Harvington

ST JAMES CHURCH: St James church is busy preparing for the induction of the new Rector in the evening of June 3. There are four churches involved - Church Lench, Rous Lench and Abbot's Morton as well as Harvington - which means that seats are being balloted for, as a fair way of ensuring that people who wish to attend may all have an equal chance of doing so. The induction will follow the Harvington Singers concert on June 1. Tickets at £4.50 can be obtained from members of the choir or, from Linda Attwood on 870735.

ART CLUB: The art club is badly in need of new members. A once flourishing group has become very depleted and unless more people can be encouraged to attend, it will be forced to close. Anybody, no matter what their level of skill, will be made welcome and will be assured of help and encouragement. The group has no teacher but all members are most willing to share their experience, encouraging learning by doing. In the summer, the group meets on alternate Fridays 8-10pm in the village hall - in winter, this changes to afternoons. If you would like to know more, pop in to the hall on June 15 at 8pm or ring Alan Davies on 870156.

PARISH COUNCIL: At the statutory meeting which preceded the monthly meeting last week there were 11 members of the public present, together with all councillors except Mrs Sheila Lewis who had sent her apologies. Councillor Dennis McKenzie was again made chairman, with coun Joyce White as vice-chairman, coun Arthur Robinson having indicated that he wished to resign this position. No changes were made in the composition of the sub-committees and other bodies, all members agreeing to continue with the responsibilities assumed last year. During the public forum which preceded the meeting proper, there were inquiries about the situation regarding the re-opening of public footpaths, there being confusion as to which, if any were usable. County coun Clive Holt advised the parish council to write to the county council advising which paths could safely be re-opened after which it was likely that official permission would be granted. Complaints were heard about the density of the new development on the old Black and White site and it was recognised that this is a trend often brought about under direct instruction to district councils to increase the numbers of houses allowed in all new developments. The appearance of the properties, the type of bricks used, the sight line, the access from the Evesham Road - all these points were raised, coun Holt saying that he would take up the last point with the planning committee. Mr Ian Roberts drew attention to the Windmill Lake site, reporting that there had been a number of lorry movements the previous day, taking material from the site. Heated discussion revealed just what depth of feeling and level of distrust attaches to this delicate and on-going problem. The chairman reminded the meeting that the discharge of conditions will be considered by Wychavon planning committee in June after which the PC may have to move speedily to bring about a judicial review. Ways of funding this were discussed but no decision can be made until further advice has been sought. The meeting moved on to discuss the playing field, a letter having been received from a resident asking whether a skateboard ramp could be installed as part of the planned facilities. The question of legal ownership of the site was discussed and it was recognised that care must be taken to ensure that the entire area must be, and remain the property of the parish council. A light note was introduced into the meeting when in answer to a statement that the council had been asked to suggest a name for the newly developed site at the Black and White garage corner, coun McClymont suggested Beetle Drive. In the event, the matter was deferred till the next meeting.