Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting of Clehonger Parish Council held on 17th June 2026 from 7.00 pm at the Clehonger Village Hall
NB- The minutes are “draft” until ratified at the following parish council meeting.
Present: Cllrs J Whittal, A Davies (in the Chair), K Gardiner, J Gardiner, K Langdon, N Rider and C Protherough
In attendance: Mrs A Wright (Clerk), Ward Cllr David Hitchiner, PCSO Margaret from West Mercia Police and six 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
The Chair welcomed everyone to the June Meeting. PCSO Margaret updated the meeting that there had, sadly, been a fatality on the B4349 on the 19th June 2026. A motor bike rider had died. The Police were seeking witnesses.
There had been trailer thefts from the St Margaret’s area. People were asked to report if they saw anything suspicious.
A Croft Road resident had observed what they believed to be teenagers on an electric bike. There appeared to have been some drug related activity in the vicinity of the village. There had also been a person seen riding on a motorbike without a helmet. Any suspicious or potential drug related activity should be notified to the police, who were engaged in trying to find the people responsible for selling drugs in the community.
PCSO Margaret congratulated the parish council on the acquisition of the new Speed Indicator Device.
PCSO Margaret advised that the Air Ambulance Charity would be at the Clehonger Fete on the playing field on June 28th.
PCSO Margaret reiterated her appeal to everyone to share any intelligence on drug or anti social behaviour issues.
PCSO Margaret left the meeting at 7.10 pm.
Also in the Open Session – details were circulated of the risk assessment for the Scouts Fire pit which was to be in use at the Clehonger Fete. A risk assessment had been carried out and details of the supervision arrangements, first aid provision and insurance etc. were considered. There would be an accident book. The fire pit was a solid bowl and it was suggested that it should be placed on a concrete slab. Cllr Rider kindly agreed to arrange for a slab to be available. The parish council did not object to the fire pit being used subject to the terms of the risk assessment being observed.
Another member of the public was present and gave congratulations, to the parish council, on the erection of the new fencing. The resident raised the question as to why there was no entry point to the playing field, officially gated, directly opposite the school. This had been discussed previously and would be revisited as part of the overview of the Highways Safety 106, when the information had been received from the new 106 Highways Safety Officer at Herefordshire Council, Ian Sutton.
It was commented that children were throwing immature apples around obtained from the fruit trees at the playing field boundary. It was suggested that maybe the trees should be replaced? Another solution was to pick off the apples before they grew any larger. This would be looked at.
2. To receive Apologies for Absence
There were apologies for absence received from Cllr Watkins and there was also notification of the resignation of Cllr Charles Forbes, as parish councillor and Footpath Officer. Cllr Forbes resignation was accepted, and thanks were recorded for his time as councillor and as Footpath Officer. The Clerk would write to him and convey the “thank you” from the parish council. A casual vacancy for the position of councillor would be instigated. A new Footpath Officer would be sought.
3. To note Declarations of Interest
There were no declarations of interest made.
4. To approve Minutes of the Annual Statutory Parish Council Meeting held on 20th May 2026
The Minutes of the Annual Statutory Parish Council Meeting held on the 20th May 2026 were approved. The Minutes of the Annual Parish Meeting, held on the 20th May 2026, would be approved at the Annual Parish Meeting to be held in May 2027
5ayley
. Finance and Policies
(5.1) Resolved: The following list of payments were approved:
Clerk paid in accordance with contract (June)
Expenses £38.94
HMRC Tax due £101.20
Clehonger Village Hall (Hall hire x 2 meetings plus additional) £55.00
Resolved: The bank balance was noted at £34529.87 total, with £224.45 of this total ring-fenced to the playing field.
5.2) To sign and approve the Annual Governance Statement 2025 – 2026
The Annual Governance Statement 2025 – 2026 was approved by the council and signed by the chair
5.3) To sign and approve the Accounting Statement 2025 – 2026
The Accounting Statement 2025 – 2026 was approved by the council and signed by the chair
5.4) To appoint a HALC representative
No representative was appointed. The Parish Council would keep a watching brief. It was agreed that improved notice of training and meetings was required from the HALC Executive. Reminders were often very last minute.
6.0 Playing Field
(6.1) Update on matters relating to the playing field and actions and to appoint a Playing Field Representative
Cllr Davies was appointed as the playing field representative. The Lengthsman had undertaken a comprehensive playground inspection and had reported his findings. Here were no matters of urgent requirement for actions but minor repairs and highlighted areas regarding the “adult” equipment would be referred back to the Lengthsman and matting concerns, to the appropriate persons, for actions. The buddleia was also overgrown, at the mini copse area around the anchored picnic bench, and required trimming back to enable people to use the bench.
(6.2) To consider any actions concerning the 106, fencing and list items
The new pedestrian gates in the playing field fence did not appear to be calibrated correctly, and they were not closing properly. There was scratching to the paintwork also. The land alongside the front of the fencing had not been levelled, as had been specified. The paint codes, and left over paint, were required for future touch ups of the paintwork and any new purchases of matching product. All snagging issues would be followed up via Nigel Koch at Herefordshire Council.
