the PC. Cllr Walsham also thanked the Clerk, Ken Porter, for his advice and assistance with the ever increasing burden of bureaucracy, and Doug Marshall for his continued support in maintaining standards in the Recreation Area, along with his other environmental tasks. Finally he thanked Pauline Walters for her role in chairing the Heath Allotment Trust and her report follows. His report on the Memorial Hall is given below but it is pleasing to record that it continues to be well supported despite stiff competition from more modern facilities, not least of which is the Sports & Social Club, which continues to go from strength to strength and is very much a focal point within the village. Ray Jelf continues to progress with OCC various aspects regarding the lease of the Norman Matthews Hall, which is now being fully utilised by the Church and the Library. Whilst some progress has been made with Affordable Housing this is extremely slow and seems hampered at every turn by ever stringent requirements. Finally Cllr Walsham thanked everyone for attending this evening.

4. Report by Chairman of the Memorial Hall Trust: Cllr Walsham reported that the Hall has been successfully used during the past year with a 20% increase in revenue from both regular users as well as occasional usage for events such as children’s parties. The Hall is now used most days by regular weekly user groups such as the two Brownies packs, Guides, Art classes, Ladies Badminton, Pilates and Karate, with other regular hirers being the Film Society, the Market and the Garden Club. Hooky Players had a successful summer play as well as the usual brilliant Pantomime. Cllr Walsham thanked the Clerk for his excellent handling of the Hall diary and for maintaining the high usage. Bi-monthly meetings of the Working group have continued and included an invitation to all regular users to attend in March. An action list has been created to track jobs which need to be done and ensure they are fixed. The major job in the past year has been repairing and resealing the floor, which was completed in October/November, with new white lines laid down for the badminton court. A 50% grant for this work was received from CDC towards the overall cost. Problems have occurred with water leaks into the new kitchen partly due to the new extension and deterioration of the main hall roof. Two repairs have been completed and we now hope the problem is fixed. Many other items of repair have been carried out with further plans for redecoration etc. being discussed. In September our cleaner Gill decided she could no longer continue and Cllr Walsham thanked her for all her efforts. We now have a new cleaner for the Hall, Maggie White, and she is doing an excellent job. Finally Cllr Walsham thanked all members of the working group for their excellent support and all the user groups for their continued use of the Hall which maintains its financial viability. Cllr Stubbs thanked Cllr Walsham for his report.

5. Report by the Chairman of the Heath Allotment Trust: Pauline Walters, chair of the Trust, reported that the trustees now comprise herself, Ray Gasson, Clive Timms , Nigel Shields and Ray Jelf. Following the resignation of Brian Clay, his place as Secretary has been filled by Ray Jelf who, along with Clive Timms, act as signatories. During the year a donation of £1000 had been given to HN Church of England School with £500 to Chipping Norton School for the benefit of pupils who might not otherwise be able to participate fully in school activities. A further £500 is to be held in reserve for Home-Start Banbury and Chipping Norton should any families within the village be supported by the charity. As the bank balance is growing it was decided to make a donation of up to £1000 to the Hook Norton library through the Friends of the Library, subject to sight of an estimate for items to improve accessibility and utilisation of existing space. This it is hoped will increase use of the library among non-traditional members. The Chipping Norton School meeting to allocate funds to pupils was attended by the Secretary and a letter is being sent to the school to seek assurance that all funds allocated by the charity are allocated directly to needy pupils. As previously reported one tenant is paying the increased half-yearly rent and action is being taken to ensure that both adopt the new rate. At the end of the year the Trust owns land valued at £45000 and the balance at the Bank is £3683.36 [excluding money for the library and the provision for Home-Start]. Cllr Jelf informed the meeting that in 2001 Anne Evans had been appointed by the Parish Council to be Hook Norton’s representative on the Chipping Norton School Trust Fund, a position she still holds. Cllr Stubbs asked, as a patron of Home-Start, whether there have been any families in Hook Norton supported by the Charity and Mrs Walters responded that there had been last year but none so far this year.

