Present: Councillors Crookshank (Chairman), Gray, Harris, Hewes, Mrs Howell, Jeal, Mrs Myers, Rowland and Mrs Scarborough.
Also in attendance: a Police Community Support Officer and one member of the press.

1.             TO RECEIVE APOLOGIES AND REASON FOR ABSENCE
Apologies received from Cllrs. Burgess and Hall and County Cllr. Tidy.

2.             DECLARATIONS OF INTERESTS
None.

3.             TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD 19.03.08 AND PLANNING MEETING 31.03.08 AS A TRUE RECORD
Resolved to approve the minutes of the meetings held 19.03.08 and 31.03.08 as a true record.

4.             TO DETERMINE MATTERS ARISING FROM THE PREVIOUS MINUTES FOR UPDATING AND NOTING
Item 10 – street light in Eridge – light is not working due to an energy supply problem which has been reported to the relevant department at EDF.
Item 18 – training – an evening training event by Sussex Association of Local Councils has been provisionally booked for 17th July in Wadhurst.

5.             OPEN FORUM    
None.

6.             POLICE REPORT
Two crimes reported since 1st March; one criminal damage and one burglary from an outbuilding.
There have been 14 deer related accidents reported so far this year.
A Polish woman was reported selling paintings in Frant; the Police attended and gave advice on doorstep sales.
Regular speed checks are being undertaken in rural areas by the Police. Cllrs. asked for checks to be conducted in Bells Yew Green and Eridge.

Comment that new residents at the former Rawsons site are parking on the main road; this may be due to the unfinished building works within the development. A pedestrian crossing was included within the Section 106 Agreement and this crossing will include some road markings to prevent parking.
 
7.             TO RECEIVE THE COUNTY COUNCILLOR’S REPORT
None.

8.             TO RECEIVE THE DISTRICT COUNCILLOR’S REPORT
Bob Standley has been appointed Deputy Leader of the Council; Cllr. Standley is Portfolio holder for Finance and Assets and a District and Parish Cllr. for Wadhurst.
The Leader, Deputy Leader and Chairman will be pleased to attend Parish Council meetings on request.

A meeting has been held with officers to consider how to proceed with Barelands following the Appeal; Human Rights issues need to be considered.
There has been a report in the national press that District Councils may be given responsibility for Appeals.
The Local Development Framework is to be discussed by members.

9.             HIGHWAYS AND LIGHTING ISSUES
Vehicle Activated Signs have been installed in Frant.
Report of graffiti in bus shelters in Frant. The shelter opposite the Abergavenny Arms has been repaired by the contractors working on Fern Close; they also carried out work to make the floor level with the newly constructed pavement.

10.          TO CONSIDER REQUEST FROM ESCC FOR CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS TREE WARDEN SCHEME
Dealt with 19.03.08.

11.           PLANNING
To make recommendations about Planning Applications received.
None.

12.          TO REVIEW UPDATE ON PARISH PLAN AND AGREE EXPENDITURE
A final list of parishioners has been drawn up and letters will be sent inviting them to be part of the Parish Plan group. A meeting will then be held with Mark MacTaggart of Action in Rural Sussex.
Resolved to approve the sum of £150 to cover initial expenses: payment to be made under LGA 1972 s111.

13.          TO CONSIDER ITEMS TO BE SUBMITTED TO WEALDEN DISTRICT COUNCIL FOR THE LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK CORE STRATEGY
Parishes are being given an opportunity to submit priorities from Parish Plans into the Local Development Framework process. Cllrs. to complete template for discussion at the next meeting.

14.          PLAY EQUIPMENT
To examine weekly inspection record
Inspection record reviewed.

To consider replacement of equipment
Cllrs. agreed that play equipment on Frant Green should be replaced this year using reserves and any grants that were available. A lengthy debate ensued about fencing the play area and it was unanimously agreed that significant legal considerations made fencing the play area impossible (1845 Inclosure Act).

Plan of possible new play equipment to be reviewed at the next meeting.

TO CONSIDER REPLACMENT OF NOTICEBOARD AT FRANT MEMORIAL HALL
Cllr. Rowland attended at 20:10 having previously sent apologies for lateness.

Complaint received from a parishioner that the noticeboard at Frant Memorial Hall is in a poor state and should be replaced. The noticeboard is in an exposed position and cannot be opened in bad weather; the board is also damp. A new council noticeboard was installed at the shop; the original having been shared with the WI which ceased many years ago. Cllrs. considered that two noticeboards within close proximity of each other were not required. Resolved to remove the noticeboard at Frant Memorial Hall.

15.          FINANCE
To note final spend against budget 2007/08
Final spend noted of £26640 against a budget of £26450.

To approve End of Year Accounts 2007/08
Resolved to approved End of Year Accounts 2007/08.

Clerk was thanked for work on financial matters and for providing the end of year Accounts promptly.

To approve accounts payable

Payments authorised as follows:
Hedleys Solicitors agreed 13.11.07 and additional fees 19.03.08 item 14 under LGA 1972 s127 (1)

16.          CORRESPONDENCE FOR NOTING
The following items of correspondence were reviewed:

1. email from resident concerning damaged drain outside The George, noticeboard at Frant Memorial Hall, posts at Frant Green, access road to Tyburn Buildings, pedestrian crossing at Bells Yew Green, estate land opposite Abergavenny Arms and sandbags left on A267.
2. Appeal for outbuilding at 2 Hollywalk Cottages has been dismissed.
3. Representative from WDC Standards Committee to attend Parish Council meeting and show a training DVD.
4. WDC advised that alterations to verge outside the plant nursery A267 are not a breach of planning control.
5. WDC consultation on possible adoption of Schedule 4 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982 concerning street trading.

Remaining correspondence was dealt with during the course of the meeting and detailed on a separate list circulated to councillors.

17.          URGENT ISSUES AT THE DISCRETION OF THE CHAIRMAN FOR NOTING OR INCLUSION ON FUTURE AGENDA
Report that two more allotments have been let.

There being no further business the meeting closed at 20:30