MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF NORTHLEACH WITH EASTINGTON TOWN COUNCIL HELD ON TUESDAY, 22 FEBRUARY 2005
PRESENT: Councillors Loveday (Chair), Asquith, Cotton, Hancock, Pezet, Wellman together Mrs Gill Fothergill, Mrs Jill Thomas (RFO), Councillor M Tufnell (District) and Mr Sheila Reeves (Tree Warden)
1. APOLOGIES AND REASONS FOR ABSENCE
Councillor Phillips (Mayor) (business), Councillor Vincent and Councillor Mrs Rainey (family commitments).
2. MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON WEDNESDAY, 25 JANUARY 2005
Amendments: Round the Table to be re-numbered 13. and (in the same item) “dangerous stonework” is replaced by “unsafe stonework”.
The Minutes were then confirmed as a true and accurate record and signed by the Chairman.
3. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST IN ITEMS ON THE AGENDA
None
4. TO DISCUSS ANY MATTERS ARISING FROM THE ABOVE MINUTES NOT ON THE AGENDA
None.
5. FINANCE
5.1 Cash Flow Analysis and Budget Status up to 31 January 2005
These were noted by Members. The RFO confirmed a current credit balance of £16,000. The last payment has been made to Mrs J Phillips, previous Westwoods Administrator. Otherwise few expenses overall. Cemetery Waste budget was over spent in January and quotes for 2005 – 6 are being sought.
5.2 To Consider Bills For Payment
The list of bills for payment for January 2005 was approved.
Proposed: Cllr C Hancock Seconded: Cllr A Wellman
Gill Fothergill circulated access figures (attached) and gave the following background to the website:
Gill feels that with the Internet being a growing resource, the website requires further development and asked Members for direction suggesting that the following could be included:
Although the website has been a successful resource for those outside the Town, local people are not aware of the valuable source of information that it provides. Registration and hosting cost £155 p.a. and Gill confirmed that she is happy to continue updating the site.
Charges were made for pages and links at the outset but this has not been continued. It was RESOLVED that the following charges be implemented: Links to businesses £25 p.a., links to charities and local organisations would be asked for a donation of £10 p.a. and whole pages charged at £50 (all plus VAT). Businesses currently included on the site but not wishing to make payment would continue to be listed but have no link to their own websites.
Action: Gill Fothergill to supply further information to enable the Clerk to contact businesses and organisations. Clerk to include in Parish Magazine article.
7. 29TH REGIMENT, ROYAL LOGISTICS CORP FREEDOM OF THE DISTRICT
7.1 Update of Arrangements
Arrangements are proceeding well with Cllr M Pezet liaising with the Regiment to organise the March, Parade in the Market Place and Church Service. Canon Michael Mitchell from Chedworth will be taking the service.
Notices have been delivered to households on the route and posted in the shops around the Market Place. A list of those to be invited has been drawn up and this was circulated to the meeting together with draft invitation cards and Order of Service sheets.
7.2 Provision of Funding for Civic Reception
It was RESOLVED to make a budget of £250 available to provide refreshments.
8. PUBLIC QUESTION TIME
Mrs Reeves advised that being a Tree Warden is an “ungratifying” job. Unaware of the benefits of trees, many people remove them even from a Conservation Area and do not replant. There will be a campaign in the autumn when free trees will be available; the School will be involved in planting during the autumn; a Red Lime has been planted outside the Fire Station.
8.2 District Council News
Cllr Tufnell advised that agreement has been reached between the District Council and the County Council to re-surface The Green. The work is likely to take place in May and the Town Council’s contribution will be in the region of £1,000.
There was discussion as to whether a tree or a light in the centre should be included but it was agreed that a tree planted in memory of Bobby Wills would be more appropriate.
8.3 Lighting
The are some dark spots in the Town where existing lights need replacing and the heritage lighting in the Market Place gives an ugly white light.
Action: Clerk to pursue with GCC.
