Milk prices

Milk now cheaper than water

'MILK has become cheaper than water on Britain’s supermarket shelves as major retailers embark on their latest ‘cut-throat’ price war to win consumers over.'

http://www.farmersguardian.com/home/business/milk-now-cheaper-than-water/36452.article

Waitrose milk price tops 29ppl

'WAITROSE is increasing the milk price premium it pays to its 60 aligned producers supplying Dairy Crest.'

http://www.farmersguardian.com/home/business/business-news/waitrose-milk-price-tops-29ppl/36295.article

Dairy Crest farmers call for miminum milk price

'DAIRY Crest Direct’s 1,350 milk producer members have launched a public call for a minimum milk price of 27ppl.'

http://www.farmersguardian.com/home/business/business-news/dairy-crest-farmers-call-for-miminum-milk-price/36388.article

Local News - Nocton Parish Council meeting - 11th January

The Minutes for the meeting will no doubt be published on the MACLA site in due course, but I have selected a few issues, that you might be interested in hearing about.

Planning Hearing - District Councillor John Rose kindly explained how the Planning Committee process functions, so parishioners can understand how the Nocton Dairies Ltd application will be heard.

• Everything in the meeting will be recorded.
• Top table usually consists of: Chair; Vice Chair; Planning Officers; DEFRA; Highways; EA and Environmental Health reps.
• The planning report will be made available to Councillors, a week to ten days in advance of the meeting, so this can studied.
• On the day, the Planning Officers will present their report to Planning Committee, showing slides etc.
• The Chair will then 'go out of formal session' to allow the selected respondents to make their 3 minute contributions.
• The Committee members can ask questions to these respondents.
• The Chair will then call the meeting back into 'formal session'

A vote will normally take place, but this can be changed to a 'Recorded Vote' (which requires six Councillors 'to stand'). However, with 43 Councillors on the Planning Committee, it is unlikely there would be a problem with them coming forward.

Grange Lane - flooding and damage to road. Photographic evidence was presented. HGV have been operational, sometimes until 4.00 am removing sileage. There is damage to the road, possibly due to frosts but exascerbated by increased traffic flow along that section of road. Soil and chaff have blocked drains and septic tank of cottages. Highways have been helpful in trying to remedy the situation. Parish Council are to draft a letter of complaint on behalf of local residents.

Banner Complaint - Councillor Askew advised he had been approached by a number of people complaining about the number of anti-dairy banners in the village. He requested this issue be raised with NKDC. However, after discussion it was decided not to pursue this, as guidance had previously been sought. No action would be taken whilst there was a current planning application in place, but it was agreed the situation would be reviewed again after the Nocton Dairy meeting on the 19th January.

Vacancy Arises - Councillor Elaine Storr tendered her resignation from the Parish Council last night. A formal 'vote of thanks' was expressed for her work on behalf of the community.
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