Held in the Tithe Barn on Wednesday, 19th March 2003

Matters Arising:
Bus Stop - Norwich Road - (in conjunction with the mini roundabout works) - Following objections from local residents an invitation was received for one Parish Councillor to attend an on-site meeting, with the County Surveyor and Mr S Murphy, County Councillor, to discuss the position of the proposed bus stop. It was eventually agreed to place the bus stop in the original position for safety purposes. A certain amount of confusion had arisen following remarks made when discussing refurbishment of the bus shelter on the opposite side of the road in 1998, (i.e. "it would be nice to erect a bus shelter on the opposite side to enable passengers to wait in the dry"). It should be emphasised that at no time had the Parish Council sought a grant, or even considered building a bus shelter, and would certainly not consider such a project without consultation, with parishioners, at a public meeting. Mr Brighton pointed out that there had been a bus stop in the area for many years and the seats in the porch of the Recruiting Sergeant had been used for passengers awaiting the bus, also the coach and four Mail Coach used to stop there on its way to North Walsham. It should also be noted that the County Surveyor had only consulted parishioners as a courtesy as the Highways were the owners of the land.

Jubilee Oak Maintenance - Mr Allaway's specification for the work has been accepted by Ms McQueen and work should commence in April. It will be necessary to re-apply for a grant towards cost from B.D.C's 2003 budget.

Tree Felling at Pond - A grant of £200 had been received from B.D.C. towards cost of works. The majority of logs had been removed by parishioners for firing, also wood chippings.

Risk Assessment - This had been circulated for comment, but, Mr Brighton suggested a decision on acceptance be delayed until the Council's legal responsibilities for the pond area are clarified for insurance purposes. After discussion it was agreed to gather all documentation together and take advice from Mr Housome. Mrs Lawrance to make enquiries regarding Bluebell Pond at North Walsham.

Correspondence:
Parish Amenity Skip - This had been arranged for the weekend of 26/27th April and would be placed in the Rectory Road lay-by.

Longwater Gravel Public Inquiry - This will take place on 16th and 17th July in the Tithe Barn at Horstead.

Finance:
Donation request from Norfolk Accident Rescue - Acknowledge and place in file for next years budget meeting. The Council has, for 2003/4, made a donation to the Rescue Helicopter in recognition of two recent emergency attendances in the village by the service - one a collapse, the other a road traffic accident at B1150/B1145 junction.

Mill:
The Chairman reported that the stolen seat had not been covered by the insurance - all items such as seats, picnic tables etc. need to be itemised.

Mr Brighton continued by saying that the dredging plan for the Mill Pool/Dyke had been submitted and work should start shortly. This to include the dredging of spoil at entrance to pool. Spoil would be placed on adjacent land, surplus spoil to be used for backfilling to the new piling in beach area. A fishing platform would be put in the area adjacent to paddling area and also a slipway to enable canoeists to slip into pool from car park area. This to be funded by grant from NEWS. Work will be carried out by Broads Authority.

Playing Field:

Aerial Runway - The replacement pulley has been returned to the manufacturers, and a refund less £50 handling charges had been promised.

Mr Gowlett reported that the new pulley was still not running freely and the Clerk was instructed to contact Adventure Playgrounds and ask them to investigate the matter.

Mill Road Seat Replacement
All Councillors who had inspected the seat purchased for Mill area agreed that another would be suitable for the Mill Road corner and it was proposed by Mr Watts and seconded by Mrs Duckworth that a second seat be purchased.

The Annual Meeting of the Horstead with Stanninghall Parish Council
will be held in the Tithe Barn on Saturday, 29th March 2003 at 2.30pm

Next monthly meeting Wednesday, 9th April 2003.