THE 105th Annual General Meeting of Staunton Parish Council was chaired by Councillor Brian Lewis who welcomed two parishioners also Simon Bailey who had brought the Rural Community Mobile Office Vehicle for members of the Parish Council to view.

It will be brought at a date to be decided when members of the public will have an opportunity to see it and how it will work.

In his annual report Councillor Lewis referred to the cancellation of the last meeting due to the horrific foot and mouth epidemic. He spoke of the extension of Conservation in the Parish which had been most fiercely resisted but which was ignored by the Forest of Dean District Council and also of concern over the District Plan.

Councillor Lewis also referred to two businesses in the Parish, which are being developed which showed promise for the future of the village. Flooding had been alleviated to some extent, but now occurred on the main A417 near the old school and in other parts. The Parish Council had handed over £10,00 to Corse & Staunton Playing Field for play equipment, which is now installed and in use.

The Chairman thanked Mrs Penny Tracey, Parish Clerk for her helpful support during his first year as Chairman. Also County Councillor Mrs Barbara Boddington, who is not seeking re-election and District Councillor Will Windsor Clive for their help and attendance at meetings.

PC Simon Bailey reported on the crime figures for Staunton over the past 12 months which showed a slight decrease, with 33 offences including burglaries, thefts of gardening equipment from garages and sheds, criminal damage and fraud.

Two officers, Mr Busby and Senior Environmental Officer Mr David Sylvester spoke on making a tour of parishes through the draft document on contaminated land and explained its purpose.

Both the Chairman and Vice-Chairman Councillor Caroline O'Beirne were re-elected for the coming year.