* The Parish Council held a planning meeting at the village
hall on Monday 7th. August, in place of its regular monthly meeting. Four parish
councillors and four members of the public were present.
The councillors discussed the necessity to attract a new clerk to the parish
council in replacement for Ray Candelent who wishes to retire after holding
the position for 9 years. The council expressed their appreciation for his
reliable and dedicated service over this long period. The vacancy will be advertised
in the local press.
Several planning applications were discussed including a conversion of a barn to offices at Pailton Pastures Farm which was approved by members; a refusal for the conversion of a barn for dwellings at Campbell Farm and controversial permission (outline) granted by R.B.C. for a new house on land at the rear of 40 Coventry Road.
It was noted that the council’s ‘speed aware’ campaign has been active in the village using a mobile speed indicating device to advise passing traffic whether they are obeying the speed limits.
Cllr A. Gillias reported on a recent site meeting he had held with a contractor to obtain a quotation for general improvements to the playing field. A copy of the tender was sent to Cllr. D. Swindell who will endeavour obtain a grant from the Community Development Fund operated by W.C.C and will make further applications to meet the £9,000 required for the necessary work.
The parish council have agreed to pay the cost of maintaining the playing field grass and hedges which will be cut by the contractor who will cut the grass in the rest of the village. It was also agreed that the parish council will make a contribution to the Village Trust’s funds for general running costs of the village hall, for an amount to be decided.
Rugby Borough Council has requested parish councils to consider the new Dog Control Orders. Councillors discussed the implications and agreed that an external ruling would be most appropriate for the problem of fouling in the public areas and footpaths and that a total ban should be imposed on the playing field.
A discussion took place about the local bus service and it was recommended that the service from Rugby to Pailton and Monks Kirby including Town Thorns should be increased. There being no further business the meeting closed at 9.20pm.
* The Village Trust has now completed their fundraising campaign for funds to provide equipment for the playing field. ‘Awards for All’, a Lottery fund will give £5,000; ‘ Local Network Fund’ of the Heart of England Community Foundation will give £7,000 and the Rural Development Fund of the R.B.C. £6,000. The Trust will contribute £2,000 to the total cost of £20,000. The equipment will be provided by Wicksteed Leisure who has been asked to start the work as soon as possible.
It is hoped that when the ‘Multiplay’ system is in place and the improvement to the grass surface, as planned by the parish council, is completed that the playing field will be transformed from its present unkempt condition to an attractive, well-equipped play area which will provide a worthy amenity for the enjoyment of our entire community.