Eckington

Highways: Permission for planters to be installed at the entrances to the village in Pershore Road and Tewkesbury Road looks likely to be granted. A site meeting will be held to resolve the positioning of the planter and the raising of the village nameplate in Tewkesbury Road.

The Station Road nameplate at the junction of Boon Street will be replaced to include two directional arrows with the street name, to indicate that Station Road stretches across the end of Boon Street to the junction with Manor Road. The Mill Lane nameplate will be refurbished by the parish council.

recycling Centre: A request had been received from the recreation centre committee for removal or re-siting of the recycling centre. The recreation committee feels that the need for the recycling centre is reducing with the introduction of the doorstep collection service. Wychavon District Council has been monitoring the usage of the site, and evidence at present indicates that while usage has dropped, a significant amount of recycling material continues to be collected from the site. Wychavon will continue to monitor the usage, and in the meantime the parish council will continue to explore alternative options.

Affordable Housing, Pershore Road: The outcome of the bid for funding from the Housing Corporation for the scheme is not expected until the end of January 2006. Development of the site cannot proceed until the land-ownership has passed to the housing association, and the existing landowner is unlikely to proceed with this until the Wychavon District Local Plan has been finalised and adopted. This is unlikely to be before the beginning of summer 2006.

Gypsy site, off B4080: The public inquiry on the site due to be heard on January 10 was cancelled following the withdrawal of the planning appeal. Wychavon District Council continues to pursue the restoration of the site.

Wychavon Citizens Advice Bureau: In recognition of the invaluable service provided, a grant of £100 was given to Wychavon CAB.

The next parish council meeting will be on Tuesday, February 14 in the Memorial Village Hall. The council welcomes members of the public to attend the open forum to raise any concerns direct with the council. The open forum begins at 7.30pm.

EXHIBITION: An art and music exhibition entitled A Family Affair will be held in Holy Trinity Church from Saturday, February 18 to Wednesday, February 22. Entrance is £1, to include tea and biscuits. Proceeds go to the Acorns Hospice. Inquiries to Joan Green on 750396.