Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting of Clehonger Parish Council held on 16th April 2025 from 7.30 pm at the Clehonger Village Hall
NB- The minutes are “draft” until ratified at the following parish council meeting.
Present: Cllrs J Whittal (in the Chair), A Davies, K Langdon, C Protherough, J Jones and W Watkins
In attendance: Parish Clerk; Mrs Alison Wright and four members of the public
1. Open Session with any parishioners who have joined the Meeting (to include any update from West Mercia Police – if in attendance
Elaine Horton representing the Clehonger Action Network (CAN) made mention of the availability of raffle tickets for the Summer Fete.
2. To receive Apologies for Absence
There were apologies for absence received from Cllrs C Forbes, J Gardner and N Rider
3. To note Declarations of Interest
There was a declaration of interest made for the Village Hall by Cllr Langdon.
4. To approve Minutes the Parish Council Meeting held on 19th March 2025
The Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on the 19th March 2025 were approved and signed by the Chair. Thanks were recorded, by the Clerk, to Cllr Davies who had stood in for her at the March Meeting and taken the minutes.
5. Finance and Policies
(5.1) Resolved: The following list of payments were approved:
Clerk paid in accordance with contract (April)
Expenses £76.99
Ian O’Brien & Son (SID post installation) £1152.00
Mr P Nelder (89mm post for SID) £108.00
Clehonger Village Hall (hall rental March & April) £40.00
Kingstone Surgery Charitable Trust (donation) £1000.00
Resolved: The bank balance was noted at £35053.44 total, with £224.45 of this total ring-fenced to the playing field.
(5.2) To appoint an internal auditor for 2024 -2025
The parish council resolved to appoint Miss C Bull, who had carried out the internal audit in the previous year.
(5.3) To consider a possible donation to the Kingstone Surgery Charitable Trust for the 24 hour dispensing facility.
The parish council had considered the presentation, given during the March 2025 parish council meeting, and, following discussion, it was resolved that a donation of £1000.00 would be made towards the delivery of a prescription dispensary 24 hour provision service machine.
A request had been received from the school head teacher in regard to support for the provision of a school minibus. This would be placed on the May 2025 Agenda and the head teacher would be invited to speak to the parish council at the meeting. The Chair would contact the head teacher to arrange this.
6.0 Playing Field
(6.1) Update on matters relating to the playing field and any decisions
(6.2) To consider any further information concerning the playing field 106 proposals including any decisions and any matters in regard to the School Highways Safety 106
The section 106 fencing project at the playing field was still going ahead. The Chair explained that the Council had advised that they required a “wrap around agreement” for planning of the fencing provision. This was being processed by the Herefordshire Council Legal Team. It was hoped that there would be further news on this by May. The Chair advised that Gregg Speller had sent through the final draft for the school 106 traffic calming, speed limit and other measures. There was confidence that this would be “signed off” for implementation by the Highways Department. Gregg Speller was leaving his post at the end of June 2025. He was pushing to complete the projects before this date. He had previously indicated that the cost of the speed indicator device would be reimbursed to the Clehonger Parish Council and the Clerk would submit an invoice to reclaim the cost.
6.3) To update regarding the recent litter pick (5/04/25) and discuss future litter picks
The recent litter pick had been a great success and many bags of litter had been collected, clearing the streets etc. Further litter picks would be organised and thanks were recorded to all those involved in the picking and in the provision of refreshments.
6.4) To consider an additional dog waste bin near Gardiners Oak
A request had been put forward for a dog waste bin by the footpath at Gardiners Oak. The Clerk would consult with Allensmore Parish Council (the location was in Allensmore Parish). She would also check with the landowner regarding permission to fit a bin and with the emptying service about the contract amendment to include a further bin. The outcomes would be fed back to the parish council for a decision on whether to go ahead with the purchase and installation of a further dog waste bin.
7. Planning.
7.1) To consider response to Planning Applications, as notified, and then determined by Herefordshire Council
There was one new application for discussion of comments at the meeting:
| APPLICATION NO & SITE ADDRESS: | Planning Consultation – 250787 – Puffins, 14 Croft Road, Clehonger, Hereford, Herefordshire HR2 9ST |
| APPLICATION TYPE: | Full Householder |
| DESCRIPTION: | Proposed extension of an existing house by the addition of a ground and first floor room onto a side elevation. |
| GRID REFERENCE: | OS 344848, 237352 |
The parish council discussed the application and resolved that they were supportive of the proposals in application 250787.
8. Clehonger Welcome Packs – to update as applicable
Welcome Packs were being requested and sent out on a regular basis. Cllr Watkins was kindly updating the pack, as required, with new details.
9. Parish roads and footpaths, trees and land
9.1) To note any defects to be reported to Balfour Beatty
Potholes were being reported and some were being repaired. The old service troughs n the B4349 outside the estate which was under construction had dropped back again leaving ruts in the road surface.
9.2) To consider any issues in relation to footpaths
Cllr Forbes had sent his apologies. He was attending meetings with the Public Rights of Way Team.
9.3) To receive any update regarding trees
Cllr Watkins, the Tree Warden, advised that she had obtained a list of parish trees that were covered by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO). Further applications for a TPO could be made, if required.
9.4) To update regarding the purchase of bulbs for parish planting and locations
Both Cllrs Forbes and Rider had sent their apologies. The Chair would check with them regarding actions on the planting and whether any photographic evidence of locations had been recorded. This could still be done, if not, while greenery of the daffodils was evident.
10. Community Speed Watch
11.1) To consider any update on the Speed Indicator Device etc. and speeding
The speed indicator device installation had been completed. Data was coming through and the Community Speed Watch Co-ordinator circulated some initial presentations of findings from the captured speed information. The statistics would be monitored. Thanks were recorded to the CSW Co-ordinator for all of his work on the project.
11. Information Sheet, Correspondence plus Ward Councillor Report
11.1) To note Information and Correspondence sheet:
Herefordshire Council:
Talk Community bulletins
West Mercia Police
The Newsletter circulated when received.
Information has been received about the PCSO hours being reduced to terminate at 8.00 pm as opposed to 10.00 pm. This was not received as welcome news and the Clerk would write to the Police Commissioner to express concerns about the reduction in cover. Patrols were believed to be a good deterrent to help prevent criminal activity and antisocial behaviour. Local knowledge and meeting attendance were also considered important.
11.2) To receive any update from the Ward Cllr including any further update on the uncompleted housing development and drainage issues
Ward Cllr David Hitchiner had sent his apologies.
12. Matters to be raised on the Agenda of the next Meeting
All the usual matters would be included. Also: Minibus donation request for the school, Ben Leigh to discuss youth activity provision and a “meet the councillor” event possibility.
14. Confirmation of date of next Parish Council Meeting
The next Meetings of the Parish Council, the Annual Parish and Annual Statutory, would be held, consecutively, on Wednesday 21st May 2025, from 7.30pm, at the Clehonger Village Hall.
The Meeting closed at 8.17 pm.