Staunton Parish Council is again up to its full strength with the co-option of three new members, they are councillors Andrew Wills, Roy Chaffey and Michael Bradbury. They were formally co-opted and will each receive a package of information explaining the code of conduct and the new councillor's guide. They were welcomed by the chairman, Coun Dent.

Coun Fardon, together with parish clerk Jane Cox, had a recent meeting with highways department officials Owen Jenkins and Julian Wildin, when the problem areas were highlighted by Coun Dent and additional items discussed re the salt box at Mill Lane, the ditch in Moat Lane where the resurfacing work had caused problems and the flooding problem at the old school. The clerk reported on the action to be taken by highways and Coun O'Beirne confirmed that the owners of the hedge obstructing visibility from Hethelpit Cross were happy to sort out the problem. Coun O'Beirne also stated that the highways department had mentioned bollards being put in together with double white lines and the curvature

of the road appeared incorrect. They had also expressed surprise at the speed of traffic at this point. She expressed some doubt about putting bollards in.

The chairman had been approached regarding residents turning the corner site on the Hitchens estate into a public open space by tidying it up and putting a bench and generally improving it as an amenity. The chairman advised them that the site belongs to Hitchens builders. The residents have contacted Hitchens, it was reported, who were happy for the area to be turned in to an open space as long as either the parish council or district council agrees to adopt it and be responsible for it. Coun Dent told the residents they would have the support of the parish council on this matter although it was probably better for the district council to take responsibility. The residents are now meeting to see if they have enough support to continue. Coun Luard was keen for the parish council not to take responsibility and that the residents should have a private agreement with Hitchen pending the decision of the district council. It was suggested that the ground had been left in a rough state to stop trouble occurring there.

Coun Fardon reported improvement to the village hall would start on July 7 when the village hall will be partially close. It was also reported that two burglaries occurred recently, one in Ledbury Road Crescent and one at the school, Hartpury School had also been broken into on the same night as Staunton School.

Several recent fundraising events have been successfully organised by Rena Harley for Corse & Staunton Village Hall funds, with a jumble sale raising £271, a dance £78.03 and a whist drive, which attracted players for seventeen and a half tables, making a grand profit of £137.83.

The winners in the May draw of Corse & Staunton Village Hall 100 Club were 1 Mrs H Tattersall, 2 Mrs K Coleman, 3 Mrs E Gisby, 4 Mrs R Harley. The June winners were 1 Mrs B Bubb, 2 Mrs M Barclay, 3 Mrs J Rand, 4 Mrs A Penman.

The next fund raising event is the car boot sale and table top sale at the Village Hall this Sunday from 11am until 2pm.

A LARGE congregation was welcomed to the family service at the parish church of St James', Staunton which was conducted by Canon John Evans. The organist was Giles Turner.

During the service Jessica Louise, daughter of Sarah and Simon Todd, of Staunton, was baptised by the vicar and was welcomed into the family of the church by the whole congregation. The lesson reader was Stan Cotton and during the celebration of holy communion the chalice was administered by Ursula Groves-Smith. The offertory was taken by Prim Goldring and Audrey Smith.

Don't forget Staunton church barbecue tomorrow (Saturday) at 7pm at The Hill, which will include Scottish dancing. Ring (01452) 840225 to book.