MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF NORTHLEACH WITH EASTINGTON TOWN COUNCIL HELD ON TUESDAY, 28 JUNE 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 Mr Brian Crossley (Caretaker), Mr Keith Blundell and Mr Gerald Green.
1. APOLOGIES AND REASONS FOR ABSENCE
None
2. MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON TUESDAY, 24 MAY 2005
9.1 It was noted that support for re-surfacing Back Lane is included in the budget and, therefore, there are currently funds to take forward to next year. 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 Mrs Rainey declared an interest in Re-surfacing Back Lane.
Cllrs Asquith and Vincent declared an interest in the Cotswold Hall request for support.
Cllr Loveday declared an interest in the Tree works at Glebe House.
4. TO DISCUSS ANY MATTERS ARISING FROM THE ABOVE MINUTES NOT ON THE AGENDA
4.1 Alternative Traffic Route To A40
The Clerk confirmed that GCC Highways would look at the possibility of staggered double yellow lines at Cooks Corner and the Police have been requested to look at an alternative route other rather than route traffic through the Town.
4.2 Re-surfacing The Green
GCC Highways have been asked for a draft parking scheme.
4.3 Tree Works at The Almshouses
CDC had been advised of unauthorised tree work but do not consider work on conifers to be of significance.
4.4 Additional Lighting on Footpath Between Macarthur Road and Fortey Road
This has not been progressed.
4.5 Grass Cutting at Mays Crescent
This is the responsibility of Fosseway Housing Association and not the Town Council.
4.6 Use of Disabled Parking Bays by NADFAS Members
The Clerk confirmed that a letter has been sent to NADFAS advising that the disabled parking bays are for the use of drivers with the appropriate stickers.
4.7 Rubbish behind Londis Shop Blocking Access to The Green
The Manager of the Londis store has been approached and has willingly co-operated in removing the rubbish.
Action: Clerk to investigate collection of recyclable cardboard and commercial waste.
5. FINANCE
5.1 Cash Flow Analysis and Budget Status up to 31 May 2005
The RFO advised:
5.2 To Consider Bills For Payment
The list of bills for payment for June 2005 was approved.
Proposed: Cllr C Hancock Seconded: Cllr A Wellman
7. GRANTS AND SUPPORT FOR LOCAL ORGANISATIONS
7.1 Support for Cotswold Hall
Cllr Mrs Rainey and Cllrs Wellman and Hancock have been invited to meet with the Trustees of the Hall on 7 July and would report to the next Council meeting.
Cllr Asquith explained that a planning application for the Cotswold Hall has been withdrawn and will be re-submitted with changes to the pitch of the roof allowing more light into a neighbouring property.
7.2 Support for Tennis Club Grant Applications
A date for a meeting of the Westwoods Committee and the Tennis Club Committee has been discussed but is yet to be finalised. In any event, the Council would support any grant application the Club submits to other organisations.
Action: Clerk to write to the Sports and Social Club requesting details of income from member clubs and the Chairman would make contact with the Chairman of the Sports and Social Club.
7.3 Support for Youth Club
The Grant Application Form and supporting Annual Accounts were circulated. It was noted that the Youth Club has considerable funds from donations. Whilst the Council is prepared to support the Youth Club from next year’s budget, it was RESOLVED that it would only match funds raised by the Club itself and not acquired by donation. It was also suggested that the Youth Club premises should be maintained in a tidier state.
Action: Cllr Loveday will discuss with Mr Brian Hulcup.
Mr Keith Blundell was unanimously elected by Members to fill the vacancy.
Proposed: Cllr A Wellman Seconded: Cllr S Loveday
9. PLANNING AND TREE WORKS
9.1 The items discussed are detailed on the attached schedule.
9.2 51 Mays Crescent
It was noted that unathorised work at the site has resumed.
The Vineries
It would appear that substantial work is being carried out although no planning application has been received.
Action: The Clerk would report both of these matters to CDC Enforcement Officers.
9.3 CD.1095/D Field Fare, Northleach
Cllr Tufnell advised that the Planner has not received the Council’s response.
10. WESTWOODS CENTRE COMMITTEE
10.1 Report from the Chairman and Update on Current Issues
Cllr Pezet advised that a Committee Meeting has been re-arranged and there is nothing currently to report.
11.1 Report from the Chairman and Update on Current Projects
Cllr Loveday advised that the next Committee Meeting would take place in the autumn.
11.2 Back Lane
There had been a good turnout to the second public meeting with attendance from CDC and GCC. It was not an easy meeting with 2 separate issues being raised: re-surfacing and safety. Residents had vigorously voiced concerns on safety and CDC is looking at erecting barriers at the end of the footpaths that access the Lane. CDC will also be asked to provide signage: Access Only. No Through Road. The preferred contractor has been asked to re-quote within budget of £4,500.
During discussion the following points were raised:
Members RESOLVED to proceed with the project.
Voting: 7 In Favour 1 Against 2 Abstentions
11.3 Hamilton and Wills Meadows
It had previously been agreed not to change to course of the stream and work on the Meadow would be progressed over the summer.
11.4 Cemetery Wall
With the wall nearing completion, Cllr Loveday suggested that a plaque be fitted to it indicating the Council’s responsibility for the project and also Andy Didcote’s work. It was unanimously agreed.
12. CORRESPONDENCE FOR ACTION:
CDC – Resale of Former Council Homes
Research carried out by Mr Blundell indicated that no advantage would be gained by marketing the properties for longer as they are much in demand.
CDC – Community Safety : Portable CCTV Deployment
Members agreed that there is no necessity for CCTV in the Town.
CDC – Affordable Housing Supplementary Planning Document (SPD)
Cllr Mustoe stated his disappointment that no significant developments are planned for Northleach.
13. Chairman’s Report
13.1 Charter Fair
The Chairman referred to a recent article in the Gloucestershire Echo regarding cancellation of the Charter Fair. The article included comments from Mr David Lydiat indicating that he had received no support from the Town Council. The Chairman had put forward the Council’s case and the matter is now closed. It was reported to the meeting that 14 Police Officers had arrived in the Town on Saturday morning not having been advised of cancellation of the event by the organisers.
Mrs Jackie Hutt has approached the Chairman with a view to organising the 2006 Charter Fair. She has requested an item to be included on the September Council agenda to seek the Council’s approval for use of the Playing Field and Market Place and she will be seeking formal interest from local organisations. It is hoped that more advance planning will result in a successful event.
During discussion the following points were raised:
14. PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL NEWS
15. DISTRICT COUNCILLOR’S REPORT
Notice to Quit issued on 10 June but have 3 weeks to respond and Travellers currently still on site.
16. ANY OTHER BUSINESS
Two of the chimneys appear to be in need of repair.
Action: Clerk to advise occupiers of the buildings as a matter of courtesy.
Action: Clerk to request householders to cut back.
Many have fallen into disrepair.
Action: Clerk to determine ownership and request repair.
The next meeting of Northleach with Eastington Town Council Meeting will be the ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING held on Tuesday, 26 July 2005 at 7.45p.m. at The Westwoods Centre, Bassett Road, Northleach.
There being no other business the meeting closed at 9.40 p.m.