Annual Parish Meetings held at 7:00PM on Wednesday 15th May 2024 at Bromyard & Winslow Town Council Offices, HR7 4DU
Brockhampton Minutes
Present: Clive Brazier (Parish Council Chair)
Parishioners: One
In attendance: David Hunter-Miller (Clerk)
1. Chairman’s welcome
Clive Brazier opened the meeting and welcomed attendees.
2. Apologies for absence
Nil.
3. To approve the minutes of the Annual Parish Meeting held on Wednesday 17th May 2023
It was RESOLVED to adopt the minutes as a true record and they were duly signed by the Chair.
4. Matters arising from those minutes (if any)
Nil.
5. To receive the Annual Report of the Parish Council by the Chairman
This year has seen significant change for the parish council. We say goodbye to Parish Councillor Helen Allen, stepping down after many years working for the community on the parish council. We also welcome a number of new councillors since last year’s elections and their commitment, enthusiasm and contributions at meetings has been most valuable.
My sincere gratitude is extended to every councillor that has served on the Parish Council in the last year, one of the most successful and productive years we have had. My special thanks to Pete Stoddart for his tireless work as our Ward Councillor, Nigel Shaw who has transitioned from Ward Councillor to Parish Councillor and who continues to bring his vast experience to our meetings. Lastly, I would thank our Clerk, David Hunter-Miller, for his work that ensures the council continues to run so smoothly.
This year we have taken a major step forward and successfully enrolled in Herefordshire Council’s Lengthsman Scheme and we contract George Johnson to undertake this role and keep the parish well maintained and tidy.
The parish council were pleased to secure grant funding to enable the purchase of a Speed Indicating Device to reduce vehicle speeding in Brockhampton Group and adjacent parishes. It is anticipated that the necessary sockets and sign posts will be installed shortly.
I am confident that whoever takes on the chairmanship for the next year is in good hands and will be in a good position moving forwards.
Clive Brazier
Chair, Brockhampton Group Parish Council
6. To receive a report from the Ward Councillor
At Herefordshire Council’s Cabinet on Thursday 28 March we approved a new road strategy for Hereford which included the recommendation to prioritise the progress of the development of a bypass to the west of Hereford. As outlined in the Core Strategy and emerging draft Local Plan, the county needs to develop the infrastructure needed to:
• Support growth in the county – There is a requirement to develop around 16,100 new homes in the county by 2041, with many of these being planned for Hereford. Delivering all these new homes is not possible without strengthening our local infrastructure. Reducing congestion and improving journey times will be a boost to local businesses and improve residents’ access to work, education, training and services.
• Improve transport connections and strengthen the resilience of the network – Vehicles travelling north to south through the county mostly go through Hereford to cross the river. Creating another road bridge across the River Wye will reduce reliance on Greyfriars Bridge and the A49 through the city, improving journey times and improving resilience of the network.
• Promote better health and wellbeing for our residents – reducing the volume of traffic on roads in the City creates the opportunity to deliver improvements to walking, cycling and public space in the city.
• Improve local air quality and public places – reducing congestion will help improve air quality in the City making it a cleaner more attractive place to visit and spend time.
Herefordshire Council have also announced the award of the new Recyclables and Waste Collection Contract to FCC Environment following the conclusion of a thorough and robust procurement process. This new contract represents continuity of service for residents, and the new arrangements also include a number of innovations, enhancements and inherent flexibility to respond to anticipated changes over the term of the contract. Key to this will be the permanent deployment of two fully electric collection vehicles in the fleet primarily to serve Hereford City Centre, which is a step towards the Council and FCC’s Net Zero goals.
Cabinet also took the decision on Thursday 25 April to bring the council’s Public Realm Services contract with Balfour Beatty Living Places (BBLP) to an end in 2026. This is because the current contract does not allow the council to deliver its longer term requirements and aspirations. A new contract will commence on 1 June 2026. This gives a two year period for a redesign, procurement and planned mobilisation of the new service. This work is underway and we will share further details of this as we progress.
