Much of the meeting was concerned with initial plans for the AGM. We needed to confirm Sgt. Blake from Police Air Support as our guest speaker, and decided to retain the AGM format which left the second half of the meeting to the Speaker.

Two of our Committee were going to resign, Bernard Rye (treasurer) and Frank Wood (Chief Warden) The new Treasurer was to be Roger Jefferies, and after some discussion John Sayers was to take responsibility for Chief Warden.

Council matters were discussed, particularly the Local Area Committee and the interaction with BRA. It was decided that in the 2003/4 season, BRA would try to have meetings during the week preceding the LAC so we would be in a position of making considered comments instead of impromptu responses. The Local Strategic Partnership was beginning to take shape, and the first topic to be tackled was affordable housing.

BRA had been to a budget presentation, and it looked like a hefty rise in Council Tax was imminent. All authorities in this part of the South West seem to be badly funded by Central Government, despite the fact that many of the population are on fixed pensions.

BoP were hopeful that a fresh advert, and an enhanced salary would yield a new Policy Director. Eight responses had been received.

The AGM Newsletter would be ready for issue at the next meeting (13/04).

The Chamber of Trade were looking at the improvements required by the new Disabled Discrimination Act, due to become law in 2004. David Williams, the new Chairman of Neighbourhood Watch introduced himself, and described a fairly optimistic situation in Broadstone.

Forthcoming meetings, to line up with LAC dates are:-

• 10th April AGM
• 15th May
• 12th June
• 28th August
• 23rd Oct.
• 15th Jan 2004
• 26th Feb 2004
• 15th April 2004
• AGM 20th May
• 17th June 2004

This report prepared for Broadstone.net, by
Dudley Hull, Secretary.
Tel 255076

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