Organisations

There will be a Parish Council Meeting on Tuesday 8th November 2016 in the church at 8.00 pm.

This is a public meeting and all are invited to attend. Public participation is at the discretion of the Chair. If you have specific items you wish to raise please advise the Clerk beforehand.

Agenda

1. Apologies for absence.
2. Minutes of the previous meeting held on 14^th September 2016.
3. Matters arising if not covered on the agenda.
4. Future of Little Wolford Parish Meeting.
5. Village community defibrillator.
6. Provision of dog waste bins.
7. Fox and Hounds pub.
8. Planning matters: to consider the following application: (i) Oak Hill House (formerly The Vicarage): single storey extensions, conversion of existing garage and aesthetical alterations including rendering of existing property and replacement of existing windows.
9. Correspondence
10. Financial matters, including approach from Village Hall trustees (letter dated 10^th October attached)..
11. Any other business.
12. Date of next meeting.

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The last Parish Council Meeting was held on 14^th September, 4 members of the council were present, apologies were received from Paul Riley.

Little Wolford Village Meeting: following our discussion at the previous council meeting and further discussion at this meeting we decided not to involve ourselves at this time with any changes in Little Wolford as this might prejudice the long standing position of Little Wolford as an independent unit with a village meeting .

Village Community defibrillator: we have now received the go-ahead from BT that the phone box is available for positioning the defibrillator unit and this should be in fitted shortly. We will be running some classes on the use of this unit and some basic first aid through the winter.

The Fox and Hounds: the pub has now been registered as an Asset of Community Value. Unfortunately the pub now seems to be permanently closed. There may be more information on the independent website, www.savegreatwolfordpub.co.uk.

Planning: Wolford House, Great Wolford Road, we again raised concerns about the access to the new building. The planned access coming through Wolford Lodge is acceptable but the alternative access along the track coming out at the corner is potentially very dangerous and this opinion was passed on to the District Council.

Stirling House, single story extension and replacement garage etc and changes to the gateway , the council made no representations, likewise the felling of a horse chestnut tree at Jasmine Cottage.

Correspondence: there was little correspondence of interest only the following information from Western Power.

Western Power report that the 105 number is now live and can be used to report power cuts and dangerous electrical situations and to get information on any ongoing power cuts. This is a national reporting number for electrical situations.

The next Parish Council Meeting will be held on Tuesday 8 November in the Church at 8.00pm

Your Parish Council Chair: Lynn Mathias, 01608 674247, [email protected]
Councillors: Steve Duck, Jennifer Green, Paul Riley, Lynn Bryan
Parish Clerk: Janet Piller, 01608 674396,[email protected]

FISH & CHIPS and BINGO

Saturday 22nd October at 7.00 pm

Little Wolford Village Hall

£10 per person

A really good friendly night out with a first class fish & chips supper and cash prize bingo

Bring your own drinks and we’ll provide the glasses

in aid of St. Michael & All Angels Church

To book contact:

Janet Piller (674 396), John Wrench (674 389), Ann McKenna (674 009)

MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE GREAT WOLFORD PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON WEDNESDAY 14^th SEPTEMBER 2016 IN THE CHURCH

PRESENT: Councillor Mrs. Lynn Mathias in the chair and Councillors Mrs. Jennifer Green, Mr. Steve Duck and Mrs. Lynn Bryan plus the Clerk Mrs. Janet Piller. Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Mr. Paul Riley. There were eleven members of the public present.

MINUTES: The Minutes of the meeting held on 13^th July 2016 were approved and signed.

There were no matters arising.

FUTURE OF LITTLE WOLFORD PARISH AND PARISH MEETING: The Chairman outlined the current situation and after further discussion, following the initial consideration of this topic at the previous meeting, it was agreed that the Parish Council’s response to the paper dated 17^th May 2016 from the Chairman of Little Wolford Parish Meeting would be that the Parish Council would not involve itself in any possible change to the longstanding position in Little Wolford, particularly as it was felt that any steps taken now might prejudice the preferred option of Little Wolford remaining an independent unit. Therefore Clerk to inform Little Wolford Parish Meeting Chairman that no action would be taken at present by Great Wolford Parish Council.