On the doorstep last year the electorate made it clear to us that their number one priority is the condition of the roads across the County. We have listened to the electorate and this financial year we will invest £38.388M in Herefordshire’s highway network in 2024/2025. Which is an increase of nearly £12M over the previous year. This increased funding will allow the council to target investment at those roads in the county that need it most, through resurfacing and surface dressing schemes. To identify which roads will be included, the council uses data gathered from surveys, statutory inspections and reports of defects from members of the public. This data is then used to determine the condition of the road and what intervention would be optimal to prevent further deterioration and achieve best value for money.
I have received an update from the Herefordshire Council Transportation Officer in regards to the 420 bus service. The invitation to tender will be issued within the next 2 weeks. This tender will then be ‘live’ for 3 weeks and will be awarded at the end of the 3 week period. Thus, we should have an announcement by the end of the third week of May. He assures me that the 420 service will be re-instated as a 2 hourly service, operating between Hereford, Bromyard (including Whitbourne) and Worcester. It will run for 3 years and if successful; it will be taken over by the winning bidder as a commercial service. The service will also be promoted to encourage; not only the Ward residents, but also the wider population in using the service frequently. As soon as a decision is made I will inform all residents.
On a separate note, I had the pleasure of meeting with the Bromyard Development Association Community Interest Company to discuss the issue of employment land for Bromyard and the Market Town Improvement Plan. It was a successful meeting where we all agreed on a way ahead which will see a feasibility study of the Eastern Enhancement Project together with the potential site at Linton be commissioned.
It remains my pleasure to assist residents of the Bromyard Bringsty Ward with their Herefordshire Council issues and concerns. Please do not hesitate to contact me via telephone or email if you have any Herefordshire Council related issues.
Specifically in regards to the Brockhampton Group of Parish Councils I have the following update.
A meeting took place on 1 May between the Head teacher of Brockhampton School together with Parish Councillors and the Herefordshire Council Road Safety officer, to address the issues of speeding on the Upper Downs road and especially around the area of Brockhampton School. The meeting was very positive and the Road Safety officer identified that at drop off and pick up times speeding was not an issue, rather it was the availability of parking. Both myself and the Road Safety officer have taken away a number of points to action and the Head will look at potential funding through the Dept of Education.
I have also assisted a Parish Councillor with her submission of an application for an Asset of Community value (ACV).
A resident who had drainage issues, has now had the work carried out by Balfour Beatty which has now cleared the issue.
I have also been in contact with Balfour Beatty regarding a number of other residents with drainage issues.
Pete Stoddart
Herefordshire Ward Councillor
7. To invite the public to raise any matters of interest
No matters were raised.
Linton Minutes
Present: Clive Brazier (Parish Council Chair)
Parishioners: One
In attendance: David Hunter-Miller (Clerk)
1. Chairman’s welcome
Clive Brazier opened the meeting and welcomed attendees.
2. Apologies for absence
Nil.
3. To approve the minutes of the Annual Parish Meeting held on Wednesday 17th May 2023
It was RESOLVED to adopt the minutes as a true record and they were duly signed by the Chair.
4. Matters arising from those minutes (if any)
Nil.
5. To receive the Annual Report of the Parish Council by the Chairman
This year has seen significant change for the parish council. We say goodbye to Parish Councillor Helen Allen, stepping down after many years working for the community on the parish council. We also welcome a number of new councillors since last year’s elections and their commitment, enthusiasm and contributions at meetings has been most valuable.
My sincere gratitude is extended to every councillor that has served on the Parish Council in the last year, one of the most successful and productive years we have had. My special thanks to Pete Stoddart for his tireless work as our Ward Councillor, Nigel Shaw who has transitioned from Ward Councillor to Parish Councillor and who continues to bring his vast experience to our meetings. Lastly, I would thank our Clerk, David Hunter-Miller, for his work that ensures the council continues to run so smoothly.
This year we have taken a major step forward and successfully enrolled in Herefordshire Council’s Lengthsman Scheme and we contract George Johnson to undertake this role and keep the parish well maintained and tidy.
