Parish Council 2013

Parish Councillors:

• Rob Morgan (Chair)
• Bridgette Crundwell (Vice)
• Laurence Mellor
• Philippa Carter
• Sandy Timms

Parish Clerk:

• Angela Barnes

1. MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING

The Minutes from the November meeting were agreed, signed, dated and duly filed.

2. APOLOGIES:

CCllr Rodney Rose sent his apologies.

3. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST:

There were no declarations of interest.

4. FINANCIAL REPORT:
Payments

• Clerks quarterly Salary £482.56 Chq No. 100891
• HMRC £120.60 Chq No. 100892
• Clerks quarterly expenses £156.59 Chq No. 100893
• Christmas Tree expenses £9.80 Chq No. 100894

Income:

• There was no income

Bank Balance:

• £26,465.79

Precept 2014/15

Stuart Fox, the Responsible Financial Officer (RFO), presented a budget / forecast to the Meeting which was discussed. It was proposed by Cllr Crundwell and seconded by Cllr Morgan that the Clerk’s salary should be increased by 3%. It was proposed by Cllr Morgan and seconded by Cllr Crundwell that the Precept for 2014/15 will be £26,250.00. This was agreed unanimously.

5. COUNTY COUNCILLORS REPORT:

Wychwood Library
Please refer to Item No. 9.

Oxfordshire County Council – Area Steward Fund

• Road from Ascott towards Leafield (dip caused by badgers ) – Works started
• “Gullies” on London Lane (already marked) – Ongoing
•  Hedgerow on London Lane – Ongoing
• Oxfordshire County Council Transport

6. DISTRICT COUNCILLORS REPORT:

No Report

7. CHIPPING NORTON RIVER BRIDGE:

Ongoing

8. PUBLIC TIME:

There were no members of the public and so no public time was recorded.

9. THE WYCHWOOD LIBRARY:

The Clerk reported on behalf of CCllr Rose – “ Wychwood Library is something that I would welcome your thoughts on. Shipton and Milton Parish Councils have indicated that some form of financial support will be coming forward. I also, with library staff help am starting a move to revamp volunteer supporters”. Cllr Timms reported that she had met with some of the Wychwood Library representatives and that £14,000 would be needed annually to keep the structure as it is currently, without change.

After discussion, and the advice given to the Clerk by OALC, the Clerk was asked to reply to CCllr Rodney Rose, together with Milton and Shipton Parish Councils accordingly. It was agreed that the PC are not permitted to commit to an ongoing grant or donation. Any donation would need to be recorded under S.137 expenditure and should be proportionate to the “borrowers” from Ascott-under-Wychwood.

10. PLANNING APPLICATIONS:

Granted:

• 13/1565/P/FP Alterations to include removal of existing chimney, replace existing flat roof with new pitch roof and erection of single storey front extension. (Part retrospective). At 3 Andrews Yard
• 13/1528/P/FP Change of use of part of paddock to form domestic garden (Retrospective) and Construction of Swimming Pool at 1 Priory Lane

11. CAROLS ROUND THE CHRISTMAS TREE:

Final Preparations

• Carol singing to commence at 6.00pm Christmas Eve (Tuesday 24 December 2013)
• Mulled Wine
• Mince Pies x 100
• Tin of Sweets
• Buckets & Collectors – each councilor to take 2 buckets
• Tables
• PA System
• Braziers
• Carol sheets

The Clerk was asked to arrange the printing of 250 Flyers advertising the Carols and deliver them to Cllr Morgan for distributing to each household.

12. ASCOTT-UNDER-WYCHWOOD RECREATION GROUND:

Cllr Morgan reported that the drainage level on the field would be re-visited after Christmas.

13. PROJECT SAFE PLAY:

Cllr Carter reported that the total funding received to date was £42,792.01. The next application form to be completed was to Sport England “Inspired Facilities”. Cllr Carter reported that both she and Cllr Mellor would be working on this application. Cllr Carter presented a Child Protection Policy to the Meeting for approval and adoption. Cllr Crundwell proposed that the Policy be adopted, this was seconded by Cllr Timms. The Child Protection Policy was duly adopted.

14. ASCOTT-UNDER-WYCHWOOD SPORTS CLUB:

Nothing to report.

