Pantllan Reports

1999


	Appraisal


	The Village Appraisal has been a most worthwhile exercise and the enthusiasm and professional approach of the Appraisal Group has been much admired by other Councils. Following the production of the questionnaire, which was delivered to every household in Pant, LLanymynech and Carreghofa - our grateful thanks to all the volunteers who helped with the task. The response rate of returns was an amazing 51%, response rates to questionnaires are usually in single figures. All the data was analysed by computer and everyone's comments were included. The Appraisal Group then wrote their report on the findings and published these in a small booklet. The volunteers again swung into action delivering one of these to every household after the official launch.


	The public launch was organised by the Parish Council for the 11th November and a packed hall at Bryn Offa School heard the results first. Each member of the Appraisal Group had taken responsibility for a particular section and gave their report accordingly. It proved what enormous talent there is in our village as many thought we had engaged professional consultants for our Appraisal!


	Responses being sorted by members of the Appraisal Group


	AND TO FOLLOW....


	The Appraisal was intended to lead to action and the list of recommendations are gradually being ticked off. Obviously pressure is being kept on for the Bypass. The others are providing a village green for Pant - which is well on the way now due to a large anonymous donation.


	North Shropshire College have taken up our idea of co-ordinating transport times with their hours and will publicise the free village based computer training more widely.


	SPRUCE UP FOR SPRING


	Because so many people asked for a tidier village, a Spring Clean Day was organised by the Council for Saturday 10th April. The Borough Council was asked to remove any dog excrement and then teams in Pant and Llanymynech worked on picking up litter, clearing soil


	from the edges of pavements, painting gates, seats and notice boards and planting. Notices concerning responsibility for cleaning up after one's dog will soon be appearing as requested by the Parish Council.


	WORKING TOGETHER


	One of the main benefits of the Appraisal so far, has been the formation of a Partnership for the development and conservation of the heritage of this area. The Parish Council have been working for some time to achieve this and it is now established. All local Councils are


	involved as well as village organisations, interested bodies such as British Waterways, Restoration Trusts etc. This partnership will take forward some of the recommendations from the Appraisal as well as developing the Heritage area and conserving the valuable


	INFORMATION


	The Council have been making a determined effort to bring more information to the public as requested in the Appraisal. The Council meeting agenda is sent to the local paper, who follow this up after the meeting to carry reports in the paper of significant items. The Council have gained a lot of publicity this year as a result of the projects they have undertaken. Also items are now included in the Parish Magazine.


	A new notice board has been purchased for Llanymynech and will be placed on the wall of Mr & Mrs. Hayward's corner shop with their kind permission. This replaces the old board on the wall of the Cross Keys. Both this notice board and the one in Pant on the side of the playing field are available for use by the community.


	MONEY, MONEY, MONEY


	Accounts for the year 1997/98 have been audited, income amounted to £7893 and expenditure was £6291. The Appraisal was funded by a grant from Rural Action and did not impact on local rates. The Parish Council made a


	donation of £100 towards the Appraisal. The Parish Council made representations to the Environment Minister Michael Meacher about the demise of Rural Action grants as this was vital to Llanymynech & Pant's Appraisal.


	VILLAGE WELCOME


	The Village Welcome leaflet produced by the Parish Council was also funded by Rural Action. It has now been re


	printed on green paper, as it was so popular not only to new residents, but to everyone as a local directory.


	WHO ARE THE PARISH COUNCILLORS?


	The Chairperson is Cllr Mrs. Dilys Gaskill. Other Councillors are Stan Brown, Billy Desborough, Bob Jones, Mark Keaveny, Peter McConville, Terry Mason, Robin Morris, Ian Pollitt and Mrs. Janet Smith. Currently there is a


	vacant seat following the resignation of Steve Geary who left the village, but with the forthcoming local Council elections it is hoped all the seats will be filled.


	WHAT DO THEY DO?


	Apart from all the work already mentioned there are issues to deal with at each monthly meeting. This year the developments at Barley Meadows and Briggs Lane have been dealt with, various road matters and footpaths, street lighting, street name signs. Consultations on various subjects such as transport, electoral arrangements and policing have been responded to. The Council has supported both Village Halls in their proposals for alteration and expansion. Traffic matters have been discussed and the speed cameras requested. Efforts to re-open the toilets at Llanymynech were successful. Comments were made to the Planning Authority - Oswestry Borough Council on a number of applications within the village. The Gyn Track has been a subject


	on the Agenda on a few occasions following complaints from residents. The Council have supported and encouraged various projects that the village can benefit from the Care Information Directory, the Volunteer Bureau, Dial-a-Ride etc. The Play Equipment on both playing fields has been dealt with, both Fund Raising Committees have been contacted to officially hand the equipment over to the Council. Repairs to the equipment have been instituted at a cost to the Council of £2,340 plus VAT The annual Footpath Walk was organised by the Council for the 26th June to co-incide with the visit of a group from Zaigerhutte in Germany. The Council is hoping to form a transnational Partnership with this village under the Euro


	Produced using Microsoft Publisher. Text by Vivien E Byrne Clerk to Llanymynech and Pant PC


	2000


	RETURN TO INDEX OF ANNUAL REPORTS


	Issue 7 April 2000


	TRAFFIC


	VILLAGE APPRAISAL


	The Appraisal Report contained 33 recommendations and most, if not all, have had some progress. The major concern was traffic, which remains at the forefront of the Council's efforts. The more significant developments are reported in the following pages.


	LLANYMYNECH HERITAGE PARTENERSHIP


	Celebrating the first birthday of the Partnership Group


	A NEW VILLAGE GREEN


	A yearned for focus for the village of Pant became a reality due to a generous donation to the Parish Council, which enabled the purchase of a plot of land opposite the Cross Guns. The Mayor and Mayoress Cllr and Mrs. Stan Brown cut the tape at a ceremony to open the Green on the 12^th May 1999. A donation of £1,000 was received from The Mayor's Charity Fund for the Village Green. The Appraisal Group has been involved in bulb planting and landscaping the area since then. A partnership project with North Shropshire College will result in a special commemorative seat. There will be tree planting, including the Shropshire Star Millennium Oak. A large rock donated by La Farge quarry has been sited which will eventually have a plaque affixed.


	PANT VILLAGE LIBRARY


	1999 also had the Launch of the Village Library on the 10^th June with Claire Cartlidge, Oswestry Librarian. The Library is housed in Pant Memorial Institute and opens on alternate Tuesdays. The books are provided by the Library Service and changed regularly. It is a free service and was made possible by a grant from Leader ll Community Action Grant. Readers do not have to be registered with the Library service


	WORKING TOGETHER


	the village for the 'Be a Local Tourist' project in April this year. Heritage Walks leaflets featuring footpaths in the parish have been published, also with the Association. Many visitors from other areas, as well as the local community support the annual Parish Council Footpath Walk. The 1999 Walk took place on a balmy summer evening and was led by Cllr Robin Morris accompanied by his dog. Many of the Walkers also took the opportunity to exercise their dogs


	The youth of the village have had the support of Councillors. The Council arranged the visits of the Rural Youth Bus, has encouraged and supported a Group starting a Youth Club and given a donation of £100 for their rent of the village hall. The Council paid £300 towards a Youth Co-ordinator to work in the village. They have assisted a group of young people with a project for Llanymynech playing field. The Council has worked in partnership with other organisations on a number of projects Working with Oswestry & Welsh Border Tourism Association and event was held in


	CELEBRATION


	The first event arising from the Partnership will be a Memories Day to be held throughout Saturday 13^th May at Llanymynech Village Hall, when there will be wonderful displays of old photographs and documents, based on themes of village life, the canal, the quarry etc., with opportunities to reminisce and share memories. The Partnership Strategy will be available and Dial a Ride buses available to transport people to the event. The Council's Millennium Memories Books, which have been circulating the village for residents to write down their anecdotes and tales of the past, will also be on display and will be available to add additional information.