(6.3) To consider and determine the playing field rules, as revised, and order signage
The new wording, for the rules, that had been circulated to the councillors was agreed without alteration. It was agreed that four new signs should be placed at the boundary.
6.4) To consider notice boards – possible new one(s) and location
This item would be discussed at a future meeting.
6.5) To update regarding bench repairs
The benches were awaiting the contractor to carry out the repairs.
7. Planning
7.1) To consider response to Planning Applications, as notified, and then determined by Herefordshire Council
There were two new applications for discussion at the meeting:
APPLICATION NO & SITE ADDRESS: Planning Consultation – 260961 – 19 The Bines, Clehonger, Hereford, Herefordshire HR2 9RA
APPLICATION TYPE: Full Householder
DESCRIPTION: Dropped kerb, new driveway surfacing, removal of remaining section of redundant guarding and post and removal of street light post.
GRID REFERENCE: OS 344984, 237695
The parish council discussed the application 260961 and heard representation from the applicants. The applicants clarified that the land in question belonged to the County Council. The parish council resolved to support the proposal for the driveway but made the comment that people should be prevented from parking on the grass outside the properties, possibly by using bollards. They also stated that the street light post outside the property should be appropriately relocated to a suitable position.
APPLICATION NO & SITE ADDRESS: Planning Consultation – 261312 – Vaughan Building, Belmont Abbey Monastery, Belmont, Hereford, Herefordshire HR2 9RP APPLICATION TYPE: Planning Permission
DESCRIPTION: Roof mounted solar panels.
GRID REFERENCE: OS 348342, 238098
The parish council discussed the application 261312 and resolved to support the application.
A further application for Berryfield in Church Road 261613 had only just been notified and so an extension to the deadline for comments would be sought until after the July parish council meeting on the 15th July.
8. Clehonger Welcome packs – to update (as applicable)
Welcome Packs were being kept updated by Cllr Watkins and distributed by Cllr Whittal.
9. Parish roads and footpaths, trees and land
9.1) To note any defects to be reported to M Group/Herefordshire Council
As ongoing and also 9 The Bines had an overgrown hedge
9.2) To appoint Footpath Officer and consider any issues in relation to footpaths
The Footpath Officer, Cllr Forbes, had sent his resignation. A new Footpath Officer would be sought.
9.3) To appoint Tree Warden and to receive any update regarding trees
Cllr Watkins, the current Tree Warden, had sent her apologies. The appointment of Tree Warden was deferred to allow Cllr Watkins to express her interest.
10. The Lengthsman Contract
10.1) To consider actions in regard to the Lengthsman Contract and funding
The Lengthsman had reported some issues with him trying to keep the grass triangle clear at the Ruckhall Lane end of Church Road. Some small trees had been planted and some items, branches and stones, had been placed on the ground in what appeared to be an attempt to hinder the mowing of the grass on the island. The Lengthsman had also been approached by a member of the public about the grass cutting. It was agreed that Cllr Whittal would try to resolve the matter with the person, believed to be responsible, in the first instance.
11. Community Speed Watch
11.1) To hear any updates and determine actions plus appoint Speed Watch Co-ordinator
The newly installed Speed Indicator Device on the B4349 was now calibrated and operational. Pat Nelder, the Speed Watch Co-ordinator, (no change to role actioned) circulated statistics from the two SIDs but left the meeting early due to being unwell.
12. Information Sheet, Correspondence plus Ward Councillor Report
12.1) To note Information and Correspondence sheet:
Herefordshire Council:
Talk Community bulletins
M Group/Herefordshire Council
James Howells, the Locality Steward, has circulated his reports.
Members Monthly Update received
Street works updates
E mail: james.howells@herefordshire.gov.uk
West Mercia Police
Newsletter circulated when received.
12.2) To receive any update from the Ward Cllr
Ward Cllr David Hitchiner was in attendance at the meeting. He updated the meeting in regard to:
• Co-ordination of letters regarding the unroadworthy condition of Birch Hill Road, highlighting unreasonableness and difficulties for residents using the road
• Southern Link (Relief) Road – compulsory purchase letters had gone to residents but there was still no business plan for the road
• The Telephony Mast specification, proposed for location in the village, had been increased in height
• Cagebrook View residents were experiencing issues with water noises in their homes
• Tankers were still featuring regarding drainage, sewerage and water issues on the Cagebrook Estate
• The Ward Cllr had a £1000 grant pot, to spend in the group of parishes, for a project in line with the “county vision”. Ideas invited.
• New Public Realm Contract – new criteria for defect categorisation and repairs of potholes.
• Locality Stewards were back in Herefordshire Council employment.
• Herefordshire Council accounts for the previous year had been signed off.
• Peterchurch School rebuild completed.
• The Shire Hall, Library and Museum – no information regarding the capital project for these items in the forward budget
13. Matters to be raised on the Agenda of the next Meeting
All the usual matters would be included plus update on Church Road/Ruckhall Lane triangle, Berryfield in Church Road 261613 planning consultation and to arrange appraisal for Clerk. Also – Playing Field Hedge and access.
14. Confirmation of date of next Parish Council Meeting
The next Meeting of the Parish Council would be held on Wednesday 15th July 2026, from 7.00pm, at the Clehonger Village Hall.
The Meeting closed at 8.24 pm.