15. COMMUNITY EMERGENCY PLAN:

Cllr Mellor reported that 42 bags of 25k de-icing salt would be delivered shortly and that there was a lot of interest from Volunteers to help with any adverse weather conditions.

16. HELPERS OF ASCOTT-UNDER-WYCHWOOD:

Nothing to report.

17. MATTERS ARISING:

• Culvert by Tyack’s Yard – Network Rail (NR) – Ongoing
• Canopy of Light on the Railway Platform – Ongoing

18. CORRESPONDENCE:

• Letter received from The Wychwoods Day Centre requesting a donation. Cllr Mellor proposed a donation of £100 this was seconded by Cllr Morgan.

19. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

• Sign on London Lane
• Open Gardens 22 June 2014

The Clerk was asked to carry forward these two items to Matters Arising in January.

There being no further business Cllr Morgan declared the meeting closed at 9.40pm and confirmed the next meeting would be Monday 13 January 2014 at 7.30pm.

Parish Councillors:

• Rob Morgan (Chair)
• Bridgette Crundwell (Vice)
• Laurence Mellor
• Philippa Carter
• Sandy Timms

Parish Clerk:

• Angela Barnes

1. MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING

The Minutes from the October meeting were agreed, signed, dated and duly filed.

2. APOLOGIES:

Apologies received from CCllr Rodney Rose. The Clerk reported that Rodney had emailed a report to present to the meeting.

3. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST:

There were no declarations of interest.

4. FINANCIAL REPORT:

Payments:

• £210.00 Cherry Products Cheque No. 100890 (Snow Fund)

Income:

• No Income

Precept 2014/15

This was discussed at length and numerous items of expenditure were identified to include in setting the Precept. The PC looked at the Income & Expenditure report and it was very clear that the PC, after all statutory expenditure, would be left with only £300 approximately to 31 March 2014. DCllr Hibbert-Biles reported that vast cuts were still being sought by WODC and OCC and advised the Parish Council to prepare accordingly. It was proposed by Cllr Morgan and seconded by Cllr Crundwell that this should be finalised at the December meeting.

Recording the donation to Tiddy Hall of £3500 towards the Kitchen Refurbishment
The Clerk reported that she had consulted with OALC and the External Auditors BDO LLP (Matt Pickett) who advised that this donation should be recorded under Section 133 Provision of Parish & Community Buildings.

5. COUNTY COUNCILLORS REPORT:

TALKING OXFORDSHIRE PUBLIC MEETINGS

October has been dominated by the ‘Talking Oxfordshire’ road shows where County Councillors and Officers travelled to locations across the County to discuss savings to be made at County Hall.

Since 2010, we have saved £127 million, with plans set to save another £74 million over the next few years. Despite this, further cuts to our budget by Central Government mean we must find another £61 million bringing the total reduction to £262 million.

We will have to make changes to the way we deliver services and perhaps stopping some altogether. We understand how valued some services are and all comments will be taken into consideration. The budget proposals will go to the Performance Scrutiny meeting on 16th December then to Cabinet on 28th January, before finally being debated at Full Council on 18th February 2014.

So far, approximately 1,000 people attending our meetings and we will consult with our ‘Oxfordshire Voice’ panel of 3,000 people across the County who are chosen as a balanced representation of our residents.

You still have an opportunity to make your feelings known:

• There is an additional meeting at the MEC at 7.30pm at Marlborough School (Woodstock) on 21st November. It will focus on rural issues but any concerns can be raised here.
• The consultation is open online until 29th November. Please visit: https://myconsultations.oxfordshire.gov.uk/consult.ti/talkingoxfordshire2013/consultationHome

HOME TO SCHOOL TRANSPORT MEETINGS

The Home to School transport policy will be out for consultation this month. It’s important that we update the policy and the new proposals should provide comfort to those with concerns, whilst delivering much needed savings. Throughout November and December the County Council will be holding public meetings to discuss Home to School Transport.

The Leader of the Council, Cllr Ian Hudspeth will be available at each meeting to answer your questions, alongside senior council officers Roy Leach (School Organisation & Planning Manager) and Neil Darlington (Admissions and Transport Services Manager).

This is an excellent opportunity to raise your concerns with them, and you can attend any of the meetings listed below.

