Biddestone and Slaughterford Parish Council

Cllr Thornhill was welcomed on to the Council.

The terms attached to the grant for planting in and around the pond have been accepted and the work will be carried out early in 2009. Necessary inputs will be purchased direct and stored locally until needed.

Restoration of the War Memorial will be completed before the Service of Remembrance on 9th November. Those wishing to contribute to this may still do so.

Tenders have been requested for renovation of the public toilets, in particular creating a modern facility for the disabled and improving the entrance.

The speed control signs on the A420 at the Biddestone – Yatton Kennel crossing have now been adjusted to be activated at around 50 mph and the Council agreed to pay our contribution (£1000) for this.

There were no objections to the following planning applications: reducing the canopy of a lime tree by 20% at The Old Brewery House, Slaughterford; rebuilding of a chimney stack and lining of the flue at Corner House, Biddestone; first floor extension and alterations at Green Cottage, Biddestone; The owners of Orchard House have been advised that planning permission is necessary for the reconstruction and alterations to the roof.

Preparation of the Parish Plan is now in its final stages and it should soon be available.

The PCT is now NHS Wiltshire. The surgery at Yatton Keynell will now be open until 6.00 pm. There is massive support for retaining the Porch Surgery, Corsham, rather than a new facility at Rudloe.

A manager for the Biddestone website, a neighbourhood watch coordinator and a Council representative for the Governors of By Brook school are still required.

The next meeting will be on 25th November, 2008.

Tim Smith (01249 714455)