VILLAGE COMMUNITY DEFIBRILLATOR: A written update was received from Councillor Riley. It was noted that plans to adopt the BT telephone kiosk (where the defibrillator would be installed) were continuing and also that training would be provided free of charge for a limited number of people.

VILLAGE PUB: The Chairman reported that consideration of the application submitted in early June to Stratford District Council (Technical and Community Services Dept) to place the pub on the Community Asset Register had been delayed by the presence of a “rogue” website containing vitriolic anonymous comment about the pub. This had now been removed and it was anticipated that SDC’s response to the application would be received shortly. It was noted that the pub was currently closed. The Chairman acknowledged a letter on the future of the pub received from Mr. Peter Watson and invited contributions from the floor on proposals on how the pub could regain its viability. It was agreed that with some basic changes, e.g. full-time hands-on management, reliable opening hours, informative website, provision of draught beer and meals, programme of pub activities, kerb appeal etc, there was no reason to suppose it could not return to its former central position in village life. The owners of the pub, who were accompanied by a planning consultant, were invited to respond but declined and, asked if the pub was going to re-open, their reply was that this was unlikely. It was also understood that an application may be made by them for change of use for the building. The Chairman undertook to convey the views of those present to SDC. The current loss to the village of such a popular and valued village asset was unanimously regretted and it was agreed that every effort be made to ensure its survival.

PLANNING: (a) The following application was considered and it was agreed to make no representations concerning the building work but to raise concerns about the alternative access track being used which formed a potentially dangerous junction with the road between Great Wolford and the A44:

Wolford House, Great Wolford Road: retrospective change of use and alterations to buildings to form a single dwelling.

(b) The following applications were considered and it was agreed to make no representations:

(i) Stirling House: single storey side extensions; erection of open porch extension to front of dwelling; replacement garage and driveway with associated timber entrance gates; glassed canopy to rear kitchen area.

(ii) Jasmine Cottage: felling of horse chestnut tree.

CORRESPONDENCE: The following were reported and noted: (a) A property marking pack (part of WCC’s Stop the Thief campaign) which was available for residents’ use (b) Paper detailing the benefits of membership of WWMALC (membership has been renewed) (c) Report of Shipston/Stour Community Forum meeting on 6^th September d) Details of new, free information telephone number to call in cases of power cuts (to be circulated in next Newsletter) (e) Details from WWMALC of the Local Councils Charter (to be taken forward to next meeting) (f) Other general correspondence and non-essential circulars were noted/tabled and would be circulated to all Councillors for information.

FINANCE: (a) The following payment was unanimously agreed, proposed by Councillor Duck, seconded by Councillor Green: £95 to WALC (annual subscription).

ANY OTHER BUSINESS: (a) Following discussion on the on-going problem of dog waste, it was agreed to apply to the Village Fund for a grant for the purchase of two further dog bins, one bin being already in position on the green outside the churchyard wall. The proposed two new positions would be at the entrance point to The Ridgeway and at the point where the public footpath exits between Carters Leaze terrace and The Leys. Clerk to submit application.

DATE OF NEXT PARISH COUNCIL MEETING: It was agreed that the date of the next meeting would be Tuesday 8^th November 2016 at 8.00 pm in the church.

Fox and Hounds Pub, update at 3 October 2016

This is an interim newsletter to cover the current position of the pub. The usual newsletter will be sent out a fortnight or so before the next Parish Council Meeting.

As many of you will be aware the Parish Council applied for the Pub to become an Asset of Community Value at the beginning of June this year. I am pleased to say that while I have recently been away Stratford District Council has considered the nomination and decided that the Fox and Hounds will be included on the list of assets of community value. The listing only relates to the element of the building used as a public house and not to any residential parts of the building. The listing imposes restrictions on the owner’s rights to dispose of this asset. The owner may ask the Local Authority to review this decision.

