Guarlford Parish Council

Chairman's Report for 2008/9

The Parish Council met on five occasions in the Village Hall during the year. Once again there was no necessity for extraordinary meetings. Each of these meetings observed the requirements of both the Race Relations and the Crime and Disorder Acts.

In May 2008 at the Annual Parish meeting, there were no parishioners present to hear the Chairman's and Clerk's Reports.

At the Parish Council meeting following this the Chairman, Vice Chairman, Planning and Finance committees were re-elected.

At our meetings regular Reports have been given by our Public Path and Tree Wardens Mike Partridge and Janet Lomas. We have also had Reports from our Malvern Hill Conservators representative Richard Chamings, our Beat Officers (now sensibly re-designated Local Police Officers) and from Donald Hill, Chairman of the Village Hall Committee. Tom Wells. our County Councillor, has been most active on our behalf as usual with regular advice and help. My sincerest thanks to them all.

Parish Environment

During the year the Parish Council has agreed to purchase the redundant Gilbert Scott telephone box in the centre of the village.

The Clevelode Post Box was damaged on its pedestal but eventually repaired thanks to the persistence of the Parish Clerk.

Repairs have also been requested of and carried out by the Highways Department to road surfaces and kerbstones throughout the Parish.

This is an ongoing situation as a result of poor workmanship and lack of funds.

Planning

Eleven applications have been considered by the Planning Committee and comments as appropriate passed to the MHDC Planning Department. The village Tyre Depot continues to blight our countryside and although the Conservators' verge is now clear the phenomenal stockpile has only been reduced by half and the remainder continues to leech contaminants into the water table beneath this site of old osier beds.

Your committee has been active in resisting the SWJCS plans. I have personally contributed to a joint Malvern Town Council, Madresfield and Newland Parish Council Group.

Guarlford has been spared direct imposition of new-build housing through lack of suitable land and absent infrastructure close to the "Cordon Sanitaire".

Nevertheless it is to be hoped that the present economic climate and changes in Government interference will bring about the abolition of the unelected 'quango' known as the West Midlands Regional Assembly thus restoring democracy to our Parish.

Guarlford History Group

Another successful book launch was held with a village picnic at Cherry Orchard in September when The Guarlford Scene went on sale. The Chairman, Councillor Dr E H Jones, has given regular reports.

Finance Committee

The Committee has reviewed detailed accounts and found that our executive officer has remained as conscientious and efficient as ever.

Rapid Circulation Files

ANNEX 1

These have taken as long as four months to circulate recently, so it was most pleasing that the more acceptable time of two weeks was achieved this month.

The Parish Council once again appreciates the work of everyone involved. As well as contributors already mentioned, I would like to express my appreciation of the work of our internal auditor, David Kuun, our internal financial monitor Councillor Dr Eric Jones, and especially our executive officer, Michael Skinner, who continues to give me excellent advice and support as Clerk.

Finally may I also thank Councillors for their attendance, varied contributions and support throughout the year.

Dr P E Mayner

Chairman

May 2009