Minutes of the Annual Parish Meeting
Wednesday 13 May 2009 at 7.30pm
In the Meeting Point, High Bickington

Present:
Myc Riggulsford (Chairman), Chris Brown, Stella Burrows, Roger Keen, Mike Leatham, Stan Maskell, Peter Tucker.

In attendance:
Mr David Venner – High Bickington CPT, 10 members of the public, Mrs Di Carter – Clerk

1. Apologies for absence
   Apologies were received from David Brown.

2. Minutes of the Annual Parish Meeting held on 14 May 2008
   The Minutes of the meeting were agreed, adopted and signed by the Chairman. There were no matters arising

3. To receive any reports from County and District Councillors and the Police.
   There were no reports.

4. Chairman's Review of the Year
   The Chairman reported that the most important event of the past year has been the granting of planning permission for the Little Bickington Farm site after 9 long and frustrating years. This means the project to build a new village hall, some affordable homes for local people, workshops and conversion of redundant farm buildings to homes can begin. It is also hoped that a new school will be built in the foreseeable future. The Chairman thanked David Brown for his tireless efforts in his voluntary role as Chairman of the Community Property Trust, Mike Leatham as the Parish Council’s representative on the Trust and to all members of the Trust committee and other active members who have supported and sustained the project. He acknowledged that there are some residents in High Bickington and neighbouring villages who have concerns about the development, but he hoped a more viable community will result to give improved security for future generations in the village. Future consideration will need to be given to plans for the existing school, playground and church hall sites.

   Consultations are taking place on the changes to the structure of Devon County and District Councils. A decision is awaited. The Chairman thanked County Councillor John Rawlinson and District Councillor James Morrish for providing hundreds of pounds in grants during the past year. Unfortunately most of this money has had to be spent on repairs to the bus shelter, noticeboards, sports pavilion and community woodland damaged by silly vandalism instead of new facilities for young people.

   The day to day work continues making sure the village runs smoothly, potholes reported, drains cleared, street lighting maintained, warnings about criminals in the area, play areas inspected, and footpaths accessible. Much of this is carried out thanks to the volunteers who represent the parish on the Council and to the Parish Clerk.

   The Chairman urged everyone, particularly in the current economic situation, to continue to support local organisations, institutes, clubs and local businesses and facilities.

   The new year will bring forth new challenges and changes for the parish. The Chairman reflected on the retirement and death of prominent village supporters and residents.

   The Chairman urged anyone with concerns to contact any member of the Parish Council, to attend council meetings and air their views – it’s what we’re here for. He has been privileged to represent the village as Chairman and wished everyone a successful year ahead.

   (The Chairman’s full report can be accessed via the High Bickington website – www.high-bickington.org.uk).

5. Finance
   The accounts as at the end of year 31 March 2009 were circulated. The Chairman outlined the income and expenditure incurred during the year. The accounts will be adopted in the Annual Parish Council meeting following and copies placed on the noticeboards. Audit will take place in July. There were no questions from Councillors or the public.

6. Matters Raised by the Public
   A query was raised as to why the Parish and District Council precepts being left unchanged for the forthcoming year, in an effort to restrict increases in household bills during the current economic situation, did not appear to be reflected in the Council Tax levy on households.

7. Date of next meeting
   Wednesday 12 May 2010.

   There being no further business the meeting closed at 7.52pm.