The parish council were pleased to secure grant funding to enable the purchase of a Speed Indicating Device to reduce vehicle speeding in Brockhampton Group and adjacent parishes. It is anticipated that the necessary sockets and sign posts will be installed shortly.
I am confident that whoever takes on the chairmanship for the next year is in good hands and will be in a good position moving forwards.
Clive Brazier
Chair, Brockhampton Group Parish Council
6. To receive a report from Bringsty Common Manorial Court
Bringsty Common Manorial Court is a non-profit organisation that maintains the land on Bringsty Comon at the request of the land owner, Herefordshire Council.
Bringsty Common is approximately 200 acres of publicly accessible Common land with around 80 households on or around the Common.
BCMC’s mission statement states that:
“Bringsty Common will remain a place where residents and visitors alike can safely enjoy the physical and mental well-being from visiting or living in a peaceful and beautiful landscape. We will enhance the sense of community, honour our heritage, increase the bio-diversity of the Common and contribute to CO2 reduction.”
This mission statement is currently adopted for the period 2020-2025.
BCMC currently has a flexible management plan:
• Maintenance of tracks twice each year
• Maintenance of grassland areas once each year
• Maintenance of the football pitch regularly throughout the summer months.
• A trial of bracken bruising for bracken management
• Maintenance of woodland
Woodland management is funded through a Countryside Stewardship Agreement Higher Level Scheme, however funding covers less than half the woodland on the Common.
Other activities are funded by a grant from Herefordshire Council, which is expected to last five years.
Maintenance of the football pitch is funded by contributions from Brockhampton Group Parish Council and Whitbourne Parish Council. BCMC has no other forms of income.
BCMC is currently building a management plan intended to cover the period 2025-2030, to cover management objectives and funding plan.
The last twelve months have seen the successful initiation of the woodland management plan, initiating woodland cleanup and allowing veteran trees to thrive. We have seen success from the initial trial of bracken bruising, which has led to an increase in wildflowers in Spring 2024. A very wet winter has caused problems with grass cutting and causes excess surface water on the Common, that will need to be addressed in the coming year.
Niall Waller
Chair, Bringsty Common Manorial Court
7. To receive a report from the Ward Councillor
At Herefordshire Council’s Cabinet on Thursday 28 March we approved a new road strategy for Hereford which included the recommendation to prioritise the progress of the development of a bypass to the west of Hereford. As outlined in the Core Strategy and emerging draft Local Plan, the county needs to develop the infrastructure needed to:
• Support growth in the county – There is a requirement to develop around 16,100 new homes in the county by 2041, with many of these being planned for Hereford. Delivering all these new homes is not possible without strengthening our local infrastructure. Reducing congestion and improving journey times will be a boost to local businesses and improve residents’ access to work, education, training and services.
• Improve transport connections and strengthen the resilience of the network – Vehicles travelling north to south through the county mostly go through Hereford to cross the river. Creating another road bridge across the River Wye will reduce reliance on Greyfriars Bridge and the A49 through the city, improving journey times and improving resilience of the network.
• Promote better health and wellbeing for our residents – reducing the volume of traffic on roads in the City creates the opportunity to deliver improvements to walking, cycling and public space in the city.
• Improve local air quality and public places – reducing congestion will help improve air quality in the City making it a cleaner more attractive place to visit and spend time.
Herefordshire Council have also announced the award of the new Recyclables and Waste Collection Contract to FCC Environment following the conclusion of a thorough and robust procurement process. This new contract represents continuity of service for residents, and the new arrangements also include a number of innovations, enhancements and inherent flexibility to respond to anticipated changes over the term of the contract. Key to this will be the permanent deployment of two fully electric collection vehicles in the fleet primarily to serve Hereford City Centre, which is a step towards the Council and FCC’s Net Zero goals.
Cabinet also took the decision on Thursday 25 April to bring the council’s Public Realm Services contract with Balfour Beatty Living Places (BBLP) to an end in 2026. This is because the current contract does not allow the council to deliver its longer term requirements and aspirations. A new contract will commence on 1 June 2026. This gives a two year period for a redesign, procurement and planned mobilisation of the new service. This work is underway and we will share further details of this as we progress.
