PARISH COUNCIL: Report on the meeting held on October 14.

There had been no further progress regarding the roads other than the opportunity to comment on a proposed weight restriction on some minor roads with the purpose of designating the route to the Crabbe yard through Besford Bridge. This did not find much flavour with the council, which wished only that activities at the yard be curtailed.

The reply would indicate the failure of all various agencies involved in letting this saga continue and even encouraging it by employing the contractors in removing rubble from the Ronkswood Hospital site, motorway spoil and materials from Kidderminster Munitions Factory. Letters would be sent to chief executives and MPs complaining of what the council felt was duplicity.

Regarding the churchyard walls, agreement in principle had been received that the parish council could act as agent for Wychavon in this matter. The surveyor's report was still awaited but believed to be imminent.

PC Toms had attended and gave a brief report on crime in the area. Fortunately this had been relatively low and he would continue to visit although he had some 20 parishes to cover.

The replies received from Wychavon and the police regarding parking in Harpley Road did not favour residents-only areas and therefore the matter would continue to be problematical.

The question of the 10 captains' chairs in the Church Room was again raised as the PCC had decided to sell them and split the funds. When put to the vote the decision was to support this. However there has always been controversy over the chairs as they were gifted to the village many years ago although there was no supporting paperwork to confirm the conditions pertaining to the gift.

A bench had been provided at the end of the footpath at Spring Bank end. Because this was on highway property walkers were free to make use of it. The parish council thanked the owners of the adjacent property.