The following matters were raised and discussed at January’s meeting of East Williamston Community Council...

The Defibrillator sign has been delivered and needs to be located in a suitable position in Pentlepoir.

The grass has grown so much on the verge that you can no longer see the debris. However, it was agreed not to report this matter again.

A site visit was held and the position of two speed signs agreed at both ends of Templebar Road. It will be necessary to contact homeowners who may be affected by the signs. Plus, the landowners at Mushroom Farm as the post would be in the middle of the hedge and facing traffic over the hedge. The Clerk has been requested to contact Mark Hooper to ask if PCC could provide and install the 100mm posts for the two solar speed signs with a quote.

The pothole outside Dorchester Cottage has rising water and filling with tarmac is not appropriate. The water issue needs to be further investigated.

Budget for 2023/24 - It was confirmed that the Precept would be increased by £1 to £33 per household bringing in a Precept payment of 30,862.92. It was agreed that the Jubilee Park account bank charges be paid from the Current Account in the future.

It was resolved hat the precept be increased by £1 to £33 per household for the year 2023-24.

An update was given on play areas and inspections. The January reports had not yet been received, however it was agreed that any Items of work that have been carried out should be removed from future reports. The Clerk is to ask James Horton about the gate at Pentlepoir and why there is an issue with the gap underneath.

A Quote had been received to replace two platforms at Pentlepoir and Broadmoor of £1,103.42 inc VAT. The Clerk is to inquire about the guarantee on the platforms and whether they are specially made platforms for these units or if they are cut to size from a larger piece.

It was resolved that James Horton be asked about the gate at Pentlepoir play area and about the warranty on the new platforms.

County council for the ward, Cllr Jacob Williams submitted a report to members: He reported that he had been contacted about a non-working streetlight in Pentle Close, and several topics on Templebar Road, including the amount of leaves posing a slip hazard on the pavement behind the short bund of trees near the Pentlepoir play area.

These issues had been reported to the street lighting and area maintenance teams respectively.

The ash trees on the aforementioned bund in addition to other nearby ash trees on the same side of the road, were known to be suffering from ash dieback. Cllr Williams had recently been asked whether this was something the county council would attend to.

It was unclear from his prior correspondence on the same topic, some eighteen months previously, where responsibility lay, however they were not deemed by the council to be in a condition which posed an immediate danger, so the matter was not pressed further at that time.

Cllr Williams was awaiting a response on the county council's view as to the present condition of the trees, and then following on from that, how things might be dealt with.

Two other matters on Templebar Road had been raised as a matter of concern: the pothole near the start of the 30mph zone had recently been the subject of another quick fix repair, however a more permanent solution was required as water was emerging from the patched hole, which was not believed to be coming from a burst water main.

Nearby, on the corner of the road's junction with Bush Lane, a red traffic cone whose purpose was not immediately obvious, had been situated for quite a while. Cllr Williams had asked for its removal or for the work it was relating to, to be completed.

Under ‘Any other information’ - the following matters were raised: Council have been advised that dogs are worrying stock in fields adjoining the Jubilee Park and are emphasising that it is the responsibility of dog owners to make sure they control their dogs.

Green Flag status has been applied in respect of the Jubilee Park.

A new laptop is required to allow members/residents to attend remotely. Cllr R Day will source a suitable laptop up to the sum of £500.

A request was received for a bus stop between Green Park and Hawthorn Close in Pentlepoir. Children waiting for school bus are getting very wet.

The same applies in Broadmoor where children are waiting for the school bus. Pupils are picked up from the school pick up point outside ‘Lindenlea’. The council are to apsk PCC to provide shelters if possible.

The hedge at Kookaburra on Templebar Road needs to be cut back. Privet hedge now encroaching into road, to be reported to PCC.

The next meeting will be held on Thursday, February 2, at East Williamston Community Hall at 7 pm.