Chairs Report 2025-2026
After last year commenting on a full number of Councillors, this year two councillors stepped back as new circumstances limited the time they could give to the Parish Council. We are very grateful to both John Andrews and Graeme Deas for their contribution and support in the past. Indeed when Graeme first came to a council meeting it was to offer his services as a volunteer footpath officer, but by the end of the meeting he had been encouraged to stand as a councillor as well. We are very grateful that he continues in his role as volunteer Public Footpath Officer for Turnastone and Vowchurch where he has a good working knowledge of the footpaths and bridleways.
It was heartening that several people showed interest in stepping forward to join the Council when these vacancies came up and we were pleased to co-opt Tania Smith for St Margarets and Kelly Price for Vowchurch. They both bring enthusiasm and different skills to the council which is now once again complete. Matthew Engel remains as Ward Councillor, and keeps us updated on Herefordshire Council matters.
Last year I reported on the issue of the speed limit through Vowchurch and Turnastone which could not be implemented as after analysis of traffic speeds we did not reach the criterion. However some road calming measures which were suggested have yet to be agreed, and with a new Highways contractor this is something we shall be reviewing with them.
On the matter of potholes, which plagued all of our 53kms of road through the parishes I am pleased that these have now been attended to. With the apparent change to periods of intense rainfall in the winter the issue of ditches, drains and culvert clearance is important. Our regular lengthsman contracted activities continue but we need to apply for the drainage grant (match funded) to address the most pressing issues. Although much of the ground in the parishes is high there were flash floods at Gilfach and Turnastone. With regular costs rising, a sub-group of Councillors worked diligently to review all aspects of our Lengthsman Contract, and to then interview interested parties for the coming year. We were pleased to appoint Jamie Probert to continue this vital role while Matt Cobb continues to address the installation of structures on footpaths. In addition to applying for the Drainage Grant we were successful in applying for the Public Rights of Way grant which enabled us to replace some stiles with gates to improve accessibility, and to replace some stiles. The original scheme for landowners to apply for replacement stiles and insert them still applies.
We were also successful in being awarded a grant from Herefordshire Community Foundation to allow the refurbishment of our telephone box at Newton Crossroads adjacent to the new noticeboard. Councillor Kernahan is taking a lead on this to repaint the box and fit it out as a ‘Book Box’, book swap
There was no change in our instructions for verge cutting, it remained as last year.
There has been further clarity from Herefordshire County Council on the refreshing of NDPs and we will be forming a subgroup to review our current NDP. Neighbouring parishes have already embarked on this process and I hope we may be able to learn from them.
I pay full tribute to our Clerk, Linda Cowles who has continued to give guidance, professional care of all aspects of running our Parish Council, and whose knowledge of the processes by which we must abide is invaluable. Our membership of the Herefordshire Association of Local Councils is also a good source of training opportunities for Councillors and additional advice when requested.