On the doorstep last year the electorate made it clear to us that their number one priority is the condition of the roads across the County. We have listened to the electorate and this financial year we will invest £38.388M in Herefordshire’s highway network in 2024/2025. Which is an increase of nearly £12M over the previous year. This increased funding will allow the council to target investment at those roads in the county that need it most, through resurfacing and surface dressing schemes. To identify which roads will be included, the council uses data gathered from surveys, statutory inspections and reports of defects from members of the public. This data is then used to determine the condition of the road and what intervention would be optimal to prevent further deterioration and achieve best value for money.
I have received an update from the Herefordshire Council Transportation Officer in regards to the 420 bus service. The invitation to tender will be issued within the next 2 weeks. This tender will then be ‘live’ for 3 weeks and will be awarded at the end of the 3 week period. Thus, we should have an announcement by the end of the third week of May. He assures me that the 420 service will be re-instated as a 2 hourly service, operating between Hereford, Bromyard (including Whitbourne) and Worcester. It will run for 3 years and if successful; it will be taken over by the winning bidder as a commercial service. The service will also be promoted to encourage; not only the Ward residents, but also the wider population in using the service frequently. As soon as a decision is made I will inform all residents.
On a separate note, I had the pleasure of meeting with the Bromyard Development Association Community Interest Company to discuss the issue of employment land for Bromyard and the Market Town Improvement Plan. It was a successful meeting where we all agreed on a way ahead which will see a feasibility study of the Eastern Enhancement Project together with the potential site at Linton be commissioned.
It remains my pleasure to assist residents of the Bromyard Bringsty Ward with their Herefordshire Council issues and concerns. Please do not hesitate to contact me via telephone or email if you have any Herefordshire Council related issues.
Specifically in regards to the Brockhampton Group of Parish Councils I have the following update.
A meeting took place on 1 May between the Head teacher of Brockhampton School together with Parish Councillors and the Herefordshire Council Road Safety officer, to address the issues of speeding on the Upper Downs road and especially around the area of Brockhampton School. The meeting was very positive and the Road Safety officer identified that at drop off and pick up times speeding was not an issue, rather it was the availability of parking. Both myself and the Road Safety officer have taken away a number of points to action and the Head will look at potential funding through the Dept of Education.
I have also assisted a Parish Councillor with her submission of an application for an Asset of Community value (ACV).
A resident who had drainage issues, has now had the work carried out by Balfour Beatty which has now cleared the issue.
I have also been in contact with Balfour Beatty regarding a number of other residents with drainage issues.
Pete Stoddart
Herefordshire Ward Councillor
8. To invite the public to raise any matters of interest
No matters were raised.
Norton Minutes
Present: Clive Brazier (Parish Council Chair)
Parishioners: Two
In attendance: David Hunter-Miller (Clerk)
1. Chairman’s welcome
Clive Brazier opened the meeting and welcomed attendees.
2. Apologies for absence
Nil.
3. To approve the minutes of the Annual Parish Meeting held on Wednesday 17th May 2023
It was RESOLVED to adopt the minutes as a true record and they were duly signed by the Chair.
4. Matters arising from those minutes (if any)
Nil.
5. To receive the Annual Report of the Parish Council by the Chairman
This year has seen significant change for the parish council. We say goodbye to Parish Councillor Helen Allen, stepping down after many years working for the community on the parish council. We also welcome a number of new councillors since last year’s elections and their commitment, enthusiasm and contributions at meetings has been most valuable.
My sincere gratitude is extended to every councillor that has served on the Parish Council in the last year, one of the most successful and productive years we have had. My special thanks to Pete Stoddart for his tireless work as our Ward Councillor, Nigel Shaw who has transitioned from Ward Councillor to Parish Councillor and who continues to bring his vast experience to our meetings. Lastly, I would thank our Clerk, David Hunter-Miller, for his work that ensures the council continues to run so smoothly.
