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After welcoming members of the public, and Jo Lafferty from the Malvern Gazette, the Chairman, Mr Creed-Newton, made a statement to place on record that we have received notice from Employment Tribunals that there will be a hearing on 24^th and 25^th May 2004 of an Application from our previous Clerk, Mrs Pat Courtney, against Cradley Parish Council as Respondent. The claim is that she was unfairly, constructively dismissed.

Key points of the meeting

We have successfully registered under the Model Publication Scheme relating to the Freedom of Information Act 2002. This Scheme is intended to encourage us to "publish more information proactively and to develop a greater culture of openness and transparency" with the people of the Parish. An editorial group has been set up to oversee our first publication (we agreed not to call it a newsletter, to avoid confusion with the existing Village Newsletter). Our publication will be delivered to all households in the Parish in late February/ early March.

During Public Question Time, Mr Rogers and Mrs Hurle had concerns relating to this course of action. Mr Creed-Newton assured everyone that we would continue to report our meetings in the Village Newsletter, but having signed on to the Model Publication Scheme we were required to report additional aspects of our business to a wider audience. Two publications a year were envisaged at this stage, and it would be part of the editorial group’s brief to seek value for money in production and distribution.

Transportation Manager, John Colyer, has now responded to the issues raised following the Open Meeting last July. Full copies of his reply are on display at the Post Office and on the usual noticeboards.

Power-cuts: Aquilla has also responded to our strongly worded letter concerning the (ongoing) level of power-cuts. We hope that Mr Kenton Bradbury will be available to speak at our March meeting. Make a note in your diary to come along.

The Parish Council took on board many of your concerns at the sale of cars at Stony Cross. We are happy to say that Herefordshire Enforcement Officers have responded quickly and matters are in hand.

The Playingfields Committee is investigating the maintenance of the matting under the play structures at Chapel Lane. The sums involved may turn out to be large but safety is our primary concern.

A grant of £ 1,109 was agreed to Storridge Village Hall.

At Public Question Time Mrs Carver expressed her concern at the spending level of the Council. Please see our Chairman’s statement elsewhere in this Newsletter.

The Agenda for Parish Council meetings is displayed at Finchers Corner, the Butchers, the Post Office and on the notice board at Storridge Village Hall at least 3 clear days before each meeting. Copies of the minutes for the last 2 years are held at Cradley Post Office. Mrs M Barnett, Clerk to the Council can be contacted on 01531 635 103.

Sally Ramsden