Hill & Moor

MatterS arising: Cllr Gordon reported that no progress had yet been made on the proposed Youth Forum, he thought it might be better to liaise with the Village Hall Committee. A website is available for the individual villages, i.e. Upper or Lower Moor to which information of interest can be added. It is on UKVillages.co.uk. Cllr McDonald suggested the co-option of a younger member from Hill & Moor and to carry out a community project.

Appraisal: The chairman summarised the events of the year - Setting up of Neighbourhood Watch - The new Village Hall Committee - Having to contend with the foot & mouth crisis - the problems faced with the Landfill site. These were just a few of the items the parish council had dealt with in endeavouring to maintain a rural village life for Hill & Moor.

The precept, maintained for the last three years culminating in a reduction of the Parish Rates thereby supporting the village businesses. The chairman felt the council should become more vigilant in it's approach to the continual pressures from the county and district councils. He particularly thanked Mr D Miller for all his efforts looking after the Village Green.

Election of Officers: Cllr T McDonald was elected as Chairman with the retiring Chairman J Marshal being voted as Vice-Chairman. Other Council members were Cllr B Lampard, Cllr J Everall, Cllr G Hall and Cllr C Martin. Cllr B. Gordon was once more co-opted as a council member. Cllr Gordon expressed thanks on behalf of the Council members to the retiring Chairman, Cllr J Marshall for all his work and achievements during his term of office. n Financial Accounts: Subject to audit, the accounts for the financial year ending March 31, 2001, were presented by the clerk. The adoption of the accounts was proposed by Cllr Gordon and seconded by Cllr Lampard.

PARISH COUNCIL: Minutes of meeting held in Lower Moor Village Hall on June 5.

Village Green: Subject to confirmation that waste material would be removed on construction of additional paths on the village green, a contract has been awarded to Beacon of Worcester. The work of removing existing metal bench struts on the green is to be included within the contract.

From estimates received, approval for work to proceed was given for: Fitment of a baby swing; a gate for the village green car park entrance; cementing the steps on the south west corner of the village green; closure of the gap in the fence at the south east corner of the village green; Notice boards (play area and entrance to the village green) - clarification of public use.

Disturbances: Residents continue to report disturbances by youths from outside the village. Actions have been instigated with the police authority. Cllr Lampard reminded Council members that observation of unruly and criminal behaviour should be reported to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Village Planning: The chairman spoke of a local plan review supported by an Open Forum to be held at Wyre Piddle Parish Hall on July13, from 12-7pm. The local plan has already had been the subject of input from the PC with respect to the maintenance of boundaries against speculative developments.

Roads: Cllr Lampard has contacted Mr Geoff Cox of the WDC Highways Department regarding the ongoing state of specific roads in Hill & Moor area. A response is awaited on a proposed programme of work.

Rate Relief: A letter has been received from the licensees of The Old Chestnut Inn in appreciation of the majority recommendation given by the Parish Council towards a successful Rate Relief grant.

Planning: Planning has been refused for the retention and completion of a single pitch fodder store at Duffledown Farm. An appeal for the demolition of an existing bungalow and the building of a three-bedroom property has been upheld for Mr J Massingham at Upper Moor. The parish council has been made aware of a planning application by Worcs CC for the installation of a buried pipeline to carry treated water from south of the landfill site to the river Avon. Parish Council concerns have been submitted to the Planning Authority.

Foot & Mouth: The parish council are aware of the possibility that carcasses from outside Worcestershire and Herefordshire might be brought in for burial at Throckmorten. The chairman will prepare a letter of objection for submission to our MP, MAFF and other interested bodies. It was suggested that time permitting, a petition could also be raised and presented to the responsible authority.

General Issues: The road sign to the east of Manor Road was reported broken - the clerk to contact the WDC for the sign to be replaced. Cllr Gordon suggested the parish council should have a forward plan of projects for this coming year. A resident has voiced concern over possible noise levels associated with the new bypass. The concern suggested that a corridor created by the proposed bypass build from the west end would magnify vehicular noise. Cllr Martin reported on her attendance at a police community meeting. One of the main questions discussed was the degree of 'stop and search' by the police. A resident has offered to place and maintain a flowerbed under the Lower Moor road sign at the entrance to the village. The council voiced their appreciation for kind this gesture. The next meeting will be held on July 5.