Our poll on the idea of of a public meeting relating to the future of the community owned land off Pump Hill (see https://parwich.org/2014/12/26/land-off-pump-hill/ ) so far has attracted 136 votes. This makes it the most responded to poll here at parwich.org. A clear majority of 78% are in favour of the option:
There should be a public meeting to discuss the options for the land off Pump Hill
These results will be passed on to Parwich Parish Council.
PARWICH.ORG 
The parish council has given no indication that it plans to seek the views of villagers about the disposal of Pump Hill. The agenda says it will be discussed twice on Wednesday, first publicly and then in private. Why is unclear but perhaps councillors are intent on pressing ahead with a sale.
There are no figures in previous minutes for the cost of maintenance and it would be useful to see how these compare, for instance, with the cost of the proposed website of £300 a year (£250 a year plus VAT) charged to the rates.
The parish clerk has already warned councillors that its spending will “far exceed” income this year.
In the minutes of the November 2014 meeting, she warned members thus: “Due to uncertain expenditure associated with legal expenses related to Nethergreen and Pump Hill together with potential income from the sale of Pump Hill the clerk advised members to consider deferring the precept setting until January 2015.”
Does this suggest a pressing need to sell Pump Hill to fund a shortfall in the budget or will it become a capital receipt to the advantage of the village? The clerk’s minute suggests the capital receipt will be used as income. Will anything else be sold to fund a shortfall in the future?
A previous owner has first refusal on any sale and, if it is turned down, the principle of a disposal at the suggested valuation obtained by the council has been agreed. (Again, the cost of the valuation will be picked up by Parwich ratepayers.) Does any of this show financial prudence?
In the absence, at least at this stage, of a public meeting, many may feel that it will be worthwhile attending Wednesday’s meeting to press the case for an open discussion on the pros and cons, before an irreversible sale is agreed. If there are good reasons and advantages for the community as a whole, a sale to the previous owner may make good sense. But the village may feel differently if Pump Hill is sold elsewhere.
Richard Tresidder