The January meeting of the Parish Council started with an update on the Parish Plan.

Andrew Barker reported that things were going very well, 162 questionnaires had been distributed throughout the village and 100 were completed and returned giving an exceptionally good return rate of 60%+.

The results have been analysed and statistics published at the highly successful Open Day held in the Autumn.

At this public meeting presentations were made by the Police, Highways, DCC, WDDC, POPPS and others.

The group have identified the key issues and actions to be taken and from this information 2 documents have been produced which Andrew will arrange to be emailed to all Councillors so everything is on schedule and the group are hoping to complete the Plan for distribution in the early summer.

One of the biggest concerns revealed by the questionnaire is the speed and volume of traffic through the village.

This was discussed at the Open Day with representatives from WDDC, Highways and Police.

There is no easy solution but options are still being investigated.

Concern was expressed at the way the Lime Tree on the grass island opposite the Village Hall had been trimmed without any consultation.

It was apparently considered a hazard to traffic and consultation therefore not needed and the Council has been assured that it will quickly shape up and will not need attention for many years.

The major drainage scheme proposed for the Church Lane area has been shelved as it is far too costly.

This was told to Cllr Neil Howard by the consultants Capita Simons, WDDC engineers and the Environment Agency recently and the 4 properties at risk can get advice about personal property protection from the Environment Agency and we are assured that the existing road drains are cleaned and inspected regularly.

Cllrs Dave Ackerman and Neil Howard were thanked for their efforts over the grit bins - all were in place in time for the snow the last one being the bin for Muckleford which is now in place but yet to be filled.

Under Village Maintenance some potholes were reported as was the flooding that occurs at the foot of Tilly Whim Lane.

The noticeboard pin board in the bus shelter is to be replaced and a new board is to be provided in place of the worn out one opposite Frome View.

Also pointed out is the need for another councillor, a transport representative and a flood warden.

The next council meeting is on Thursday March 10th.