PARISH COUNCIL -- Councillor Peter Jinman was in the chair at the September meeting of Ewyas Harold Group Parish Council at the Memorial Hall. The clerk told members the view of the divisional planning officer was that the roadside fence erected at the Prill Orchard development was out of character and unauthorised. The clerk would write to Herefordshire Council supporting this view and requesting a hedge be planted. Members were concerned at being asked by Herefordshire Council to act as intermediaries in requesting landowners to undertake ditch maintenance. It was agreed that a better idea was for John Maddy, of Herefordshire Council, to meet a designated member of the parish council every six months to identify and deal with such problems. At these meetings all aspects of road maintenance would be covered. A letter of thanks would be sent to Mr Maddy. Some members had reservations about the new Lengthsman's Scheme, but it was decided to wait for a response to the application already submitted before making a final decision.

Concern was expressed at the increasing problems caused by dog fouling on the recreation ground. It was agreed to investigate the legal process to ban dogs from the field. Members were told there was little new to report on the foot and mouth situation. The area south west of the B4347 was still restricted, and footpaths north east of B4347 and Ewyas Harold Common remained closed. It was agreed to ask the new beat manager, PC Fiona Farrington, to attend parish council meetings. Councillors were informed that a new definitive map would be produced shortly as a result of the Countryside Act.

The next parish council meeting will be on Tuesday, October 2.