	WHERE AND WHEN????


	MONEY, MONEY, MONEY


	Accounts for the year 1998/99 have been audited. Income amounted to £9 743 and expenditure was £11 112. The difference was funded from the small reserve the Council holds, which now stands at £5 227. Under section 137 of the Local Government Act the Council is able to make donations.


	Out of a budget of £100 donations of £25 each were given to Youth Service Cookery Competition, Community Service Team costs for footpath clearance, The Samaritans and Helpmates.


	VILLAGE WELCOME


	The Village Welcome leaflet produced by the Council for new residents, but useful to everyone as a local directory, is now in it's 4^th edition.


	WHO ARE THE PARISH COUNCILLORS?


	The Chairperson is Cllr Peter McConville. Other Councillors are Adam Brown, Stan Brown, Billy Desborough, Mrs. Dilys Gaskill, Bob Jones, Mark Keaveny, Terry Mason, Robin Morris, Ian Pollitt and Mrs. Janet Smith. It is the first time the Council has had a Father and Son serving at the same time - Stan and Adam Brown. Cllr Stan Brown was also the first Mayor from the village.


	WHAT DO THEY DO?


	The Councillors are kept busy with the everyday matters of roads, footways, street lighting, name signs and planning. The play equipment is inspected and maintained and when necessary old equipment removed and replaced. The problem of dog fouling seems to be an ongoing issue. Notices are now in place to remind people of the ByeLaws - Fines of £1,000 can be imposed if dog owners are prosecuted for not clearing up after their pets. The Council is particularly concerned about the health threat to village children using the playing fields, where dogs are being taken for exercise. They have displayed further signs, appointed responsible people to gather evidence and will shortly be having dog warden visits. The Council, jointly with Carreghofa Community Council, operates the cemetery. In summer 1999 an extension to the burial ground was consecrated.


	Both Village Halls are supported usually with small donations. Pant Memorial Institute applied successfully for National Lottery funding using the Appraisal as evidence together with a letter of support from the Council. Llanymynech Village Hall is also seeking funding for rebuilding and has been given similar support. Representations were made against the proposals for the changes in Electoral arrangements, whereby the ward created would be called Llanyblodwel and Pant. Objections were made to the type and number of dwellings planned for the old Boral Edenhall site. In order to strengthen the argument against unwelcome development, the Council propose to carry out a Housing Needs Survey during 2000.


	Produced using Microsoft Publisher. Text by Vivien E Byrne Clerk to Llanymynech and Pant PC


	2001


	RETURN TO INDEX OF ANNUAL REPORTS


	Issue 8 June 2001


	TRAFFIC


	The Llanymynech & Pant Bypass remains at the top of the Agenda and the Council continues the campaign led by Cllr Mrs. Dilys Gaskill. Considerable progress was made during the year thanks to the support of the residents. Joint meetings were held with neighbouring Parish and Community Councils and pressure was kept on the Government Office for the West Midlands, who did not support the Bypass, as well as the Welsh Assembly. Owen Paterson MP and Lembit Opik MP continued to support the community, reporting back on their efforts to bring the matter before Ministers. Hopes were raised in June when the study commissioned by the Welsh Assembly gave priority to the A483 Bypass of Llanymynech, they were willing to fund the welsh section of the road, but unfortunately that only amounted to 300 metres. Residents were asked to send Christmas Cards to the Government Office for the West Midlands (GOWM) and many did. In February Cllr Mrs. Gaskill attended the Inquiry for the Shropshire Structure Plan as


	LLANYMYNECH HERITAGE PARTNERSHIP

The Partnership formed in February 1999 comprising representative of organisations or statutory bodies with an interest in the area has made great strides in the past year. Designation of the Conservation Area. Appointment of a Project Officer, Ivan Biggs, following the successful bid for Heritage Economic Regeneration funding of £88,000. The Conservation Area grant scheme and the very well attended Repair and Restoration Seminars which hosted Speakers of international repute have all happened as a result of the Partnership.

Continued on next page


	Memories event Llanymynech May 2000 Cllr Terry Mason and wife Cynthia, Michael Limbrey [Waterway Restoration Trust] Cllr Dilys Gaskill [Chair of Heritage Partnership]


	PANT VILLAGE GREEEN


	The Village Green is now an area of beauty thanks to the efforts of the Appraisal Group who continue to lead a number of village projects. The Green now features the rock donated by La Farge quarry, which echoes the shape of the hill behind Pant. Spring bulbs were planted and have flowered. Specimen trees have been donated and planted as well as a time capsule buried by the children of Bryn Offa Primary School. The Shropshire Star Millennium Oak is the feature at the centre of the Green and a semi circular seat was chosen to be placed in front of it. The final touch will be the decorative edging chain. Eventually it is hoped it will become a place of tranquillity when the village is bypassed and the road in front is just a quiet local lane.


	WORKING AND WALKING TOGETHER


	Since the joint Village Appraisal the Parish Council has worked more closely with Carreghofa Community Council. We have matched funding on the re-lettering of the War Memorial as well as replacement goal posts for Llanymynech Junior Football Club. The Llanymynech Bowling Club aspiration to replace their pavilion has been supported. Llanymynech Village Hall have been given a letter of support for their funding application to refurbish the Hall. The annual Parish Council Footpath Walk involves as many people as possible. The 2000 Walk took place around Llanymynech and was led by Cllr Bob Jones. A great deal of footpath clearance and maintenance work has been carried out by the Community Service Team under the supervision of Cllr Robin Morris. .


	WHERE ????


	MONEY, MONEY, MONEY


	. Accounts for the year 1999/2000 have been audited. Income amounted to £11 773 and expenditure was £11 462. Of this £1 865 was grant funding for specific projects and £481 was recharged, e.g. the Christmas Dinner Councillors fund themselves. Under section 137 of the Local Government Act the Council is able to make donations. Out of a budget of £100 donations of £25 each were given to Youth Service, CAB, The Samaritans, and Helpmates. £100 was also granted to maintain the Church Clock.


	WHO ARE THE PARISH COUNCILLORS?


	The Chairperson is Cllr Bob Jones. Other Councillors are Adam Brown, Stan Brown, Billy Desborough, Mrs. Dilys Gaskill, Mark Keaveny, Peter McConville, Terry Mason, Robin Morris, Ian Pollitt and Mrs. Janet Smith. It is the first time the Council has had a father and son serving at the same time - Stan and Adam Brown. Cllr Mrs. Dilys Gaskill is the Deputy Mayor and the newly elected County Councillor for the Ward.


	WHAT DO THEY DO?


	The Councillors are kept busy with the everyday matters of roads, footways, street lighting, name signs and planning. Very many representations have been made on planning issues, particularly about the development at Briggs Lane, where planning agreement has not been adhered to. The play equipment is inspected and maintained and when necessary old equipment removed and replaced. The problem of dog fouling continues to be an ongoing issue. The nuisance was particularly noticeable when all the rights of way were closed due to the foot & mouth disease. Notices are now in place to remind


	people of the ByeLaws - Fines of £1,000 can be imposed if dog owners are prosecuted for not clearing up after their pets. The Council is particularly concerned about the health threat to village children using the playing fields, where dogs are being taken for exercise. They have displayed further signs, appointed responsible people to gather evidence and will shortly be having dog warden visits. The Council, jointly with Carreghofa Community Council, operates the cemetery. Both Village Halls are supported usually with small donations.


