MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF NORTHLEACH WITH EASTINGTON TOWN COUNCIL HELD ON TUESDAY, 26 APRIL 2005
PRESENT: Councillors Phillips (Chairman and Mayor), Loveday (Vice-Chair), Asquith, Cotton, Hancock, Mustoe, Pezet, Mrs Rainey and Vincent, Wellman, Cllr Mark Tufnell (District), Mrs Jill Thomas (RFO), Mrs Caroline Braidwood (Clerk) and two members of the public.
1. APOLOGIES AND REASONS FOR ABSENCE
Councillor Lady Mavis Dunrossil (County). The Chairman advised that Cllr A Nevins’ resignation had been received together with his apologies for absence. Members agreed that a letter of thanks for his work in the past should be sent.
2. MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON TUESDAY, 22 MARCH 2005
Cllr Mustoe pointed out that his presence at the meeting had been omitted. The Minutes were amended and confirmed as a true and accurate record and signed by the Chairman.
3. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST IN ITEMS ON THE AGENDA
Cllr Loveday declared in interest in the Hamilton Meadow quotations.
Cllr Asquith declared an interest in the Cotswold Hall planning application.
4. TO DISCUSS ANY MATTERS ARISING FROM THE ABOVE MINUTES NOT ON THE AGENDA
4.1 Grass Cutting and Grounds Maintenance Contract
The Clerk confirmed that the contract with Bibury Landscapes has been signed.
4.2 Cotswold Heritage Centre
Despite articles in the press to the contrary at the time the Heritage Centre was closed, the Clerk advised that CDC Museums Services are certain that no artefacts had been destroyed or lost. Arrangements could be made for Members to view the old photographs of Northleach at the Corinium Museum.
4.3 29 Regiment RLC – Freedom of the District Celebrations
The Clerk advised that no response had been received from the PCC regarding the plaque and Regimental badge being displayed in the Church.
Action: Clerk to copy all future correspondence to Cllr Pezet who is also a member of the PCC.
4.4 Development at Nurses’ House, 51, May’s Cresent
CDC Enforcement Officers had been alerted and work has now ceased. A Planning Application is expected shortly.
4.5 Northleach Scouts, St George’s Day Parade
Members reported that this had been an excellent day. Over 100 Scouts had attended, accompanied by a band, and many local residents.
4.6 CDC – Northleach Public Conveniences
CDC Legal Department are carrying out research to determine ownership. Mr Green, who had been a NRDC employee and former CDC Councillor, advised that the building was constructed by the NRDC and taken over by CDC in 1974. He confirmed that he is prepared to sign an affidavit to this effect, if necessary.
4.7 GCC, Highways – Resurfacing The Green
Highways have yet to advise date of work. Residents of The Green were being advised.
4.8 GCC, Highways – Proposed 30 mph Speed Limit Extension
The Clerk has requested that the 30mph speed limit be extended to Helen’s Ditch.
4.9 GCC, Highways – Snow Plough Operators Accreditation
The Clerk advised that Officers of GCC Highways are now carrying out training on Operators’ sites.
4.10 Wall at Short Hedges Close
The Clerk confirmed that the owner of 6 Short Hedges close has acknowledged ownership of part of the damaged wall and advised that a request had been made to the Land Registry to determine extent of the boundary of No 7.
4.11 Stiles
The Clerk advised that she has yet to contact Margaret Scott-Browne. Members confirmed that some of the damaged stiles have been repaired.
Action: Clerk to contact Margaret Scott-Browne.
5. FINANCE
5.1 Cash Flow Analysis and Budget Status up to 31 March 2005
These were noted by Members. The RFO made the following points:
It was RESOLVED to ring fence surplus funds into a Town Contingency 90 day account once the first precept payment has been received.
The RFO also advised that future Bibury Landscaping payments would be made by Standing Order.
5.2 To Consider Bills For Payment
The list of bills for payment for April 2005 was approved.
Proposed: Cllr A Wellman Seconded: Cllr Mrs P Rainey
5.3 Contract for work on Hamilton Meadow
Two quotations for diverting the stream and associated works were presented for consideration. Members expressed concern that the most popular option to come out of the public meeting was not to divert the stream but to construct a bridge over the existing channel. The stream had previously been diverted to its present position c 1926.
Cllr Loveday agreed to check the outcome of the public meeting before proceeding. Members RESOLVED to delegate the choice of contractor to the Property and Premises Management Committee.
Proposed: Cllr M Pezet Seconded: Cllr C Hancock
and UNANIMOUSLY carried by the meeting.
This item was withdrawn from the agenda following a request from Mr David Lydiat.
7. COTSWOLD HERITAGE CENTRE
CLLR DAVID FOWLES, COTSWOLD DISTRICT COUNCIL
Cllr Fowles advised the following:
During discussion the following points were raised:
Cllr Fowles agreed to attend the next Council meeting to update Members.
8.1 Condition of School Hill
Action: Clerk to advise GCC Highways of dangerous condition of the surface and request re-surfacing.