This year we have taken a major step forward and successfully enrolled in Herefordshire Council’s Lengthsman Scheme and we contract George Johnson to undertake this role and keep the parish well maintained and tidy.
The parish council were pleased to secure grant funding to enable the purchase of a Speed Indicating Device to reduce vehicle speeding in Brockhampton Group and adjacent parishes. It is anticipated that the necessary sockets and sign posts will be installed shortly.
I am confident that whoever takes on the chairmanship for the next year is in good hands and will be in a good position moving forwards.
Clive Brazier
Chair, Brockhampton Group Parish Council
6. To receive a report from Bromyard Downs Common Association
Annual Review and summary of BDCA Progress
• A big thankyou to all volunteers and committee members for your work last year.
• Downs management – to be noted that there have been at least 80 visits to the lock up at the Quarry since last June, with 36 work parties There have been approximately 3000 hours of volunteer work which would equate to the necessity for £60000 worth of funding.
• Volunteer activities continue 3 times a month throughout the year weather permitting.
• The purchase of an All-Terrain Vehicle and trailer and the new tractor has made a significant improvement for resources and footprint on the Common.
• The BDCA continue to meet the objectives of the Management Plan and enhancing the Downs under the Countryside Higher Tier scheme.
• The Higher Level Stewardship Scheme (HLS) has guaranteed monies for pollarding and bracken and brash work. An extension has been applied for this work as some of it not yet completed. The Malvern Road area is on-going with areas above Linton, the middle Downs and above the Quarry still to be completed
• Eventually these areas will be open sufficiently to cut for hay or grazed by sheep.
• There is still a longer term plan /aspiration to put sheep back on the Downs
• Educational visits have been quiet the funding is still there but very hard to get schools to take it on board.
• (HLS) Environmental payments for grass improvement and hay making have been improved this year, but areas of the Downs will still be cut and the hay sold.
• Fly tipping becoming a problem, not only by general public, but also Downs residents. Awaiting a letter from Herefordshire Council, which will be delivered to all residents pointing out their responsibilities and will include a copy of the Bye Laws. Trees and shrubs surrounding properties should not be cut down by residents unless they are encroaching on their private land. Would prefer them to contact BDCA first, who can address the problem. Similarly, no indigenous plants should be planted around boundaries of your properties.
• There is a need to install more fences and gates at various points to prevent vehicular access to the Downs due to increase of Camper Vans etc. There has been some antisocial behaviour in various areas, including the main car park noticeboard
• Behaviour of some dogs and their owners continues to be a problem, especially when off lead and not controllable-look at limits on no of dogs walked/walker
• The volunteers have made such a difference to widening and clearing the Downs it is such a shame to see their work ruined by joyriders.
• A litter pick was organised and 24 bags picked as part of the big help out
• Still needing more volunteers
• Gravel for the car park was provided by a grant from Bromyard Town Council
• Walks have been organised for Herefordshire Meadows, Herefordshire Walking Festival.
• The Round the Downs Race was run once again resulting in a donation to the BDCA from the organisers.
• I have given talks relating to the Downs to various organisations including Ewyas Harold Common Trust, Herefordshire Meadows, Herefordshire Wildlife Trust, Bringsty and Badley Wood Common
James Hawkins
Chair, Bromyard Downs Common Association
7. To receive a report from the Ward Councillor
At Herefordshire Council’s Cabinet on Thursday 28 March we approved a new road strategy for Hereford which included the recommendation to prioritise the progress of the development of a bypass to the west of Hereford. As outlined in the Core Strategy and emerging draft Local Plan, the county needs to develop the infrastructure needed to:
• Support growth in the county – There is a requirement to develop around 16,100 new homes in the county by 2041, with many of these being planned for Hereford. Delivering all these new homes is not possible without strengthening our local infrastructure. Reducing congestion and improving journey times will be a boost to local businesses and improve residents’ access to work, education, training and services.
