LINTON PARISH COUNCIL

Bromsash Gorsley and Linton

Minutes Of The Meeting Held On 12^th May 2003

In Linton Village Hall At 7:30 p.m.

Present:

Cllr Richard Smith, Chairman

Cllr Jean Foley, Vice Chairman

Cllr Ken Downham

Cllr Audrey Duke

Cllr John Foley

Cllr Keith Summers

Brian Atherton (Clerk)

4 Parishioners attended.

Minute Item			Action
1		Election of Chairman for the period 2003 to 2004
	1.1	Proposed by Cllr John Foley, seconded by Cllr Ken Downham and approved unanimously, IT WAS AGREED that Cllr Richard Smith be elected and he duly signed a Declaration of Acceptance of Office.

2		All Councillors to Sign Declarations of Acceptance of Office
	2.1	Done.
	2.2	Cllrs Richard Smith, Jean Foley and Keith Summers also completed and signed their Notifications of Financial and Other Interests.

3		Co-Option of Councillors
	3.1	Three parishioners who had applied to be nominated for election to the council but had unfortunately made technical errors in their nomination papers presented themselves for co-option, namely John Wheble, Robert Crawford and Gary Woodman.
	3.2	Proposed by Cllr Richard Smith, seconded by Cllr Jean Foley and approved unanimously, IT WAS AGREED that all three be elected to the Council.
	3.3	Each duly signed a Declaration of Acceptance of Office.
	3.4	The Clerk reminded all councillors that outstanding Notifications of Financial and Other Interests must be returned to him within 2 weeks.

4		Election of Vice Chairman for the period 2003 to 2004
	4.1	Proposed by Cllr Audrey Duke, seconded by Cllr Ken Downham and approved unanimously, IT WAS AGREED that Cllr Jean Foley be elected.

5		To fix the amount of the chairman’s allowance (Section 15.5, Local Government Act 1972)
	5.1	Proposed by Cllr Richard Smith, seconded by Cllr Jean Foley and approved unanimously, IT WAS AGREED that this be zero.

6		To Appoint Members of Working Parties
	6.1	Planning Cllrs Ken Downham, Audrey Duke, Jean Foley John Foley, and John Wheble.
	6.2	Allotments Cllrs Audrey Duke and Keith Summers.
	6.3	Footpaths & Trees Cllrs Ken Downham, John Foley and Keith Summers.
	6.4	Highways Cllrs Robert Crawford, Ken Downham, Jean Foley, John Foley, Richard Smith and Gary Woodman.
	6.5	Finance Cllrs Robert Crawford, Jean Foley and Richard Smith,
	6.6	Community Planning Days Cllrs Robert Crawford, Audrey Duke, Ken Downham, Jean Foley, John Foley, Richard Smith, Keith Summers, John Wheble and Gary Woodman.

7		To appoint representatives to other organisations
	7.1	Linton Village Hall Committee Cllrs Robert Crawford and Ken Downham.
	7.2	Gorsley Village Hall Committee Cllr Richard Smith.
	7.3	Gorsley & Kilcot Millennium Committee Cllr Audrey Duke.

8		Apologies
	8.1	None.

9		Declarations of Interest
	9.1	Cllr Richard Smith declared his interest for the year in the Allotments and duly signed the book.
	9.2	Cllrs Robert Crawford and John Wheble declared their respective interests in two planning applications to be considered later in the meeting and duly signed the book.

10		Minutes of the Meeting Held on 14^th April 2003
	10.1	Proposed by Cllr Jean Foley, seconded by Cllr Audrey Duke and approved unanimously, IT WAS AGREED that these be adopted without change and they were duly signed by the Chairman.

11		Matters arising therefrom not covered in the Agenda
	11.1	The Clerk reported that he has asked the Ross TIC about tourist leaflets including Linton but has been told that there are none.
	11.2	CHDC have surveyed Linton Quarry, Gorsley Common, Sugar Tump, Ivy House Lane and Talbot’s Well for inclusion in the Dog Anti-Fouling By-Laws. Their initial thoughts are that Linton Quarry should not be included as it is not open to the public. They will have to check the “Commons Status” of Gorsley Common before making a decision. Ivy House Lane should be included as it is within a 40mph area. Sugar Tump should be included as it is an identifiable, public, open area and Talbot’s Well can probably be included. Mike Higgins of CHDC will check all of the above and then respond formally.	The Clerk.

