Three hours, one pump track, several committees, and a surprising amount of crushed stone
The November meeting of Kempsey Parish Council took place on Monday 10 November 2025, kicking off at 7pm in the Community Centre and finally calling it a night at 10.27pm. A solid shift by anyone’s standards.
Councillors present included Cllr Waller (Chairman) alongside Cllrs Stevens, Gardener, Varley, Cooke, Biddle, White and Clamp, with County Cllr Martin Allen and District Cllrs Harrison and Michael also in attendance. The Parish Clerk, Community Builder, and four parishioners completed the line-up.
Let’s unpack what actually happened.
Public Question Time – Apologies, Fireworks & the Pump Track (Again)
Public question time set the tone early.
- A formal apology was offered by a representative of Fladbury Cricket Club regarding the recent batting cage / portable nets misunderstanding. The Chair accepted the apology, noting the situation was unfortunate but hoping for a return to previously “very amicable relations” once matters are resolved.
- Praise was given for the fireworks event, with particular mention of Kempsey Promotions CIC and the Lovely Jubbly Tea stall raising much-needed funds. Credit where it’s due.
- The pump track returned to centre stage, with a parishioner asking whether the project could be progressed in stages rather than meeting all conditions up-front. The Chair’s response was firm: safety comes first, and the Parish Council would not support use of the site unless it is safe – even if that proves unpopular.
So yes, the pump track remains both wanted and complicated.
Declarations of Interest (and a Skip)
Declarations were minimal, though Cllr Varley declared a pecuniary interest relating to reimbursement for skip hireused to clear agricultural hardstanding at Pixham Ferry Lane – a site that will crop up a lot this evening.
Councillors were also reminded (again) to keep their Register of Interests up to date.
Art, History & Nature Trail – A Creative Win
One of the more unanimously positive moments of the evening came with approval for an Art / History / Nature Trailproject.
The council agreed to support a grant application to Severn Arts Funding, backing:
- Up to 4.5 days of Community Builder time
- Plus £500 for materials and printing
The aim? An interactive trail encouraging residents and visitors to rediscover Kempsey’s landscape, heritage and wildlife through creativity. One of the night’s clearer wins.
Grants, Funding & the Never-Ending Pump Track Saga
Legacy Grant Scheme (LGS)
Several major projects remain in progress or… paused:
- Youth Centre solar panels: Progress hinges on securing a National Grid export licence. The council approved spending £780 + VAT for G99 compliance to move this forward.
- IT / Youth Hub: Still awaiting confirmation on permitted development rights. A formal determination will be chased.
- Pump Track at Pixham Ferry Lane:This section alone could have its own Netflix series.Highlights include:
- Attempts to source 500 tonnes of crushed stone from Environment Agency works – ultimately abandoned due to waste regulations.
- A site clearance effort at Pixham Ferry Lane involving volunteers (and that skip).
- Meetings with Bike Worcester to understand construction options.
- Legal clarification sought on whether existing designs can be used in future tenders.
- User surveys carried out at Battenhall and Malvern pump tracks to gather data on traffic and usage.
The council is still awaiting a decision from the LGS on revised project timelines.
Kempsey Community Café – Funding Approved
Good news here.
The council approved:
- Signing a Minimal Financial Assistance declaration
- A £7,321 funding agreement from Malvern Hills District Council
An advertising campaign to recruit a café manager will now move forward. One step closer to turning the key.
Finance – Bills Paid, Numbers Balanced
Routine but necessary:
- November cheque and BACS payments approved
- Bank reconciliation and capital budget noted
- Online payments authorised by Cllrs Stevens and Gardener
No surprises. Which, in finance terms, is a success.
Committees Doing Committee Things
A whistle-stop tour:
- Finance & General Purposes:
- Budget planning for 2026/27 scheduled
- Two-year BT contract approved (£38.99/month) ahead of PSTN digital switchover
- Environment Committee: Rocky bridges, vandalism, bus shelters, dog fouling and litter – proposals to follow.
- Love Kempsey Working Party: Daffodil Weekend planning underway and Christmas Tree Lighting confirmed for 6 December (tree selection imminent).
- Community Centres: Chair replacements, damp inspections, new energy tariffs and additional CCTV approved at Plovers Rise (£1,249.10 + VAT).
- Infrastructure: Still waiting on WCC Highways responses (a familiar refrain). Hedge cutting approved at ORS/PFL for £150.
- Commons & Recreation: A positive report from The Amigos – promotions secured, junior coaching planned, and new facilities being explored.
Police Priorities – What’s on the List
For the next quarter, police focus will be on:
- Anti-social behaviour at The Rocky
- Pavement parking (especially near the surgery and school)
- Dangerous parking and shop-related anti-social behaviour
None of these will surprise regular residents.
Chairman’s Report – Recruitment, Remembrance & Kempsey Live
- Councillor recruitment may soon get a professional video push
- Remembrance services were attended on behalf of the council
- Rights of Way survey support was noted
The meeting then moved into confidential session, where:
- Progress on the Kempsey Live hire agreement was discussed, with emphasis on keeping ticket prices as low as possible for the community
- A contractual increase in hours for the Deputy Clerk was approved
County & District Updates – Big Picture Stuff
County Cllr Martin Allen delivered a wide-ranging report covering:
- The push for a One Worcestershire Unitary Authority
- Confirmation that free bus travel for veterans will begin in April 2026
- Highways issues including crossings, footways and double yellow lines
- Progress on pavements, bus shelters and road adoption
District councillors provided updates on local government reorganisation and upcoming planning matters, including the Bannut Hill application heading to committee.
Final Thoughts
This was a long meeting, but not an unproductive one.
There were real decisions made, funding secured, volunteers thanked, apologies given, and – inevitably – ongoing debates that remain unresolved. The pump track still looms large, but so do quieter wins like the café funding, community trail, and infrastructure improvements.
As ever, parish council work isn’t glamorous – but it is where a lot of the village’s future quietly gets shaped.
We’ll keep reading the minutes so you don’t have to.
