TWENTY electors from the parish of Bromsberrow attended the annual parish meeting held at the parish hall and heard reports from the many representatives. Parish chairman coun Dr Gilbert Greenall in his report referred to several key issues over the last year. The Local Government Act 2000 has introduced a declaration of interest for all parish councillors which is even more onerous than that set for Members of Parliament and the chairman went on to say he was particularly impressed their parish councillors had decided to put the interests of the parish before any misgivings they have over the provisions of this act and have remained in office.

The chairman said the volume of paperwork had increased hugely over the last year, increasing the time spent by the clerk and inevitable cost of running the parish, unfortunately, he said, little could be done. The chairman said apart from the advisory role it has in planning, the parish council played an important role in making sure the services from district and county council were delivered.

He thanked Roger Wood, who stands down as financial and Neighbourhood Watch officer and will not stand for re-election, also Barry Turbutt and those connected with the parish newsletter.

PC Simon Bailey, in his police report, welcomed the drop in crime. Speed checks had been conducted through the village with some success, the main culprits appear to be locals or those using the road as a short cut, checks will continue. The mobile police station had been used to good effect over the year.

The Bromsberrow St Mary School report shows the school continues to maintain its numbers on the roll with 46 pupils currently at the school. The school is oversubscribed for September although it wished to make it known that any local children of reception age would be admitted to the school.

A number of repairs are needed to the fabric of the church which, on the whole, is well maintained. The main path from the gate to the church porch is due to be upgraded to a tarmac surface during the year.

The litter warden, Tony Edwards, reported an increase in litter despite all efforts and fly tipping has increased. Dog fouling has also increased dramatically which is a statutory offence. District and county council reports were given by Coun Windsor Clive.