At a recent Parish Council meeting it was understood that the current owners might apply for change of use for the building. While I was away I asked our Clerk, Janet Piller to contact Stratford District Council to find out the position re such an application. SDC were unable to comment on any application but did point out that were such an application to be made the Parish Council would be contacted for comments and there would be an opportunity for the general public to comment at that point. Details of any such application would also appear on the SDC website. The Parish Council has received no notification of any application at this date. If the Parish Council receives a notification re change of use this will be put on the village website.

Registering a building as an asset of community value does not mean that the owner is under any obligation to sell or to re-open the business, it will only become relevant should the pub come up for sale at which point the village via the Parish Council will be given an opportunity to arrange to put in an offer for the business, the owners are under no obligation to sell to the Parish Councils nominee.

The next Parish Council Meeting will be held on Tuesday 8^th November 2016 at 8.00pm in the Church

Your Parish Council Chair: Lynn Mathias, 01608 674247, [email protected]
Councillors: Steve Duck, Jennifer Green, Paul Riley, Lynn Bryan
Parish Clerk: Janet Piller, 01608 674396,[email protected]

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The last Parish Council meeting was held on 15 July. All members of the council were present, also present was District Councillor Stephen Gray and eight members of the public.

Little Wolford: the council had been asked by the Chairman of Little Wolford Parish Meeting to consider options if Little Wolford Parish meeting was to disband, principally would we consider Little Wolford being incorporated into the Great Wolford Parish Council. We heard a paper from the Chairman of Little Wolford Parish Meeting and then had an open discussion. It was felt that it was important to canvas the opinion of all the Little Wolford villagers before going any further. Subsequent to the Parish Council meeting we have decided to have further discussion on this matter at the next Parish Council meeting.

Defibrillator: this has been purchased and we are waiting for the telephone kiosk to be officially de commissioned before this is fitted. This should happen in September/October time.

The Fox and Hounds pub: After our application to have the pub registered as an Asset of Community Value, Stratford District Council has raised various queries which will be discussed at the next Parish Council Meeting.

Planning Matters: We are still awaiting the revised planning application for the ongoing work at Wolford Lodge. Planning applications at 2 The Leys and Christmas Cottage has been passed.

General: various correspondence was reported by the Clerk and payments authorised. The annual audit has been approved by the Internal Auditor. Road potholes are an ongoing issue and the Clerk will alert the Highways Dept to the need for repairs.

Councillor Gray reported the SDC’s core strategy had recently received final government approval .

The Village Hall: as you may have seen in The Link repairs are necessary at the back of the building, to enable the builders to have clear access the Village Hall Committee would like volunteers for a work party to clear away vegetation on Sunday 11 September from 2.00–6.00pm. Secateurs required but tea and cakes provided!

The next Parish Council Meeting will be held on Wednesday 14 September in the Church at 8.00pm

Your Parish Council Chair: Lynn Mathias, 01608 674247, [email protected]
Councillors: Steve Duck, Jennifer Green, Paul Riley, Lynn Bryan
Parish Clerk: Janet Piller, 01608 674396,[email protected]

MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE GREAT WOLFORD PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON WEDNESDAY 13^th JULY 2016 IN THE CHURCH

PRESENT: Councillor Mrs. Lynn Mathias in the chair and Councillors Mrs. Jennifer Green, Mr. Steve Duck, Mrs. Lynn Bryan and Mr. Paul Riley plus the Clerk Mrs. Janet Piller. Also present was Councillor Mr. Stephen Gray. There were eight members of the public present.

MINUTES: The Minutes of the meeting held on 11^th May 2016 were approved and signed.

There were no matters arising.

FUTURE OF LITTLE WOLFORD PARISH AND PARISH MEETING: The Chairman referred to the paper dated 17^th May 2016 from Mr. David Farman, Chairman of Little Wolford Parish Meeting (copy on file) and invited Mr. Farman to address the meeting. He reported that following his intention to stand down at the Annual Meeting in April 2016, no-one had been prepared to be nominated to take over. He had reluctantly agreed to serve for one further year during which possible ways forward (as advised by SDC) would be investigated including both this approach to Great Wolford Parish Council and also the possibility of a Community Governance Review. He hoped that the issue could be resolved by the October Little Wolford Parish Meeting. Great Wolford Parish Council was invited to consider the situation. After discussion, It was suggested that the views of Little Wolford residents be sought, by means of a hand-delivered questionnaire to every household, on what were seen as the three viable options (a) urgently pursue the search for a new Parish Meeting Chairman (b) some form of merger/grouping with an adjacent parish, or (c) the dissolution of Little Wolford Parish Meeting leaving the residents with no local representation. It was agreed that option (a) was preferred by the Great Wolford Parish Council but it was also agreed to follow up the questionnaire suggestion.

