MALPAS Parish Council discussed pre-school care, housing and planning issues at its latest  meeting.

Former staff members from Barika, the pre-school group which is closing at Alport Primary School, attended the meeting and expressed a wish to start a facility after  highlighting the importance of having one in the village.

However, Amanda Corbett and Anna Cureton both said they faced problems finding suitable premises. The option of a car-share scheme to take children to other premises was also discussed.

Cheshire West and Chester borough councillor Chris Whitehurst confirmed he is to have talks with council officers about the closure of Barika.

Meanwhile, residents also raised issues with house builder Bovis about its use of a generator, working times and vehicle access and it was agreed a strongly-worded complaint would be sent to them.

Councillors also appoved, on a majority vote, a retrospective plan to allow a conservatory at the rear of The Bickerton at Cross O’ th’ Hill.

They also welcomed a scheme to help improve Malpas FC’s chances of playing in a higher league.

The change of use application included widening the football pitch, and installing six demount-able floodlights and a temporary portable changing room at the Wrexham Road club.

However, the parish council said it would like to see the portable changing rooms screened and the public footpath across the football field diverted.

It is hoped a replacement sycamore tree can be planted a the Oxhays.

The council will order three new noticeboards for the village; two will contain maps and be located at the High Street car park and Chester Road. The third will be at at St Oswald’s Church.

There are still some allotments available for rent from Malpas Parish Council.

For further information  contact the clerk, Ruth Shackleton, at Broselake Cottage, Greenway Lane, Malpas, SY14 8DE, email malpaspc@hotmail.com or ring 01948 861353.

An Allotment Association for tenants has been set up following a meeting of allotment holders.

Malpas Parish Council holds surgeries for any resident to raise any local issue on the first Saturday of the month, 10am to midday and the main monthly meeting is on the second Monday, normally at 7pm. The May meeting will include the council’s annual meeting.

For further details contact Charles Lowick Higgie on charles.higgie@ btinternet.com or telephone 01948 860083 or 07981 074373 on Face-book with Charles Lowick Higgie, or pop in to 1 Well Farm Close, Malpas.

For more information on pre-school facilities or  offers of help, email amandacobett@hotmail.co.uk or borman.anna@yahoo.co.uk