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	2002


	RETURN TO INDEX OF ANNUAL REPORTS

Issue 9 May 2002 TEXT ONLY AVAILABLE FOR THIS EDITION

The PantLlan Reporter

Bypass

March 2001 was a momentous month in the campaign led by Cllr Mrs. Dilys Gaskill for a Bypass for the villages of Llanymynech and Pant. In March the Government Office for the West Midlands agreed to include our Bypass in the list of recommended road improvements for the Minister to consider. Maybe all those Christmas Cards residents sent did the trick!

August 17^th 2001 brought a surprise announcement – LLANYMYNECH AND PANT BYPASS INCLUDED IN THE ROADS PROGRAMME. We were on our way again. It has been a long hard campaign, but until the road is built we must keep up the pressure. The Parish Council, with the help of the Community Council of Shropshire, organised special Consultation exercises at Pant and Llanymynech to gain local views of how the road should be designed etc. Cllr Mrs. Gaskill continues to keep the Bypass in the forefront – transplanting a sod from the newly started Nesscliffe Bypass to Pant Village Green, an amusing way to remind the Minister of our need and planning a Street Party on the tarmac when our Bypass is eventually built.

LLANYMYNECH HERITAGE PARTNERSHIP

The Partnership continues to benefit the village. Bradford Terrace has been rendered with lime mortar in place of concrete, which would have eventually damaged the buildings. New windows and other improvements to properties in keeping with the Village Design Guide, funded by the HERS project have improved the appearance of Llanymynech. The Design Guide was published in June and is available to Contractors at a cost of £5, but residents pay only a small fee if they wish to have a copy.

The Parish Council has also supported a Village Brochure and Map being produced by the Appraisal Group. They initially had the support of a Duke of Edinburgh student and then the services of a Graphic Artist provided by Powys County Council via the Partnership. The Brochure will be published shortly.

THE COUNCIL BEING ACTIVE

The Council continues to give as much support as possible to the organisations providing active enjoyment in the village. Llanymynech Junior Football Club is assisted as well as the Tennis Club; the Llanymynech Bowling Club replacement pavilion has been made possible and a new mower. Llanymynech Village Hall has been given a donation. The annual Parish Council Footpath Walk involves as many people as possible. The 2001 Walk took place around Pant in July when the paths had been re-opened following Foot & Mouth disease restrictions. It was led by Cllr Robin Morris and attended by nearly 30 people. Footpath clearance and maintenance work has been carried out by the Community Service Team under the supervision of Cllr Robin Morris.

MILLENNIUM

The Council published the Millennium Memories Books at a launch in October 2001. Five books circulated the village for residents to write down their anecdotes and tales of the past. Mrs. Jennie Crosier acted as Editor drawing everything together and adding photographs lent for the project. The books are on sale at £5. The beautiful embroidered Parish Map completed by an enthusiastic group was officially handed over at a Church service on the 23^rd September. The panels are located in St. Agatha’s Church and they are available for display elsewhere by arrangement with the Clerk.

PANT VILLAGE GREEN

The Village Green in Pant is a proud achievement of the community. The trees are growing healthily and the bulbs are a splendid display in the spring.

In the past May was the month for dancing around maypoles on village greens, in Pant it was almost the month a 12’ mobile phone mast was erected on Pant village green. Once again the community supported the Parish Council in a campaign, this time to oppose the phone mast. A bright red ribbon was tied around the pole with the notice on, to attract people’s attention and the company were invited to the May Parish Council meeting to explain their choice of site. Thankfully when the matter was considered by the Planning Committee together with the Parish Council’s 18 alternative sites, the application was refused.

QUALITY, CODES AND INTERESTS

During the year lots of changes to the way Parish Councils operate were announced and Councillors and the Clerk attended meetings and seminars to be trained or gain information.

The Council has adopted a new Code of Conduct in April, which all Councillors signed up to. A Register of Councillors Interests in the Parish or in organisations affecting their Council duties has been drawn up and is held by the Monitoring Officer at Oswestry Borough Council. The Register is open for public inspection, but an appointment has to be made with Oswestry Borough Council and a reason given for the inspection.

A new status of Quality Parish Councils has been announced but in view of so many changes taking place at once, this has been deferred for a few months.

A National Training Strategy has also been announced for Councillors and Clerks. The course is being piloted this year and then will be launched in the autumn of 2002.

MONEY, MONEY, MONEY

Accounts for the year 2000/2001 have been audited. Income amounted to £9283 and expenditure was £8614. Of this £775 was grant funding for specific projects and £391 was recharged, e.g. the Christmas Dinner Councillors fund themselves. Under section 137 of the Local Government Act the Council is able to make donations. Out of a budget of £200 a donation of £150 was given to Llanymynech Village Hall with £50 remaining in the fund to build up balances.

WHO ARE WE?

The Chairperson is Cllr Bob Jones. Other Councillors are Adam Brown, Stan Brown, Mrs. Jennie Crosier, Mrs. Dilys Gaskill, Mark Keaveny, Peter McConville, Terry Mason, Ian Pollitt and Mrs. Janet Smith. It is the first time the Council has had a Father and Son serving at the same time – Stan and Adam Brown. Cllr Mrs. Dilys Gaskill is the Deputy Mayor and the County Councillor for the Ward. Mrs. Vivien Byrne is the Clerk. Cllr Mrs. Crosier was co-opted in November 2001 and Cllr Robin Morris resigned in February 2002.

WHAT ELSE DO THEY DO?

The Councillors are kept busy with the everyday matters of roads, footways, street lighting, name signs and planning. Very many representations have been made on planning issues, particularly about the development at Briggs Lane, where planning agreement has not been adhered to.

Playschemes were organised for the children at Easter and Summer holidays. The play equipment is inspected and maintained and when necessary old equipment removed and replaced.

The problem of dog fouling continues to be an ongoing issue. The nuisance was particularly noticeable when all the rights of way were closed due to the foot & mouth disease. Notices are now in place to remind people of the bylaws – Fines of £1,000 can be imposed if dog owners are prosecuted for not clearing up after their pets. The Council is particularly concerned about the health threat to village children using the playing fields, where dogs are being taken for exercise. They have displayed further signs, appointed responsible people to gather evidence and the Borough Dog Warden will visit offending dog owners.

The road problems – speed limit extensions, horse rider warning signs and dropped kerbs for wheelchair users have also been addressed this year successfully.

The Council, jointly with Carreghofa Community Council, operates the cemetery. Meetings between the two Councils are held regularly.


	2003


	RETURN TO INDEX OF ANNUAL REPORTS


	Issue 10 April 2003


	BYPASS


	The Bypass remains at the forefront of the Parish Council Agenda and this was very evident at the Annual Parish Meeting held in May 2002. The Consultants and the Highways Agency gave presentations to a packed Pant Memorial Institute, on how they planned to research, consult and design our Bypass. The sod transplanted from the Nesscliffe Bypass is now growing vigorously on Pant Village Green as a reminder of our need for a Bypass.


	CELEBRATION, COMMEMORATION AND PRIDE


	CELEBRATION The Council was delighted when Cllr Mrs. Dilys Gaskill was elected as The Mayor of the Borough of Oswestry. For the first time in history Pant Methodist Chapel was the setting of the Civic Service on Sunday, 28^th July 2002. Further cause for celebration was the award of an MBE to former Mayor and Councillor Stan Brown of Pant for his 40 years of service to local government. Cllr Stan Brown retired from the Parish Council at the end of 2002 after 40 years service and a Red Book was presented to him containing a version of 'This is Your Parish Council Life'


	Oswestry Borough Mayor, Cllr Mrs Dilys Gaskill, greets Cllr Stan Brown before the Borough Council's Civic Service at Pant Methodist Church


	COMMEMORATION It was decided to commemorate the Queen's Coronation Jubilee by planting 50 trees in the Llanymynech Heritage Area. The trees were donated by the Countryside Project and all the village organisations were represented when over 40 people took part in the planting on the 15^th March 2003.


