Members present: Mr. S. Potter (Chairman), Mr. K. Ascott, Mr. B. Oliver, Mrs. S. Owen, Mr. M. Perriman, Mrs. M. Stock.

Also in attendance: Mrs. Jane Potter (Clerk)

The meeting was not attended by any members of the public.

Apologies were received from Mr. K. Gower and Mr. L. Cooper who were unable to attend the meeting due to prior commitments.

Mr. G. Strathern apologised for his late arrival, having been unavoidably detained. Mr. Strathern arrived just after the meeting had closed.

Confidence and Admission of Strangers: Under the terms of the Public Bodies (Admissions to Meetings) Act 1960 the Parish Council resolved to exclude members of the press and public whilst this Agenda item was being discussed, since the business was considered confidential (in that it may lead to the preparation of a case in legal proceedings).

Members considered legal advice from Beachcroft LLP, the solicitors appointed by Allianz (the Council’s insurers) to act on behalf of the Parish Council in the matter of a complaint of alleged libel and slander made by a parishioner against the Council.

The Parish Council then gave very careful consideration to a draft letter (which had been circulated to every Parish Councillor prior to the meeting) composed by Clive Taylor, solicitor, Beachcroft LLP, to the parishioner concerned, which refuted his allegation and explained the consequences should the matter proceed to court.

It was unanimously agreed to send the letter drafted by Mr. Taylor, subject to the following amendment:

Page 2, point 4 to replace the words ‘ maker of the statement’ with the word ‘Council’.

The Parish Council re-opened the meeting to press and public, and there being no further business, the Chairman closed the meeting at 7.34 p.m.

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