6. Report by County Council Representative: Cllr Jelf commented that this was something of an end of term report as it is almost four years since the current administration was formed after thirty years of no overall control. Whilst this led to a considerable upheaval they were able to take their officers with them which in turn has led to a number of significant improvements. Achievements include a much needed reduction in the rate of increase of council tax, which it is intended to improve further in the next administration. Transformation in the way the Council operates has led to a highly efficient business that has delivered substantial savings and freed up more cash for front line services. This year the Council has been awarded four stars [the top score] for Use of Resources by the Audit Commission. Albeit slowly we are seeing an improvement in school results, although more needs to be done, and funding of youth work has substantially increased both in capital and revenue terms. On a local level it has been a privilege to help both individuals and PCs in matters of concern regarding county issues.

7. Report by the District Council Representative: in the absence of Cllr Irvine the clerk read her report. All councils in the country are graded and in 2004 CDC was assessed as Good but now has gone one better having achieved 54 out of a possible 60 points and achieving an Excellent assessment. This highlighted that the Council’s strategic and community leadership is strong and that it is highly effective in delivering wider community outcomes and has an excellent record in achieving what it sets out to do with its partners. Financial management is strong with a robust approach in achieving value for money and there is a culture of performance management and a focus on customers throughout the council. As our District Councillor Mrs Irvine has promised not to be complacent as there is more to do and always areas that can be improved and parishioners should always feel free to contact her. CDC has kept its promise to keep council tax rises below inflation and maintain front line services within a balanced budget and it has done this through efficiency savings of around £2 million without having to use reserves. While the Recession has resulted in a slow down of income, coupled with an increase in homelessness and the amount of benefits being paid, the 2.9% increase is below the Consumer Price Index of 3% and below the forecast average council tax increase across the country. The Council has seventeen promises for 2009-10 which include making it easier for local businesses to trade with them, placing 10 new “Link Points” in rural areas to provide residents with a greater choice of access to the Council’s services, reducing vehicle emissions by 10%, improving environmental cleanliness, increasing household recycling to 50%, helping reduce crime and anti-social behaviour, contributing to the creation of 200 new jobs and delivering 100 affordable homes.

8. Questions from the Public: Christopher Barry expressed interest in the 200 new jobs which CDC is promising to help create and he wondered where these are likely to be. The Clerk will pass the enquiry on to District Cllr Irvine and let Mr Barry know in due course.

9. Closure of the Meeting: There being no further business the Chairman formally closed the Annual Parish Meeting at 7.30pm.

…………………….

     [Chairman]      8 April 2010

HOOK NORTON PARISH COUNCIL

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF HOOK NORTON PARISH COUNCIL HELD IN THE MEMORIAL HALL ON THURSDAY 12th MARCH 2009 AT 7.30pm

Present: Councillors: Brotherston, Hayward, Jelf, Leader and Stubbs, together with District Cllr Irvine, Mr Porter [Parish Clerk] and one member of the public.

The Clerk welcomed everyone to the meeting and informed members that Clive Timms had submitted his resignation both as Chairman and as a Parish Councillor. As Cllr Walsham is on holiday it would be necessary to elect a Chairman from those members present. Cllr Brotherston proposed that Cllr Jelf take the Chair and this was seconded by Cllr Hayward and passed unanimously. The Clerk also informed everyone that the Notice of a Vacancy to fill the place of Rob Bartlett had not produced a call for an election but Meg Richardson, who was in attendance, had offered her services as a Parish Councillor. Cllr Jelf proposed that Mrs Richardson be co-opted as a member of the Parish Council and this was seconded by Cllr Brotherston and passed unanimously. Mrs Richardson signed the Declaration of Office and took her place on the PC.

1.  Apologies for Absence

    were received from Cllrs Barnes, Millar, Riley and Walsham.

 2.  Chairman’s Announcements

   The Acting Chairman expressed thanks on behalf of the PC for the hard work carried out on behalf of the village by Clive Timms, particularly during his term of office, and hoped he would find it possible to rejoin again in the near future.

3.  Minutes of previous meeting, 12 February 2009, and matters arising

    It was proposed by Cllr Stubbs, and seconded by Cllr Hayward, that the minutes of the previous meeting be accepted as a true and accurate record and this was passed unanimously by those who were at that meeting. There were no matters arising not covered elsewhere on the agenda.

4.  Declarations of Interest

There were no declarations on this occasion.

5.  Report by Planning Co-ordinator on planning applications received

    In the absence of Cllr Walsham the Clerk reported that only three decisions had been received since the previous meeting, of these two, relating to the Firs Garage and Cornerstones, had been withdrawn and the retrospective application for a pergola and decking at Uplands has been approved. The Clerk also reported that there have been several comments about work being carried out on the property on the corner of Down End and Bells Lane, apparently without planning consent, and this has been referred to Mike Buxton at CDC.

