The needs of younger people was very much the emphasis at our August Meeting, with a very comprehensive report being given on both playing fields and a request being considered for support to the newly formed Youth Group.

We had a lively debate as to how best to support the Youth Group. The Group is now running a drop in centre for young people during the summer holidays at the Scout Hut and will run weekly evening sessions during the term in addition to trips out for swimming, skating etc. We decided that we should give an immediate grant of £300, with a further £700 as match funding to anything the group raises itself. We hope that everyone in the village will support this venture by attending and giving generously at their fund raising activities. Ring Rosie Berry on 880638 should you want any more information.

The go-ahead was given to fence off the footpath in the Buryfields playing field, and we were encouraged to hear that Elgar Housing has started to bring their boundary fencing up to standard. We have still to hear whether they are happy to have the stile accessing the footpath removed completely or whether they will look to a gate being provided. Repairs to the roundabout at Chapel Lane playing field were agreed as well as safety improvements to the aerial slide. We are seeking further advice on how best to extend the life of the tower slide. Prices are being sought for hedge cutting.

An Additional Parish and Community Notice Board will be provided in the near future at the entrance to Buryfields. There was a choice of location having spoken both to the School and to Elgar Housing on the siting. The Parish Council opted for Buryfields as being accessible to the larger number of people.

The saga with BT on phone boxes continues. We were pleased to be told that all current boxes in the parish would be maintained albeit as cashless boxes but we are asking that the phone box at the Post Office should continue to have cash facilities.

Concern has been expressed recently at the incidence of lorries parking on the verge near Millbank. We had been assured that preventative action was now being taken, however recent activity suggests more action is necessary.

Hereford Council have asked us whether we need any further sandbags!! Does no one need any sand in this parish? Jerry Thomas is the keeper of the sandbags; the bags are time expiring but the sand is fine. Please contact him on 880868.

Are we providing you with what you want to know? Please tell any of us, or our Clerk, of your area of interest and we will look to use the next edition of The Reporter to make good.

The next Parish Council meeting is at Storridge Village Hall on Tuesday 13^th September at 7.30pm. 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.