PARISH COUNCIL: In the absence of the chairman, Cllr L Stowe, the meeting was chaired by coun M Stowe. There were four members of the public present. This short meeting preceded the AGM.

The cemetery gates had been reinstalled. Councillors are pleased with the result and they should last for many more years.

The bus timetable board has been repaired on the bus shelter but it was noticed that the Hedgehog bus timetable was missing.

There was reported flooding on Long Marston Road alongside the senior playing fields. Investigations to who owns the ditch will be sought and hopefully the matter will be promptly dealt with

Reports of soil dumping on a grave was reported by the family concerned. On investigation it was caused by someone gardening a nearby grave. This is not allowed because shrubs should be pot-planted. The clerk said families were made aware of this fact on burials taking place. A notice will now be placed making this request in the cemetery.

Sub-committee: Coun J Medlyn reported on the King George's Hall. The letting contract had been tightened up following some vandalism when recently hired out.

The work of converting Mickleton House and outbuildings into 13 homes has begun.

A letter of thanks was received from the North Cotswold Voluntary Health Centre for the gift of £173 from the Christmas carol collection.

The annual meeting followed.

Coun J Medlyn remarked that parking had not improved around the Three Ways Hotel and Plantation, and it made nonsense of the bus shelter: Increased parking along the High Street caused vehicles now to mount the kerb and grass verge of the hotel and more cars were now parking outside Tudor Cottages.

The chairman's report was read in his absence. The King George's Hall was an asset to the village since its refurbishment.

Following discussions with the planning officer, car parking places were increased on the proposed new school site. With all the new planning application made, Mickleton's population could increase by a possible 140.

Many people were thanked for their help in making Mickleton a good place to live in. District councillor Sue Jepson said that it was an honour and a pleasure to serve on the council. Gloucester was given Beacon status for its work in caring for the elderly. Recycling of plastic bottles was a success and a million bottles had been saved from landfill sites in this area.

The sport facilities at the comprehensive school had been used by 38,000 people in the past year.

The county councillor's report by Julie Girling was read. The sale of land was nearing completion for the new primary school and building of 23 houses on the site. Efforts were still being made to include a nursery class.

It was felt that GCC was not doing enough on HGVs. There should be a weight restriction of traffic at the Long Marston site.

It is hoped the Cotswold Spring Clean would take place on April 16 and 17 meeting outside King George's Hall. Details to be finalised, will be placed on the notice board. It is hoped that many villagers will turn out to help, rid the village of rubbish in readiness for the Bledisloe cup competition which was then discussed. Prize money has increased. There will be a party given by Lord Neidpath in October for the winners. Also there is a new competition that Mickleton will be entered into - Gloucestershire village of the year.

The next parish council meeting will be on Wednesday, April 27 at 7.30pm.