Church Lench

Mr. Logan and Mr. Webb attended the meeting to discuss the problem of "biking" within the woods situated between the Wychavon Way and Low Road, Church Lench. Mr. Logan explained the problems residents had experienced with unacceptable noise levels from these woods at weekends caused by various types of bikes. This was in addition to the scramble bikes which currently takes place at King Hill.

The council agreed to seek support and involvement of WDC and write to the Secretary of State and local M.P. Mr. Webb provided photographs which confirmed off-roading events had taken place. District councillor Lee presented a report by officers of Wychavon following a site inspection and councillor Stroud confirmed that he had visited the site but could not see evidence of law breaking.

It was unanimously agreed that the chairman write to the district council to give weight to Mr. Logan's arguments.

Sports and Recreation Club: Councillor Simpson reported that the drains and levelling of the sports field were now complete and that some work, planned for later, had been brought forward to save money. Tenders were now out for the pavilion. Councillor Davey asked if preference could be given to local tradesmen but the lowest tender had to be accepted unless it could be shown that the lowest tenderer was not capable of delivering. The chairman reported that just over £11,000 had been raised by the Jubilee Committee for a childrens' playground. The playground would not be available for use until a safety inspection had been completed. During the time of the sportsfield and pavilion construction, it was possible that the facility would need to be closed on Health and Safety grounds.

Village Hall: Councillor Husband gave a synopsis of the meeting of the village hall committee and trustees which discussed the possibility of moving the village hall to the LSRC site sometime in the future. She stated that some confusion arose about where the suggestion came from but councillor Davey stated that he had raised the matter in a parish council meeting following the announcement that £30,000 would be needed to renovate the village hall in the near future. An approach will be made to the planning authorities to see if planning permission could be obtained for the site which would enable funds to be available to relocate. It would then be necessary for a public meeting to be called to see if a majority of Church Lench residents would be in favour of the move and whether or not a new hall could be accommodated on the one site.

Asylum Accommodation Centre at Throckmorton. County Councillor Tucker informed the meeting that the House of Lords had rejected the bill for housing Asylum Seekers in rural communities. This would be passed back to the House of Commons shortly to be readdressed. In the meantime, Lord Greaves and Beverly Hughes (two senior government officers) had visited the Throckmorton site. Fund-raising was continuing with great urgency and councillors and parishioners were asked to help either with ideas for fund raising or practical assistance.

Village Skips: The Clerk reported that the system of four annual skips for villagers use would be terminated in March, 2003. The normal November skip would be in place at the Lenches Club car park from November 15-18. In place of this each household would be entitled to two collections for large items but not including fridges and freezers. These latter items could be delivered by householders free of charge to the Hill and Moor site or arranged to be collected via the Evesham Council Shop in Market Square.