12		Roadmaker Inn
	12.1	The Clerk reported a conversation with Dawn Evans of CHDC’s Planning Enforcement who has been trying to secure a ruling from Robert King in Environmental Health. The gist is that Robert King considers the existing odour filter to meet regulations but, as neighbouring parishioners are still reporting a problem he must first experience that for himself and he is waiting for a warm sunny evening for that. In any event, if the odour is unacceptable then he considers the only solution to be the re-instatement of the chimney. Dawn Evans explained that she can do nothing until Robert King makes a ruling and suggested that Parishioner Sue Matthews telephone Robert King to urge that he makes the visit. Parishioner Sue Matthews explained the difficulty in arranging a visit at a time when the problem is evident. Parishioner Gwynne Rowley suggested that the new Penyard Councillor, Harry Bramer be asked to intervene. After further discussion, Council instructed the Clerk to write to Robert King; (copy to CHDC’s Chief Executive and Cllr Harry Bramer), clearly setting out the history and the frustrations to the parishioners of the lengthy time that this whole episode has taken and expressing Council’s displeasure that still there is no resolution in sight.	The Clerk

13		Jubilee Oak Tree
	13.1	The Clerk has written to the Tree Warden, thanking him for his time and generosity in replacing the dead tree.

14		Lengthsman Project
	14.1	The Clerk reported that the Project is now underway. Grass cutting has been done in both parishes (Lea and Linton), the displaced finger post on Sugar Tump has been straightened and a ditch in Woodside Lane dug out. The Lengthsman, together with the administrator, has attended a CHDC training course on Health and Safety. A survey of all roads in both parishes has been conducted jointly by the Administrator and the Lengthsman and a report sent to CHDC, establishing a “baseline” for the activity. A copy of that report is attached to these minutes.
	14.2	The Lengthsman has presented his first invoice (see 15.5 below) and associated Time Sheets. The Administrator finds those time sheets inadequate as they only report the direct work and not the preparatory activities (training, survey, etc.) He has written to the Lengthsman accordingly.
	14.3	At this point, Cllr Harry Bramer joined the public, together with a colleague.
	14.4	The Chairman reported on the events leading up to another set of draft contracts prepared by CHDC, which had been circulated with the agenda. Proposed by Cllr Richard Smith, seconded by Cllr John Foley and approved unanimously, IT WAS AGREED to accept these and they were duly signed by the Chairman, the Vice Chairman and the Administrator. The Administrator will now present those contracts to Lea Parish Council and the Lengthsman for signing and return them to CHDC for their signature.	The Clerk
	14.5	Cllr Jean Foley asked if the Lengthsman had provided evidence of his insurance cover, as required in the contracts. The Clerk replied that he has not as yet, as the other signatures are not yet in effect. Cllr. Jean Foley also asked the Clerk if the Lengthsman and the Administrator were confident that all relevant statutory requirements, including Health & Safety at Work legislation would be complied with at all times. The Clerk replied that he as the Administrator and the Lengthsman had attended CHDC’s training course.

15		Accounts, Treasurer’s Report and Authorisation of Payment of Accounts. Working Party Reports.
	15.1	Proposed by Cllr Richard Smith, seconded by Cllr Ken Downham and approved unanimously, IT WAS AGREED to subscribe to Community First for the current year, at a cost of £30. The Clerk will present the payment for approval at the next meeting.	The Clerk
	15.2	The Internal Auditor’s report for the year 2002/2003 was tabled, containing no objections.
	15.3	The accounts for the year 2002/2003 were tabled and the Clerk explained that these need to be approved, so that he can complete the formal returns to the external auditors and present those to the next meeting, for approval. Proposed by Cllr Richard Smith, seconded by Cllr John Wheble and approved unanimously, IT WAS AGREED that these accounts be adopted. They were then duly signed by the Chairman and the Clerk, as Responsible Financial Officer.
	15.4	Allianz Cornhill has proposed a renewal of Council’s insurance at £270.25 as opposed to £216.55 for last year. The Chairman remarked that, as Treasurer of the Gorsley Village Hall, he had been advised of a similar increase for the Hall’s insurance. The Clerk had, prior to receiving this proposal, submitted a draft of the Lengthsman contract to Allianz Cornhill. Their reply was taken by Council to give assurances that the proposed insurance will cover the Council’s Lengthsman risks. A copy of the reply is attached to these minutes. The Clerk will submit the cheque for signing at the next meeting.	The Clerk
	15.5	The following amounts were tabled for payment:

