Birlingham

Apologies were received from coun David Williams-Thomas. Before the start of the meeting, Mr Harry Searle, on behalf of the village hall committee, outlined proposals for the 'improvement and enhancing of the village hall' and its facilities. He explained the proposed updating of the hall and several ways that the parish council might be able to help. Planning permission would have to be sought and hopefully grants obtained. District coun Peter Wright said he would advise when the next meeting re 'applying for grants' was and let Mr Searle know.

It was thought £100,000 might be the sum involved; hopefully the village raising 10%. A number of volunteers have come forward to expand the committee to help with schemes to raise funds. He showed an architectural plan of the village hall and its proposed extended boundaries housing disabled toilets and a small meeting room. Although heating had not been agreed, it was hoped that an environmental grant could be obtained. It was thought by the meeting that if the parish council were to be involved 'the legality of the relationship of the overall scheme' should be sought. After answering several questions, Mr Searle was thanked by the chairman for succinctly outlining the proposals. Minutes of the last meeting were taken as read - unanimously agreed.

Potholes: Coun Winnard to mark these on the map provided and to let clerk have same. Hopefully the flooding near to Birlingham House and the Manor House had now been dealt with.

Millennium celebrations: Coun Winnard advised that the children's time capsule had been buried on the village green. He also advised that the plinth would be levelled when the ground had settled.

Nafford Sluice: Clerk instructed to write again to the Public Right of Way officers asking when the pathway would be restored. County coun Hardman would also investigate.

Sewerage Treatment Plant: County coun Hardman said the situation was unchanged. It had been noted however that Severn Trent seemed to have been surveying a piece of land further on from the proposed siting of the plant.

Old Milking Parlour: There had been complaints re the untidiness of the site. Clerk instructed to write to the environmental authority. District coun Wright to seek advice from the planning authority on our behalf.

Nomination for governor of Eckington School: This confirmed as Mrs Gillian Goodlad.

Skip (free): This is to be on the village green on Friday, March 16 to Monday, March 19. Litter picking to be on that Friday and the weekend.

Parish clerk advised that £900 precept had been asked for.

Planning applications - none.

Correspondence:

Wychavon: Skips for the coming year. This is to brought to the next meeting. Local Government Decision Making letter replied to. Consultation evening letter. Letter re Wychavon magazine. Sports council advising us of the results of the village games - Birlingham came 20th but we were the smallest village.

Worcestershire County Council: Letter re Budget Consultation evening, letter re Worcestershire Structure Plan and letter re Raising the levels of the approach roads to Eckington Bridge in view of the recent flooding. West Mercia Performance Plan to hand.

Any Other Business: Letters to be written re complaints received by the parish council regarding parts of old vehicles left on land that needed tidying up or removing and parking on land owned by the parish council.

It was agreed by the meeting that the AGM this year would be on May 23. Clerk to write to Mr Revell to ask him to have left hand ditch dug out passed Yew Tree Cottage to the corner of the lane. The next parish council meeting will be on March 21 at 7.30pm, village hall.