VILLAGE COMMUNITY DEFIBRILLATOR: The Chairman reported that a total of £1,760 had been contributed through grants/donations etc to the total cost of the defibrillator of £1,644, the balance of £116 to be kept in reserve towards future running costs. All donors were warmly thanked for their support. It was noted that Ofcom regulations prevented the telephone kiosk being made available until a consultation period expired in early September 2016 following which the defibrillator would be installed and training sessions would be arranged. Councillor Duck kindly undertook to provide help with necessary electrical work. Councillor Riley was thanked for his work in co-ordinating this project.

VILLAGE PUB: (i) It was reported that following the decision reached at the Annual Parish Meeting in May 2016, an application had been made by the Parish Council to SDC to place the village pub on the Community Asset Register. It was made clear that this action was taken as an initiative towards preserving the community value of the pub. The owners of the pub recorded their disagreement with this action. A response from SDC was awaited.

(ii) There was full discussion on the present situation ref the pub and the main points made were (a):that information on opening times and availability of meals was not readily available either on site or online leading to a falling-off of customer numbers and (b) that a campaign was being waged against the current owners also resulting in fewer pub visitors.

(iii) The Chairman confirmed that the Parish Council disassociated itself completely from the current hostile attitudes.

PLANNING: (a) Wolford Lodge, Gt Wolford Road: following the resurfacing of the access track and on-going building work, it was agreed to refer the matter again to SDC Planning Enforcement.

(b) It was reported that approval had been granted by SDC for the following applications:

(i) 2 The Leys: front porch, two front dormer windows and removal of hedge, and.

(ii) Christmas Cottage, Nethercote: re-positioning of oak framed garage and garden workshop with useable loft space.

CORRESPONDENCE: The following were reported and noted: (a) Request from the newly elected Police and Crime Commissioner to participate in his survey on a Police and Crime Plan (see www.warwickshire-pcc.gov.uk) (b) Notification of changes in personnel at WCC Hiighways (c) Consultation document from WCC on the revised Statement of Community Involvement (d) Notification of public consultation for Cotswold District Local Plan 2011-2031 (e) Progress Report 2011-2015 from Warwickshire, Coventry and Solihull Local Biodiversity Action Plan (f) Other general correspondence and non-essential circulars were noted/tabled and would be circulated to all Councillors for information.

FINANCE: (a) The following payments were unanimously agreed, proposed by Councillor Green, seconded by Councillor Duck: £121.16p to Stratford on Avon District Council (annual charge for emptying dog bin) and £1,644 to Cardiac Science Holdings (UK) Ltd (defibrillator).

(b) It was reported that the annual audit form 2015/16 had been completed by the Clerk, then approved by the Internal Auditor and had been sent to the External Auditor.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS: (a) Councillor Gray reported that SDC’s Core Strategy had recently received final government approval.

(b) Road maintenance: it was reported that there were large potholes along the road edges on Barton Road. The Clerk to alert Highways Dept to need for repairs.

DATE OF NEXT PARISH COUNCIL MEETING: It was agreed that the date of the next meeting would be Wednesday 14^th September 2016 at 8.00 pm in the church.

THERE WILL BE A PARISH COUNCIL MEETING ON WEDNESDAY 13TH JULY 2016 IN THE CHURCH AT 8.00 PM.

This is a public meeting and all are invited to attend. Public participation is at the discretion of the Chair. If you have specific items you wish to raise please advise the Clerk beforehand.

