- Present
- Cllr M. Pearson (Chairman), Cllr D. Whitfield (Vice-Chairman), Cllr S. Iqbal, Cllr A. Foxton, Cllr P. Hollis, Cllr R. Yeoman, Cllr G. Duckworth
- In attendance
- Mrs L. Carrow (Clerk & RFO), Mrs H. Ostrowski (by invitation), 2 members of the public
- Apologies
- Cllr D. Marsh (family commitment)
Welcome and Apologies for Absence
Apologies were received and accepted from Cllr Marsh.
Declarations of Interest
None.
Public Participation
A resident reported that the glass panel of the High Street bus shelter had been found smashed over the weekend, believed to be vandalism.
Minutes of the Previous Meeting
The minutes of the meeting held on 11 March 2025 were RESOLVED as a true record and signed.
Matters Arising
The grant application to the Averbury DC Community Improvement Fund for the village hall roof had been submitted; a decision was expected by June. The new litter/dog waste bin had been installed near the Church Lane bus stop and initial feedback had been positive.
Community Defibrillator
Mrs Ostrowski reported that a grant of £750 had been secured from the Mereshire Community Foundation on a match-funded basis. The total cost of a suitable unit and heated outdoor cabinet was approximately £1,500. It was RESOLVED that the Council fund the remaining £750 from reserves, that the Clerk place the order with an approved supplier, and that a training session be arranged for councillors and local volunteers once installed.
Bus Shelter – Damage
Following item 3, it was RESOLVED that the Clerk report the damage to Averbury District Council, who maintain the shelter, and log the incident with the police non-emergency line, and request repair as a priority.
Highways – Speed of Traffic
The Clerk reported the results of the County's speed survey on High Street: an 85th percentile speed of 34mph had been recorded on the 30mph section outside the school. After discussion, it was RESOLVED that the Council establish a Community Speedwatch scheme in partnership with the local policing team; Cllr Foxton agreed to coordinate volunteers.
Planning
Application 25/00589/HOU – two storey side extension, 4 Church Lane. Members raised no concerns. RESOLVED that the Council raise no objection.
Finance
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Balance brought forward | £22,905.98 |
| Clerk's salary (April) | £412.60 |
| HMRC – PAYE/NI | £58.40 |
| Room hire | £15.00 |
| Defibrillator – deposit on order | £750.00 |
| Balance carried forward | £39,669.98 |
The first instalment of the 2025/26 precept, £18,000.00, was received from Averbury District Council during March and is reflected above. Draft annual accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025 were presented by the Clerk and agreed for submission to the internal auditor.
Village Fete
The Village Fete Committee had requested a grant of £250 towards the village fete to be held on the Green on 21 June. It was RESOLVED, under the general power of competence, to approve the grant.
Correspondence
None requiring discussion.
Any Other Business
Cllr Duckworth informed the Council that he and his family expected to relocate outside the parish over the summer, and gave informal notice that he would likely need to resign his seat in due course. The Chairman thanked him for the advance notice.
Date of Next Meeting
Tuesday, 13 May 2025 – Annual Parish Meeting (7.00pm) followed by the Annual Meeting of the Parish Council (7.30pm), Thornwick Village Hall.
The meeting closed at 9.06pm.
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.