October 2007

At its October Monthly Meeting the Council was concerned and displeased to learn that unauthorised flyers and notices encouraging readers thereof to express their interest in allotments had, respectively, been distributed to local residences and posted in at least one local garden centre seemingly giving the impression that they were published by the Parish Council. Readers are asked to note that all official Parish Council notices and correspondence will always carry an official heading together with the name and signature of the originator (usually the Clerk) and relevant contact details.

The Council considered that any land to be used for allotments would need to be reasonably level, be readily accessible, ideally have a water supply nearby, and be cultivatable. Enquiries had been made of local landowners but none was able to offer a suitable site. The Council therefore resolved not to pursue the provision of allotments. It did, however, agree to act as a communication channel in order to facilitate ‘garden sharing’.  Any residents who have spare capacity in their garden and are willing to allow another parishioner to cultivate part of their garden are invited to send details to the Clerk on the understanding that this information will be passed to those seeking such a plot. Any person interested in taking advantage of the ‘garden sharing’ scheme should contact the Clerk (tel: 865249 or e-mail: newchurchpc@yahoo.co.uk ).

  Four Planning Applications were considered to which no objections were raised. A list of roads where hedges or other vegetation was overhanging the carriageway or obscuring road signs was produced for the Clerk to report to Highways. The report from the Audit Commission approving the Council’s Annual Return for the year ended 31^st March 2007 had been received showing that the audit had been satisfactorily completed.

Details of members of the Parish Council are as follows:

Colin RICHARDS (Chairman)                  Popes Farm, Newchurch             (tel: 865277)

Mrs Trudy DRAPER (Vice-Chairman)       Knighton Gardens, Knighton

Mrs Rona ASHBY                                   1, Cupressus Avenue, Winford

Miss Betty COTTON                               ‘Fair View’, Winford Road    (tel: 865374)

Miss June DAVISON                                          (tel: 861263)

Mrs Jen LALE                                        ‘Wayside’, Alverstone            (tel: 403603)

Mike HOAR                                            Broadstone Cottage, Lower Knighton

Keith NEWBERY MBE                            ‘Nab Wood’, Winford

  The Monthly Meetings of the Parish Council are normally held in Newchurch Parish Hall on the third Monday of each month starting at 7.30pm: the date of the next Monthly Meeting is 19^th November 2007.