6.  To invite members of the public to comment on planning applications

   There were no comments on this occasion.

7.  Report of Working Groups

(a)Recreation & Open Spaces Group – Cllr Leader reported that two builders have looked at the wall, both submitting similar quotes. Having looked into the problem further he has become more convinced that planting a hedge is only a short-term solution and the wall needs to be addressed. Cllr Jelf mentioned the possibility of moving the steps from their present position to where the children have damaged the wall accessing the area and this will be considered by the working group. Cllr Leader added that there is also a need to strip back vegetation, particularly ivy, to prevent further damage. In the meantime Mr Marshall continues to carry out routine maintenance.

(b)Cemetery & Allotments – Cllr Brotherston had nothing to report on this occasion.

(c)Environment – In the absence of Cllr Millar Cllr Hayward commented that the stone steps at Scotland End, which were damaged by a vehicle, are being repaired by Highways. Having just had a reflector fitted to prevent this kind of damage there was a question as to whether this was effective but Cllr Jelf felt that it was working perfectly well. Cllr Hayward reported that the gap in the rail at Ironstone Hollow will be replaced by some mature bushes and the Clerk has asked Nicholson Nurseries to look at the hedge on either side and quote for some established bushes to blend in. The recent bad weather has caused part of the churchyard wall to collapse into the garden of Talbot House. Included within the soil there have been some old bones exposed and Rev. Acreman will collect these and re-inter with a blessing. Cllr Hayward has asked several builders to quote to repair the wall and Rev. Acreman has also suggested somebody who he feels will carry out the work sympathetically. Finally we have received a letter from OCC Highways seeking our views on pollution caused by street lighting and whether it would be acceptable to switch the lights off between, say, 12.30 and 5.30 am? Cllr Hayward had researched the issue and contacted Jane Taylor, the Crime Prevention Officer with Thames Valley Police, as the key issues seem to be Prevention of Crime, Road Safety and the Perception of Crime. She pointed out that there are a number of villages in Cherwell which do not have street lighting and their crime rate is the same as in the lit villages, essentially because most crime against the property is actually in the form of break-ins during daylight hours. There is also no road safety case for keeping lights on all night. Cllr Hayward had canvassed the Low Carbon Hook Norton Group which is in favour of a switch-off but there remains the perception of crime, particularly among older residents. Cllr Stubbs stressed the concerns of the elderly and that any change would need to be dealt with in a thoughtful and democratic manner. After further discussion it was agreed to insert a flyer in the next Newsletter to canvass the feelings of parishioners. Cllr Stubbs also enquired whether it might be possible to invite somebody knowledgeable on these issues to address a future meeting of the PC and while this will be considered there was a feeling that any such person would have their own agenda.

(d)Hook Norton War Memorial Hall – In the absence of Cllr Walsham Cllr Jelf referred to the Note of a meeting of the Working Group held on 4 March. Cllr Stubbs expressed the view that the Hall is now always clean and welcoming and thanked the new cleaner on behalf of the Group for her efforts.

(e)Norman Matthews Community Hall – Cllr Jelf commented that at long last OCC has acknowledged that there is essential maintenance to be done before we can renew the lease and it is anticipated that this will be put in train early in the new financial year.

8.  Report on District Council Matters

    District Cllr Irvine reported that there is to be a recycling campaign throughout the region during March to encourage residents to hand in small electrical goods which otherwise tend to be simply thrown away. A mobile collection point will be in the car park at the Sports Centre on 21 March and there will also be a facility to collect old clothing for a modest fee. The Clerk confirmed that he has arranged for a note of these facilities to be placed in the Banbury Guardian.

9.  Report on County Council Matters

    Cllr Jelf had nothing to report on this occasion although he did remind those present that this is an election year.

10. Finance/Schedule of Receipts and Payments for authorisation by the Council

    Mr Porter presented the schedules of receipts and payments and sought approval to pay the cheques itemised totalling £2827.59 for the PC and £592.21 for the MH.  Cllr Stubbs moved acceptance of the payments detailed and this was seconded by Cllr Leader and approved unanimously.

