It’s a lovely light meeting as we skip along to Anston Parish Council, the Parish Hall looks serene on this lovely spring evening. In the public gallery are myself, two muted hecklers and the Council fan club, hardly a soul to be seen.

A civilised evening indeed, no arguing or spitefulness at all and the Police didn’t even see the need to attend. The agenda was quite full as Dominic Beck kicked off from the chair dressed smart but casually.

The demise of the bowls club and modernisation of fixtures and fittings was discussed along with the Council’s relationship with the various users of the building and grounds.

An infestation of rabbits has been noted, along with semi-nude footballers who often fail to use the changing facilities provided. The footballers were also accused of going for a wee up against the wall, the rabbits I’m sure are more discreet. All present felt that this wasn’t necessary, grown men should not expose themselves in a residential neighbourhood as this would rightly outrage local residents.

As local chavs on bikes peered in at the windows we had a quick change of chair and pressed on, a debate on tree pruning had Cllrs Dalton and Thornton suggesting the nuclear option of a large axe. Cllr Saint-John wasn’t so sure, he’s obviously a closet tree hugger and more power to him for it.

RMBC were criticised for imposing charges for services that were previously rendered FOC and the siting of mobile CCTV was supported, although Clive and Stewart noted that it was no substitute for parenting and policing.

Improving the publicity around planning applications and some resurfacing on the A57 was welcomed. The Council will also be attending a meeting at RMBC on 16 April to learn what parts of Dinnington are to be tarmacced over in the next 15 years (months) and will be hosting a private presentation by Save our Greenbelt on 22 April.

The meeting closed and shocked by the civility we stumble out into the semi darkness. Stewart hasn’t been clubbed like a seal on a single occasion, a truly remarkable thing.

Will the season of goodwill continue to the usual Monday meeting next week or not? We will be there to find out!