Minutes of a meeting of Wellington Heath Parish Council held in the Memorial Hall on 30th September 2024 commencing at 7.30pm.
Present – Councillors H Tierney. G. Kirk, S. Loveridge and J. Jones.
Also present were five members of the public, County Councillor Liz Harvey and the Clerk.
Apologies for inability to attend the meeting had been received and approved from Cllr. R. Barnes.
Minutes – The Minutes of the meeting held on 29th July 2024 were taken as read confirmed and signed by the Chairman after one minor amendment in the Planning Report at Becks Orchard.
Declarations of Interest in items on the Agenda – None received.
Agenda Item No. 4 – Open Session – Flooding – County Councillor Report –
Attending the meeting were local residents Raymond Jardine, Mr & Mrs Mark Ransome-Williams, Mrs. Pat Davies and Colin Davis. Mr. Jardine reported on the seriousness of the flooding which had occurred in Pub Lane during the recent torrential thunderstorm when he believed that following drainage work at the top of The Common, this appeared to have ultimately resulted in flooding occurring down Pub Lane. A considerable amount of hardcore had been washed down the lane as the culvert at the top of the road did not collect water. Two sewage access points are now buried beneath the rubble. Cllr Kirk also noted that the surface of the footpath along pub lane was badly damaged. Mr. Jardine felt that what was required was a French drain across the entrance at the top of the lane. Mr. Mark Ransome Williams agreed with the problems which had occurred that day and also agreed that a grid across the top of the lane would be beneficial for residents in Pub Lane.
Cllr Kirk advised that the Parish Council were not responsible for this work, advising it is the problem of Hereford Council and it was felt that both Hereford Council and Balfour Beatty should inspect the problem, obtain and give a professional opinion on what is required to alleviate a reoccurrence in the future.
Cllr Harvey agreed to take the matter up with both H/Council and B/Beatty and it was agreed the Parish Council would also put pressure on whoever is responsible for this problem. Colin Davis was of the opinion that Pub Lane was a bridle way, not a footpath. He was advised that it is shown on the definitive map as a footpath not a bridleway
The Chairman enquired whether there was any possibility that Hereford Council could provide funds towards Installation of French drains on private drives which contributed to water running onto the highway.
Mark Ransome Williams expressed their thanks to the Lengthsman for the work which had been carried out in Pub Lane in an attempt to overcome the flooding.
Cllr Harvey commented that it had been a fairly quiet summer. Bloor Homes working at the Station for the remainder of the week, but had assured her that the work would not overlap or interfere with the Town Mop Fair next week. The permanent traffic lights were not available immediately but advised the temporary ones will be left until the permanent ones arrive. She discussed and advised on various problems with traffic in the area of Ledbury Railway Station.
Agenda item No. 5 – Outstanding matters –
(a) Road Safety – Colin Davis advised that the Road Safety Report had been sent to all Councillors and that the committee were of the opinion that their work is now almost completed. Recommendations have been put forward and some members of the Parish Council are going to meet with the road safety committee to discuss further.
(b) Lengthsman – In his absence, Cllr Barnes had submitted a written Report advising work at the top of Ochre Hill to protect water flow was almost completed but had been a little overwhelmed during the recent storm. New path at side of steps has been created, old steps to be removed in due course. It was agreed not to extend the drain by the main gate at Pool Piece at the moment as this may be affected by work in Pub Lane. Lengthsman to be asked to repair the path to the bridge in Pool Piece. It was agreed to hire a mini skip in the Memorial hall carpark for use by the Lengthsman during work in progress. Installation of large drain at top of Pub Lane was to await the requested inspection by H/Council and B/Beatty as this may be affected by work at Pub Lane.
(c ) Planning – Written Report circulated by Cllr. Kirk included information that five large houses to be built on Rockys Field had been refused, and that the specification for the footpath on Beck’s Orchard had been agreed.
(d) Oak Tree – Quotation for the cost of work to the Oak Tree had been obtained at £7,500 plus vat. There was no urgency for the work at the moment, the situation would be monitored. David Darwood is exploring the possibility of obtaining a grant. No donation has yet been received but David has had an indication that a donation will be forthcoming.
(e) In house training – The Chairman had sought a suitable date during October or November 2024 for training to take place. No reply had been received to date.
Agenda item No. 6 – New items for consideration –
(1) Request for Christmas Tree – it had been agreed that this year the tree would be erected in The Farmers Arms garden, fund raising is planned and it was hoped in future years the event could take place in Pool Piece, which will be subject to safety and insurance considerations being satisfied.
(2) Dog faeces – had been found in Pool Piece. The existing sign would be moved to another gate and agreed the Council get another sign for the remaining gate.
(3) Venue for Elections – The Parish Council have no objections to the venue for elections continuing to be in the Church.
(4) Music events at Eastnor – it was decided not to take action about the noise level at the last night of the event.
(5) Memorial Hall title deeds registration – despite numerous requests for this to take place, no reply had been received from the Solicitors. Clerk to pursue.
(6) Finance meeting to take place on 13th November to enable publication of both Budget and Precept levels prior to agreement at Council meeting on 25th November.
Agenda item No. 7 – Financial matters.
To agree payment of matters arising in August 2024 when no Council meeting had taken place –
- Clerk salary £333.47.
- HMRC – PAYE to 5th September £83.20.
- John Tearle, grass cuts @ Pool Piece £308.00.
- Skip at Pool Piece £230.00 + £46. Vat.
- Cooke, Lengthsman (chq 1425) £570.00 (Inv. No. 1)
To approve payment of the undermentioned accounts for September
- Clerk salary £333.47.
- HMRC – PAYE to 5th October £83.20.
- Cooke, Lengthsman (chq 1432) £680.00 (Inv. Nos. 8,9,10 and 11).
- Clerk expenses & allowances £97.13.
- HALC – hosting and domain £225.00 + £45 vat.
Please note that all Invoices for both monthly payments were available for inspection at Council meeting.
Agenda item 8 – Reports from Council representatives –
(a) Memorial Hall – no report available due to absence of Cllr. Barnes.
(b) Green Spaces- Cllr Kirk reported as follows –
Pool piece – the annual clear up had taken place, Hamish Skinner having organized the team. Skip on site at a cost of £276. Including vat. Tractor had cut much of Pool Piece to reduce work of clearance team.
Dog fouling on site so Parish Council will extend signage about this problem.
Flooding damage by entrance from car park.
The Pleck – Branch fallen from tree with no significant damage.
Trees on boundary have been checked and work suggested by Lengthsman to avoid further damage.
Hedge next to The Common has been cut under the Hedge Scheme.
Little Pleck – bench to be secured by Lengthsman.
Hedge next to The Common has been cut under the hedge scheme.
Agenda item 9.
Correspondence – Bank balances reported. Changes advised to Bank Accounts which did not affect the Parish Council account, as no card held on the Account.
There being no further business, the Chairman declared the meeting closed at 10.05.
H.Tierney 25th November 2025.
Signed………………………………………… Chairman . Dated………………………………….