AP99	Lengthsman for April	01-May-03	284.00
AP100	Patrick Goodland for Parish Plan Map Materials	13-Mar-03	28.10
AP101	John Foley for Parish Plan Map Materials	28-Mar-03	3.89
AP102	Parish Plan Photocopying	24-Apr-03	8.75
AP103	Clerk's Salary for April2003	12-May-03	180.00
AP104	Clerk's Expenses for April 2003	12-May-03	5.28

15.5.1	Proposed by Cllr Richard Smith, seconded by Cllr Jean Foley and approved unanimously, IT WAS AGREED to pay AP99, AP100, AP101, AP103 and AP104.
15.5.2	Proposed by Cllr Jean Foley, seconded by Cllr Keith Summers and approved by majority, IT WAS AGREED to pay AP102. Cllr Richard Smith abstained as he had incurred the expenditure.
15.5.3	The cheques were then duly signed.
15.6	Council extended their thanks to parishioner Richard Delahay for his work on the internal audit and expressed the hope that he would agree to continue for the current year. The Clerk will email accordingly.	The Clerk
15.7	Planning
15.7.1	P83. SE2003/1255/F. Demolition of some farm buildings, conversion of barn to dwelling with extensions to form domestic accommodation. Former grain barn at Eccleswall Court, Bromsash, HR9 7PP. Proposed by Cllr Richard Smith, seconded by Cllr John Foley and approved unanimously, IT WAS AGREED that Cllrs. Jean Foley, John Foley, Ken Downham & Audrey Duke will make a site visit and comment on behalf of Linton Parish Council to Herefordshire Council, Planning Dept., through the Clerk.	Names Councillors/The Clerk
15.7.2	P79. SE2003/1081/F. Two storey extension. Highcroft, Bromsash, HR9 7PJ. Council supported.
15.7.3	P84. SE2003/1222/F. Proposed detached single garage. Cross Keys Cottage, HR9 7SF. Council supported.
15.7.4	P82. SE2003/1165/F. Single storey extension. West Ridge, Gorsley, HR9 7SF. Council supported.
15.7.5	P81. SE2003/1150/F. Amended proposal to retain & modify western section of dwelling (part retrospective). Woodpeckers Barn, Great Woodend Farm, Linton, HR9 7SR. Council supported if Officers are content that plans will be complied with and there will be no further retrospective applications.
15.7.6	P80. SE2003/1078/F. Alterations & improvements to form a 3-bed house from bungalow. The Bungalow, Gorsley, HR9 7SF. Cllr John Wheble left the meeting prior to Council’s consideration of this application as it is for his property. Council supported but noted that the existing building will not thereby remain the dominant dwelling (as required in Policy No. SH23.3). Cllr John Wheble then returned to the meeting.
15.7.7	P78. SE2003/1076/F. Erection of two storey extension. Bramble Cottage, Linton, HR9 7RZ. Cllr Robert Crawford left the meting prior to Council’s consideration of this application as it is for his property. Council supported but noted that the existing building will not thereby remain the dominant dwelling (as required in Policy No. SH23.3). Cllr Robert Crawford then returned to the meeting.
15.7.8	P52. SE2002/0699/O. Proposed erection of two bungalows with ancillary works. Land Adjoining Rose Cottage, Gorsley, HR9 7SL. The Clerk passed to Cllr Jean Foley a copy of the appeals decision which she had asked for at previous meeting.
15.7.9	P74. SE2003/0594/F. Demolition of redundant agricultural buildings and erection of indoor exercise pool with first floor games/entertainment room, ancillary to and linked to principal residence. The Grange, Aston Crews, Ross, HR9 7LW. Permission was granted on April 22^nd.
15.7.10	P76. SE2003/0856/F. Partial demolition of existing building and erection of double and single storey extensions and detached double garage. Cothers Farm, Gorsley, HR9 7SE. Permission was granted on April 25^th.
15.7.11	The Clerk reported that this month he had received 3 sets of papers relating to papers for “the other Linton” and had, once again, complained to the Planning Department.
15.8	Footpaths and Trees
15.8.1	Cllr Ken Downham will pass to the Clerk details of various trees to be cut.	Cllr Ken Downham/The Clerk
15.9	Finance and Highways Nothing to report.

