Minutes of the Annual Parish Meeting
Wednesday 11 May 2005 at 7.30pm
In the Meeting Point, High Bickington

Present: Peter Tucker (Chairman), David Brown, Stella Burrows, Jean Checksfield, Roger Keen, Mike Leatham, Stan Parker, Myc Riggulsford (from 7.40pm)

In attendance: 15 Members of the public, Mr John Rawlinson - County Councillor, Mr David Venner - High Bickington CPT & Mrs Di Carter - Clerk

1. Apologies for absence
   There were no apologies for absence.

2. Confirmation of the Minutes of the Annual Parish Meeting held on 12 May 2004
   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 very busy year for the Council.

   The Parish Plan continues with a planning inquiry scheduled for January 2006 for Little Bickington Farm. The Chairman thanked the board and members of the HBCPT for their devotion and time committed to this project.

   The Fountain Fields site development is now under way. It is hoped this will bring benefits to the village and the school in particular. The 106 contribution monies will provide necessary improvements to community assets.

   Good relationships with various council departments have been forged which has helped with highways, planning, housing and other matters. It is felt the Parish Council is being listened to by outside agencies.

   Two dog bins have been installed. Rubbish collection has caused problems and the Chairman thanked the public for their understanding and co-operation during this difficult time.

   The acting Chief Executive of Torridge District Council attended the Parish Council meeting in December and updated on progress achieved and work that still needs to be done.

   Other important issues which the Parish Council has been involved in include communications with Wessex Trains regarding concerns about the failure of trains to stop at Umberleigh, and attendance at presentations and involvement in consideration of the plans for a Biomass plant at Winkleigh.

   The loss of the concurrent functions grant and matching grants from Torridge District Council has been a blow but the Parish Council has agreed to continue to support local groups and maintain village assets.

   The Chairman expressed his thanks to all Councillors for their work on behalf of the Parish Council and also to the Clerk. He also thanked those members of the public who attend meetings, their interest and support is vital to the future well-being of the community.

   Work on the community woodland was started in January. Many local people from schoolchildren to County Councillors were involved in the tree planting. The Chairman thanked the woodland group for their hard work in making this happen.

   The Barton meadow Recreational Area Committee began work on equipping the site and it is now a firm favourite with local children. The Chairman congratulated the Committee on their achievements and thanked them on behalf of the community for all their hard work.

   The Chairman said that the last two items show what can be achieved and he thanked all those members of the community who had taken part.
   

4. Finance
   A copy of the Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2005 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
   There were no matters raised by the public.

6. Date of next meeting
   The next Annual Parish Meeting will be held on Wednesday 10 May 2006.

There being no further business the meeting closed at 7.48pm.