MINUTES OF JOINT ANNUAL PARISH MEETING OF RICHARDS CASTLE (SHROPSHIRE) AND RICHARDS CASTLE (HEREFORDSHIRE) PARISHES HELD AT 7.00 PM ON THURSDAY 18 MAY 2023 AT THE VILLAGE HALL
PRESENT
Richards Castle (Shropshire) Parish Council: Mr H Salwey (Chairman); Ms V Hawkins; Mr A Hall; Mr R Smith; Mr A Cowell; and Mr A Wright.
Richards Castle (Herefordshire) Parish Council: Mr S Bowen; Mr M Ayre; Mr C Cadman; and Mr P Enzer.
IN ATTENDANCE: Shropshire Ward Cllr. V Parry; Herefordshire Ward Cllr. D Hurcomb and Mr R Hewitt, Clerk. Five (5) members of the public were present.
Cllr. H Salwey chaired the joint annual parish meeting.
1. Apologies – Cllr. D Ayres, (Shropshire).
2. Minutes of the Joint Annual Parish Meeting held on 19 May 2022 – The minutes of the meeting were agreed and signed as a correct record.
3. Report from the Bircher Ward Councillor, Herefordshire Council
Ward Cllr. Hurcomb kindly gave a brief verbal report in which he introduced himself and thanked his predecessor for his long-standing service to the county over the years since 1994.
4. Annual Report from Richards Castle (Shropshire) Parish Council
Cllr. H Salwey, chairman, said the parish council have looked at planning applications, undertaken environmental maintenance, reported highway defects, participated in consultations, and responded to local issues and requests. Highlights have included:
• Support for the Big Lunch on 5 June 2022 and organisation of beacon event on Hanway Common to mark the historic Platinum Jubilee. Thanks go to the volunteers who put in the hard work and commitment to make both events a success.
• Action to tackle speeding, which was raised as a major issue at the annual parish meeting last year. The parish council have made a request for new speed limits from the county boundary, which has met with very positive support from highways, Shropshire Council.
The police have carried out speeding enforcement action as well, most recently in the last few weeks. The parish council have informed West Mercia Police that speeding is the #1 priority followed by theft from outbuildings.
• Working with the biodigester business with the objective of finding a solution for traffic movements that can work for everyone.
• The environmental maintenance programme has been extended to include the footpath at Station Road, Woofferton.
• The precept was increased by £500 to £5,000 for 2022-23. Funding allocated for the Coronation of His Royal Highness King Charles III was used to support the recent community event (£250.00).
Ward Cllr. Viv Parry was thanked for all her support, the members of the parish council for their commitment and dedication and the clerk for guidance, advice and support provided in the past year.
5. Annual Report from Richards Castle (Herefordshire) Parish Council
Cllr. S Bowen thanked the outgoing Chairman R Alden for sterling work for the parish council and community. Speeding enforcement by the police was welcomed and is to be encouraged. Traffic regulation orders can take up to 2 years to be implemented. The Good neighbour scheme has been wound up due to lack of use. It likely reflects the strength of the existing informal support network in the parish. A new roundabout at the junction of Station Road and the A49 is an ongoing request.
The Platinum Jubilee celebrations were a great success. A tree planting and bench will mark The Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III. The volunteers behind both events were thanked.
The Police Community Charter has highlighted speeding, road safety and rural crime as the key priorities. Planning applications are looked at properly and given full consideration.
6. Annual Report from Richards Castle (Shropshire) Parish Council
Shropshire Cllr. V Parry reported on the Platinum Jubilee celebrations, roads, and plans for resurfacing sections of the local highway. A new vehicle activated sign is planned for Policeman’s Corner. Parking of cars on the road outside the garage on the B4361 continues to cause difficulties in the view of the ward councillor. The biodigester solution for traffic to and from the site has worked out really well and is a lot better. Ward Cllr. Parry kindly offered to help with public rights of way concerns.
7. Items from Members of the Public
Matters raised included poor road surface on Ludford Bridge, extensive potholes on the highways of both parishes and affordable housing.
The meeting closed at 7.55 pm.