Peterchurch Council talks potholes, budget, council tax

The issue was raised by ward councillor Philip Price at a recent meeting of Peterchurch Parish Council during his update on Herefordshire Council’s financial position.

To help balance the books, a 4.99 per cent rise in council tax has been approved in this year’s settlement.

Councillor Price also warned that spending on special educational needs transport remains a major pressure.

He said: "£7.5 million spent last year on taxi provision due to all specialist facilities being located outside the county."

"Although a new special needs school has been promised by the government, it has not yet been delivered."

Road conditions and ongoing maintenance were also discussed, with Cllr Price noting the impact of recent bad weather.

He said: "Approximately 150 potholes are being filled each day, with around 9,000 still reported as outstanding."

"A capital budget of £5 million has been set for resurfacing 80 more miles of road in 2026/27."

The parish council also unanimously objected to a revised planning application for 25 homes on land adjacent to Lewis Way.

The council said that longstanding objections first raised in 2023 remain unresolved despite updates to drainage plans.

As part of the wider development proposal, the applicant has agreed to a planning condition that prevents occupation of the homes until adequate capacity is available at the sewage treatment works—a point confirmed as acceptable by Welsh Water.

The parish council also agreed to divert £352.62 from its drainage grant to Dorstone Parish Council to help cover contractor costs for work on Gattimer Lane.

Councillors said remaining works should be completed by the landowner under "riparian responsibility."

In financial matters, the parish council noted a current account balance of £5,547.99 and a savings account balance of £55,536.24.

It was also reported that four uncashed cheques totalling £859.99 reduced the overall balance to £60,224.24.