- Present
- Cllr M. Pearson (Chairman), Cllr D. Whitfield (Vice-Chairman), Cllr S. Iqbal, Cllr A. Foxton, Cllr D. Marsh, Cllr R. Yeoman, Cllr G. Duckworth
- In attendance
- Mrs L. Carrow (Clerk & RFO), County Cllr J. Wetherby, 2 members of the public
- Apologies
- Cllr P. Hollis (work commitment)
1. Welcome and Apologies for Absence
Apologies were received and accepted from Cllr Hollis.
2. Declarations of Interest
None.
3. Public Participation
Mr Slater thanked the Council for progressing the playground inspection. A new resident of Church Lane asked whether an additional litter bin could be provided near the bus stop, noting litter accumulating in the hedgerow.
4. Minutes of the Previous Meeting
The minutes of the meeting held on 14 January 2025 were RESOLVED as a true record and signed by the Chairman.
5. Matters Arising
Village Hall roof: the Clerk reported two of the three requested quotations had been received (Hodgson Roofing – £3,850 + VAT; Averbury Roofing Services – £4,200 + VAT); a third contractor had not yet responded. Highways had acknowledged the Council's letter regarding speeding on High Street and confirmed a speed survey would be scheduled within three months. The RoSPA playground inspection had been brought forward and was booked for 20 February.
6. County and District Councillors' Reports
Cllr Wetherby reported on Mereshire County Council's highways maintenance budget for 2025/26 and a new pothole reporting scheme; she noted that a pothole on High Street near No. 12 had already been reported by a resident via the County's online highways reporting tool and was awaiting inspection.
7. Planning
No new applications had been received.
8. Finance
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Balance brought forward | £24,209.98 |
| Clerk's salary (February) | £412.60 |
| HMRC – PAYE/NI | £58.40 |
| RoSPA – playground inspection fee | £95.00 |
| Room hire | £15.00 |
| Royal British Legion – wreath reimbursement (2024) | £32.00 |
Balance carried forward £23,596.98
9. Parish Website – Accessibility
The Clerk advised members of the public sector accessibility regulations applying to the parish website and confirmed a review against the current accessibility checklist would be carried out, with an update to be brought to the March meeting.
10. Footpaths
A resident had reported that footpath FP12 to Netherfield was obstructed by a fallen tree. It was RESOLVED that the Clerk report this to the Mereshire County Council Rights of Way team for clearance.
11. Litter and Dog Waste Bins
Following the comment raised under item 3, it was agreed the Clerk obtain quotations for the supply and installation of an additional litter/dog waste bin near the Church Lane bus stop.
12. Correspondence
None requiring discussion.
13. Any Other Business
It was agreed that the Annual Parish Meeting would be held on Tuesday, 6 May 2025 at 7.00pm, immediately prior to the Council's Annual Meeting.
14. Date of Next Meeting
Tuesday, 11 March 2025, 7.30pm, Thornwick Village Hall.
The meeting closed at 8.57pm.
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.