16		Proposed amendments to Council Standing Orders and Chairmanship Rules
	16.1	The proposed amendments had been circulated with the agenda. Proposed by Cllr Richard Smith, seconded by Cllr Gary Woodman and approved unanimously, IT WAS AGREED to adopt the proposals. Cllr Jean Foley said that, as she holds both sets of records on computer, she will amalgamate the amendments and pass the completed file to the Clerk for printing and distribution.	Cllr Jean Foley/The Clerk

17		Community Speedwatch
	17.1	Neighbourhood Watch has agreed to co-ordinate the scheme and 6 volunteers have been found. The Clerk tabled a pro-forma response form required by Inspector Hancock and the Chairman will complete and return that to the Inspector.	Cllr Richard Smith

18		Parish Council Reports To The Chimes
	18.1	Cllr Jean Foley volunteered to produce a summary report to suit Chimes publication dates. Cllr Ken Downham, who edits the Chimes, said that he would do his best to secure inclusion but, of course, sometimes space will not be available.

19		Chairman’s Announcements
	19.1	The Chairman pointed out that there is still one vacancy for a Parish Councillor and that the Council would welcome any applications.

20		Correspondence
	20.1	The following correspondence was tabled.

D901	17-Apr-03	Internal Audit Report	Richard Delahay
D902	20-Apr-03	County Training Partnership for Clerk's AQA Qualification	HALC
D903	20-Apr-03	Advance notification of training for new councillors on 4th & 18th June	HALC
D904	20-Apr-03	West Midlands Regional Assembly Spring 2003 Newsletter	HALC
D905	20-Apr-03	West Midlands Planning Aid Assistance for Parish Plans	HALC
D906	20-Apr-03	Next SHALC Meeting on July 21st	HALC
D907	20-Apr-03	Audit of Accounts - Rule Changes	HALC
D908	28-Apr-03	Parish Plan	Gorsley & Kilcot PC
D909	03-May-03	Co-option of Councillors Immediately After an Election	HALC
D910	03-May-03	Booking form for Councillor Training	HALC
D911	03-May-03	Good Councillor Guide	HALC
D912	03-May-03	Herefordshire Council Election Results	CHDC
D913	03-May-03	Services Update	CHDC
D914	03-May-03	Meetings Schedule	CHDC
D915	03-May-03	Street Works Schedule	CHDC
D916	03-May-03	Forward Plan	CHDC
D917	06-May-03	Clerks & Councils Direct - General Newsletter
D918	06-May-03	Community Speedwatch - Offer to participate	West Mercia Constabulary
D919	06-May-03	Offer of training on Keypoint	CHDC
D920	08-May-03	Notification of Annual Audit	Winross Hacker Young
D921	08-May-03	Copy of Appeal Decision (Land Adjoining Rose Cottage Gorsley)	CHDC
D922	08-May-03	Minutes of RAG Meeting	RAG
D923	10-May-03	Opinion on Insurance Cover vis a vis the Lengthsman	Allianz Cornhill

Councillors requested the following:
Cllr Richard Smith: 901, 904, 905, 907, 911, 917. Cllr Jean Foley: 904, 905, 906, 907, 912, 914. Cllr Gary Woodman: 904, 905, 915, 916, 918, 922. Cllr Keith Summers: 905, 908, 911, 912. Cllr John Wheble: 903, 905, 911. Cllr Robert Crawford: 903, 905, 908, 911, 914, 916, 918. Cllr John Foley: 913 Cllr Ken Downham: 904, 912.
The Clerk was asked to liaise with the new councillors over training as per D903.	The Clerk

21		Councillor’s Submissions, including Village Events
	21.1	Cllr John Foley. Suggested that Council should extend its thanks to ex-councillors Jim Stewart and Geoff Reeve-Black and also to ex district councillor Eunice Saunders. The Clerk was asked to write appropriately.	The Clerk.