(i) Risk Assessment/review of Fidelity Insurance – the Clerk reported that, although most items are looked at regularly, it is necessary to review the Risk Assessment annually and note this in the minutes. The report had circulated amongst councillors and the Clerk also referred to the level of fidelity insurance which, at £25000, was also considered and held to be adequate. Cllr Brotherston moved that we continue at the current level and this was seconded by Cllr Hayward and approved unanimously.

11. Local Authorities (Members Allowances) – Parish Allowances Scheme

This matter is discussed annually and previously councillors rejected the payment of basic allowances and resolved to pay travelling and subsistence allowances if appropriate. Cllr Jelf proposed that councillors should again reject payment of the basic allowance and resolve to pay travelling and subsistence allowances in accordance with the recommendations contained within the report of the Parish Remuneration Panel. Cllr Brotherston seconded and the motion was passed unanimously.

12. The Beam Scheme

    Cllr Stubbs referred to her comments on this issue at the previous meeting and told members that Burbage, a village in Wiltshire, had initiated a scheme to bulk buy oil from one supplier which in turn provides a significant discount and also sets aside a further 0.25p per litre bought to be used by the residents to support local good causes. She had attended a meeting of the Low Carbon Hook Norton group who expressed interest in the scheme and wondered if this was something the PC should be involved with. From the chair Cllr Jelf expressed the view that this is a commercial venture and while we could lend it our moral support it is not something the PC should be actively involved with. Cllr Hayward pointed out that, if a scheme was to be set up in HN any funds received could be submitted to the Hook Norton Charitable Association for distribution.

13. Correspondence

The Clerk reported that, unusually, there was only one item of correspondence to consider this month, a request from Oxfordshire Advice Centre for a donation. It has been the policy of HNPC to only donate to village organisations and it was agreed that this was not something we would support.

14. Questions and Comments from Members of the Public

      There were no questions on this occasion.

16. Date and Time of Next Meeting

    Thursday 9th April 2009 [Annual Parish Meeting] in the Memorial Hall commencing at 7pm

There being no further business Cllr Jelf closed the meeting at 8.25pm

Signed ……………………………………….

[Chairman Hook Norton Parish Council]

Dated 9th April 2009

HOOK NORTON PARISH COUNCIL

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF HOOK NORTON PARISH COUNCIL HELD IN THE MEMORIAL HALL ON THURSDAY 12th FEBRUARY 2009 AT 7.40pm FOLLOWING A PRESENTATION TO COUNCILLORS BY JON BREWIN, ARBORICULTURAL OFFICER AT CDC

Present: Councillors: Timms [Chairman], Walsham [Vice Chairman], Barnes, Brotherston, Hayward, Jelf, Leader, Millar, Riley and Stubbs, together with Mr Porter [Parish Clerk] and one member of the public present.

1.  Apologies for Absence

    were received from District Cllr Irvine.

2.  Chairman’s Announcements

    The Chairman wished those present that he had not seen in recent weeks a Happy New Year and informed the meeting that, due to other commitments, he would have to leave at 8.30 pm and he hoped that most items could be dealt with in the that time.

3.  Minutes of previous meeting, 11 December 2008, and matters arising

    It was proposed by Cllr Hayward, and seconded by Cllr Brotherston, that the minutes of the previous meeting be accepted as a true and accurate record and this was passed unanimously by those who were at that meeting. There were no matters arising not covered elsewhere on the agenda.

4.  Declarations of Interest

Cllr Hayward declared an interest in a planning application [Item 5].

5.  Report by Planning Co-ordinator on planning applications received

    Cllr Walsham reported that only four applications had been received for consideration since the last meeting and the only objection related to the proposed conservatory at Cornerstones which was considered to be over-development of the site. After the Planning Meeting he had received comments from Mr Trussler about the application relating to Hare Cottage and these were passed on to the Planning Officer. At the previous meeting it was suggested that a Planning Officer should attend to explain the changes in the permitted development area but the Clerk had subsequently learned that it is planned to hold a series of meeting across the District to bring all PCs up to speed and he is in correspondence with Bob Duxbury, from CDC, about such a meeting which it is hoped will be in the Memorial Hall with representatives of neighbouring parishes also attending. Cllr Walsham also informed the meeting that Mr and Mrs Porter’s Appeal against CDC’s decision to refuse their application to develop the land adjacent to Ruabon was dismissed and one application we had not objected to, the extension at 8 Well Bank, has been refused by CDC.

