PARISH COUNCIL: The annual meeting began with the re-election of Cllr Tony Wilkins as chairman. Cllr Judy Maguire wished to resign as representative school governor, and Cllr Devereux agreed to take her place.

The chairman reported that the new base for the Cotswold AONB marker stone had been put in, but the stone had not yet been moved. The clerk had spoken to Julie Crawshaw of the county council about this, and she would investigate.

Both the parish council and parishioners were angry at the proposal to end the district council's section 136 reimbursements of expenditure on mowing and repairs to play equipment. This was an issue of double taxation, as section 136 payments were created to compensate rural councils for the continuing financing by the district council of play areas in Stratford town. These payments to Stratford town were not scheduled to cease. A further, stronger letter would be sent to the district council, objecting to this proposal.

Matters raised at the recent annual parish meeting were then discussed. First there was the complaint by Ken Hall that large vehicles were sometimes parked in the Keyte Road car park, and the No Parking sign painted on the turning place on the park had been worn away. It was felt that these were matters for South Warwickshire Housing Association, and the clerk should refer them to the association. Secondly there was the complaint by Ken Hall and other residents about inconsiderate parking in Bennett Place which blocked access for the fire and ambulance services. The clerk should ask county highways about putting up a sign at the entrance to Bennett Place stating no parking on the right hand side, and also ask the police to stop people from parking their vehicles on the pavement. The police should also be informed of the worries of parishioners about speeding vehicles on the Armscote Road and Front Street, and should be asked to monitor this.

Letters had been received from county highways about two temporary road closures. The Downs Hill Road - Lark Stoke Hill - would be closed for about ten days between June 13 and September 30 for re-surfacing, and Featherbed Lane for about five days between the same dates for edge repairs.

Mr Greg Woodall had presented a paper on an alternative approach to management for Ilmington Playing Field. He proposed the creation of a new paying field facilities committee, to replace the development group, but with a broader remit. The parish council basically agreed with his proposals, but wanted a meeting of all those interested to draw up a proper constitution. Mr Woodall should be asked if he could get people together for such a meeting. He would need at least half a dozen people who were actively interested in the scheme.