22		Public Submissions
	22.1	Parishioner Gwynne Rowley: Commented that it’s nice to see the new councillors and the district councillor. The new Millennium Oak is shooting out well. At what stage do we disassociate from the G&K Millennium Committee? The Chairman replied that the Committee’s continuation is for others to decide. So long as it exists we will appoint a representative. A new “Welcome to Linton” sign appears to be in the wrong place. The Clerk will check and report back. Cuttings removal from the Common is costly and unnecessary. The Clerk said that, as Administrator, he has initially instructed the Lengthsman that all cuttings should be removed with the intention of reviewing that as the work progresses.	The Clerk
	22.2	Bromsash Resident Derek Millman: Will Speedwatch apply to Bromsash as well as the 4221 because there is a problem on the 4224 through Bromsash? The Chairman referred him to Item 24 below, suggesting that it is a suitable topic for the Parish Plan. Cllr Jean Foley mentioned the speed monitoring exercise that had been arranged by Council.

23		Parish Projects for 2002/2003
	23.1	Stabilisation and Recovery of the Linton Pound: Reordering of Talbot’s Well
		Nothing to report.
	23.2	Reordering of the Allotments.
		The Clerk tabled an advice on Funding obtained from the Herefordshire Partnership and Council decided that there was no point in pursuing this.
	23.3	The Council’s Web Site
		Nothing to report.
	23.4	Parish Photographic Survey
		Cllr John Wheble has supplied some photographs to the Chairman and no more are required at present.

24		Quality Council & Parish Plan, including:; including approval of proposed arrangements (see attached);
	24.1	Factual Introduction to the Parish Plan
		Nothing to report.	Cllr Ken Downham and others
	24.2	Community Planning Days
	24.2.1	The Working Party report was circulated with the agenda. Councillors had no comments or questions.
	24.2.2	Cllr Richard Smith reported that 2 day sessions will be held on 1030 - 1230 and 2 - 5 pm. In Linton Village Hall on Saturday 21^st and Sunday 22^nd June and in Gorsley Village Hall on Saturday 28^th and Sunday 29^th June. He asked for approval of the following proposed expenditures, to be paid for out of the Grant: £35 to each Village Hall. Printing up to £200 with Flying Colours (3 quotes sought, two obtained, one for over £300). Refreshments at up to £30 per session for 8 sessions. Prizes for 5 age groups for the Children's competition of £15 for each group (£75) plus a printed pen for each and every child, up to £60 in total. Proposed by Cllr Richard Smith, seconded by Cllr Jean Foley and approved unanimously, IT WAS AGREED that all be approved.
	24.3	Questionnaire Compilation (Keypoint)
	24.3.1	Of the questionnaire samples prepared by the Clerk, the working group preferred No 5 or No 2 or No 3 (D927) depending upon costs of printing. The Clerk will look at the costs of printing by computer.	The Clerk
	24.3.2	Lisa Bedford of CHDC had proposed a training programme for Keypoint, at a cost of some £200. Council thought this an unnecessary expenditure.
	24.3.3	CHDC’s Transportation Manager’s reluctance to meet was finally overcome. John Collier was met on the 17th April and a report is attached to these minutes.

25		Facelift for Quarries
	25.1	The Chairman and the Clerk are meeting with a representative from English Nature, at Linton Quarry, on June 24^th.

26		Risk Assessments
	26.1	So far, there is no advice from HALC. The Chairman passed a form relating to Risk Assessment which will be used for Gorsley Village Hall and, if nothing is heard from HALC then this could be used as a basis.
27		Items for Inclusion in the Next Agenda
		Proposal from the Clerk for Promoting Council’s Work

28	Date of the Next Meeting
	June 9^th 2003 at 7:30 in Gorsley Village Hall.

The Meeting Finished At 10:15 p.m.

