Notes of the Parish Council AGM held on May 8th 2002 in Potterne Village Hall.

The Parish Council re-elected the present Chairman of the Parish Council, Mr Clyde Hoddinott, for the period 2002 / 2003. The Vice-Chairman, Mrs Jenny Goddard was also re-elected.

The Finance and Footpath and Highways sub-committees remained the same. Mr John Hobbs was an addition to the Planning sub-committee, and Mr Andy Brown was an addition to the Burial and Property Maintenance sub-committee.

The Representatives for the village remained the same. Mr John Hobbs has volunteered to be the long awaited Transport Representative.

A letter has been received by the Clerk from Paul Wilkinson of St Mary's Church, asking Councillors to attend the Queens Golden Jubilee Celebration service on June 2nd at 11am. A couple of the Councillors have volunteered to go and represent the Parish Council. Mr John Chandler of Five Lanes Farm, has contacted the Clerk advertising that he is lighting a beacon on June 3rd at 10pm to celebrate the Jubilee.

The Clerk has received a letter from Michael Ancram in connection with his concern that central government has undertaken an exercise to assess the health of Parish Councils. The assessment was carried out without any consultation with Parish Councils. A number of questions were asked in the letter. The Parish Council will be responding to the letter.

The state of the village was again discussed. The Parish Council are concerned with the state the village at present, and that it does not meet the standard that the majority of the community would like to see. The Parish Council proposed an initiative to ask the public to assist in cleaning up the village, by clearing the land outside their property and inviting organizations in the village to help a general clean up initiative.

Kennet District Council have asked the Council to comment on a certificate of suitability for the Potterne Social Club.

Kennet District Council have granted planning permission to Potterne Park Farm for free range egg production; the Bell Inn for conversion into houses; 8 Highlands for the erection of a conservatory; Mayfield Cottage for a two storey extension.

Mr Hobbs proposed to the Parish Council that the 30 mph speed limit in Court Hill should be extended to Abbots Ball Farm as this fits the criteria. The Clerk will be investigating this further with the Highway Authority as well as the possibility of extending the speed restriction to Potterne Wick.

Following an arson attack on Blounts Court play area, three of the swings have been removed and are in the process of being replaced. More bark will be added under the play equipment, and quotations to repair the perimeter fence will be sought.

Jennie Britton
Village Correspondent

Previous Meetings:
10 April 2002 13 March 2002