Venue Date Time

• Carterton Community College 11th of November 2013 7:00pm – 8:30pm
• Matthew Arnold School 14th of November 2013 7:00pm – 8:30pm
• Bartholomew School 22nd of November 2013 7:00pm – 8:30pm
• The Marlborough School 29th of November 2013 7:00pm – 8:30pm
• Icknield Community College 2nd of December 2013 7:00pm – 8:30pm
• Wheatley Park School 4th of December 2013 7:00pm – 8:30pm
• Burford School 9th of December 2013 7:00pm – 8.30pm
• Larkmead School 10th of December 2013 7:00pm – 8:30pm
• The Warriner School 12th of December 2013 7:00pm – 8:30pm

READY FOR WINTER

We have enjoyed the best summer since 2006 but the weather is changing with a noticeable drop in the temperature. The County council has been planning the winter maintenance program throughout the summer to be ready for the frosts that will occur. All grit bins should now be full, please contact us if any in your area have not been filled. We work with Town & Parish councils so that they have plans in place to assist clearing the snow during the bad weather. There will be a series of road shows during October to explain what is available. If you require further information then please contact Paul Wilson, the Adverse Weather Manager.

6. DISTRICT COUNCILLORS REPORT:

DCllr Hibbert-Biles reported that the Local Plan was not yet finished and that Budgets still had to be decided. She reported that WODC were proposing to amalgamate with Cotswold District Council and have one management team between them. This would be decided at the next Cabinet Meeting.

DCllr Hibbert-Biles advised the meeting that she had decided to step down as District Councillor with effect from June 2014. She felt that after 12 years service now was the time to step aside and let fresh blood and vigor succeed. Cllr Morgan asked the meeting to join him in extending the Parish Council’s sincere thanks and gratitude to Hilary for her tireless work and effort that she has invested in Ascott-under-Wychwood.

7. CHIPPING NORTON RIVER BRIDGE:

Cllr Morgan reported that no further communication had been received. The Clerk was asked to carry this forward to the December meeting.

8. PUBLIC TIME:

There were no members of the public and so no public time was recorded.

9. PLANNING APPLICATIONS:

The Clerk reported that there was one application to be considered:
13/1528/P/FP Change of use of part of paddock to form domestic garden (Retrospective) and Construction of Swimming Pool at 1 Priory Lane

The planning application was presented to the Meeting, discussed and the Councillors listed their concerns. The Clerk was asked to reply to WODC Planning accordingly.

10. CAROLS ROUND THE CHRISTMAS TREE:

Preparations so far;

• Tree has been ordered from Bruern Estate approximate cost £160 +VAT and will be delivered on either Thursday 5th or Friday 6th December – Parish Clerk
• Tree to be erected and decorated on Saturday 7 December 2013 – the Clerk has asked Robin Walker and Shane Barnes to help with this (all to meet at 10.30am on the Village Green) – Parish Clerk
• Carol singing to commence at 6.00pm Christmas Eve (Tuesday 24 December 2013)
• Mulled Wine & Cups – it was agreed to cater for 200 – Cllr Carter
• Mince Pies x 100 – each Councillor to supply 24 Mince Pies – All
• Tin of Sweets – Cllr Carter
• Buckets & Collectors – each councilor to take 2 buckets and give to Parishioners to collect – All
• Tables – to collect from the Church – Cllr Morgan and Cllr Mellor
• PA System – Cllr Morgan
• Braziers – Cllr Morgan and Cllr Mellor
• Carol sheets – Cllr Carter
• The Beneficiary from the proceeds – Cllr Crundwell proposed the proceeds should go to the Wychwood Day Centre. This was seconded by Cllr Morgan and agreed unanimously.
• The Vicar, Mark Abrey has been invited – Parish Clerk

11. ASCOTT-UNDER-WYCHWOOD RECREATION GROUND:

Cllr Morgan reported that the Hedge had now been cut and a good job had been done. The only query Cllr Morgan raised was the cuttings and their disappearance. Nobody appears to know what happened to them.