Agenda

1. Apologies for absence.
2. Minutes of the previous meeting held on 11th May 2016.
3. Matters arising if not covered on the agenda.
4. Future of Little Wolford Parish Meeting (paper attached).
5. Village community defibrillator (including funding).
6. Village pub: application to Stratford District Council for inclusion on Community Asset Register
7. Planning matters.
8. 8. Correspondence.
9. Financial matters.
10. Any other business.
11. Date of next meeting.

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The last parish council meeting was held on 11 May in the Church in conjunction with the Council AGM, all members were present. There were no matters arising from the previous meetings.

Village Defibrillator: The village defibrillator has now been purchased and should be installed shortly, we are planning to site it in the old phone box on the crossroads but timing will depend on BT decommissioning it as a phone box. When it has been installed we are hoping to run a First Aid course just to run through its use and other basic First Aid.

Planning: There were no major planning decisions to discuss.

The Fox and Hounds: There was discussion at the AGM about registering the Pub for inclusion on the Community Asset Register held at Stratford District Council and it was agreed by a majority vote of all those present that this should be done. The Chair has completed and submitted the relevant forms to SDC and we are waiting to hear whether this application has been successful. If this application is successful it will mean that if the pub is put up for sale the village will have six weeks to register an interest in purchasing it, if that goes ahead then six months to put a bid together. It does not mean that any village bid would automatically have to be accepted.

Little Wolford Parish Meeting: Great Wolford Parish Council has been approached by the Chairman of Little Wolford Parish Meeting with a view to possibly amalgamating the two villages under one Parish Council. Initial discussions will take place at the next Parish Council Meeting.

If you would like to comment on these or any other matters come along to the next Parish Council Meeting, all our council meetings are open to the public.

Your Parish Council Chair: Lynn Mathias, 01608 674247, [email protected]
Councillors: Steve Duck, Jennifer Green, Paul Riley, Lynn Bryan
Parish Clerk: Janet Piller, 01608 674396,[email protected]

MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE GREAT WOLFORD PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON WEDNESDAY 11^th MAY 2016 IN THE CHURCH

PRESENT: Councillor Mrs. Lynn Mathias in the chair and Councillors Mrs. Jennifer Green, Mr. Steve Duck, Mrs. Lynn Bryan and Mr. Paul Riley plus the Clerk Mrs. Janet Piller. There was one member of the public present.

MINUTES: The Minutes of the meeting held on 9^th March 2016 were approved and signed.

There were no matters arising.

VILLAGE COMMUNITY DEFIBRILLATOR: The Chairman reported that a grant of £300 had been donated by Stour Valley Lions, an anonymous contribution of £250 had been received and the proceeds of a quiz night at the pub organised by the Village Fund had been promised which, together with the £500 already allocated by the Parish Council and donations from other sources, including the result of an application for a Link grant, would cover the costs. Warm thanks were recorded for all contributions to this project. It was noted that Little Wolford Parish Meeting had been approached to gauge interest in a similar plan in Little Wolford but had decided against this. Councillor Riley reported that negotiations with BT ref the use of the existing public telephone kiosk to house the defibrillator were reaching a successful conclusion with final paperwork to be cleared, and it was agreed that an extraordinary Parish Council meeting be called when all the necessary arrangements were complete and ready to be formalised.

PLANNING: (a) Wolford Lodge, Gt Wolford Road: following a site inspection and on-going building work, it was agreed to contact SDC Planning Enforcement again to check progress on the new application

(b) It was confirmed that the following application had been considered since the last meeting and no representations had been made:

2 The Leys: proposed front porch, two front dormer windows and removal of hedge.

(c) The following application was considered and it was agreed to make no representations:

Christmas Cottage, Nethercote: re-positioning of oak framed garage and garden workshop with useable loft space.

(d) On-going building work at Wolford Lodge, Gt. Wolford Road.

CORRESPONDENCE: The following were reported and noted: (a) Notification from WWMALC that request for payment of membership fees had been delayed this year (b) Notice of meeting on 6^th June of Stratford Area of WWMALC (c) Consultation document from SDC on main modifications to the Stratford on Avon District Submission Core Strategy 2014 (d) Other general correspondence and non-essential circulars were noted/tabled and would be circulated to all Councillors for information.

