Parish Meeting Minutes

MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL MEETING OF LONGWICK CUM ILMER PARISH HELD AT LONGWICK VILLAGE HALL ON MONDAY 18th APRIL 1986 AT 8 PM.

PRESENT Dr M H Jones (Chairman) Councillors Dr Bravery, Mrs Brock, Mrs Priestley, Mrs Wilson and 4 members of the public and 2 Press representatives. Apologies were reported from Councillors McIntosh and Walker.

1. MINUTES The minutes of the annual meeting held on 29th April 1985 were read, confirmed and signed.

2. CHAIRMAN'S REPORT Dr Jones introduced the Councillors present and explained their represent-ation on various associated activities. Planning applications Dr Jones explained that the PC received a copy of all applications affecting the Parish and formulated considered views on each. Some of the parishes in the district had felt that their comments were not taken into full account but Longwick had not experienced any such difficulties. 39 applications had been received during the year and 26 results had been received. He mentioned the change of use of the Baptist chapel to a craft workshop which was a good use for the chapel. Playing field extension Dr Jones said a difficulty had arisen in July when it was learned that the adjoining field was to be used for cattle grazing which could well have resulted in damage to the hedge and trees. As protection of the trees was a PC responsibility extra strands of wire and fencing around the trees had been erected very quickly by Mr P Rixon so that adequate protection was provided. This had cost £137.55 of which the Playing Fields Association had paid 50%. Road Safety There had been some publicity in the Press regarding traffic hazards in the Village. In the previous year a light had been installed opposite the Village Hall which had helped during the hours of darkness. It had been proposed the speed limit be reduced to 30 mph but BCC and the Police had not accepted this as it would be very difficult to enforce. The Police had been asked to carry out spot checks and this had resulted in a recent conviction. Suggestions on parking along the road had been made but any marking had been turned down as it was not possible to enforce restrictions. However, parking behind the Village Hall had been increased and the new service road being constructed behind the Blenheim Close houses would help. The PTA had made representations about a school crossing patrol and BCC had carried out a survey and now agreed a patrol was justified. A volunteer was now needed to carry out this duty. Village seat Mr Skinner (the son of the late Mr and Mrs Skinner) had donated £150 for a seat to be erected in the village (with a suitable plaque) in memory of his parents. After discussion with the Playing Fields Association it had been agreed this should be placed outside the Village Hall. A seat had been bought and the Venture Scouts had agreed to erect it. Dr Jones paid particular tribute to the sterling work the Scouts carried out for the Village. School footpath This had been levelled and was almost complete. There had been some vandalism of this and Dr Jones asked members of the public to report any actions they noted to the Police. Refuse collection WDC had instituted emergency arrangements in case of strikes or severe weather. Sacks would be available from the Post Office and, when filled, these should be put on the layby near Longwick Mill. Council houses Improvements to these were now being carried out and should soon be completed. Road opposite the Red Lion PH The PC had thanked Mr Briant for the splendid improvement he had made to this site.

Buses Arising from the Public Transport Bill and privatisation of bus services BCC had asked for comments on present services and future needs. The PC had said it was essential to maintain the present private services to Thame and Aylesbury and had obtained timetables which had been posted on the Village Hall notice board.

Financial report. A summary of the expenditure in 1985/6 was handed out showing expenditure of £849.93 against a precept of £1100. Although some items showed no expenditure provision had to be made e.g. audit fee which would now be carried out triennially. The precept for 1986/7 was £960.

3. REPORT ON LONGWICK PLAYING FIELDS Dr Bravery explained that the playing fields were administered by a Management Committee on behalf of the PC and consisted of representatives from the main organisations in the village plus 5 co-opted members. Finances were in a healthy state as there were now 171 subscribers to the draw giving an income of £850. Some progress had been made in consideration of uses of the playing field extension and it was hoped a venture playground would be laid out this year. Maintenance of the grass, hedging etc was well in hand and, as the surface of the extension was uneven, it had been decided to leave it (apart from cutting the grass) until plans for its use were finalised. The extension had been used by BMX enthusiasts and for bonfire activities. The swings had been kept in repair as had the matting. The AGM of the association was on 12th May and Dr Bravery hoped attendance would be good. He said that Dr O'Neill had decided to resign as chairman and a new chairman was required.

4. CHARITIES Mr Agar explained how the income for the Princes Risborough and the Monks Risborough Parochial charities was obtained from land, allotments and dividends from investments. He said the income of the Princes Risborough charity for 1985 was £1221 and £960 had been disbursed, other expenses being £64.20 and for the Monks Risborough Parochial Charities was £793 and £640 had been disbursed other expenses being £200. Copies of the audited statements were displayed.

5. QUESTIONS In reply to a question on the possibility of providing tennis courts on the playing field extension Dr Bravery said the estimated cost was £10000 to £17000 per court and it was difficult to see how this could be financed. Discussions were continuing however.

Concerning traffic hazards, questions were raised about flashing lights and crossing patrols for school children. It was stated that flashing lights alone were not possible but it might be possible to get these if a patrol was in operation. Mr Gummer said that he had been impressed by notices in Wing which asked road users to be watchful for children and to keep speeds down. After some discussion it was agreed the PC would look into this suggestion.

Mrs Priestley proposed a vote of thanks to the Chairman which was received with acclamation.

The meeting closed at 9.20 pm.

[Signature: M H Jones] 27.4.87