NOTES OF

ANNUAL WIGGLESWORTH PARISH MEETING

HELD AT 7.30pm ON WEDNESDAY, 28 APRIL, 2010,

AT THE PLOUGH INN, WIGGLESWORTH

In Attendance: Dr D Clarke (Chair), Messrs I Askew, R Wales, B Newhouse, P Naylor, H Marley, M Dean, Mesdames A Dinsdale, S Wales, A Naylor, A Raper,

B Houghton, C Maxfield

Apologies were received from: Messrs P Raper, P Walsh, Mesdames D Dean, J LeCocq, A Clarke, A Nitzsche, T Walsh, W Carr

1. David Clarke explained that, as Chair of Ribble Banks Parish Council, chairing the meeting fell to him, and welcomed those attending. The purpose and conduct of the meeting was explained.

2. It was agreed to appoint Mike Dean as clerk for the duration of the meeting, so notes could be taken.

3. The Notes of the 2009 Annual meeting were agreed as a correct record.

4. Matters Arising (not elsewhere on the Agenda) were highlighted as follows –

a. Although a progress report about Clark’s Old School was on the Agenda, David Clarke advised that the Trustees had set up a limited company to improve the overall management of the Foundation, but that this would be activated once the redevelopment work was completed (as the Lottery did not want any changes made to the structure of the Foundation during the redevelopment phase). The Trustees would also review the aims of the Foundation at that point, so they more clearly aligned with the wider Community Centre activities.

b. The Quizzes had been successful, but the venue had proved difficult for some to get to easily. At the present time, no further quizzes were expected to be organised.

c. Jack Lane lay-by had been tidied and planted, but the Council had then used it to store chippings. Strong representations had been made about this, and the Council had advised the lay-by would be clear by June.

d. The recycling bins at The Plough were about to be fenced off and the surroundings improved by the owners. The previous Annual General Meeting had agreed that the village would be willing to make a contribution towards the cost of this fencing. David Clarke agreed to table a request at the next Parish Council meeting.

e. Highways had visited the road at Town End, and had advised a mirror would not be appropriate there. The meeting was reminded that Highways had previously agreed to mark narrowing lining on this dangerous piece of road, and it was agreed to ask RBPC to follow this up.

5. David Clarke informed the meeting that progress was now underway at Clark’s Old School. All funding was in place, and some works had commenced. The first phase was to clear and create the car park area, as well as start the foundations of the new build. Dr Clarke gave further information in response to questions from the floor, and advised that there would be opportunities to visit the site and see progress during the project. The anticipated completion date was 15 December, 2010.

In response to questions, David Clarke advised that most of the furniture was in storage, and decisions on future use or disposal would be made in due course. The project aimed to replace all the kitchen items, and provide new tables and chairs.

There was a need to establish a Project Group of 6-8 people to plan activities and events ready for use of the new facilities. Further information would be put on the village website, and a meeting would be called for all those interested.

6. RBPC had asked for a list of all assets owned by the village. A list had been drafted and was checked and discussed by the meeting.

7. Following inspection, it was felt that the bench on the green remained sound, although it could do with painting.

8. It was reported that the village website continued to be successful and was used by many people. Although Mike Dean was living back in the village, he suggested that additional webmasters would be useful to ensure future support and continuity. Volunteers would be sought.

9. Village Projects were highlighted as follows –

a. The Plough had agreed that the Village Show could go ahead on the grass behind the Plough (as the Old School was being redeveloped), subject to toilets and parking being organised. Angela Booth had agreed to once again lead the organisation, and the Show was likely to be in September.

b. The meeting felt that once the Jack Lane lay-by was clear then it would be good to have picnic tables located there, as long as chippings were not dumped on them in future.

c. Angela Dinsdale was thanked for her work of litter picking in the village. All villagers were encouraged to pick up litter where possible, and to keep the village tidy.

d. The LeCocqs were thanked for their support in mowing the Village Green. As the boys were now working they were unable to maintain mowing as previously, and so it was suggested that a rota be set up to ensure the Green is mown regularly in the summer months. A number of those at the meeting volunteered, and a rota will be drawn up and circulated. The mower will be available from Teenley House. It was also reported that the edge of the Green was to be repaired. A request was made for an inspection and possible relocation of the oak tree on the Green to be made, as it seemed to be dominated by the cherry trees. David Clarke agreed to arrange this inspection with the tree surgeon who is carrying out work at the Old School.

e. It was suggested that a tree might be planted in the new car park area of the Old School to recognise the birth or death of villagers. Costs of trees would be investigated.

10. Barbara Houghton gave an update of current Highways matters in and around the village.

11. The meeting was advised that the next meeting of RBPC was on 11 May at Rathmell.

12. The meeting was advised that Barbara Houghton was stepping down as Parish Councillor after many years of service, for which she was thanked. David Clarke and Mike Dean had been returned unopposed as the new Parish Councillors for Wigglesworth on Ribble Banks PC.

The meeting was reminded that, as the Old School was being redeveloped, the Polling Station for the forthcoming Elections would be at The Plough.

13. Points of other business raised and discussed were as follows –

a. Shirley Wales highlighted the poor condition of Tod Holes Lane, including water leaking from a broken drain. Another overflowing drain on the road to Tosside adjacent to Stinky Beck was also highlighted. David Clarke agreed to bring these highways matters to the attention of the clerk of RBPC.

b. It was agreed by the meeting that the seed fund money from the Millennium Festival should be made available as a loan to support new projects at the Old School. It was confirmed that Roger Wales and Mike Dean were signatories on the fund.

c. The meeting was advised that the outreach Post Office service at The Plough would be available from mid-May.

There was no further business, and the meeting closed at 8.35pm.