LENGTHSMAN TO LEA AND LINTON PARISH COUNCILS
INITIAL SURVEY ON 19TH APRIL 2003
PARISH	Lea
	ROAD	CONDITION
	C1281 North and South	North - OK. South - Clear leaves from ditch.
	B4222 North	OK
	B4222 South	OK but remove branches from stream and clean signpost at junction.
	U70263	OK
	U70264	OK
	U70247	OK
	U70251	OK
	U70246	OK
	U70259	OK
	U70215	OK
	C1278	OK
	U70213	Overgrown ditches.
	U70214	OK but watch growth over ditches.
	U70249	OK
	U70260	OK
	U70245	Clear ditch (Spade only).
	U70244	Tidy ditches and gulleys
	B2224	OK but clear litter on corner of U70243.
	U70243	OK on the Lea side of the road.
PARISH	Linton
	ROAD	CONDITION
	U70239	OK but tidy the ditch.
	B4221	OK - Minor litter.
	U70240 East	Minor litter especially near motorway. Dead branches on verges. Clear rubbish along ditch at Western end. Otherwise CONSULT with CHDC about the condition of the ditch.
	U70240 West	Tidy ditch at Eastern end. Otherwise OK.
	B4224 Bromsash to M50	Tidy ditches on East side only.
	B4224 Bromsash to Lea	Both sides, tidy ditches.
	U70248	OK
	U70242	OK
	U70241	OK
	C1280 (U70242 to U70241)	OK
	C1280 (U70241 to U70238)	OK
	U70227	OK
	U70238	Occasional brushwood to clear. Grass cutting at Talbot's Well. Clear tyres at Southern end of ridge.
	U70228	OK but clear occasional brushwood.
	C1287	Clear occasional brushwood.
	U70236	OK
	U70237	CONSULT with CHDC about the condition of the ditch.
	U70255	Gorsley Common - Grass Cutting. Ivy House Lane - Grass Cutting.
	U70234	OK
	U70257	OK
	U70236	Tidy ditches.
	B4221 (U70236 to U70236)	Keep footpath clear of hedge overgrowth.
	U70230	Check site lines onto B4221. Cut grass at Sugar Tump. Straighten and clean sign at Sugar Tump.
	Frowens Lane	Clean sign
	U70234	OK
	U70232	OK
	U70233	OK
	U70255	OK
	U70299	Not surveyed.
	U70227	OK
	U70227	OK
	U70230	Clear brushwood from stream and culvert. CONSULT with CHDC re slipped banking and Tree Root.

Allianz Cornhlll

Our Reference: pm

Direct No.: 01483 736266

Mr B G Atherton

3 Springdale

Gorsley

Ross on Wye

HR9 7SU

Allianz Cornhill House

6 Church Street West

WOKING

GU21 6AZ

Tel.: 01483 736333

FAX: 01483 736363

9 May 2003

Dear Mr Atherton

Policy No.:11/AC/10125152/06

Insured: Linton Parish Council

We thank you for your letter of 17 April, 2003 and would firstly apologise

for the delay in responding.

We would advise that we are not legal experts and as such are unable to

comment on the wording of the Contract. However we would make the

following observations.

1) We currently also insure Lea Parish Council and hence this arrangement

is fine PROVIDING we continue to insure BOTH Councils.

2) The document implies that the Lengthsman must carry his own Public

Liability insurance for a Limit of Indemnity of £5,000,000. If this is

the case then the involvement of the Councils from an insurance aspect

would be very limited.

3) However, if the Parish Councils are employing the lengthsman and he is

using the Council's equipment, then both the Employers and Public

Liability aspects of the above Policy will be applicable. Cover is

subject to the terms, conditions and exclusions of the Policy and the

Limits of Indemnity.

4) It should be noted that the Public Liability section of the Policy

extends to cover the Council's legal liabilities only and hence will

not necessarily provide cover for all incidents.

We trust that this clarifies matters but if you have any queries please

do not hesitate to contact us.

Yours sincerely,

Pat Mansell (Mrs)

Allianz Cornhill Broker Division Allianz Cornhill Insurance pic Member of the

Allianz Cornhill House Registered in England number 84638 General Insurance Standards Council

6 Church Street West Registered Office

Woking, Surrey GU21 6AZ 57 Ladymead

Tel 01483 720331 Guildford, Surrey GUI 1DB

Fax 01483 755961

www.allianzcornhill.co.uk AC

ACGEN104 01.03

MEETING WITH HEREFORDSHIRE COUNCIL TRANSPORTATION MANAGER

1. On Thursday 17^th April 2003, Cllrs Jean & John Foley and Richard Smith met Mr John Colyer, CHDC Transportation Manager. Comprehensive notes of what we wanted to discuss had been emailed to Mr Colyer 2 weeks earlier but he had not read them. The meeting had first been sought in June 2002.