6.  To invite members of the public to comment on planning applications

   There were no comments on this occasion.

7.  Report of Working Groups

(a)Recreation & Open Spaces Group – Cllr Leader informed the meeting that he has spoken with the Trust for Oxfordshire’s Environment about a possible grant for the proposed planting of bushes by the wall in Watery Lane and he has obtained application forms which have to be submitted by 9 April. There are no major problems in the park with Mr Marshall continuing to carry out routine maintenance although there will be a need to look at the requirement for bark once the weather improves. The Clerk wondered whether a more permanent solution would be better and will obtain information on wet pour. However it was agreed that the ideal would be to replace equipment, possibly making the site more compact, which would aid maintenance, and members of the working group will look at Steeple Aston Play Area later in the Spring.

(b)Cemetery & Allotments – Cllr Brotherston commented that we had received a further complaint from a parishioner who had thought a grave had been vandalised when it had actually had soil laid on it by the gravedigger using surplus from a freshly dug grave to help level out the ground. The uneven nature of the ground is a problem and although we appreciate concerns of residents it was generally agreed that levelling in this way is beneficial and we would not wish to deter the practice. Cllr Brotherston has agreed to make a quarterly inspection of the Allotments with a member of the Allotment Association to ensure that all plots are being properly utilised. The Chairman wondered if the Allotment Association would now be prepared to take over the annual collection of rents and certain ideas will be discussed with their Chairman.

(c)Environment – Cllr Millar commented that a rail in the fence across the recreation area at Ironstone Hollow has disappeared. After discussion it was felt that it would be more appropriate to replace the fence with some established bushes to meld with those we put in several years ago.

(d)Hook Norton War Memorial Hall – Before Cllr Walsham began his report the Chairman thanked everyone who attended the hall one Saturday to help clean the tables chairs which now look much improved. Cllr Walsham reported that the shrubs and saplings in the garden have been cleared by Tim Burchell, the stage has been altered by Cllr Brotherston to store Hooky Players staging and the front door sensor replaced, an external tap has been fitted and the old clock has been replaced. Cllrs Brotherston and Riley have effected temporary repairs to the fire door. Bicester Roofing is coming next week to attend to the roof. Bookings remain steady and thanks were expressed to Mr Tobin for the kind donation to funds from the Market.

(e)Norman Matthews Community Hall – Cllr Jelf commented that nothing significant has happened and OCC are waiting for the new financial year before they will carry out the essential maintenance. He has informed the Church of the position.

8.  Report on District Council Matters

    In the absence of District Cllr Irvine there was nothing to report but the Chairman expressed concern that, due to the adverse weather, the green bins had not been emptied the previous week and, despite a notice on CDC’s website indicating that those missed would be serviced by Monday of this week, the collection had not taken place until today. It was agreed that this delay was unacceptable and the Clerk was asked to write to CDC to express our concern and send a copy to Cllr Irvine.

9.  Report on County Council Matters

    Cllr Jelf acknowledged the major problems experienced by residents over the past ten days of winter weather and stated that OCC had become complacent following a series of mild winters and, in common with most other counties, they had allowed salt stocks to become too low. Regulations state that bus routes and access to schools and the fire station must be kept clear but other roads were not cleared and remain treacherous. The Chairman thanked Cllr Jelf for his prompt action in ensuring that Bourne Lane would be gritted in future following an accident on that road which is much used by through traffic. He went on to add that the recent problems caused by the weather, culminating in the village being cut off on Friday of last week, make a mockery of CDC’s contention that Hook Norton is a category I village for new housing. Concern was also expressed about the general state of the roads and the number of potholes and Cllr Stubbs asked whether Highways would survey all roads for frost damage once the snow disappears as the damage caused is likely to be severe. Cllr Walsham reported that he had already had a meeting with Highways about the surface of Queen Street and they are going to carry out an assessment. After further discussion it was agreed that members of the Environment Working Group would compile a list of areas of significant damage and this will be reported to Cllr Jelf who will take the matter up directly with Highways. The Clerk was also asked to write to the Leader of OC to express our concern about the lack of attention given to the major roads serving such a large village. Finally Cllr Jelf reported that in accordance with stated aims OCC is to further reduce the rate of increase in council tax to 3.75% for the next financial year.

