The Parish Council met on Monday 13th October 2025 at the Community Centre, with seven councillors present – and four vacancies now open following yet another resignation.
Here’s the full rundown of what was discussed, agreed and noted.
Key Attendance
Present were Cllrs Waller (Chair), Stevens, Gardener, Plummer, Biddle, White and Clamp, along with the Clerk, Deputy Clerk, Community Builder, County and District Councillors, and four residents.
Apologies came from Cllrs Cooke and Varley.
Public Questions, Reports & Approvals
- No new declarations of interest.
- September’s minutes were approved.
- Public questions were received (appendix noted).
- County and District Councillor reports were noted.
Correspondence & Notices
- Cllr Anstey resigned, creating four vacancies in total.
- Firework event documents were received for 8th November at Plovers Rise; road closure requests were declined by Highways.
- Multiple complaints about fly-tipping and food waste at Pixham Ferry Lane – police advice obtained and Cllr White to assist.
- Reminder: The Rights of Way Improvement Survey closes 26th October.
- The Community Builder thanked the village for the positive feedback on the new Youth Hub.
Community Café at the Pavilion
A full presentation was given on the proposed community café at Plovers Rise, including:
- Operating costs
- Staffing, volunteers, utilities and stock
- Financial processes (including banking, SumUp, cash handling)
- Risks and ongoing requirements
Two indicative votes were taken:
- Support for the project: Unanimous
- Proceeding even without the Rural Grant: Unanimous
Important financial notes for residents
- This month:The Parish Council RESOLVED to spend up to £14,500 of public money on refurbishing the Pavilion kitchen and seating area.
- Last month:The Council also RESOLVED / APPROVED £2,642 for the purchase of a commercial coffee machine for the same café project.
These two approvals bring the committed expenditure for the Pavilion Café to over £17,000 so far.
Grants & Funding Updates
- Quotes are being collected for a new Rocky bridge.
- RESOLVED: Clerk to submit a £20,000 grant application to Severn Waste Services.
- Youth Centre energy-efficiency upgrades progressing (insulation quotes identified; solar panel ITQ in preparation).
- IT/Youth Hub awaiting planning pre-app outcome.
- Pump Track at Plovers Rise: timing issues with start dates – council to enter dialogue with MHDC to try to retain funding.
Finance
- Payments authorised.
- Bank reconciliation, capital budget and quarterly monitoring were reviewed without issue.
Committee Highlights
Finance & General Purposes
- Continued work on the Kempsey Live 2026 hire agreement.
- Considering new investment options for council funds.
- Reviewing the financial implications of current grant-funded projects.
Environment
- Focus: funding application for the Rocky bridge.
- Love Kempsey Working Party: progressing the village decorative sign and Daffodil Weekend 2026/27 plans.
Community Centres
- Repairs completed to pavilion roof and toilets.
- National Grid to be contacted regarding underground cable locations.
Infrastructure
- Progress with WCC Highways since July meeting.
- Draft response compiled.
- Halfway through Construction & Management Plan review.
- RESOLVED: Clerk to sign reference request for Calfordseaden LLP.
Commons & Recreation
- Missing cricket nets located – a communication breakdown rather than a crime.
- Matter to be reviewed internally.
Planning
- Applications reviewed on 6th October.
- Thanks given to Cllr Gardener for guiding members through the complex Bath Road/Broomhall application.
Chairman’s Report
- Four councillor vacancies – recruitment video suggested.
- E-Bike project cannot proceed due to lack of police availability.
- Articles requested for Kempsey Times (deadline 20th October).
- Fire safety webinar attended; insights shared.
Confidential Session
Under the Public Bodies Act, the press and public were excluded for Item 11 – an update on the Kempsey Live hire agreement discussions.
Meeting closed at 10:08pm.
