1. The Council is looking for volunteers to act as Footpaths warden and Snow warden. The Footpaths warden’s responsibility will be to keep an eye on the state of parish footpaths, to make minor improvements using secateurs, and to report major problems. The Snow warden’s responsibilities will be to identify winter problems around the parish. Further information is available from the Clerk.

1. A presentation was made to the August Parish Council meeting by Resilience, the renewable energy company, about proposals they have for setting up a gearless wind turbine technology project, which would be sited at Great Dunkilns Farm. Mr Andrew Clarke from the company, distributed photographic representations to indicate that even from the highest part of the village, the visual impact would be minimal, and there will be no significant noise levels beyond the farm boundaries. The device would reach a total height of 49 metres, with each blade 16 metres long.. The power produced would feed around 200 houses. The company would consider providing funds of around £15,000 per annum for village projects.

A full day public presentation could be provided  if required.

The Council has decided not to pursue this option. Representations are to be made to the District Council to seek to get the business rates on the property reduced to make it more attractive for any future business user

The Council have decided that draft council minutes will be published on the Council’s web site and notice board as soon as they are produced, in stead of waiting for them to be ratified at the next meeting. This will ensure that minutes are made available sooner, but please note that draft minutes will remain draft until approved at the next Council meeting. The first draft minutes to be published are those of the Parish Council meeting on 16th August, published today.

We welcome Petra Mitchard as our new Councillor.

Her address is:

Elmdale Cottage, Lower Meend, St Briavels, telephone 01594 530420, email deauvillehouse@hotmail.co.uk

Petra says: I am very keen to support the needs of our community. I live within the St Briavels community and have contact with many locals in a social capacity. I feel that it is important to live and socialise among the people you expect to represent.
I worked as a teacher in Chepstow for many years having been head of Key Stage 2 for almost 10 years then head of Special Needs; so I have much experience of dealing with people from a wide range of backgrounds, including parents, and handling issues in a sensitive and confidential manner. I am also an excellent communicator.
I have a great interest in wildlife and currently work as a volunteer for Gwent Wildlife Trust. I am therefore keen to conserve the integrity of our AONB as well as supporting the maintenance locally of footpaths to enable everyone to enjoy our wonderful countryside.