	PRIDE Pant Village Green was entered by the Clerk for a Community Pride Award in July. Judges from the Environment Agency visited in September and were shown the now completed Village Green. The prize money was intended for the 'finishing touch' of a notice board at the edge of the Green. In December Cllr Bob Jones attended the Prize giving ceremony and was given a plaque for a Commendation, a book on walks and an umbrella - we will have to try again for the notice board.


	LLANYMYNECH HERITAGE PARTNERSHIP

Page Title


	WHAT DOES THE PARISH COUNCIL DO?


	The Councillors have made very many representations on planning matters, particularly about the development at Briggs Lane. These matters are still unresolved and petitions have been made about some issues, so the Parish Council will continue to press for resident's wishes until there is a satisfactory conclusion. The change of use of Llanymynech Corner Shop was supported and tree preservation orders were requested on the Tregarthen Lane field, which was the subject of a planning application. In 2003 the Council have agreed to help form a Steering Group to carry out a Parish Plan with assistance of funding from the Countryside Agency to allow residents to determine their Action Plan for the village's future The play equipment is inspected and maintained and when necessary old equipment removed and replaced.


	Traffic problems - speed limit, crossings etc; name signs, litter, street lighting, pot holes and hedges are among other items that the Council has dealt with during the year. The Council, jointly with Carreghofa Community Council, operates the cemetery. Meetings between the two Councils are held regularly. The problem of dog fouling continues as in all parishes and is a threat to the health of children as well as being an obnoxious nuisance. Notices are in place to remind people of the bylaws - Fines of £1,000 can be imposed if dog owners are prosecuted for not clearing up after their pets. The Council is also concerned about the nuisance of cars driving onto Llanymynech Playing Field. A scheme to prevent this is being planned and will be in place shortly. The Concrete Works site has caused concern and site meetings have been held there.


	WHERE ????

Page Title


	MONEY, MONEY, MONEY


	Under new regulations the Council now has an independent Internal Auditor and an external Audit. Accounts for the year 2001/2002 have been audited. The Precept amounted to £9200 Under section 137 of the Local Government Act the Council is able to make donations. This year a donation of £100 was given to Llanymynech Youth Club with a further £150 pledged for April 2003. Llanymynech Village Hall was given £100 towards the cost of rewiring. £50 to Qube for DialaRide and Care provision, with £25 each to Samaritans, CAB and CCS


	WHO ARE THE PARISH COUNCILLORS?


	The Chairperson is Cllr Bob Jones. Other Councillors are Adam Brown, Mrs. Jennie Crosier, Mrs. Dilys Gaskill, Mark Keaveny, Peter McConville, Terry Mason, Ian Pollitt Mrs. Janet Smith and Dave Tomley. Cllr Mrs. Dilys Gaskill is also the County Councillor for the Ward. Mrs. Vivien Byrne is the Clerk. Cllr Dave Tomley was co-opted in May 2002 to replace Cllr Robin Morris who retired to Kent in February 2002. Cllr Stan Brown retired in at the end of 2002. There are 11 seats on the Parish Council and when the elections take place on the 1^st May if all seats are not filled, co-option can take place, with candidates putting their name forward to the Clerk.


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	2004


	RETURN TO INDEX OF ANNUAL REPORTS


	Issue 11 April 2004


	BYPASS


	All our hard work towards gaining a Bypass for Pant and Llanymynech resulted in the A483 being included in the Targeted Improvement Roads Programme. Presentations were given at the Annual Parish Meeting in 2002 from the Consultants and the Highways Agency on how they planned to research, consult and design our Bypass. Work has been continuing and consultation on the route is awaited, but appears to have been delayed. The Highways Agency will be involved in the Annual Parish Meeting in April 2004 to update the residents on their progress with the project.


	LLANYMYNECH HERITAGE PARTERSHIP


	British Waterways continue with their plans for the restoration of the Montgomery Canal and have just published their Conservation Management Strategy for consultation.


	IMPROVING OUR ENVIRONMENT


	Whenever possible the Council like to improve the appearance of the village or help the ecology of the area.

The entrance to Llanymynech Playing Field was greatly in need of refurbishment and because of the problem of vehicles being taken onto the field, the entrances had to be secured. A group of Councillors from Llanymynech were responsible for installing new gates in keeping with the site and replacing the King George V plaques. This has made the field secure and much improved the appearance of the entrance.

FIRST RESPONDERS [SAFER]

The Council supports the Shropshire Ambulance First Emergency Responder Scheme and has tried to initiate a group in the area. A demonstration was given at the Parish Meeting in 2003 with the Youth Club taking part. Volunteers are needed to train as Responders in medical emergencies until a paramedic or ambulance arrives. The Council is keen to have this wonderful service available in Llanymynech and Pant and would support any efforts to put a scheme in place.


	A PARISH PLAN A public meeting was held on the 10^th March 2004 to form a group to carry out a Parish Plan with assistance of funding from the Countryside Agency. The Appraisal carried out by the Parish Council with volunteers in 1998 now requires updating. Most of the 33 recommendations contained in the Appraisal have been met or addressed. The Parish Plan can form the basis of the community's aspirations for the next 5 years. 18 volunteers have come forward to carry out the Plan and held their first meeting on the 7^th April.


	WHAT DOES THE PARISH COUNCIL DO?

The Councillors make representations on planning matters, they can only pass on their comments to the Planning Authority, but these are taken into account when the application is being determined.

The Council has been pressing the Highways Agency [HA] to install a crossing in Pant. The HA assessed the road in 2003 and reported by telephone that the village did not seem to have a need for a crossing. The Council reiterated the need and said that the assessment should be done at a busy time of day when children are using the road. The Officer promised to include this in the report; a response is still awaited.

Both Pant and Llanymynech Playing Fields have play equipment, which is inspected and maintained and when necessary old equipment removed and replaced. The toddler swings at Llanymynech have been found to be beyond economical repair and will have to be removed. The Council cannot afford to replace them without grant aid, so are investigating a source of funding.

Traffic problems - speed limits, crossings etc; name signs, litter, street lighting, pot holes and hedges are among other items that the Council has dealt with during the year. The Council, jointly with Carreghofa Community Council, operates the cemetery. Meetings between the two Councils are held regularly.

Continued on Page 4


	Continued from Page 3 A Footpath Walk is a popular activity organised by the Parish Council every year. This year the date coincided with a bad storm so the walk had to be postponed to the 29^th August. An interesting route was planned and the walk led by Cllr Adam Brown. Llanymynech Village Hall Committee has plans to enlarge the building and improve the facilities. The Parish Council made time at meetings for residents to bring forward their comments. Then special meetings were convened with the residents and the Hall representatives to aid negotiations and smooth the planning application process. The Council are doing as much as possible to assist the Committee with their proposals. A site for recycling is still under investigation, the Council has the agreement of Oswestry Borough Council to provide the facility, who are even willing to place bins just across the Border if a site can be found. Does anyone have any ideas for a site?


	The Chairperson is Cllr Terry Mason Other Councillors are Adam Brown, Mrs. Jennie Crosier, Mrs. Dilys Gaskill, Bob Jones. Mark Keaveny, Peter McConville, Ian Pollitt and Mrs. Janet Smith. Cllr Mrs. Dilys Gaskill is also the County and Borough Councillor for the Ward. Mrs. Vivien Byrne is the Clerk. Elections took place in May 2003. There are 11 seats on the Parish Council. This time only 9 seats were filled by election. If all seats are not filled, co-option can take place, with candidates putting their name forward to the Clerk. Cllrs Les Griffiths and Leigh Hammond were co-opted onto the Council in 2003 to fill the two vacancies.


