Annual Parish Meeting - Brief Synopsis - Chairmans report

The chairman Rod Parr welcomed Simon Ross and Margaret Winckler to the meeting, together with all the local parishioners in attendance.

He spoke of this being the end of a 4 year term for the councillors. During the last year

- the Development and implementation of the Parish Plan has moved forward - more later.

 - Neighbourhood Watch had been revived, but needed more Co-ordinators.

 - PACT meetings between the community and the Police, Fire and Councillors, had been much better than anticipated when they started, although more support was needed from the local parishioners.

 - We have a new Police Constable responsible for Claverley - Matt Picken and a new CSO (Community Support Officer - Fiona Bastock-Young

- Parish Council Precept is up by 40% for 2007/8 mainly due to the County Council saying we must contribute 50% of the cost of refurbishing the Joint Use Field (ie the Changing Rooms). This will be £20,000 and the council have decided to spread their portion of the cost (£10,000) over the next 2 years. This will be partially offset by a decision that we cannot afford the Christmas street lighting this year.

 - The effect of the proposed Unitary authority on the Parish Council is not fully known at this stage.