Mickleton

The meeting opened with a report given by Andy Fogden, a special constable concerned with neighbourhood watch from Gloucestershire Police, reporting that last year crimes committed in the Mickleton parish were numbered at 34. In the previous year they had been 60. There was one reported theft from a car, five crimes of violence, seven burglaries, two thefts from garages and sheds and fortunately no reported theft of a motor vehicle. In detection of crime rates 38 per cent were cleared up. There were now police community support workers. Two worked solely in the whole of the north Cotswolds from a pool of four. At the moment they are based at Bourton and will shortly be at Stow.

Matters arising: The Plantation - As the highway will only be paying for the kerbing, quotes are still awaited for repairs to the wall. Already one corner has been damaged again but will not be repaired as yet.

The draft conservation plan has been received and sent back by coun L Stowe with comments previously approved of.

County coun J Girling found out that the junior school does not receive money from the local school budget towards he mowing of the grass in the junior playing fields. Councillors agreed to pay the difference between last year's cost and this year's - which has been increased.

Coun J Medlyn reported that there had been no response from the Brownies about spring cleaning but some people had agreed, since the last meeting, to the upkeep and planting of the two fountain troughs - Ballards Close and Tadpole, in time for the Bledisloe Cup Competition.

In the cemetery the headstone that required re-aligning had not been done as on inspection, two others were also found to be leaning. This work should be carried out next month.

When all money has been arranged, new equipment will be bought and installed in the junior playing fields.

Road improvements at Pages Corner, Stratford Road, still have not been carried out and highways are coming out to inspect a more suitable siting of a proposed zebra crossing in the High Street in the Terrace area.

Footpaths: It was reported that a parishioner had had a fall in Meon Road resulting in a broken arm. The highway authorities have been informed. potholes remain a problem throughout the village. There is a direct pothole reporting number 01451 820441 (Bourton) or Cirencester (01285 820441). People are encouraged to report potholes.

Maintenance of grounds: It was reported that so far Fosseways has not mown its grass at Hill View Close. It will be pursued.

Sub Committee Reports: The village hall refurbishing has almost been paid for. There are more film shows being arranged and now a request has been made to place an A-board on The Plantation to advertise the hall being opened for coffee and biscuits. The councillors presents agreed to a trial period of three months between 9am and 1pm with a few minor details receiving attention.

The next meeting will be the AGM, starting at 7pm on Wednesday, May 26.