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	2005


	RETURN TO INDEX OF ANNUAL REPORTS

Page Title


	ROADS AND PAVEMENTS


	BEFORE


	After

<Page Title


	THE PARISH PLAN


	Working with Llanymynech Heritage Partnership the Parish Council are leading this Project. A bid was made to Your Heritage (part of the Heritage Lottery Fund) for £34,800 towards total project costs of £57,397 and it was successful. This funding will enable the Council to do the things people asked for in the surveys carried out last year. For example, a few seats dotted around the Heritage Area so that people can have a rest on the way round. Picnic tables in front of the canal stables, information panels about the canal and it's history. Clearance of the wharves has already happened as well as a research visit to the Hoffmann Kiln near Settle. There will be Opening of the stables for events and displays, the first of these will be on the 6^th May - a Saturday of events. Volunteer guided walks, a Website and information leaflet as well as recording of the social history and memories of the village are other aspects of the project. The most visible (apart from the notice board near the entrance) will be a carved limestone feature at the entrance to the Heritage Site. This will be based on the excellent embroidered panels produced by the village for the Millennium.

Page Title


	WHAT ELSE DO THEY DO?


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	2006


	RETURN TO INDEX OF ANNUAL REPORTS


	Issue 13 April 2006


	Llanymynech Community Project


	to all via Llanymynech Village Hall Broadplace. The site is well worth a visit and contains up to date information on the Parish Council, past Agendas, Minutes and the Pantllan Reporter. Also details of village organisations and pages on history, articles, photographs and so much more. Secondly the Llanymynech Heritage Brochure; this is a very collectible wallet containing sheets on all aspects of the area, as well as information for tourists on where to stay or enjoy a meal. The brochure is available in the Wharf Visitor Centre as well as all the Tourist Information Centres in surrounding towns. Finally, the social history archive, a DVD of peoples' memories from the past recorded in the village at various events and a wall hanging depicting some of their faces.


	Photo at top of page is part of the limestone sculpture. Pictured left is the cover of the heritage brochure


	PARISH PLAN


	The Parish Plan group produced the final Plan in January 2006 and it is a well produced document with an Action Plan for the future. The Group, Chaired by Cllr Terry Mason and co-ordinated by Cllr Mrs. Jennie Crosier have done a tremendous amount of work since their first meeting in April 2004. The Plan was funded by a grant of £3,000 from what was called The Countryside Agency and copies have been sent to all the Agencies and Oswestry Borough Council.


	VILLAGE DESIGN STATEMENT


	Cllr Peter McConville has been leading on producing a Design Statement for the village following on from the Parish Plan. At the July Parish Council meeting Oswestry Borough Council and the Community Council of Shropshire were both on hand to advise on how this could be done. The Parish Council are keen to produce the Statement, which would become a Supplementary Planning Document to which the Planning Authority would have to refer when planning


	THE BYPASS


	Prior to the election, we were waiting for the Bypass to be prioritised by the Regional Transport Board of the West Midland Regional Assembly. Once the election was over, the Regional Transport Board was set up and eventually met to decide on all transport schemes in the West Midlands. This meant that 'Our Bypass' was up against proposals for New Street Station in Birmingham or bus schemes in Coventry, so the benefit of the Bypass on the West Midlands as a whole did not rate very highly. It is still in the Road Improvement Programme, so we have to keep on trying. A new Action Group called H.E.L.P. are working on ideas and actions to keep the Bypass in the forefront of the Regional Assembly and the Welsh Assembly.


	Street entertainment on the A483--not in 2006, although the building should be recognisable.


	ENVIRONMENT

The major, major problem all local authorities face is the hazard caused by thoughtless dog owners not clearing up their dog's waste and Llanymynech and Pant is no exception. We have so many lovely walks, footpaths, tow paths and lanes as well as three playing fields and a village green all of which are littered with dog excreta. There are sufficient litter bins throughout the parish and dog waste can be disposed of into the bins in a suitable plastic bag. The new Clean Neighbourhood Act gives the Parish Council the power to issue fixed penalty fines and this may be the only answer in the future.


	FUNDING AND DONATIONS


	This year the Precept was £12,720 (equivalent to £22.27 per Band D property for the year). Under Section 137 of the Local Government Act the Council is able to make donations ; this year the organisations supported have been Oswestry CAB, Oswestry Community Action (Dial-a-Rde), The Severn Hospice, West Shropshire Talking Newspaper for the Blind, Oswestry Womens Aid and The Samaritans, each receiving £20. In addition £84 was given to St. Agathas PCC for the maintenance of the Church Clock, £150 to Carreghofa Community Council towards the insurance premium of the mower for the Burial Ground and £50 to the Duchess Countess Trust for the George Watson Buck canal trip boat.


	WHO ARE THE PARISH COUNCILLORS?


	The Chairperson is Cllr Adam Brown. Other Councillors are Mrs. Jennie Crosier, Mrs. Dilys Gaskill (also County and Borough Councillor for the Ward) Les Griffiths, Leigh Northcott-Hammond, Bob Jones, Mark Keaveny, Peter McConville, Terry Mason, Ian Pollitt and Mrs. Janet Smith. Mrs. Vivien Byrne is the Clerk.


	PLAY EQUIPMENT


	Produced using Microsoft Publisher. Text by Vivien E Byrne Clerk to Llanymynech and Pant PC


	2007


	RETURN TO INDEX OF ANNUAL REPORTS


	Issue 14 April 2007


	Llanymynech Limeworks


	ABOVE: Scaffolding and steeplejacks BELOW: The tally house


	producing scale models, drama and design work and it is intended that a Community Play will be commissioned. The whole area will keep the element of discovery and wonder for visitors as well as the tranquillity everyone enjoys. The website can be accessed for more detail of the work in progress on www.llanymynech.org.uk


	Llanymynech wins a prestigious BURA award


	Llanymynech Heritage Partnership entered the BURA Waterways Renaissance Awards in the Community Section and at a Presentation Awards Dinner in Manchester on the 21^st March, the winner was announced 'Oscar' style. The framed award, presented by John Craven, will be on display in the Wharf Visitor Centre. The judges who twice visited the village said that the project gives the residents a voice, contributes to the wider community and plays an important role in the future implementation of the Montgomery Canal Partnership and its ability to attract funding to regenerate the area for the benefit of the community.


	THE BYPASS


	The Bypass continues to be the dominant issue for Llanymynech and Pant. Earlier in the year the A483 had to be prioritised within the West Midland Region. Unfortunately when matched against many of the schemes for the Region - New Street station, Birmingham Airport and the like, the benefit to be gained by the A483 Bypass does not stand up very well. The Bypass has not been cancelled, but a Report on a cheaper scheme was prepared by the Highways Agency. The County Council are now trying to obtain a copy of the report as Cllr Mrs. Dilys Gaskill has been informed that it will only be available for the Minister of Transport.


	Newly cleared tramway tunnels under the A483

Dog waste still causes complaints and people taking dogs onto the playing fields are reminded to co-operate to protect the children.
Footpath improvements in the village are carried out and the Stoney Steps have now been repaired successfully. A diversion was applied for at the bottom of the path in front of the five kilns, to which the Council did not object. The Council is currently claiming a right of way to be placed on the Definitive Map, for a well used path near The Tramway in Pant, which the County Rights of Way Department are pursuing.


	Roads and Pavements


	The Chairperson is Cllr Adam Brown. Other Councillors are , Mrs. Jennie Crosier, Mrs. Dilys Gaskill, Les Griffiths, Leigh Northcott Hammond, Bob Jones. Mark Keaveny, Terry Mason, Peter McConville, Ian Pollitt and Mrs. Janet Smith. Cllr Mrs. Dilys Gaskill is also the County and Borough Councillor for the Ward. Mrs. Vivien Byrne is the Clerk.


