Vandalism Considerable concern was expressed at our June meeting on the continuing level of vandalism in the parish. We were pleased to hear from John Rowe (also Neighbourhood Watch) that the police are stepping up nighttime patrols in the village particularly at weekends. The message is: if you see an act of vandalism taking place report it to the police immediately.

Withdrawal of Bus Service to Malvern and changes to other Community Facilities We decided to escalate the withdrawal of the bus service to Malvern to our MP, Bill Wiggin, as the subsidy that has provided the service for the last three years was withdrawn at national level.

We also decided to write to Offcom. which is currently reviewing BTs role as a national payphone provider. BT has warned us that, depending on the outcome of Offcom’s review; they may withdraw the cash facility from the parish’s payphones. Our response is that we consider this proposal unacceptable, in that by withdrawing a cash option from our local payphones vulnerable elements of our community will be further disadvantaged.

Former School. At a Planning Committee meeting in May the Council raised a strong objection to the application made to demolish the former school. (This application was required additionally as the building is in the Cradley Conservation Area). We have now learnt that the application made by a parishioner to the Department of Culture, Media and Sport, to have the building listed, has been turned down. We have agreed to hold a further Planning Committee meeting to discuss further our approach in the light of this decision.

We heard a case from Mrs Munrowd Beech at Public Question Time for the former school to be made available for community use, particularly young people. This proposal would require a management committee to acquire and run the building in the same way as other village halls in the parish. If you are interested in supporting this venture please contact Mrs Munrowd Beech on 880455.

Cradley Stone Walls It was agreed that a further attempt would be made to have the south wall of Rectory Lane listed.

Flooding We were pleased to hear from Rosie Berry that Herefordshire Council Highways will shortly be taking action to prevent flooding on the Bosbury Road opposite Lyndhurst. Jerry Thomas, 880868, still has a large number of sandbags available. If you can make use of them please contact him.

The Voice of Our Young People. Through the auspices of Ledbury Youth First the Council will be hearing direct from our young people on their view of life in the parish. If you are interested in what they have to say, and we hope many of you are, join us at the next Council meeting on Tuesday 12 July at 7.30pm in Cradley Village Hall.

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