PARISH COUNCIL -- Mrs M Harvey has been co-opted on to the parish council as the second representative for Walterstone. The council has again raised the question of safety at the Vowchurch turn with Herefordshire Council. There has been a change to the bus timetable within the area and the X3 service from Hereford to Cardiff has been revised. The idea of a feeder service to Pontrilas from Longtown is being explored. The council is again requesting dog owners to clean up after their dogs. Herefordshire Council is operating a special energy efficiency scheme for 2002-3. Residents can apply to the council (contact 01432 260000) for a grant of up to £300 towards loft insulation, draught proofing, etc. Applicants must be over 50, or over 18 and in receipt of an income-related benefit. As no nominations were put forward after a second notification of an election (which had been called for by 10 members of the public), the parish council may now fill the two vacant seats for Longtown parish by co-option. Local electors who wish to be considered should write to the parish clerk at Tan House Farm, Longtown, by November 15. The council has received an advice sheet from Hereford & Worcester Fire Brigade. This has been circulated in the parish newsletter. The community rubbish skip for residents of Longtown, Craswall, Llanveynoe and Walterstone will be at Longtown Village Hall on Saturday, December 7 from 11am-1pm.

CRAFT FAIR -- Longtown Christmas Craft Fair will be held at the village hall on Saturday, November 16. This year the event is being give a face-lift. There will be more stalls than in previous years and special guest craftspeople. There will be high quality fancy goods, terracotta, basketry, woven goods, cards and much more, plus a range of produce including cakes and pastries, organic preserves, pickles, locally produced meats. Admission is free and the fair is open from 10am-4.30pm.