DRAFT MINUTES OF THE GAYDON ANNUAL PARISH ASSEMBLY HELD IN THE VILLAGE HALL ON THURSDAY, 8TH MAY 2014 AT 8PM

PRESENT: CLLRS: J. RICKMAN (CHAIRMAN), MRS. A. CONWAY, MRS. M. FOX, D. PIRIE (from 8.10pm), B. PRICE, DISTRICT COUNCILLORS C. MILLS, A. SCORER AND COUNTY COUNCILLOR C. WILLIAMS, C.HILL (Clerk) and 9 members of the public

1. Apologies for absence

No apologies

2. Minutes of the previous assembly (March 2013)

The draft minutes had been circulated prior to the meeting. It was agreed that they were a true record of the meeting and were duly signed by the CHAIRMAN.

3. Any matters arising from those minutes

The Clerk reported that there were no matters arising from the previous minutes.

4. Reports from councillors:

The Chairman reported on the past year, a copy of which is attached to these minutes.

Cllr. Mrs. Fox reported on the cemetery. She thanked her fellow councillors and Chris Pickering for helping to keep the cemetery tidy. She reminded residents that there is an area for cremated remains.

Cllr. Mrs. Conway reported on disabled services. She said that she had liaised with Barnfields who had pointed out that they sometimes have difficulties with narrow footways that are blocked by vegetation. Could residents please ensure that the footways outside their properties are kept clear.

The Chairman reported on the play area. He said that Gaydon has a good team working on the roundabout. He said they have also, with the help of Jaguar Land Rover, stripped down the climbing frame and repainted it. Next year he said that he would like to pass the play area to another councillor. Equipment is needed for toddlers.

The Chairman reported that the new pipe across the Banbury Road is working.

8.10pm Cllr. Pirie joins the meeting.

Cllr. Price reported on the Gaydon Liaison Committee. He said that the noise from the car transporters has been an issue this year. This should be addressed by the dual carriageway.

Cllr. Price reported on footpaths. The paths are fairly passable at the moment. There will be some new signage next year. They are well used.

Cllr. Pirie said that a big event was the litter pick last August. We will look at doing something ourselves next year. There will be a check of street furniture next year. There is a street light that we are unable to have fixed.

5. Reports from the District Councillors

Cllr. Mills reported that there has been no increase to council tax. Waste recycling is improving year on year. Interesting year with proposed development in the area.

Cllr. Scorer reported that in 2015 there will be a change in ward boundaries. Gaydon will be with Bishop’s Itchington which will be a one member ward. The number of councillors will be reducing.

6. Report from the County Councillor

Cllr. Williams reported that the election a year ago changed the political balance in the council. Conservatives are the largest party but they are not in overall control. The County is in a difficult position because they have less money. Savings have been made but we have kept our front line services. 2% rise in council tax. Boundaries will be changed in 2017 and the number of councillors will be reducing despite a population increase in Warwickshire. Road maintenance in Warwickshire is good.

7. Reports from any Parish Organisations

The editor from the Parish Magazine thanked the Parish Council for their help.

A church warden said that they were very pleased that improvements had been made to the safety in the tower.

The Village Hall Committee reported that the heating seems to be sorted now. Bookings are increasing.

8. Any matters raised by electors of the parish present

A resident asked about the planning application for the Gaydon Inn and 2 houses. The Chairman explained that we did object but planning has been granted for the Inn and the building of 2 houses in the car park. The resident asked why he was not made aware of this. The Clerk explained that people who responded to the planning application should have been advised of the date of the Planning Committee Meeting by the District Council. The Chairman said that only 5 residents had attended the Parish Council Meeting held to discuss this application which was just before Christmas.

9. Closure

The meeting was closed at 8.50pm