8.2 Proposed Disabled Parking Bays in the Market Place
Mr G Green enquired about the progress. The Clerk confirmed that this matter was about to enter the public consultation stage.
Action: Clerk to chase GCC to establish date of public consultation.
9. FUTURE ARRANGEMENTS FOR EDUCATION IN NORTHLEACH
Cllr Hancock advised that although there had been concern of a clash of interests between the School and the Playgroup this had been resolved by a meeting with these two parties and GCC on 25 April 2005.
GCC are supporting the proposed Playgroup building now to be sited behind the School on GCC land. Funding must be raised locally as national government funding for such projects is being directed to under privileged areas. The planning application for the building has raised problems regarding ownership of the land and conditions for temporary buildings.
GCC are researching the status of the old canteen land rented to them in the past by the Town Council.
10. PLANNING
Schedule attached.
11. Tree Works
None
12. WESTWOODS CENTRE COMMITTEE
12.1 Draft Minutes of the Meeting held on 19 March 2005
The Chairman advised that this meeting had been cancelled.
12.2 Report from the Chairman and Update on Current Issues
The Chairman advised that Rachel Robbins, Centre Administrator has commenced employment and that the bund tank quotations would be considered at the next Westwoods Committee Meeting on Monday, 16 May 2005
13.1 Draft Minutes from the Meeting held on 18 April 2005
These were noted.
13.2 Report from the Chairman and Update on Current Projects
Back Lane
Cllr Loveday advised that quotes for re-surfacing had been received, the cheapest was £6,800 and included requirements established at the public meeting in December 2004. To re-surface the Lane to a standard acceptable to GCC Highways for adoption would be in the region of £28,000. There was some criticism that as the Lane is not owned by the Town Council, should this project be pursued ?
A second public meeting is planned for 17 May. The PPMC has £1,000 budgeted for this project and sources of funding for the remaining balance would need to be found if residents wished to progress re-surfacing.
Fosseway Housing Association, CDC and GCC plus any other interested parties would be approached in an attempt to attract funding and District and County Councillors support sought.
14. Correspondence for Action:
Police and Community Consultative Meeting, 13 June 2005 – Cllrs Phillips and Mustoe would endeavour to attend.
15. Chairman’s Report
15.1 Farmington Trust Update
The Chairman advised that he, Cllrs Loveday and Wellman had attended a meeting with Mr Richard Wills at which the future dealings of the Farmington Trust would affect Northleach following the death of Mr Bobby Wills.
He explained that the Trust was set up to support Religious Education teachers (multi-religious) and provide funding for sabbaticals. A map of the Trust’s holding and a plan of proposed work are being devised. The Trustees are willing to consult the Council with a view to any work carried out being of benefit to the Town. In the first instance, the Trust will be looking to develop farm buildings behind the Post Office. Agreement has been reached that this will also include necessary work on the churchyard wall that forms part of the boundary with the farmyard.
15.2 Northleach Institute Trustees, Cotswold Hall
The Chairman had received a letter from the Secretary to the Trustees in the last few days. It was agreed to defer this matter until the next meeting when more time would be available for discussion.
ROUND THE TABLE
a) Cllr Hancock advised that youths are using Doctors Lane to play football and causing residents nuisance and distress when balls hit doors and walls are climbed to retrieve balls.
Action: Individuals causing the problem need to be identified and, in the meantime, Clerk would consult Les Haines, CDC Community Safety Officer.
b) Cllr Asquith asked if a Licence was required for collecting money in The Market Place. The Clerk advised that he should contact CDC Licensing Section.
c) Cllr Mustoe enquired if the consultation for the proposed disabled parking bays also included the additional road markings in College Row. The Clerk advised that she believed that it did but would check with GCC.
d) Cllr Rainey enquired about progress of repair to the Market Place community / Cotswold Conservation notice board and suggested possible contractors. The Clerk confirmed that a quote for the work was in hand. She also advised that School Hill is incorrectly signed as Mill End. Cllr Mrs Rainey asked if the Christmas Tree has been requested from the Vesty Estate.
Action: Clerk to arrange correct signing at School Hill and request donation of Christmas Tree.
e) Cllr Pezet that a charitable trust was being set up to be responsible for all the building works at the Church. Lord Vesty had agreed to be a Patron. A launch Service will take place on 19 June in the presence of Lord Vesty and the Bishop of Gloucester and an Appeal Programme publicised. The works would include: the Celestial windows, Roof beams (dampness), heating and Chancel Roof. A 16 week programme of works has begun on Church Rooms / Parish Centre. The works will include: a meeting room, office for the Vicar, kitchenette, multi-sex disabled toilet and a new entrance via the current boundary wall.
f) Cllr Wellman asked about the long term plans for GCC land adjacent to Bassett Road
Action: Clerk to make enquiries.
The next meeting of Northleach with Eastington Town Council Meeting will be the ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING held on Tuesday, 26 April 2005 at 7.45p.m. at The Westwoods Centre, Bassett Road, Northleach.
Nominations for Officer should be delivered to the Clerk by Tuesday, 17 April 2005
There being no other business the meeting closed at 10.00 p.m.