12. PROJECT SAFE PLAY:

Following the Road Show in July we spoke to County and District Councils who advised us that our village consultation was very thorough and our mandate clear. So in September we let all households know by letter that we were going to apply for grants to try and build a Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA). If we are successful with our grant applications, the money would finance a tarmac court marked out for 5-a-side, tennis and basketball. The goals could also be used for hockey, there would be cricket wickets in the netting at each end and we may be able to supply volleyball and badminton as well. We are planning for a tarmac path from the playing field gates and this would give dry wheelchair/pushchair access to the playground as well as the MUGA. While the field is being disrupted, we are hoping that some longstanding drainage issues could be tackled.

So far we are pleased to say that we have received a grant from Oxfordshire County Council and a promise of funding from the Ascott-under-Wychwood Village Charity, following their successful Fun Run last month. The village itself has raised money through the Jubilee Lunch, pantomime 2012 and the car boot sale as well as through kind individual donations. We have applied to 6 other organisations including WODC. We are currently working on our bid to the Big Lottery (Sport England Inspired Facilities). WODC and Sport England would make up most of the funding.

Ultimately the MUGA will only go ahead if we raise enough money but our contingency is to use what we do raise to install some pieces of play equipment which would appeal to children (and playful adults!) of all ages. We also aim to finish improving the play surfaces. All will become clearer by about Easter 2014 and we hope that whatever work we can afford will take place during the summer or early autumn. If we don’t manage to raise enough money it won’t be for lack of trying or lack of support – it will be just because money is tight everywhere at the moment. We have had good feedback throughout the consultation which has made us re-evaluate our thinking at each stage. When the decision was finally made in September many residents sent brilliant e-mails of support which have been very valuable for our grant applications.

I would like to record our thanks for all the support we have had but would also like to remind anyone who has not written that it is not too late to bolster our application to the Lottery. This report has been submitted to the Grapevine so that the community is kept up to date.

13 ASCOTT-UNDER-WYCHWOOD SPORTS CLUB:

Nothing to report.

14 COMMUNITY EMERGENCY PLAN:

Cllr Carter reported that the river coped well with the recent heavy rain. Again, being able to monitor the Environment Agency’s river gauges at Shipton and Evenlode helps to be able to predict river levels and therefore reduce stress. Some pooling has been observed on the road opposite Sunset House. This should be relieved by clearing leaves and Cllr Carter will ask some ‘Helpers’ to assist with this.

Cllr Mellor reported that the delivery of 5 x 1 tonne bags of salt had been delivered to Crown Farm. He reported that he had sourced a finer granule white salt for use in the manual machines. He reported that the machinery had been serviced and the Pump was due to be “started. Cllr Mellor reported that several men, who operated the machinery last year, had offered their help this year.

Referring to CCllr Rodney Rose’s report Cllr Mellor and Cllr Morgan agreed to check that all Salt Bins had been replenished.

15 HELPERS OF ASCOTT-UNDER-WYCHWOOD:

Cllr Carter suggested the next group meeting could be a “Litter Pick”. This was agreed and would be scheduled in the New Year.

Cllr Mellor proposed that the “Helpers” should be officially thanked and recognised for their hard work and commitment by the Parish Council. One suggestion was a Summer BBQ part funded by the Parish Council. – Cllr Crundwell seconded this proposal and it was unanimously agreed. Cllr Carter agreed to give this some thought.

16. MATTERS ARISING:

• Oxfordshire County Council (OCC) Area Steward Fund – this was discussed and it was agreed that Cllr Morgan would contact CCllr Rodney Rose, Ian Clarke and DCllr Hibbert-Biles outlining the outstanding works and ask if costings had been done;
  The badgers dip on the road from Ascott towards Leafield
  The, already, marked “Gullies” on London Lane
  The Hedgerow on London Lane by Mrs Beveridge’s property.
• Culvert by Tyack’s Yard – Network Rail (NR) – Ongoing
• Meeting 24 September with Milton-under-Wychwood and Shipton-under-Wychwood Parish Councils – The Clerk reported that Rodney Rose OCC had confirmed the following with regard to how many Ascott parishioners used the Wychwood Library and OCC’s consultation process –
  “OCC consulted and came to a decision a couple of years ago [at Cabinet] to halve staff costs at our Community Libraries. Just halving our opening hours was not a preferred option, so local cash, volunteers or a combination became the preferred choice. Ascott has 85 registered borrowers at the Wychwood Library”. This issue was discussed at length and it was agreed that Cllr Timms would contact the Friends of the Wychwood Library and discuss this issue. The Clerk was asked to contact CCllr Rodney Rose to ask for a copy of the Minutes from the recent meeting and to advise him that the PC were not permitted to make a financial commitment at this stage.