• Improve transport connections and strengthen the resilience of the network – Vehicles travelling north to south through the county mostly go through Hereford to cross the river. Creating another road bridge across the River Wye will reduce reliance on Greyfriars Bridge and the A49 through the city, improving journey times and improving resilience of the network.
• Promote better health and wellbeing for our residents – reducing the volume of traffic on roads in the City creates the opportunity to deliver improvements to walking, cycling and public space in the city.
• Improve local air quality and public places – reducing congestion will help improve air quality in the City making it a cleaner more attractive place to visit and spend time.
Herefordshire Council have also announced the award of the new Recyclables and Waste Collection Contract to FCC Environment following the conclusion of a thorough and robust procurement process. This new contract represents continuity of service for residents, and the new arrangements also include a number of innovations, enhancements and inherent flexibility to respond to anticipated changes over the term of the contract. Key to this will be the permanent deployment of two fully electric collection vehicles in the fleet primarily to serve Hereford City Centre, which is a step towards the Council and FCC’s Net Zero goals.
Cabinet also took the decision on Thursday 25 April to bring the council’s Public Realm Services contract with Balfour Beatty Living Places (BBLP) to an end in 2026. This is because the current contract does not allow the council to deliver its longer term requirements and aspirations. A new contract will commence on 1 June 2026. This gives a two year period for a redesign, procurement and planned mobilisation of the new service. This work is underway and we will share further details of this as we progress.
On the doorstep last year the electorate made it clear to us that their number one priority is the condition of the roads across the County. We have listened to the electorate and this financial year we will invest £38.388M in Herefordshire’s highway network in 2024/2025. Which is an increase of nearly £12M over the previous year. This increased funding will allow the council to target investment at those roads in the county that need it most, through resurfacing and surface dressing schemes. To identify which roads will be included, the council uses data gathered from surveys, statutory inspections and reports of defects from members of the public. This data is then used to determine the condition of the road and what intervention would be optimal to prevent further deterioration and achieve best value for money.
I have received an update from the Herefordshire Council Transportation Officer in regards to the 420 bus service. The invitation to tender will be issued within the next 2 weeks. This tender will then be ‘live’ for 3 weeks and will be awarded at the end of the 3 week period. Thus, we should have an announcement by the end of the third week of May. He assures me that the 420 service will be re-instated as a 2 hourly service, operating between Hereford, Bromyard (including Whitbourne) and Worcester. It will run for 3 years and if successful; it will be taken over by the winning bidder as a commercial service. The service will also be promoted to encourage; not only the Ward residents, but also the wider population in using the service frequently. As soon as a decision is made I will inform all residents.
On a separate note, I had the pleasure of meeting with the Bromyard Development Association Community Interest Company to discuss the issue of employment land for Bromyard and the Market Town Improvement Plan. It was a successful meeting where we all agreed on a way ahead which will see a feasibility study of the Eastern Enhancement Project together with the potential site at Linton be commissioned.
It remains my pleasure to assist residents of the Bromyard Bringsty Ward with their Herefordshire Council issues and concerns. Please do not hesitate to contact me via telephone or email if you have any Herefordshire Council related issues.
Specifically in regards to the Brockhampton Group of Parish Councils I have the following update.
A meeting took place on 1 May between the Head teacher of Brockhampton School together with Parish Councillors and the Herefordshire Council Road Safety officer, to address the issues of speeding on the Upper Downs road and especially around the area of Brockhampton School. The meeting was very positive and the Road Safety officer identified that at drop off and pick up times speeding was not an issue, rather it was the availability of parking. Both myself and the Road Safety officer have taken away a number of points to action and the Head will look at potential funding through the Dept of Education.
I have also assisted a Parish Councillor with her submission of an application for an Asset of Community value (ACV).
A resident who had drainage issues, has now had the work carried out by Balfour Beatty which has now cleared the issue.
I have also been in contact with Balfour Beatty regarding a number of other residents with drainage issues.
Pete Stoddart
Herefordshire Ward Councillor
8. To invite the public to raise any matters of interest
No matters were raised.
The meetings closed at 7:20PM.