This was held in Ashford School on 8th April 2004 and was attended by all parish councillors and seven members of the public. Cty Cllr Judith Twigg and District Cllr Carol Walker were also present.

The main points raised were:

1) School Bus: Concerns were raised regarding the lack of seating on the school bus, resulting in several children having to stand throughout the journey to school. Cty Cllr Twigg agreed to write to the County Council regarding the safety implications of this arrangement.

2) Parking and Speed Problems: Mr Wyer expressed concerns regarding the lack of regard by many drivers for the safety of pedestrians and residents. Cty Cllr Twigg and District Cllr Walker agreed to investigate any practical solutions, but it was felt that, in many cases, the best remedy would be for residents/pedestrians to simply approach the drivers concerned and request a little more consideration.

3) Derbyshire County Cricket Club First Eleven versus Ashford Cricket Club: Sunday 13th June 2004 at 10.00 a.m. at Ashford Cricket Ground: Mr Brent Ellis, Chairman of Ashford Cricket Club, informed the meeting that a large number of spectators are expected to be attending this event from outside the village and a warm welcome is particularly extended to all Ashford residents. Meetings have already been held with the emergency services and approval granted by the police regarding this event. Anyone wishing to obtain further information is invited to contact Brent Ellis on 01629 815027.

4) Chairman’s Report: Cllr Brocklehurst summarised the main issues affecting Ashford during the past year:

a) Flood Alleviation Scheme: This has been postponed because Ashford/Bakewell did not meet the criteria required in order for the project to proceed at this time. District Cllr Carol Walker is querying the fact that such a large amount of money was spent by the Environment Agency researching this project.

b) Registration of Footpaths: Applications have been made for the registration of 2 footpaths: Hill Cross and Betty Lane.

c) Footpaths/Maintenance: The Chairman thanked Mr Terry Bettney for keeping the village footpaths so well maintained.

d) Cemetery and Burial Ground: The rules and regulations concerning allocation of grave spaces have been updated.

e) Expenditure: The parish council has not undertaken any projects of major expenditure during the past year, having undertaken two major projects in the previous year: the Top Pump Shelter and the dry stone wall in the Hall Orchard.

e) Communication: Residents are invited to contact any member of the parish council regarding parish matters.