PARISH COUNCIL: At their March meeting, chaired by coun Tony Wilkins, the parish council heard that as a result of the Parish Plans meeting held earlier in the month, a meeting had been arranged to discuss progress on facilities for youngsters. Coun Rob Hawkins said that they wanted a notice board in the bus shelter where they could put information on events and they would provide this themselves. A survey was being conducted to find out what the youngsters wanted in the village and copies of this were in the shop. A pack of papers on Parish Plans had been received from the Countryside Agency and it was agreed that the parish council should send in the Registration of Intent to produce a Parish Plan. The clerk and coun Judy Maguire would then try to fill in the application form for a grant, after which a further public meeting would be held. All those who expressed an interest in the project would be informed.

Coun Fred Edmunds reported that the inspection cover in Front Street had been replaced. The chairman reported that when the jetter was in the village recently it was taken to the stream by Junction Lane on the Compton Scorpion road. The jetter could not properly clear the drain and the chairman agreed to talk to Mr Bob Guthrie about it. He also reported that Mr Fred Yarwood had the drainage item in Featherbed Lane in hand.

The clerk reported that she had spoken to a member of the Severn Trent Complaints Review Team about the water pipes in Washbrook Place and she hoped that something would be done about them soon.

A letter had been received from the Director General of CCFRA, the Campden Research Station, inviting a representative from the parish council to Campden Day on June 12. Since a new parish council would be elected on May 1, no one could be nominated at present.

Planning applications had been received for internal alterations and enlargement of two windows at The Dower House; arboricultural work at The Dower House; and for new equipment at the Warwick Police Transmitter Station in Nebsworth Lane. The parish council had no representations to make on any of these applications. Notices of permission from the District Council had been received for a conservatory at 4, Bennett Place; for a domestic vehicular access crossing at 22, Armscote Road; for arboricultural work at the Red Lion; and for arboricultural work at 8, Manor Barns, Middle Street. A notice had been received from the District Council that the application for a dormer window and three rooflights at The Studio, Pear Tree Cottage, had been withdrawn. The applicant had since written to the chairman to say that she had spoken to the planning office about her application and enclosed pictures showing what she intended instead, which she hoped would satisfy all concerned.

Coun Edmunds reported that an oak tree in memory of John Smith had been planted on the playing field near the trees for Mr Dennis Flower and the late Ted Freeman. There would also be a plaque in the pavilion to commemorate him and this had all been paid for by the Sports and Social Club.

Coun David Sabin reported that he had seen a letter from Defra about proposed large increases in licensing bills, which could affect the Sports and Social Club. He would find out more about this.

The chairman said that now that the willow tree had gone from Whitehouse Lane, something would have to be done with the site and he suggested that it should be fenced with chestnut paling. It adjoined the garage belonging to 1, The Old Barn, and the owner was willing to look after it once it had been fenced.

The chairman reported that the church had had their mower and strimmer stolen. He asked if the parish council could help them out if the mowers were not covered by insurance. Coun Sabin agreed to find out about the insurance.