17. CORRESPONDENCE:

• Clerks & Councils Direct
• Letter from Chiltern Sports Contractors Limited
• OCC Letter and Poster re Home to School Transport
• Email Correspondence:
  Shipton PC re OCC Transport – this was discussed and the Clerk was asked to add this to the December Agenda
  Mark Dawbarn re Planning Application at 1 Priory Lane – this was discussed and relevant comments added to the planning application. The Clerk was asked to reply to WODC Planning accordingly.

Finance Report – from Stuart Fox

18. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

• Cllr Timms reported on the Village Charity meeting that she had attended. She was asked about any progress on the provision of a canopy over the light on railway platform. Cllr Carter advised that this was on her list to do. She asked to Clerk to add this to the Agenda for December.
• Cllr Mellor reported that he had received a phone call with regard to a free allotment plot. He advised the Clerk that he would be away for a couple of days and would deal with this on his return.

There being no further business Cllr Morgan declared the meeting closed at 11.15pm and confirmed the next meeting would be Monday 9 December 2013 at 7.30pm.

Parish Councillors:

• Rob Morgan (Chair)
• Bridgette Crundwell (Vice)
• Laurence Mellor
• Philippa Carter
• Sandy Timms

Parish Clerk:

• Angela Barnes

1. MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING

The Minutes from the September meeting were agreed, signed, dated and duly filed.

2. APOLOGIES:

No apologies received.

3. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST:

There were no declarations of interest.

4. FINANCIAL REPORT:

Payments:

• £482.56 Clerks net quarterly salary Chq. No. 100884
• £120.60 HMRC PAYE Chq. No. 100885
• £3200.00 Grasscutting Chq. No. 100886
• £193.73 Clerks quarterly expenses Chq. No. 100887
• £69.94 WODC Commercial Waste Chq. No. 100888
• £46.98 Laurence Mellor Chq. No. 100889 (Carols on the Green)

Income:

• £1,000.00 OCC Project Safe Play
• £6.09 Interest
• £100.00 S Tustian – Snow Fund donation
• £8125.00 OCC Second half of Precept

Precept 2014/15

The Clerk asked the Council to consider setting the next year’s Precept. After discussion, the Clerk was asked to carry this forward to the November meeting and to advise Stuart, the Responsible Financial Officer (RFO) of the agreed capital expenditure to date, with a view to providing a budget and forecast for 2014/15 and thus setting the Precept for next year.

5. COUNTY COUNCILLORS REPORT:

No Report

6. DISTRICT COUNCILLORS REPORT:

No Report

7. CHIPPING NORTON RIVER BRIDGE:

Cllr Morgan reported that no further communication had been received. The Clerk was asked to carry this forward to the November meeting.

8. PUBLIC TIME:

There were no members of the public present and so no public time was recorded.

9. PLANNING APPLICATIONS:

The Clerk reported that there were no new planning applications to be considered.

• 13/1238/P/FP Change of use from agricultural to light industrial unit at Kingstanding Barns – Granted
• 13/1265/P/FP Insertion of window and door with Storm Porch at The Swan – Granted

10. TIDDY HALL KITCHEN:

It was reported that progress was being made and Simon Gidman would contact the PC when the funding was needed. The Clerk was asked to check with OALC how this donation/grant should be recorded in the Year End Accounts and Annual Return.

11. ASCOTT-UNDER-WYCHWOOD RECREATION GROUND:

Cllr Morgan reported that the hedgecutting had not been done. The Clerk was asked to chase the contractors R A Newman. Cllr Carter reported parishioner Simon Gidman has offered to carry out a full drainage survey of the Playing Field free of charge.

12. PROJECT SAFE PLAY:

Cllr Carter reported that grant applications for the proposed MUGA had been completed and submitted to WODC for the “Chill-out” fund and the Village Charity. The next application to be completed is to the National Lottery.