9. PLANNING
CD.2002/B 2 Gabled Cottages, West End, Northleach – No objections
CD.2314/N The Ox House, Market Place, Northleach- No objections
CD.7453/LBC The Malt House, West End, Northleach
CD.2002/C 2 Gabled Cottages, West End, Northleach – No objections
CD.3756/N Arlington Grange, Northleach – No objections
9.3 Planning Decision Received
CD.8935 Nr Tannery Lane, East End, Northleach – Approval Not Required
CD.8677/A Wheelwrights, West End, Northleach – Consent Granted
CD.5820/D Red Lion, Market Place, Northleach – Consent Granted
9.3 Other Planning Issues
Northleach Playgroup Planning Application
The Town Council had been asked to support the Playgroup’s request to CDC to extend the building period limit. It was agreed to seek further information from the School and the Playgroup in order to take a long term view of this matter.
Action: Cllr C Hancock to pursue.
10. Tree Works
CD.CONTR 2498 – Fell Line of Sycamores behind Cotswold Hall and overlooking Prospect Cottage
This application has caused a great deal of controversy in the Town and objections have been received from residents. The Clerk advised that CDC Planning Committee would make the decision.
11. WESTWOODS CENTRE COMMITTEE
11.1 Minutes of the Meeting held on 10 February 2005
These were not available at the meeting.
11.2 Report from the Chairman and Update on Current Issues
Action: The Clerk to check Insurance Policy to claim for broken windows and fuel leak.
12.1 Draft Minutes from the Meeting held on 8 January 2005
These were noted.
12.2 Report from the Chairman and Update on Current Projects
Back Lane
Contractors have dismissed the possibility of drainage and it was agreed to consult the surveyor used for the KGV Car Park and then return to residents with options.
Hamilton Meadow
The Chairman paid tribute to Cllr A Nevins who has put in a great deal of work on the Meadow and also in liaising with the Wills Estate. It is now confirmed that, following the death of Bobby Wills, the Meadow has been left to the Playing Fields Association and will be included as part of KGV Playing Fields Trust under the control of the Town Council. It was agreed to invite Rocky Sharrock, Fields Manager, National Playing Fields to the next meeting.
Although development of the Meadow was originally a Town Council initiative, it was agreed that residents should be given a say and a public meeting would be planned for Wednesday, 22 March 2005 at 6.00 p.m.
Tree Planting
Trees have been planted on Hamilton Meadow with many other offers still to be taken up including 11 from Sports and Social Club and others from the School. It was agreed to look at other locations in the Town where trees might be planted.
13. Procedures
13.1 Freedom of Information Publication Scheme
It was RESOLVED to adopt this Publication Scheme.
13.2 Risk Assessment
It was RESOLVED to adopt this Risk Assessment although it was acknowledged that it would require review shortly.
14. Correspondence for Action:
a) GCC, Highway Maintenance Area Parish Council Meetings – Cotswold Division – Daglingworth Village Hall, Thursday 7 April 2005 at 7.00 p.m. – The Clerk would attend.
b) GTP Training Events
It was RESOLVED that the Clerk would attend the GTP Nuts and Bolts Course and Cemetery and Burial Training. The latter takes place on 21 March 2005 in Northleach using our own Cemetery. The Chairman would endeavour to attend during the lunch break.
c) CDC – Code of Conduct and Declaration of Interests – Roadshow for Members – Northleach on 1 March 2005 at 7.00 p.m. - The Clerk and the Chairman would endeavour to attend.
15. ROUND THE TABLE
Cllr Cotton advised that the results of the architect’s survey would be presented to the PCC on Thursday, 24 February and that interviews for the new vicar would be taking place at the Westwoods Centre on Friday, 25 February.
A silver cup that had been in the possession of Mr C Smart has been given to Cllr Asquith. He asked if anyone had any memory of the event and if the Council would consider reinstating the competition.
Action: Clerk to include in Parish Magazine article and website.
The next Northleach with Eastington Town Council Meeting will be held on Tuesday, 22 March 2005 at 7.45p.m. at The Westwoods Centre, Bassett Road, Northleach.
There being no other business the meeting closed at 9.30 p.m.