Minutes of the Annual Parish Meeting
Wednesday 12 May 2004 at 7.30pm
In the Meeting Point, High Bickington

Present:
Peter Tucker (Chairman), David Brown, Stella Burrows, Jean Checksfield, Roger Keen, Stan Parker.

In attendance:
9 Members of the public
Mrs Di Carter - Clerk

1. Apologies for absence

   Apologies were received from County Councillor John Rawlinson, Mike Leatham and Myc Riggulsford.

2. Confirmation of the Minutes of the Annual Parish Meeting held on 14 May 2003

   The minutes, having been circulated and published on the noticeboards, were approved, adopted and signed by the Chairman.

3. Chairman's Review of the Year

   The Chairman reported another busy year for the Council. It is hoped that decisions and actions taken by the Council will benefit the community in years to come.

   The Parish Plan was adopted by the Council in June and launched to the public soon after. The Chairman paid tribute to the hard work of Project 2000 who should take the credit for the widespread praise and acclaim for the quality of the plan. The Parish Council continues to be closely involved with the work of the group and assists with issues such as housing. The Parish Council has also been represented when many important visitors came to the village, culminating in the visit of the Rt Hon Alun Michael MP in March.
   

   The Parish Plan enabled the Parish Council, after consultation with the public, to negotiate with Torridge District Council and the developer of the Warden's Hill site to give substantial community benefits and hopefully a more suitable development. After many concerns were raised and after much debate, through the 106 agreement, funds were secured for affordable housing, community facilities and the Little Bickington development. A sum was also secured for the Barton Meadow Recreational Area.

   The Parish Council has also submitted a planning application for the Barton Meadow Recreational Area which has been approved by Torridge District Planning Committee. The Barton Meadow Committee has worked tirelessly over many years to raise funds to equip the site and it is hoped that with money already raised, the 106 agreement and pending grant applications, the plans will be able to move forward.

   The recent closure of the village shop is a big loss for the village. The Parish Council has, and will continue to explore, all options to regain this service in some form for the village.

   The Chairman thanked all Councillors for their time and commitment given to the work of the Council, finance, maintenance and the Parish paths. It appears that in future Parish Councils will be expected to become more self-sufficient as services from Local Councils come under increasing pressure. With this in mind the Parish Council has decided to seek Quality Parish Status. This will put in place a framework for the Council to be accountable and provide best practice for the efficient running of the Council.
   (Cum page 413)

   The Chairman thanked the Clerk for the work she has done over the past year in the tradition of the high standards set by previous Clerks.

   The Parish has endeavoured to consult with and listen to as many people as possible on the work of the Council, and it is disappointing when some people appear to be unaware of what is happening in the community. The Parish Council will try harder to make everyone aware of the Council's work and what is happening in their community.

   The Chairman ended by thanking all Councillors for their work and interest in Council affairs and also thanked all members of the public for their continued support.

4. Finance

   A copy of the Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2004 had been circulated and published on the noticeboards. There were no questions from members of the public.

5. Matters raised by Members of the Public

   Helen Carn brought a copy of the two dog signs which have been ordered for the Barton Meadow Recreational area.

   Mr McDonald, owner of the premises which was previously the village stores, reported that a planning application for change of use to an estate agency has been submitted to Torridge District Council.

6. Date of next meeting

   The next Annual Parish Meeting will be held on Wednesday 11 May 2005.

   There being no further business the meeting closed at 7.40pm.