Cllr Carter reported that she and Cllr Mellor had attended a Workshop held by WODC and OCVA on Thursday. This offered advice on the applications process and proved extremely helpful. Cllr Carter reported that Graham Bell, a parishioner who has experience in grant funding and applications has offered to help with the application process.

13 ASCOTT-UNDER-WYCHWOOD SPORTS CLUB:

Cllr Mellor reported that the Boiler was due a service and would duly organise this.

14 COMMUNITY EMERGENCY PLAN:

Cllr Mellor reported that an order for bulk salt had been done and storage would be at Crown Farm. Cllr Mellor reported that he had obtained a list of suppliers for “fine grain” supplies for the manual machines.

15 HELPERS OF ASCOTT-UNDER-WYCHWOOD:

Cllr Carter reported that a working party had worked on the Station bank on Friday 11 October.

16. MATTERS ARISING:

• Oxfordshire County Council (OCC) County Councillor Highway & Transport Fund – Ongoing
• Culvert by Tyack’s Yard – Network Rail (NR) – Ongoing
• Meeting 24 September with Milton-under-Wychwood and Shipton-under-Wychwood Parish Councils – the Clerk reported that a get together by the three Wychwoods was held, primarily, to discuss how future cuts on spending would affect them and cross fertilisation between the three Parishes to maximise potential. CCllr Rodney Rose gave a short presentation about the proposed cuts to the Wychwood Library and called upon all three Parishes for a subsidy. This was discussed at length, in particular, any commitment the present Councillors would pass on to a new Parish Council. It was felt that time should be given for the PC to carry out a Village Consultation – the Clerk was asked to enquire with OCC how many parishioners from Ascott-under-Wychwood used the Wychwood Library
• 2014 Elections – the Clerk was asked to carry this forward to the January meeting.

17. CAROLS ROUND THE CHRISTMAS TREE:

• The Clerk was asked to source a Christmas Tree from Bruern Estate
• Erection of the Christmas Tree will be on Saturday 7th December – all to meet at 10.30am on the Village Green. The Clerk was asked to contact Robin Walker and ask if he could help.
• It was agreed that the Service would take place on Christmas Eve at 6pm
• The Clerk was asked to invite the Vicar, Mark Abrey.
• Christmas Carols – to be agreed

18. CORRESPONDENCE:

• ORCC Annual Review 2012/13
• OCC Letter re Budget/Cuts
• Emails – various already sent

19. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

• Cllr Carter reported that Thames Water had now finally sorted the sewage problem in Gypsy Lane.
• Parking on the Village Green – the Clerk reported that it had been brought to her attention that School traffic was parking on the Village Green. It was agreed to monitor this and carry forward to the November meeting if necessary.

There being no further business Cllr Morgan declared the meeting closed at 10.00pm and confirmed the next meeting would be Monday 11 November 2013 at 7.30pm.

Parish Councillors:

• Rob Morgan (Chair)
• Bridgette Crundwell (Vice)
• Laurence Mellor
• Philippa Carter
• Sandy Timms

Parish Clerk:

• Angela Barnes

1. MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING

The Minutes from the July meeting were agreed, signed, dated and duly filed.

2. APOLOGIES:

Apologies had been received from CCllr Rodney Rose.

3. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST:

There were no declarations of interest.

4. FINANCIAL REPORT:

The Clerk reported that the External Audit had now been completed by BDO LLP and there were no issues arising.

The Clerk asked the Councillors to start thinking about setting the Precept for 2013/14. This was discussed at length and Councillors agreed to consider any capital expenditure and bring this to the October meeting. The Clerk was asked to carry this forward.

Payments:

• £192.00 BDO LLP External Audit fee (Cheque No. 100879)
• £10.00 CLPG Cotswold Line Promotion Group subscription (Cheque No. 100880)
• £81.60 RoSPA Playsafe (Cheque No. 100881)
• £9.49 R A Morgan Carols on the Green (Cheque No. 100882)
• £8.99 L Mellor Oil Extractor for pedestrian Snow Plough (Cheque No. 100883)

Income:

• No Income
• £1,695.00 Transfer from general funds to the Snow Clearance Fund

Bank Balance:

• £22,164.36

5. COUNTY COUNCILLORS REPORT:

No Report

6. DISTRICT COUNCILLORS REPORT:

No Report

7. CHIPPING NORTON RIVER BRIDGE:

Cllr Morgan reported that Charlie Benner, Oxfordshire County Council Bridge Engineer, had advised him that due to subsequent events and other far more pressing bridge issues have meant that he has not been able to yet give this the attention it requires to be able to provide the Parish Council with a full response in time for the September meeting. Cllr Morgan confirmed that he had advised OCC that the Parish Council would be meeting on Monday 14 October.

