The Annual Parish Meeting was held in the Chapel at 7.30pm PRESENT: Mr M Baddeley, chairman, Mr S Burgess, Mr M Newport, Mr R Pearse, Mr G Salter, & Mrs R Clark. IN ATTENDANCE: Mr R Watrson, S C Councillor; Mrs M Pearse, Parish Clerk and sixteen members of the parish. APOLOGIES: Were received from Mr J Williams, TDBC Councillor; Mr D Parsons. (Wishes for a speedy recovery for Mrs B Parsons were to be conveyed). MINUTES: The minutes having been circulated were taken as read and signed as correct by the Chairman. CHAIRMAN'S REPORT: An eventful year, the duelling of the A358 and related proposales including the A303 & Henlade section affect some of the residents. Flooding in the village has at last been accepted by the Authorities and met with Councillors R Parsons and R Pearse who walked along the road pointing out the causes of the problem. A report to be made. The 30mph limit had been in operation for a year. Feedback to PC appears they are effectual though considered a waste of time by others. The lack of Police presence in the village a major concern which has been expressed to both the SCC and TDBC Councillors. The Chairman and Councillor M Newport attended a seminar on Crime Reduction which appeared to suggest PC should take a role in prevention. Mr Eddie Hayden was thanked for becoming the Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator in the centre of the village. Thanks were also due to Mrs G Baker & Mr D Fothergill for preparing the entry for the Village of the Year competition. although runners-up the village had been asked to enter again this year. Mr Fothergill has agreed to prepare the entry but would be pleased to make it a winner. Apart from Prize money and accolades, local businesses, the Church, the Half Moon and the Village Hall benefit. The Millennium Committee continues. Their results evident in the avenue of trees now visible above the hedges. The illuminated stone by the village hall and the windows in the church. The parking and future management of the Council housing stock have been of concern. New parking space has been created and Councillors S Burgess attended a meeting concerning the management but no decisions have been made. Finally the chairman thanked everyone for their help and support particularly the Clerk. SCHOOL GOVERNORS REPORT: Councillor Mrs R Clark reported that approx 190 pupils now attending not only the school but also a breakfast club and after-school club which helped to spread the traffic. regarding parking, the Crown Estate are giving a piece of land so the school area can be increased enabling all staff parking to be on site. The school will need support from PC as LEA not convinced of need. VILLAGE HALL REPORT: The new extension now complete, though used up money from reserves. A new oil tank, repairs to the floor and update of the kitchen are the next projects though no grants seem to be available. New committee members would be very welcome. Although a continual source of moans, it was pointed out that the Play school contributed almost 50% income. PUBLIC QUESTION TIME: The Monmouth path in need of quite major repair at Stoke Hill end. ideas being considered. Also stray dogs raiding dustbins on Mondays. A quiet word in an ear as offenders known> There being no further business the Chairman closed the meeting at 8.06pm/. Signed Chairman...................................Date....................................