TWO members of the public were welcomed at Staunton Parish Council meeting by the chairman, coun Clive Dent. Jane Cox, clerk to the council, reported that Mill Lane Road was down for next year's budget and would not get much priority. Councillors decided after discussion to ask for the work already done to be done again, and a better job made of it.

It was also reported that the district council has a job replacing the bin liners which have been taken from bins in Staunton because of their varying sizes.

A complaint by a resident that pears from the tree on the corner of Chartist Way had been pelted at his windows and he would like it removed had been received, but councillors want the tree to stand. The clerk will notify the district council to that effect and for the problem to be solved some other way. There had been no reply to the letter sent to Hitchens concerning the hedge in Ledbury Road. Coun Roy Chaffey said hedge debris has filled the deep ditch, causing severe flooding on the A417 road.

The clerk was thanked for her work on the audit which had been passed. The precept for 2004 is £3,500. 13 properties in Staunton had received enforcement letters, it was reported. No councillors wished payment for any expenses. A letter of congratulation and £100 is to be sent to Staunton and Corse Youth Club after receiving the award of the Young Gloucestershire Trophy 2003 for the outstanding contribution for youth work in the voluntary section. Coun Tony Fardon gave updates on the refurbishment of the village hall and progress on the proposed new scout hut.

There was a large congregation at the service of remembrance at Staunton including members of Staunton and District Women's Royal British Legion and large contingents of Staunton and Corse Venture Scouts, Scouts, Cubs and Beavers, who paraded from the church to the war memorial in the church field. Canon John Evans conducted the service and Michael Bradbury, a serving member of the Royal Air Force, read the names of those in Staunton and Corse who had given their lives in two world wars.

On behalf of the Women's Royal British Legion, the wreath of poppies was laid at the memorial by Mrs Winnie Brunsdon, the two minutes' silence was observed and the words of Lawrence Binyon read. The service continued in the church when the standards were laid at the altar. John Luard read the lessons and the address was given by the vicar. Six scouts and cubs took the offertory, which was for the Earl Haig Fund.

Don't forget the concert by the Gloucester Brass Band at Corse and Staunton Village Hall tomorrow (Saturday) at 7pm for 7.30pm. Tickets are £5 to include a light supper. All proceed are for the village hall refurbishment. Ring Barbara Bubb on 01452 840338 or myself on 01452 840273.

Also tomorrow, there will be a fabric sale from 10am to 3pm at Corse and Staunton Village Hall. The fabrics, which will include short remnants to long lengths, will be at silly prices to clear. A percentage of the proceeds will be given to the hall refurbishment fund.