PARISH COUNCIL - There were few developments on the Local Development Framework (LDF) for Breinton parish councillors to discuss at their meeting on January 12. Herefordshire Council may defer the LDF to allow time to consider the implications of the Localism Bill, which was introduced into Parliament in December. However, councillors did express concern that the delay in making any decision will mean that properties currently on the proposed route of the relief road will be blighted for longer. There are continuing problems on some of the lanes through Breinton and Amey will be contacted to attend these issues.

PC Pam Epton issued a timely reminder for people not to respond to email or telephone requests for personal bank details. These are scams. Banks will not ask for details in this way, and any such request should be ignored.

Work has started on the cycleway and footpath along the A480 Stretton Sugwas road and Kings Acre Road. The parish councillors have requested that the cycleway be extended further to make it safer for cyclists across the junction at Kings Acre Halt. All the members are in favour of setting up a parish council website to allow a more effective way for Breinton residents to keep up to date on local issues. Councillors will do more research to find the most cost-effective way to establish and maintain a website. There was no increase in the amount of precept for the current year 2010/11, but parish councillors will ask Herefordshire Council for an increase of £250 for 2011/12.

The parish council has received 420 trees from the Woodlands Trust. These trees will be planted in a variety of places, including local schools, and where the public can enjoy them. The National Trust has agreed to plant any surplus trees at Breinton Springs. Members of the public are invited to join in the tree planting session on March 12, meeting at 10.30am in Breinton Springs car park. An NT ranger will help. Further details are available from the clerk on 01432 340129. The National Trust will hold a variety of events throughout the year, and specifically two at Breinton Springs. On April 27, the rangers will demonstrate how to make bird boxes, and on 11 June, they will demonstrate coppicing using pole lathes.