PARISH COUNCIL: At its April meeting, chaired by coun Tony Wilkins, the parish council heard that only 12 young people had responded to a survey, which was designed to find out whether they wanted a youth club, or what other facilities they wanted. It was therefore decided not to take matters further. The parish plans project had also had a setback, as the Countryside Agency had had to impose a temporary embargo on all Vital Villages grants until June 1.

The water pipes in Washbrook Place had at last been buried and the job completed. Mr Fraser Pithie of Severn Trent had written about all the problems resulting from the increased water pressure, and he had agreed to attend the next meeting of the parish council on May 28 to discuss the matter.

A letter had been received from Mrs Sue Tuckwell regarding the state of the verges on Campden Hill due to building work. She said that lorries had had to drive up onto the verge opposite Campden Cottage to avoid the skip, and the foundations of the road had been damaged. The chairman said that he would repair the steps leading to the cut up to the fields. He also agreed to speak to the owners of Campden Cottage regarding the provision of two parking spaces which were part of the conditions for their planning permission.

A letter had been received from Mrs Rosemary Payne stating that she wished to relinquish her position as parish council representative on Ilmington School governing body. Coun Judy Maguire agreed to replace her.

Coun Maguire reported that she had received complaints about people throwing plastic bags, which had been used for clearing up after dogs, over the hedge and into the field up Grump Street. It was agreed to ask residents living nearby to keep a watch and report their findings to the local farmer. She also reported more problems of water flowing down Grump Street, and Severn Trent were dealing with this. Mr Chris Payne had taken photographs recording this, which Mrs Maguire showed to the other councillors. He also reported that the four gullies on Grump Street had not been cleared, so that none of the water could get away. He felt that Grump Street was a forgotten area of the village.

Coun Dan Wilkins reported large pot-holes on the Upper Green near to the war memorial. There was also a hump in the middle of the road by the Thatched House, Upper Green. County councillor Chris Saint agreed to report to the divisional surveyor, who would, he hoped, come out to inspect all the areas around the village with the chairman.