3 min read Parish

May 17th 2021

The Antony Parish Council met on Monday, May 17th, 2021, at Wilcove Community Hall. Key topics discussed included progress on various community projects, financial updates, and upcoming initiatives impacting the village.

Community Projects & Services

  • Memorial Bench for D Pidgen: The bench is now in position and awaiting final fixing. Councillors Lobb and Bulmer are tasked with completing this as soon as possible.
  • Antony and Crafthole Circulatory Scheme: The safety report for this scheme has been completed. A meeting will be convened before the end of the month to discuss the findings and move the project forward. County Councillor Ewert is coordinating this meeting.
  • Woodland Trust Trees Scheme: Councillor Shepherd still has more trees to plant in Wilcove as part of this ongoing scheme.
  • Wilcove to Wacker Path: Councillor Knott investigated the footpath. Negotiations with Mr Trinnick are ongoing regarding the reinstatement of the path. Councillor Coward will follow up.
  • Tregantle Parking Issues: A £5,000 bid for 400m of double yellow lines at Tregantle was agreed upon in October 2020 by the Network community group. This work is urgent as the summer season approaches. Poor signage was also discussed, and Councillor Ewert will address this at the County level.
  • Wilcove Jetty No Parking Signs: Councillor Knott will follow up on the installation of no parking signs at Wilcove jetty.
  • Replacement Grit Bins in Wilcove: All new grit bins are in place and need filling. Grit is available at Whitehall Farm for the Parish Council's use. Councillor Shepherd will follow up on filling these.
  • Overhanging Hedges: Hedges near Ivy Cottage in Antony and along Abbotscourt Lane near the allotments require trimming for safety. Councillor Coward will follow up with Mr Trinnick regarding these.
  • Path Clearing Opposite Carew Arms: The path opposite Carew Arms (outside Rose/Elm/Ivy Cottage) is a safety issue, forcing residents into the road. Councillor Bulmer will obtain a quote to clear the path.
  • Pengelly Hill Footpath Improvements: Councillors Coward and Shepherd surveyed the area and propose clearing and widening the track to allow safer access for residents to the A374. Councillor Shepherd will get a quote for this work.
  • Antony Phone Box Defibrillator: The defibrillator is still awaiting installation. Councillor Bulmer will contact the British Heart Foundation for advice.
  • Cherry Trees in Memorial: The cherry trees purchased in memory of Councillor Carter are awaiting planting.
  • Antony Playpark Swing Seats: A group of residents is happy to take responsibility for proposing improvements to the play area. Councillor Bulmer will liaise with the group and report back to the Council.
  • Cherry Blossom Trees Antony: The Council approved the purchase and planting of four cherry blossom trees in Antony to enhance the environment, with a budget of £250.
  • Wilcove Village Speed Restriction (30mph): The Council agreed not to pursue reducing the speed limit to 30mph unless residents formally submit a written request for the scheme.

Financial Matters

  • Tamar Trust Donation: A payment of £300 was approved for the Tamar Trust towards the Wacker Quay project, funded from the Solar benefit fund.
  • Payments Approved: Total payments of £1,377.77 were formally approved. This includes the £300 for the Tamar Trust and £220 for nursery trees.
  • Wilcove Moorings Association Income: An invoice for £491.00 for the Wilcove Moorings Association fee has been raised and is awaiting payment. Councillor Knott will chase this.
  • Annual Audit 2020/21: The internal audit has been completed and agreed. The auditor noted that the Parish Council is carrying forward excessive reserves (nearly 300% of the precept) and suggested a cap of 50% unless a specific project is in mind. The Council acknowledged these comments.
  • Solar Benefit Fund Applications: The Clerk will advertise procedures for local community groups to apply for the Solar benefit fund on the website, in newsletters, and on noticeboards. Applications will be accepted each September each year.

Other Updates

  • Council Seat Vacancy: The Council agreed to formally advertise the vacancy and initiate the co-option process if appropriate.
  • Antony Village Hall Lease: Antony Estates is handling the village hall lease and will confirm details in writing to the Clerk. The Parish Council has no direct jurisdiction over the Village Hall; all correspondence should go through the Trustee, Councillor Bulmer. Councillor Coward will inform Mr Trinnick to contact the Village Hall trustees.
  • Old Police House Antony: Antony Estates is considering building a small housing development on this plot, subject to planning permission.
  • Ash Trees: Antony Estate is addressing the issue of Ash dieback as quickly as possible.
  • Tree Preservation Order: The Clerk will obtain a Tree Preservation Order form for the Antony Junction tree.

The full, official minutes are available on the Antony Parish Council website: https://www.antony-pc.gov.uk/mobile/meetings.php

The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, June 22nd, 2021, at Antony Village Hall at 7:30 PM.