Little
Milton Parish Council
Minutes of the Annual Parish Meeting held on 12th May
2010
Present:
Cllr.
Stuart McGill
(Chairman)
Cllr. Mabel Wood
Cllr.
Alison Shelton
Cllr. David Wakeling
Cllr. Tim Robinson
Mr R Fergusson (Clerk)
Mr
David Turner
(
County
Councillor
)
Mr John Nowell – Smith
(District Councillor)
Four members of the public
1/05/10
Chairman’s Report
Cllr.
Stuart McGill
presented the Chairman’s Report that embraced the key activities and
achievements of the Council during the past year. The Annual Report will be
distributed to all village households.
2/05/10
Financial Report
The
Clerk presented the key aspects of the Council finances for the year ended 31st
March 2010 and a summary of the financial statement will be included in the
Annual Report. A copy of the Council’s finances was provided to all in
attendance. There were no questions from the floor.
3/05/10
District Councillor’s Report
Mr
John Nowell Smith reported that the main business of SODC during the past year
had been the Joint Responsibilities Agreement with the Vale of White Horse. It
is anticipated that the benefits will be reflected in operational efficiencies.
He also commented upon the new waste collection system and changes to the
planning system in respect of referral of applications to the planning
committee. The Chairman thanked Mr John Nowell-Smith for his support of the
Council.
4/05/10
County Councillor’s Report
Mr
David Turner
reported to the meeting his work on the Oxfordshire County Council. It covered
a number of issues including the County Council budget, highway and pavement
maintenance, education, children’s centre at Great Milton, new public
transport guide, County Council review of speed limits, older people’s homes,
youth service, housing and Neighbourhood Action Groups.
The
Chairman expressed the Council’s thanks for all his support.
5/05/10
Report by Chairman of Village Hall
Mrs
Teresa Quested, Chairman of the Village Hall, gave a report on a number of
aspects of the Village Hall including hall bookings, finance and she thanked all
the committee members who have contributed to another successful year as well as
those villagers who have supported events during the year.
The
Chairman expressed the Council’s thanks for the work done by the Village Hall
Committee and a special thank you to Teresa for taking on the Chairmanship as a
result the resignation of David Ponting.
6/05/10
Report by Little
Milton
Village
Shop
Cllr.
Alison Shelton reported that the Little Milton Shop had had a successful trading
period since its opening in September 2009. She thanked the village for their
support as well as the volunteers who have provided essential support by giving
up their time. The coffee shop had proved to be very successful and had provided
a hub for the village as well as passing motorists. The Post Office has thrived
in its new surroundings. She stated that she was looking forward to the car park
being re-surfaced as it would enhance the site and eliminate a lot of dust! All
in all it had been a very encouraging start for Little Milton shop and Post
Office in its new location.
7/05/10
Report on
Little
Milton
School
A
report from the Governing Body of
Little Milton School
was read out by Cllr David Wakeling. The report highlighted how the governing
body is structured with a number of sub-committees and had welcomed five new
members. The report also covered the intake of children into the school and that
from September 2010 the school was obliged to offer full time places to all
children starting school that year when previously it had been the policy to
delay this until the term of the children’s fifth birthday. The heavy snow in
January caused the school to be closed for three days although the build up of
ice in
Gold Street
resulted in the school being closed for an extra day. The governors appreciated
the support of staff and parents in clearing the ice as well as the Parish
Council for addressing the issue with the County Council Highways. The school
welcomed the new gazebo that was opened by Bishop Colin and Mr John Howell MP
after the Harvest Thanksgiving service
8/05/10
Report by Chair of
Orchard
Pre
School
A
report from the Chair of Orchard Pre School was read out by Cllr Alison Shelton.
The report covered a number of issues including EYFS (Early Years Foundation
Stage), the impact of four year olds leaving for school at the beginning of the
school year, the Management Committee and major fundraising that has allowed the
purchase of a new computer and the revamping of the garden with a new playhouse.
The report also covered the OCC funding arrangements as well as grants that the
Orchard has benefitted from. The report concluded with an appreciation of the
hard working staff and the retirement of Linda Lovegrove in July.
9/05/10
St James Church
Mr
Raymond Fergusson gave a brief report on St James’ Church and stated
attendance numbers were constant and it was encouraging to see the strong school
links. He also referred the strong community links through the fete as well as
the number of church members involved in other village organisations and
therefore playing a full role within the village. He expressed the gratitude of
the Church for all those who volunteer to clean the church, provide the flowers,
maintain the churchyard that all makes the church such a welcoming place. He
stated that the Church was an important part of the community as it provided
help and support for everyone for a number of personal occasions.
10/05/10
Parish Forum
Mr
Charles Peers raised the issue of gravel extraction and whether the Parish
Council would find it helpful if someone from PAGE (Parishes Against Gravel
Extraction) attended a Council meeting to update the Council and perhaps seek
their support. The Chairman welcomed the offer and stated that the Council would
consider the point at the Council meeting.
Mr
Charles Peers asked the Parish Council to consider installing a kissing gate
into field off the
Wheatley Road
that would allow the use of a permissive footpath to Great Milton.
The
meeting closed at 8.15 pm
Signed
by
Chairman…………………………………………………Date…………………………………………