	SPORTS and PLAY


	The Play Sub-Committee have successfully applied to Awards for All and were granted £9,700 towards toddler equipment, surfacing and fencing and they are continuing with their fund raising. A brilliant Fun Day was held in September with events in the village hall and on the field, a climbing tower being a particular highlight. It is proposed to produce a book of recipes for sale, with everyone contributing their favourite recipe. The young people have been consulted in various ways and a 'wish list' has been compiled of the favourite items.


	A joint bid was made by the Village Hall and Llanymynech Junior Football Club for £126,500 to build changing rooms and showers at the side of the Hall. The Parish Council have been involved in negotiations over the last two months over the use of the field, as one of the funders required a lease or agreement for the football pitch. The Council are now seeking legal opinion on the position. The Bowling Club have been disheartened by damage to their facility and are seeking the Council's help to alleviate this.


	ELECTIONS AND CHANGES AHEAD

Elections will be taking place on 3^rd May 2007 and at the time of writing 9 Councillors have been re-elected uncontested, so there are two vacancies on the Parish Council. Cllr Mrs. Dilys Gaskill has stood down for the Borough Council after 8 years of achievement. Cllr Arthur Walpole has been re-elected uncontested for the Llanyblodwell and Pant Ward of the Borough. There is one vacant Borough Council seat for the ward.

With the submission for Unitary status being allowed, the 3 Councils involved - County, Oswestry and South Shropshire are now preparing their consultation process and bid. As a lead up to the 'step change' for a new way of working for Unitary authorities, it is proposed that Neighbourhood Forums be piloted. This would mean the Parish Council working directly with the County, instead of having the Borough as an intervening tier. The Ruyton and Maserfield Ward of the County Council (which includes Llanymynech and Pant) has been selected as one of the pilot Neighbourhood Forums. This will have a representative from each of the 8 Parish Councils as well as other bodies and there will be a budget of £40,000 to spend in the year. Cllr Ian Pollitt is the Councillor attending the Forum.


	Produced using Microsoft Publisher. Text by Vivien E Byrne Clerk to Llanymynech and Pant PC


	2008


	RETURN TO INDEX OF ANNUAL REPORTS


	Issue 15 April 2008


	Llanymynech Limeworks


	The Council is one of the Stakeholders in the Limeworks restoration project, which will be completed at the end of 2008. The Project Officer, Mark Blount of the County Council and the Community and Education Officer - Peter Dunhill, together with the other Partners have achieved a tremendous amount during the 3 year term. Peter gave a lively presentation to the Annual Parish Meeting detailing the work. The newly restored and extended stables are to be used as an education facility and have been used for a number of meetings already. The most impressive sight is the restored Hoffmann Kiln with the replica roof protecting it from the elements, which would in time have wrecked it completely had the Project not gone ahead. Volunteers have been involved with the professionals - archaeological digs, clearance work throught the site and bricklaying at the Tally House. One of the most exciting aspects is that all the site is now accessible to wheelchair or pram users and there are plenty of seats to take a rest or sit and enjoy the bird song. Even the incline plane can be viewed by travelling under the A483 via the newly cleared tunnel. The site will be officially 'opened' in April and another Discovery Day held on the 17th May but the 'coming of age' will be the Community Play entitled 'In The Limelight' specially commissioned to be staged by The LADS in the Limeworks in July and involving as many people as possible. On the 6th June, in the early evening, an event will be held to attract people to be part of the enjoyment of the Llanymynech Limeworks and ensure it for the future. Information on events and activities is available on notice boards or from the website www.llanymynech.org.uk.


	ABOVE: Crane lifts in gyn wheel BELOW: Blending sculptures

Page Title


	FUN and GAMES


	The Council has a Play Sub-Committee who have successfully raised funds and installed new play equipment on Llanymynech playing field. There are swings, a slide, stepping stones and a very popular spinning dish. The junior equipment on a safe surface and fenced off from the rest of the field cost £13,000 with the Council providing the match funding to the £11,000 raised by the Committee. The Volunteers themselves installed the safety surface which was a big saving. They continue to raise funds, such as the community recipe book published at Christmas, and are now moving towards equipment for the older children. An application was made to the Neighbourhood Forum meeting which had a budget for young people's activities and they were awarded £2,500 towards the next piece of equipment. The Youth Club members also applied to this fund for a youth shelter and they too have been allowed £1,500. Pant playing field is now past it's 'sell by date' for most of the equipment on the field. The swings had to be removed and the springy rider. The Council decided to apply for a loan for play equipment, some towards Llanymynech and the rest to re-equip Pant field. A donation was received from a resident who was concerned about the field, which was gratefully received. The Oswestry Play Partnership which was formed in February 2006 to decide on a Strategy to spend £200,00 from the Big Lottery, which most District Councils were eligible to apply for, continues to meet, but the fields in Llanymynech and Pant were judged to have adequate equipment. Llanymynech Bowling Club had problems with damage to the green and asked the Parish Council (as owners) if they could erect a fence. There was considerable discussion of various methods to deter unwanted attention, and eventually a suitable fence was agreed upon, local residents were consulted and a planning application made. The Club are finding the money for the fence themselves.


	THE BYPASS


	Llanymynech and Pant still needs a bypass, but just when everyone thought the fight had been won and the bypass was in the Roads Programme; there was an election and the 'goalposts' were moved. The scheme had to be prioritised by the West Midlands Regional Transport Board. Llanymynech and Pant come a long way down the list of priorities when viewed against other large scale improvements benefitting huge conurbations. However, not deterred County Cllr Mrs. Dilys Gaskill led a party of Councillors to meet Owen Paterson MP at his local surgery. He meets with the Minister and trys to keep the Bypass at the forefront, but we will wait for a suitable opportunity to start another campaign to obtain the much needed bypass.

Page Title


	Following on from the Parish Plan, a small group led by Cllr Peter McConville is producing a Village Design Statement. These documents are adopted by the local Planning Authority and are referred to when a planning application is being considered. They also define what is special about the area and identify what residents want to preserve. When it is published it will be available free of charge. The Parish Council works hard to keep both villages spick and span, some of the problems raised in the past have now been dealt with. The A483 surface, subsidence, marking and lighting have all been addressed by the Highways Agency this year. The lighting, although more energy efficient and less pollutant, has not been altogether successful. A few old lights have remained in place, sometimes burning all day, awaiting Arriva to disconnect the wiring. The new lights have had problems too, sometimes whole stretches going out for 3 or 4 nights. The Highways Agency is responsible for the lighting on the main road and the Parish Council have passed on all the complaints they received about the lighting. The new Dog Control Orders are now in place - failure to clean up after a dog is an offence punishable by a fixed penalty fine of £80 which can be issued by a Community Support Officer. All dogs have to be on leads in areas open to the air to which the public are entitled or permitted to have access, which includes roads subject to a 30mph speed limit or canal towpaths. Dogs are not permitted in childrens' play areas. The Parish Council have a keen interest in footpaths in the Parish and are currently involved in claiming a right of way at the bottom of the Tramway in Pant to be marked on the Definitive Map . The claim was recommended for approval at the County Council Rights of Way Committee in October. Planning applications in the village are always commented upon by the Council, street names recommended or special meetings called for any applications that could be viewed as contentious development. There is close liaison with a representative of Persimmon Homes who are carrying out the development on the old concrete works, now called Badgers Green; the company have also written in support of our campaign for a village Bypass.


