PARISH COUNCIL: The chairman welcomed representatives from the Army, MAFF and the Environmental Agency.

Lieutenant Bob Williams of the Army described the actions taken by the Army, the logistics involved, and the preventive measures adopted to minimise the spread of infection.

Mr Cobbing from MAFF outlined the range of targets which had been set with regard to identifying the disease, the slaughter of animals and their disposal. He said that there were no plans to burn carcasses at Throckmorton at the present time.

Mr Forbes and Mr Tucker, from the Environmental Agency, provided assurances to parish councillors with regard to safety from seepages, contamination and the containment of viruses, etc.

They said that the parish council would be informed regularly of monitoring of the site year on year.

Serpentine Wall - the parish council have met the district council to discuss repairs to the wall and will be in touch with interested parties.

Bypass - a bypass display will be held in the village hall on Monday, April 30 (daytime/evening) and all residents are welcome. This will provide the opportunity to view the county council proposals and to raise questions with the relevant officials. A questionnaire for the village is under consideration.

Incineration - it was noted that the county council had decided not to build an incinerator in Kidderminster and future developments will be closely watched.

The Cross - an application has been submitted to seek approval to the carrying out of repairs to the Cross surrounds and a response is now awaited from English Heritage.

The annual parish meeting is on April 26 at 7.30pm. Ordinary meeting (including AGM) on May 10 at 7.30pm.