Welcome and Apologies for Absence
The Chairman welcomed those present. Apologies were received and accepted from Cllr Yeoman, who was unable to attend owing to work commitments.
Declarations of Interest
Cllr Ashworth declared a non-pecuniary interest in application 26/00934/HOU (3 The Green), as a neighbour of the applicant, and took no part in the discussion or decision on that application.
Public Participation
An allotment holder thanked the Council and the Women's Institute for their help with the allotment produce show held at Mill Lane on Saturday 5 September, which had drawn a larger crowd than in previous years. A resident of Mill Lane reported that construction traffic at Mill Farm had so far kept to the agreed working hours and thanked the Council for pressing for that condition.
Minutes of the Previous Meeting
The minutes of the meeting held on 11 August 2026 were RESOLVED as a true record and signed by the Chairman.
Matters Arising
The Clerk reported that the produce show on 5 September had passed off well, with entries from nearly every allotment plot and tea served by the Women's Institute in the village hall afterwards. A resident had also contacted the Clerk to say that three or four properties at the outer end of Netherfield Road did not appear to have been included in the full-fibre rollout. The Clerk agreed to raise this with the provider and report back.
County and District Councillors' Reports
District Cllr Baxter reported that Averbury District Council's Local Plan review had reached its final consultation stage and encouraged the parish to respond before the closing date. County Cllr Wetherby had sent apologies together with a written report, which confirmed that the resurfacing of Church Lane had been added to Mereshire County Council's 2026/27 programme, with works provisionally planned for late October and a temporary road closure expected for around three days. The Clerk agreed to publicise the dates once they were confirmed.
Planning
Application 26/00934/HOU: single storey garden room, 3 The Green. Cllr Ashworth left the table for this item. Members raised no concerns and it was RESOLVED that the Council raise no objection.
Application 26/00971/TCA: notice of works to two lime trees in the churchyard of St Mary's. Members noted the works were proposed by the Parochial Church Council following a tree surgeon's report and RESOLVED to raise no objection.
The Clerk reported that Averbury District Council had approved application 26/00611/HOU (replacement dwelling, Orchard Cottage, Mill Lane), in line with the Council's earlier response. Noted.
Community Speedwatch – Church Lane
Cllr Foxton reported that the first two sessions on Church Lane had been held in late August, with six volunteers taking part including the two new recruits. Three vehicles had been recorded over the limit and referred to the police. It was RESOLVED that sessions continue on Church Lane through the autumn, alternating with the High Street, with Cllr Foxton continuing to coordinate. Members noted that the planned resurfacing of Church Lane in October would interrupt sessions there for a short time.
Neighbourhood Plan
The steering group's report was presented by Cllr Foxton. The resident survey had been finalised and would be delivered to every household in the parish during the week commencing 21 September, with an online version available for those who preferred it and a closing date of 31 October. It was RESOLVED to approve expenditure of £240 for printing 450 survey leaflets.
The Clerk explained that, as the qualifying body, the Parish Council would need to be the applicant for the national Neighbourhood Planning grant to cover consultant and mapping costs. It was RESOLVED that the Clerk apply for the basic grant of £10,000 on the Council's behalf, with any award to be reported to the Council before any spending is committed.
Mobile Signal – Netherfield Road
The network operator had replied to the Clerk's July letter, which had been copied to Cllr Wetherby. The operator confirmed that planning permission had now been secured for a taller mast, but that the upgrade still could not be expected before the first quarter of 2027. Members noted that the reply was at least firmer than earlier ones and agreed the Clerk should continue to monitor progress and ask for a named contact at the operator.
Churchyard Capacity
The Chairman, standing in for Cllr Yeoman, reported on a second meeting with St Mary's PCC. The PCC confirmed that the strip of land adjoining the churchyard to the east is glebe land owned by the Diocese. It was RESOLVED that the Clerk write to the Diocesan Board of Finance to register the Council's interest in the land for a churchyard extension and to ask what process and conditions would apply. No spending was committed at this stage.
Remembrance Sunday
Arrangements for the service at St Mary's Church on Sunday 8 November were confirmed, starting at 10.45am. The wreath had already been ordered from the Royal British Legion and the Chairman would lay it on behalf of the parish. Cllr Marsh agreed to speak to the primary school about children taking part. The Clerk was asked to request temporary no-parking cones on Church Lane outside the church for the morning of the service.
Finance
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Balance brought forward | £54,257.38 |
| Clerk's salary (September) | £412.60 |
| HMRC – PAYE/NI | £58.40 |
| Room hire | £15.00 |
| Grounds maintenance – late summer cut | £225.00 |
| Neighbourhood Plan survey printing (per item 9) | £240.00 |
| Mereshire Association of Local Councils – annual subscription | £214.00 |
| Royal British Legion – Remembrance wreath | £36.00 |
| Balance carried forward | £72,806.38 |
The second instalment of the 2026/27 precept, £19,750.00, was received from Averbury District Council during September and is reflected above. The bank reconciliation was tabled and checked against the statement by Cllr Whitfield. The Clerk's budget monitoring report to 31 August showed spending within budget, with a modest underspend expected on grounds maintenance, and members asked that this be considered when the draft budget for 2027/28 is prepared.
Correspondence
Mereshire County Council had written to announce a consultation on proposed changes to the timetable of the number 47 bus service to Averbury, including a reduction in evening journeys. Members expressed concern at the effect on residents who rely on the service. It was RESOLVED that the Clerk draft a response objecting to the reduction and bring it to the October meeting for approval, and that the consultation be publicised on the website and noticeboard.
Any Other Business
Cllr Hollis reported a loose slat on one of the benches at the playground and the Clerk agreed to ask the handyman to repair it. Cllr Iqbal reported that the stile on footpath FP12 was becoming unsafe and Cllr Ashworth agreed to inspect it with her. Cllr Marsh confirmed she had spoken to the Women's Institute and the school about the Christmas lights switch-on and asked that the item be placed on the October agenda for a date to be fixed.
Date of Next Meeting
Tuesday, 13 October 2026, 7.30pm, Thornwick Village Hall.
The meeting closed at 9.14pm.
Signed (Chairman) Date: ____________________
Thornwick St Mary Parish Council — Clerk to the Council: Mrs L. Carrow — clerk@thornwickstmarypc-demo.org.uk — These minutes are draft until formally approved and signed at the next meeting of the Council.