FINANCE: (a) The following payment was unanimously agreed, proposed by Councillor Mathias, seconded by Councillor Duck: £197.74p to Aon UK Limited (annual insurance).

(b) The Parish Council accounts for the year 2015/16 as accepted by the Annual Meeting were formally approved, proposed by the Chairman, seconded by Councillor Green.

(c) It was reported that Mr. Marcus Lymbery had kindly agreed to act as Internal Auditor.

CELEBRATION OF HM THE QUEEN’S 90^TH BIRTHDAY: It was noted that Village Fund and Village Hall plans were currently under discussion.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS: Village pub: the Chairman confirmed that following the decision made at the Annual Parish Meeting an application in the name of the Parish Council would be made to SDC to enter the village pub on the Community Asset Register.

DATE OF NEXT PARISH COUNCIL MEETING: It was agreed that the date of the next meeting would be Wednesday 13^th July 2016 at 8.00 pm in the church.

Minutes of the Annual Parish Meeting of Great Wolford Parish held on Wednesday 11th May 2016 in the church at 7.30 pm.

Present: Councillor Mrs Lynn Mathias in the chair and Councillors Mrs Jennifer Green, Mr. Steve Duck, Mrs Lynn Bryan and Mr. Paul Riley plus the Clerk Mrs. Janet Piller. There were twenty-one members of the public present.

The Chairman welcomed all those present.

The Minutes of the previous Annual Parish Meeting on 11th May 2015 were approved and signed.

The Chairman’s Report: The Chairman thanked all the Parish Councillors for their valued work over the previous year.

Seven Parish Council meetings had been held in the previous year. Six planning applications had been considered during the year.

Other main issues covered during the year had been:

A large number of national, WCC and SDC consultations, policies, local plans, etc were considered including SDC Core Strategy on-going consultation, Healthwatch Warwickshire, SDC’s Members’ Code of Conduct, Warwickshire Minerals Plan, Transparency Code for Smaller Authorities, Stour/Shipston Community Forum etc. Superfast broadband was now available and thanks were recorded to “broadband champions” George Shilling and Chris Dyer for their efforts. The village website (thanks to Charles Pearmain for maintaining it) and the bulk buying scheme for domestic oil (co-ordinated by Lynn Mathias) were both operating successfully, and a regular newsletter was delivered, principally by email and also available as hard copy. Efforts to improve local mobile phone reception by phone operator EE had foundered. Safety and privacy issues surrounding the use of drones had been investigated. Two continuing problems, dog fouling and the poor condition of local road surfaces, were given regular attention, and action continued to deal with the water discharging on to the side of the road down Currell’s Hill. A £400 churchyard maintenance grant had been approved to the parish church. A public access defibrillator, funded by various grants, was to be sited in the existing public phone box in the village centre (installation co-ordinated by Paul Riley). Training sessions, possibly to include basic first aid instruction, would be arranged.

Financial Report: The Clerk presented copies of the 2015/16 accounts for circulation. At 31^st March 2016 the balance in the Parish Council’s bank account was £2,621. It was proposed by Councillor Mathias, seconded by Councillor Green and unanimously agreed that the accounts be accepted.

Any other business: (i) Residents were encouraged to add their email address to the mailing list for the parish newsletter.

(ii) The Chairman reported on representations made to the Parish Council regarding the village pub and in particular the uncertainty surrounding its opening hours and its meal services. The possibility of applying to list the pub on the Register of Community Assets (held by SDC) had been raised and the Chairman outlined the significance of such action. Strong concerns were expressed that the pub and its current owner/licensee (present at this meeting) were not fulfilling the generally accepted role of village pub and that no information was publicly available on opening times or meals. It was suggested that the intention was to run down the business towards an eventual transfer of the building into a dwelling. The owner/licensee equally strongly refuted this scenario and claimed that local residents were not supporting the business. A vote was taken on whether to proceed with an application, which for practical reasons would be in the name of the Parish Council, to register the pub as a Community Asset: present: 27, those in favour: 9, those against: 6, abstentions: 5. Accordingly, an application would be submitted.

No further matters being raised, the meeting closed.