2. The purposes of the meeting were to:

- Give notice of the Parish Plan process and the potential implications for CHDC.

- Discuss the traffic and road safety issues, especially speeding and heavy through traffic, which were already prominent among the concerns raised by the public.

- Obtain a copy of the B4221 Route Safety Study report and traffic statistics.

- Ensure that we have all relevant policy and background information.

- Invite comments on and contributions to potential questions for consultation.

Discussion

3. We explained that the main issues were:

- The potential threat to Gorsley Goffs School and children/adults nearby.

- The dangers attendant in using Gorsley PO & Stores.

- Fast ‘rat-run’ traffic through Linton and Bromsash.

4. On 26^th February 2003, Mr Colyer had attended a meeting at Gorsley Goffs School, at the school’s request, to discuss risks to the children from passing traffic, including sprayed grit etc. We explained that the main concerns heard to date were the perceived dangers, from fast heavy traffic, both to pedestrians crossing the road and to children inside the school grounds. He would now arrange for the existing roadside barrier to be surveyed and would review its strength and length.

5. Mr Colyer was aware of the conflict between moving and parked vehicles and pedestrians outside Gorsley PO & Stores. CHDC would not object if the shop-owner were to provide off-road parking at his expense, but would not take any other action to improve safety. He emphasised that when considering new or extended road safety and traffic control measures, objective factual statistics were the only accepted basis for action. Traffic calming measures, like speed cameras, were expensive and therefore tightly controlled and would not be approved for Gorsley. We countered these points by stressing that the Parish Plan process gave the public a voice and that properly-documented public perceptions and concerns should also to be taken into account.

6. To allow the Parish Council to substantiate or dispel the public’s concerns, Mr Colyer would now arrange for the requested traffic data to be provided, if necessary through an automatic traffic survey. Actual and comparative statistical information should be available within ‘some weeks’, covering the following: traffic density compared with the County average; vehicles' speed through the 40mph limit; HGV traffic as a % of total traffic, compared with the County average; the extent to which the B4221 is a 'rat-run' between the M50 and Gloucester; and accident statistics (incidence per km). Coincidentally, a roadside West-bound interview survey would be mounted on the B4221 in Gorsley on 29^th April 2003.

7. Mr Colyer was aware of the Police ‘Community Speedwatch’ initiative, supported it and had available a trailer-mounted speed warning and measuring device which could be used in conjunction with the project subject to security safeguards.

8. Mr Colyer provided a summary of the County’s speed limit criteria (see below). There were no further developments in policy or procedures of which we should be aware. However he had very recently received the B4221/B4215 Route Safety Study report and would obtain a copy for the Parish Council although this would take some time. He did not know how the study was done but thought it likely that consultants had driven the route ‘once or twice each way’. The main conclusions were:

- The Herefordshire section is the safest part of the route. There is no cluster or pattern of accidents on the B4221 in Herefordshire if the M50 junction is excluded.

- Of all reported accidents, 33% are at the M50 junction and most of these are at night.

- No changes to speed limits are required and route length pedestrian or cycle provision could not be justified.

- Various minor changes could be made around the M50 junction to improve visibility.

- Signage at the junction and in Gorsley could also be improved, including larger 40 mph repeater signs and also, possibly, vehicle-activated signs. Double white lines may be considered.

- Bus stops should also be reviewed for signs, road marking and shelters.

9. There were two comments on the list of potential questions:

- Question 59 (Do you think that speeding traffic is a problem in your village?) could include a supplementary on the lines of: “If so, what should be the speed limit?”

- Question 60, which invites support for a variety of potential road safety measures, should not mention speed cameras.

RHS

Herefordshire Speed Limit Criteria

Process: Determine the end points, assess the initial limit, adjust up for dual carriage-ways and down for a high accident rate, then compare with observed speeds.

Initial Limit: Accesses per Km Initial Limit

up to 10 National

10 - 20 50 mph

20 - 30 40 mph

over 30 30 mph

Observed Speeds: If 85% or more vehicles are exceeding the limit + 10 mph, then additional measures are needed.