	Accounts for the year 2006/07 have been audited. The Precept for 2007/08 amounted to £13,000. Under section 137 of the Local Government Act the Council is able to make donations. A donation of £70 was made to Llanymynech Good Companions towards the cost of room hire. Donations have also been made to the Play Committee. Half the cost of the maintenance of the village clock on the tower of St. Agatha's Church is paid by the Council.


	MONEY MONEY MONEY

Page Title


	UNITED WE STAND

The proposed Unitary Authority for Shropshire has now had full approval and the Implementation Group, comprising 29 Councillors from the present authorites, are putting all the measures in place. The Boundary Commission have begun work on consulting people on the boundaries for the new Authority. It is vitally important that people let their views be known - Llanymynech and Pant is in the Ruyton X1 Towns ward, this may remain as it is or be enlarged to include other areas, or even become another ward entirely. There will be far fewer County Councillors than at present and the Parish Councils will have to work closely with the Unitary Authority. The

pilot Neighbourhood Forum has worked well, the Ruyton and Maserfield being one of the first to try this out. The budget for the Forum of £40,000 is well on the way to being shared throughout the area - £20,000 spent on young people, £4,000 in this parish. The Parish Council does need local people to stand for election; there are currently two vacancies on the Council, the first time this has happened for many years. Being a parish councillor is a rewarding experience, giving something to your community for a small investment of time, whilst allowing one to gain considerable skill and interest.


	WHO ARE THE PARISH COUNCILLORS?


	The Chairman is Cllr Ian Pollitt. Other Councillors are Adam Brown, Mrs. Dilys Gaskill, Les Griffiths, Leigh Northcott-Hammond, Mark Keaveny, Terry Mason, Peter McConville and Mrs. Janet Smith. Cllr Mrs. Dilys Gaskill is also the County Councillor and John Duggan is the Borough Councillor. Mrs. Vivien Byrne is the Clerk.


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	2009


	RETURN TO INDEX OF ANNUAL REPORTS


	Issue 16 April 2009


	FUN FOR ALL AGES

The old wooden play equipment on Pant playing field looked sad and tired and desperately needed replacing, as quickly as possible. The Parish Council decided to apply for a loan of £15,000 for play equipment, £5,000 towards Llanymynech and £10,000 to re-equip Pant field. The installation was drawn out over a few months due to the weather, but gradually new metal play equipment has been installed.

Pant playing field has traditionally been for junior children, so two new sets of swings (toddler and junior), a springy rider and a multi-play unit with various activities was chosen with new seating. The wooden trim trail has remained as it is still in order. The installation was planned to be completed shortly after Easter, as the field is very slow draining. The final touches will be safety surfacing and signs stating the recommended age range for using the equipment and prohibiting dogs. Dogs are banned from all children's' play areas so the play area must not be used as a through route for dog walking.

The Council's Play Sub-Committee who had raised funds to install the new junior play equipment on Llanymynech playing field costing £13,000, continued in their efforts to raise money for more equipment. Their next item was the goal end with the tarmac surface. This was installed by Ray Parry Ltd at a cost of over £4,000, but the Council have been especially grateful to Dave Evans and Hansons (as well as Digga Rentals) for the donation of the tarmac surface. The amount of material and man hours was probably over £5,000, so a very creditable donation to the community for young people.
The Youth Club members efforts also gained funding from Shropshire Council for the youth shelter, which has now been erected on the side of the field.

Oswestry Borough Council's demise produced a 'pot' of community funding to which the Parish


	Council could apply, and they successfully bid for £9,000 for a new aerial runway for Llanymynech. The original wooden structure had been condemned at the annual equipment inspection and as it has been the most popular item for many miles around, the Parish Council were very keen to replace it. So, now there will shortly be a new runway, together with two other new items part funded by the Committee's efforts, due to appear in mid April. Llanymynech Bowling Club had asked the Parish Council (as owners) if they could erect a metal fence around the bowling green, if they could raise the money. This was agreed upon, local residents were consulted and a planning application made. The Club raised the funding for the fence which cost over £7,000. This amount together with the amount spent on play equipment brings the total spent on the two playing fields to £58,000, a marvellous effort for a small community.


	LLANYMYNECH LIMEWORKS


	The Council contributed funding to the Limeworks restoration project, completed at the end of 2008. The Project Officer, Mark Blount of the County Council and the Community and Education Officer - Peter Dunhill, together with the other Partners achieved a tremendous amount during the 3 year term. The site was officially 'opened' in April with a small event led by character actors. The restored and extended stables provide an education facility and can be used for meetings as well as school visits. The most impressive and atmospheric sight is the restored Hoffmann Kiln, the roof protecting it from the elements, providing shelter for the ghostly images of limeworkers. These limeworkers can be seen throughout the site, leaning against a wall, operating a brake lever or enjoying a rest. Replica trucks also add to the interest and the restored brickwork at the Tally House enables the visitor to really understand what the site was about. One of the most exciting aspects is the linking of the lower site with the quarry above by the incline plane which can be walked by travelling under the A483 via the now cleared tunnel. The site is accessible to wheelchair or pram users and there


	A really exciting event was the Community Play entitled 'In The Limelight' specially commissioned by the Project to be written by Neil Rhodes and staged by The LADS (Llanymynech Amateur Dramatic Society) throughout the Limeworks site in July 2008, involving a huge cast of all ages, depicting the severe and dangerous working conditions as well as some of the local legends. A further Victorian Discovery Day was held on the 17th May and on the 6th June the inaugural meeting was held to form 'The Llimeys' a group of people who will ensure the Llanymynech Limeworks continues to provide events and education in the future. Information on events and


	The Parish Council have held joint meetings with Carreghofa Community Council to discuss a number of issues which affect the residents on both sides of the border. The War Memorial stands on Welsh soil, but commemorates English and Welsh war dead, so the refurbishment of the memorial is being discussed. The cemetery, too, is under discussion as the Councils believe they should be considering whether to find more land for future burials. So far these meetings have been held in November and March and are planned to continue


	WHO ARE THE PARISH COUNCILLORS?


	The Chairman is Cllr Ian Pollitt. Other Councillors are Adam Brown, Mrs. Dilys Gaskill, Les Griffiths, Leigh Northcott-Hammond, John Jaffrey, Mark Keaveny (although he has recently resigned due to pressure of work), Terry Mason, Peter McConville, Barry Robinson and Mrs. Janet Smith. Cllr Mrs. Dilys Gaskill is also the County Councillor and John Duggan was the Borough Councillor until 31^st March 2008. Mrs. Vivien Byrne is the Clerk.


	MONEY MONEY MONEY


	Accounts for the year 2007/08 have been audited. The Precept for 2008/09 amounted to £15,374. Under section 137 of the Local Government Act the Council is able to make donations. A donation of £70 was made to Llanymynech Good Companions towards the cost of room hire. Donation of £140 was made to Llanymynech Youth Club for summer activities. Half the cost of the maintenance of the village clock on the tower of St. Agatha's Church is paid by the Council.


	UNITARY MATTERS TO ONE AND ALL

Prior to the beginning of the new Unitary Shropshire Council, it was decided to have a few pilot areas running joint local Parish Council Committees using a delegated budget from Shropshire County Council and meeting on a regular basis to decide priorities and spend the budget. Llanymynech and Pant was included in one of the 5 pilots in the county. Over a two year period Local Joint Committee meetings were held throughout the parishes and £40,000 was spent on a variety of projects. Llanymynech and Pant benefited from grants for Good Companions outings, new notice boards for Pant, the youth shelter, play equipment grants and a grant towards a Co-ordinator for the Llimeys, the Village Hall


	and Duchess Countess Trust. The Committees were a forerunner of how the new Council will operate at local level and were very successful. The new electoral ward for Shropshire Council for this area will be known as Llanymynech.


