Birlingham

Responsible Financial Officer: The clerk was appointed to this position.

Internal Auditor: It was agreed that enquiries would be made to find a suitable person.

May Elections - agreed that flier titled '13 excuses for not joining the Parish Council' be posted in public places in the village. Chairman went through procedures relating to the election, the code of conduct and declaration of interests.

Annual Parish Meeting - agreed that this would take place at 7pm on May 14, 2003. The Annual Parish Council Meeting would then follow on at 7.30pm.

Clerks salary/contract. The clerk was absent during this item. It was agreed that the model contract would be circulated to Councillors. The Clerks salary was discussed and an annual sum of £1100 was proposed and carried by a vote of 3:1. Clerk to contact Inland Revenue reference tax exemption.

Footpath report. Kissing-gate on Berwick lane to be replaced when Droicon contractors have gone. Funds from WCC to go through same Parish financial procedures.

Eckington School Governor - Judith Ford was nominated for this position.

Grass Verges - obstructions. During the discussion it was noted that wooden posts with reflectors are only legal if they have a wall behind them. It was noted that any letters should be written on Birlingham Parish headed paper if signed from a Parish Councillor.

Sewerage/drains works update and Condition of Roads - The council was advised that the contractors should be out of the village by the end of the month. Chris Reynard established that the new access road by Birlingham House would remain as stones, but grass would be planted in the middle.