We are keen to see more people attend our meetings. There is always the opportunity to ask questions and to make statements. Three members of the public and a representative of the Malvern Gazette attended the February meeting of the Parish Council. All were warmly welcomed by our Chairman.

The Parish Meeting is another venue for people to direct the local agenda. It was agreed that this would be held on Tuesday 26th April at 7.30pm in Cradley Village Hall. Notices will be posted nearer the time.

The Village Artmarkers Project needs the input of Cradley and Storridge people. Our chosen artist, Miss J Hunt, will run a series of open workshops to provide her source material for the piece of artwork, which will then be owned by the parish. The Parish Council has now signed the contract and the action kicks off in the autumn.

The audit of Annual Return for 2004 has been concluded. Should anyone wish to inspect the Return, please apply to our Clerk for an appointment. Copies can also be made available on payment of £2.00.

The sandbags have arrived! Chris Lowder and Jerry Thomas have ensured distribution to those sites known to flood, but if you have a local flooding issue and need sandbags please get in touch.

We have already asked Herefordshire Highway Maintenance for action to halt the continuing deterioration of the road and verges between the school and the A4103.In addition it was agreed to ask for white edging and reflectors on the jutting kerb in front of the school to avoid accidents.

Litter is an issue that has been brought to our attention, again. Our thanks go to those people who take it upon themselves to pick up litter as they walk, and to everyone else: please take your litter home with you! We want our hedgerows to be full of primroses not plastic.

The Inspector appointed to the Inquiry will hear all matters relating to Cradley on the 22 March. Cradley Parish Council has made written representations and individual councillors will be attending in person.

The next Parish Council Meeting will be on Tuesday 8^th March 2005 in Storridge Village Hall at 7.30 pm. At this meeting we shall be looking further at our Emergency Plan, the impact of the Freedom of Information Act and considering a request for funding from the Cradley Pre-school Playgroup.

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