PARISH COUNCIL -- Several councillors were absent from the June meeting of Kingstone and Thruxton Group Parish Council, with three approved absences and four unapproved. District councillor Graham Morgan was present. Various items of correspondence were circulated among councillors, in particular an appeal for the new surgery from Drs Sleath and Warner. It was agreed to make a donation in respect of new equipment, pending the next full meeting of councillors.

A range of documents was received from Herefordshire Council under Policy and Community -- the April planning bulletin, the Minor Highways Initiative (The Parish Lengthsman Scheme), parish liaison service, the Powers of Local Councils, programme of street works, services update, Green Gate newsletter, improvement grants and fruit tree kits.

Under the environment section from Herefordshire Council, there were only three items on the agenda. An enforcement order was to be served relating to builders rubble at premises in Kingstone. Advice was received that the speed restrictions requested relating to the Kingstone schools would be undertaken in the current financial year although, disappointingly, the rest of the village would have to wait for some considerable time. Members of the council thanked district councillor Morgan for his support in this matter. Under the Herefordshire Unitary Development Plan, members were advised that, subsequent to objections raised some while ago, it was extremely unlikely there would be any substantial building in Kingstone for the foreseeable future.

Under parish matters, it was agreed a letter be sent to Rhodri Richards, head teacher of Kingstone Primary School congratulating him, his staff, the governors and, not least, the pupils for an outstanding Ofsted report. It is an absolute credit to the village.

Further to the retirement of PC Les Wilkinson, a letter will be sent to Superintendent Rutter at Hereford Police Station requesting an urgent response as to who and when a replacement(s) will take up their post.

Apologies were extended to all members of the village for the delay in cutting grass areas that were the responsibility of the parish council.

The accounts for the year ending March 31, 2001, were adopted. The clerk's salary for 2001 - 2002 was confirmed.