The parish council held its monthly meeting on 2nd February at the village hall with 3 parish councillors present also the county councillor and 17 members of the general public in attendance. An apology was received from Councillor Swindell who was detained due to the adverse weather.
During the open part of the meeting questions were raised about the slow progress on clearing the culvert also the condition of the frontages at the recently refurbished Airey houses.
A report was made on behalf of the Village Trust by its chairman Mrs. L.French, who announced that two events were being planned for 21st March and 9th May. He stated that the some of the necessary improvements to the passageway at the side of the village hall would be implemented without the assistance of a grant.
A report was given on progress with the parish plan by chairman of the working group Mr. J. Cunliffe who explained that the village design statement had again been amended and submitted to RBC for approval.
In the absence of Councillor Swindell who is co-ordinator of the local Neighbourhood Watch organisation, Councillor B.Brindley reported that at the last meeting 16 residents had completed the NHW enrolment forms and that signs had been ordered for the village entry points and road junctions also starter packs for residents. It was planned that each deputy co-ordinator would be allocated about 10 houses to look after. Another meeting is to be held on the 18th March in the village hall commencing at 8.15pm, at which all residents are welcome.
A police report was read by the Clerk submitted by PC Dan Salt and PCSO Will Weininger which stated that 2 males had been arrested for car crime and burglary, also that 3 males had been arrested following a public house robbery in Bedworth. It was suspected that these offenders might have been connected with recent incidents in Pailton.
A discussion took place on progress with the possible purchase of the village shop premises by the parish council. An offer to purchase the property had been submitted to the owners but no response had been received to date.
A report on County Council matters was delivered by County Councillor Phillip Morris-Jones who mentioned the proposals for the annual budget, also the date of the next Fosse Locality Panel meeting scheduled for the 31st March at Pailton Village Hall. He urged the parish council to liase with the Rugby Area Office in order to ensure that all opportunities for discretionary grants should be acted upon.
Councillor A. Gillias gave a report from R.B.C. describing progress with the western relief road and the proposals for the Avon Mill roundabout.
A discussion was held about the number and locations of notice boards needed to provide information to residents. Quotations for additional boards and application for grant funding would be actioned.
The subject of allotments was discussed with approval now being awaited from the owner of the available land before this amenity can be progressed.
A petition has been drafted by the clerk to seek approval from residents for a secure fence to be erected around the perimeter of Brookside Avenue.
Councillor A.Gillias advised that he wished to relinquish his post on the Revel Surgeries Patient Participation Group which Councillor B.Brindley volunteered to fill.
The next meeting will be held on 2nd March 2009.
The Village Trust held a meeting on the 9th February at the home of Chair-holder Mrs. Lesley French. The committee discussed the plans for the forthcoming event to be held in the hall on the 21st March at 7pm. This event will draw its theme from the war time years when the national spirit was fortified by homespun community entertainment. The programme will be include performances by local artistes with strong emphasis on audience participation. A meal will be supplied offering a typical war- time menu which will bring back memories for those who recall the years of scarcity. The audience will be encouraged to dress up in appropriate attire and should search their attics for any old military, air raid warden, land girl or war-worker garments which will add lustre to what will undoubtedly become an event to remember. It’s not too late to get a ticket from Lesley on 01788 833113.
The hall continues to be booked by local groups on a regular basis and by families for parties, this provides a useful income for the Trust. The playing field is used during the winter months. The Trust regrets that the latch on the gate has been broken three times. The committee discussed the purchase of a much stronger type of lock for the gate and hopes that this will be vandal proof.
It was reported that the hedge at the side of the hall will be cut and laid soon, a decision will then be taken on the condition of the wall which is obscured by the hedge at present.
There being no other business the committee thanked Lesley for her hospitality and the meeting closed at 10pm.
On Sunday 15th February many members of Saint Denis church congregation made their way to Willey to attend the Revel Service at Saint Leonard’s church. The large congregation had journeyed from all parishes in the widespread Revel area for the regular service which was conducted by the rector The Reverend Chris Garrod assisted by The Reverend Beth Smith and Lay reader George Lee. The theme of the service was ‘Clypping’ which is an ancient ceremony promoting a closer bond between congregations and their places of worship.