Welcome and Apologies for Absence
Apologies were received and accepted from Cllr Duckworth.
Declarations of Interest
None.
Public Participation
Several residents attended to ask about the outcome of the Council's objection to the Hollow Farm barn conversion (see item 7). Mrs H. Ostrowski, a resident and NHS paramedic, addressed the Council to propose the installation of a public access defibrillator in the village, offering to assist with sourcing grant funding. The Chairman thanked Mrs Ostrowski and confirmed the proposal would be considered under item 9.
Minutes of the Previous Meeting
The minutes of the meeting held on 11 February 2025 were RESOLVED as a true record and signed.
Matters Arising
The third roofing quotation had been received: Netherfield Building Services, £3,600 + VAT. Members agreed this represented the most competitive of the three like-for-like quotes. Footpath FP12: Mereshire CC Rights of Way team confirmed a tree surgeon had been scheduled to clear the obstruction. Litter bin: a quotation of £145 (supply and installation) had been received and was approved for order, to be funded from the grounds maintenance budget line.
County and District Councillors' Reports
No reports this month.
Planning
The Clerk reported that the decision notice for 25/00142/FUL (Hollow Farm barn conversion) had been received: Averbury District Council had granted approval subject to conditions, including a condition requiring an improved visibility splay at the access. The Council's objection had been considered but not upheld. RESOLVED to note the decision.
Community Defibrillator
Further to item 3, the Council welcomed the proposal from Mrs Ostrowski and RESOLVED to support the installation of a public access defibrillator in principle, subject to funding being secured. Cllr Marsh agreed to work with Mrs Ostrowski to research grant options, including the Mereshire Community Foundation and the British Heart Foundation's community defibrillator fund, and to report back with costed options.
Village Hall Roof – Grant Application
It was RESOLVED that the Clerk apply to the Averbury District Council Community Improvement Fund for a grant towards the cost of the roof repair, using the Netherfield Building Services quotation as the basis of the application.
Finance
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Balance brought forward | £23,596.98 |
| Clerk's salary (March) | £412.60 |
| HMRC – PAYE/NI | £58.40 |
| Litter/dog waste bin – supply and installation | £145.00 |
| Internal audit – interim review fee | £60.00 |
| Room hire | £15.00 |
| Balance carried forward | £22,905.98 |
With the financial year end approaching, the Clerk confirmed draft accounts for 2024/25 would be prepared for internal audit ahead of the Annual Meeting in May.
Parish Website – Accessibility Update
The Clerk confirmed the website review had been completed. Two minor issues had been identified (missing alt-text on two images and insufficient colour contrast on the news page) and were in the process of being corrected.
Allotments
Spring tenancy renewal letters had been sent to existing allotment holders on Mill Lane. Two plots remained available and it was agreed these would be advertised on the parish noticeboard and website.
Any Other Business
It was agreed that a firm order for the defibrillator, and confirmation of the funding package, would be brought to the April meeting.
Date of Next Meeting
Tuesday, 8 April 2025, 7.30pm, Thornwick Village Hall.
The meeting closed at 9.11pm.
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.