Cllr Mellor reported that there were 4 bridges on the A415 between Standlake and the Rose Revived. He reported that all 4 bridges are comparable to Ascott’s bridge and they are on a very narrow ‘A’ road where the road conditions are a lot worse.

8. PUBLIC TIME:

There were no members of the public present and so no public time was recorded.

9. PLANNING APPLICATIONS:

13/1238/P/FP Change of use from agricultural to light industrial unit at Kingstanding Barns. The Clerk had circulated details of this application via email. The hard copy of the planning application was presented to the meeting to be considered. The Clerk would be advised to reply accordingly.

10. RISK ASSESSMENT

Cllr Morgan reported that a Village Walkabout had taken place on Saturday 7 September and confirmed that there were no risks identified. One issue was the amount of “Dog Bins” around the Village and two further bins had been requested – these being at the Allotments and The Orchard. Cllr Morgan agreed to chase WODC with regards to a delivery and installation date of the two additional bins.

Cllr Morgan reported on the recent RoSPA Inspection carried out. He reported that there was nothing urgent reported. He agreed to check the shackles on the “flat swings” . The Clerk reported that the hedgecutting along Priory Lane had been booked and works should be carried out within the next two weeks.

11. ASCOTT-UNDER-WYCHWOOD RECREATION GROUND:

Please refer to Item No. 10 above with regards to the RoSPA Report and Hedgecutting.

Cllr Mellor reported on the Picnic Tables on the Playing Field. Unfortunately two of the tables had been damaged, possibly due to “dragging”.

12. PROJECT SAFE PLAY:

Cllr Carter presented the “consultations” to the meeting and reported that she and Cllr Morgan had met with Nicole Donnell from Oxfordshire Playing Fields Association (OPFA). Nicole confirmed that the mandate and extensive consultation were more than adequate to make an application for funding to WODC.

The project was discussed at length and the Parish Council needed to make a decision whether this project should proceed and applications for funding be submitted. Cllr Morgan proposed that the Parish Council continue and proceed. This was seconded by Cllr Crundwell and was agreed by a majority vote.

13 ASCOTT-UNDER-WYCHWOOD SPORTS CLUB:

Cllr Carter reported that unfortunately the Football Club would not be able to run a second team unless they went up a league. She reported that the Youth team were no longer playing at Ascott-under-Wychwood.

Cllr Mellor informed the meeting that property which was being stored in the garage at the Pavilion had been found deposited in long grass at the side of the building. He reported that storage within the garage was a shambles and suggested that the large roller be moved outside to provide more room and shelving be erected. This was agreed and Shane Barnes would be asked to assist with this task. Suitable protection would need to be provided i.e. tarpaulin sheeting for the roller.

14 COMMUNITY EMERGENCY PLAN:

Ongoing – nothing to report.

15 HELPERS OF ASCOTT-UNDER-WYCHWOOD:

Cllr Carter reported that she had not called a meeting in September, but the next scheduled meeting would be on Saturday 25 October. The works would be to spruce up the playground ahead of the sponsored run.

16. MATTERS ARISING:

Oxfordshire County Council:

• Tiddy Hall Kitchen – Ongoing
• Culvert by Tyack’s Yard – Network Rail Ongoing

17. CORRESPONDENCE:

• WODC – Letter re Parish Survey of Rural Facilities (Needs completing)
• Cotswold & Malvern Line News Summer 2013
• Clerks & Councils Direct
• Forest Update – Summer 2013
• Wychwood Project – letter re sponsored walk in aid of ROSY (Respite Nursing for Oxfordshire’s Sick Youngsters)
• Cotswolds Conservation Board – Annual Review 2012/13
• Cotswold Lion – Autumn/Winter 2013/14

18. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

There being no further business Cllr Morgan declared the meeting closed at 9.55pm and confirmed the next meeting would be Monday 14 October 2013 at 7.30pm.