	LIGHTING ROADS AND PAVEMENTS


	The Parish Council are responsible for street lighting throughout the village, apart from the lights on the A483 which are the responsibility of the Highways Agency. Many complaints have been received about the day burning or night time lack of lighting for these lights; the Parish Council can only pass on the complaints and the Agency eventually have them repaired. Another source of many complaints has been the lighting situation at Badgers Green, due firstly to the removal of a light at the entrance which belonged to the Council and then from the new home owners regarding the lack of any street lights on the estate. The Council have tried to address these issues and have insisted that the Parish Council light be replaced. The lighting of the estate is the responsibility of the Developer Charles Church Homes. The most famous road in the area, is of course, the A483 and the campaign for a Bypass. The Parish Council try to keep this at the top of the Agenda and regularly remind our MP Owen Paterson to highlight the need at every opportunity.


	Produced using Microsoft Publisher. Text by Vivien E Byrne Clerk to Llanymynech and Pant PC


	2010


	RETURN TO INDEX OF ANNUAL REPORTS


	Issue 17 April 2010


	CHILDS PLAY


	The Council's Play Sub-Committee worked very hard to raise funds for the installation of new play equipment for Llanymynech. The King George V playing field now has swings, a slide, stepping stones and a very popular spinning dish, all on a safe surface and fenced off from the rest of the field. The Committee continued with their fund raising to enable equipment for older children to be installed and this was achieved with a rolling log and a twister. The addition of a kicking wall for games of football, cricket and basketball all on a hard all weather surface completed the Committee's efforts. All their hard work was recognized at the Annual Parish Meeting in Llanymynech in April 2009. The Youth Club members applied to the Local Joint Committee fund of Shropshire Council and were awarded £1,500 for a youth shelter, which has also been installed on Llanymynech playing field. Finally, the Council applied for a grant from the final reserves held by Oswestry Borough Council in order to replace the well loved and much used wooden aerial ride. They were awarded £9,000, which fully covered the installation of a new metal aerial ride. Pant playing field has also been completely refurbished, mostly with the money from a


	loan which the Council took out for 10 years to cover the cost, as well as to match fund some of the equipment for Llanymynech. Pant now has a multi play unit, a springy rider as well as junior and toddler swings and new benches. The wooden trim trail remains. The two playing fields are now up to standard and will shortly have the finishing touch of proper signage. Llanymynech Bowling Club has also been considerably upgraded by the Members themselves with the support of the Council and now has a smart fence enclosing the green and is a great sporting asset to the village, as


	Llanymynech and Pant needs a bypass more than it ever did, but it can never succeed while the benefit has to be measured by the West Midlands Regional Transport Board. Llanymynech and Pant come a long way down the list of priorities when viewed against other large scale improvements benefiting huge conurbations. However, we keep Owen Paterson MP up to speed on our need; he meets with the Minister


	and tries to keep the bypass at the forefront. Meanwhile we gather data on accidents and pressure appropriately for information on air quality, statistics etc and take every opportunity to raise the issue when possible. Although the A483 has required a very costly repair at the north end of Pant where the embankment was collapsing, a bypass was not seen as a solution.


	KEEPING OUR VILLAGE BEAUTIFUL


	It is not always easy, but the Parish Council works hard to keep both villages spick and span as well as accessible. A few of the items that have been dealt with during the year have been - The Council tried to get the new pavement from Pant to Llynclys designated as a dual footpath/cycle way. The access ramp at the top of Station Rd southern end had been reported for correction since last June (2009). Succeeded in getting the new mirror and signs at the top of Tregarthen Lane following a site meeting. Held site meetings with Highways Agency regarding problems on A483. Rockwell Lane storm drain repairs initiated and the remainder to be completed this summer. Started the campaign to get the mini island at Badgers Green, Llanymynech made safer. Pilot Speed Watch carried out through the village. The equipment stolen from the red phone box in Pant replaced and changed to a card operated phone, cards available for purchase from the shop opposite, put a notice in box to that effect. Lion Hotel, Llanymynech ensured that the fence was repaired.


	The Dog Control Orders now in place - failure to clean up after a dog is an offence punishable by a fixed penalty fine of £80 which can be issued by a Community Support Officer. All dogs have to be on leads in areas open to the air to which the public are entitled or permitted to have access, which includes roads subject to a 30mph speed limit or canal towpaths. Dogs are not permitted in children's play areas. Shropshire Council have provided dispensers for dog waste bags to help dog owners.


	The Rights of Way (or footpaths) in the Parish are monitored by the Council and reported for waymarking or clearance as necessary. The Parish Council have successfully claimed a right of way at the bottom of the Tramway in Pant to be marked on the Definitive Map and this will shortly be cleared and waymarked, it provides a suitable alternative route to the shop. The claim went to Appeal and was recommended for approval by the Inspector at the hearing in October.


	The Council are particularly keen to have someone act as a paths liaison volunteer, someone who regularly walks the paths around the village and could act as the 'eyes' for Shropshire Council's maintenance team, unfortunately not a paid role, but there may be some social benefit.


	Planning applications in the village are always commented upon by the Council and these comments passed to the Planning Authority. The Parish Council were very disappointed to find that the Llanymynech toilet site appeal decision contained a number of glaring errors, not least that the Inspector mentioned that the junction had traffic lights. Planning Appeals have very strict laws, and although strong representation was made it was impossible to have these errors corrected without applying to the High Court, a costly exercise which the Parish Council could not possibly undertake. The Inspectorate apologized and admitted that they had not performed to their usual standard.


	LLANYMYNECH LIMEWORKS


	The Limeworks restoration has been one of the most exciting events for the village and continues to attract visitors from far and near. The Llimeys (the support group) have held a number of events for children and families and everyone is welcome to join them . Shropshire Council who own the site also employ the Ranger who looks after the site. Although now accessible to wheelchair or pram users and there are plenty of seats to take a rest or sit and enjoy the bird song. The paths have been newly laid, but there are some areas that are prone to mud. To overcome this, a boardwalk is to be installed to make an all weather circular route, which will be another exciting addition. Information on events and activities is available on notice boards or from the website www.llanymynech.org.uk.


	ALL CHANGE TO UNITARY


	Shropshire County Council held their last meeting on the 26^th March 2009 and the County became a Unitary Authority with the election of the new Shropshire Councillors on the 4^th June 2009. This ended the 3 tier structure with District and Parish Councils, hence Oswestry Borough Council ceased to exist in March 2009. Cllr Mrs. Dilys Gaskill had decided not to stand for the new Unitary Council and ended her 16 year service to local government. The new Shropshire Councillor for the area is Arthur Walpole.


	WHO ARE THE PARISH COUNCILLORS?


	The Chairman is Cllr Mrs. Dilys Gaskill. Other Councillors are Adam Brown, Les Griffiths, Leigh Northcott-Hammond, John Jaffrey, Peter McConville, Terry Mason, Mike Melling, Ian Pollitt, Barry Robinson and Mrs. Janet Smith. Cllr Arthur Walpole is the Shropshire Councillor. Mrs. Vivien Byrne is the Clerk.


	MONEY MONEY MONEY


	Accounts for the year 2008/09 have been audited by Mazars. The Precept for 2008/09 amounted to £15,800. Under section 137 of the Local Government Act the Council is able to make donations. Donations £25 each to CAB, Llanymynech Youth Club, WS Talking Newspaper and Marie Curie Nursing and half the cost of the maintenance of the village clock on the tower of St. Agatha's Church is paid by the Council.


	Produced using Microsoft Publisher. Text by Vivien E Byrne Clerk to Llanymynech and Pant PC


	RETURN TO INDEX OF ANNUAL REPORTS


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