10. Finance/Schedule of Receipts and Payments for authorisation by the Council

    Mr Porter presented the schedules of receipts and payments and sought approval to pay the cheques itemised totalling £3594.50 for the PC and £608.64 for the MH, plus a further anticipated invoice from the PC’s account for a delivery of heating oil to the Memorial Hall. He also mentioned that a cheque itemised, to Chubb Fire, is unlikely to be paid as there is now doubt that the equipment has been serviced as claimed.  Cllr Jelf moved acceptance of the payments detailed and this was seconded by Cllr Riley and approved unanimously. Cllr Jelf then enquired whether the PC would be prepared to pay to have a further grit bin installed at the junction of Bell Lane and Down End at a cost of £150 + VAT. It was proposed by Cllr Barnes that the bin be bought and this was seconded by Cllr Stubbs but the motion was defeated by five votes to three with one abstention.

11. Bus Stop Outside Church House

    The Chairman reminded councillors that this matter had been discussed in August when a request that the bus stop be moved closer to the church was rejected. Following representations by Mr and Mrs Lomas, who live at Church House, we agreed to reconsider our position at this meeting. As the issues were well known to councillors, who had had plenty of time to revisit the location and reconsider their views, he proposed that a vote be taken, Cllr Stubbs expressed the view that, as she was not at the August meeting, she would like to have the issues explained more fully She wanted the Clerk to formally record her concern about proceeding to a vote without reconsideration of the issues. At this point the Chairman left the meeting and Cllr Walsham took over the chair. Cllr Millar then suggested that everyone should comment if they had anything to add to the debate and Cllr Stubbs expressed the wish for a clearer understanding of the issues and Cllr Barnes commented that she could not see a reason for objecting to the move. Cllr Walsham asked councillors to vote on whether the bus stop should be moved and the consensus was that it should remain where it is by seven votes to two.

12. The Beam Scheme

    Cllr Stubbs referred to a report in The Times about rural communities which have to rely on oil or bottled gas being exploited and having to pay up to one-third more for their heating. Some communities are benefiting by forming oil co-operatives to arrange for bulk buying from one supplier and the BEAM Scheme is one such arrangement which has resulted in a saving in fuel costs plus a payment from the supplier to the community, which can be used to benefit local projects. Cllr Riley reported that there are already two similar schemes in existence within the village and he will supply Cllr Stubbs with details to enable her to make further enquiries with a view to this issue possibly being reconsidered at a future meeting.

13. Middle Hill

    Following a representation by John Morris to the Clerk Cllr Jelf has asked Highways to repair the damaged post at the top of Middle Hill and he has also enquired whether it would be possible to put in a hand rail which would be beneficial to older residents, particularly in icy conditions. OCC would only erect such a rail if the PC paid for it and we have asked for the likely cost so that this may be considered.

14. Correspondence

     Cherwell District Council:

(i) Spring Clean 2009 – details of this year’s campaign. In the past we have asked the Guides and Brownies to carry out the work and the Clerk had been in touch with Julie Wood who has confirmed that they will be happy to do it again this year and the date has been provisionally set for Monday 20 April. Cllr Jelf proposed that a donation of £50 be made to each pack and this was seconded by Cllr Walsham and passed unanimously.

(ii) Recreation Strategy – Review of Action Plan – to circulate

(iii) Cherwell Rural Strategy – Final Proposal Draft – to be circulated

      Other:

(i) West Oxfordshire Citizens Advice Bureau – request for donation – the Clerk reminded councillors that it has been the policy of HNPC to only donate to village organisations. Cllr Stubbs wondered if, with CAB claiming to have 15 new referrals from the village, it would be beneficial to make a small donation. After discussion it was felt we should not change our policy.

15. Questions and Comments from Members of the Public

      Mr Tobin commented that he was pleased that the PC had decided to leave the bus stop in its present      position as moving it would only increase congestion where the road narrows. Comment was also made that hedges in Swerford Road need to be cut back and the ditches should be cleared. Cllr Jelf offered to look into this matter.

16. Date and Time of Next Meeting

    Thursday 12th March 2009 in the Memorial Hall at 7.30pm

There being no further business Cllr Walsham closed the meeting at 9.05pm

Signed ……………………………………….

[Chairman Hook Norton Parish Council]

Dated 12th March 2009