MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF NORTHLEACH WITH EASTINGTON TOWN COUNCIL HELD ON TUESDAY, 25 APRIL 2006

PRESENT:          Councillors Phillips (Chairman and Mayor), Loveday (Vice-Chairman), Asquith, Blundell, Mustoe, Mrs Rainey, Vincent and Wellman, Cllr Mark Tufnell (District), Mrs Jill Thomas (RFO) and Mrs Caroline Braidwood (Clerk), and 1 member of the public.

1.                 APOLOGIES AND REASONS FOR ABSENCE 

Councillors Pezet (family commitment) and Cllr Mavis, Lady Dunrossil (County).

2.            MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON TUESDAY, 28 MARCH 2006

5.3 Amended to read “the Council approved to make a donation of £250 to the Club in the next financial year pending receipt of a grant application”.

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

Cllr Blundell declared an interest in item 5.4 regarding the Cricket Club.

4.         TO DISCUSS ANY MATTERS ARISING FROM THE ABOVE MINUTES NOT ON THE AGENDA

a)        Sports and Social Club

Cllr Blundell reported that the Club had not been successful in its bid for grant aid under CDC’s 2^nd homes fund but that other sources of funding are being investigated.  The Club’s AGM is to take place on 10 May after which a meeting would be arranged with Cllrs Phillips and Hancock to progress the lease.

b)            Hampnet Sign

The Clerk advised that Highways have been notified that the sign is pointing the wrong direction.

Action:  Clerk to chase Highways.

c)            Headstones in the Cemetery

Cllr Wellman advised that he has received complaints from the owners of the stones that have been laid flat.  Cllr Loveday stated that arrangements could be made with Norman Trotman & Hughes to repair the memorials where it has not been possible to contact the owners.

Action:  Clerk to progress.

d)            Pulhams Coaches

Cllr Wellman confirmed that he has spoken to the owners of Pulhams Coaches and that the drivers would be asked to check their speed through the town.

5.            FINANCE

5.1      Cash Flow Analysis and Budget Status up to 31 March 2006

These were noted.  The RFO advised:

• Both the Council and Westwoods budgets were within £100 of the projection at the end of the year.
• Westwoods had not required any support during the year 2005 – 6.

Cllr Wellman thanked the Finance Committee for its excellent management of the Council’s finances.

5.2             To Consider Bills For Payment

The lists of bills for payment for April 2006 were approved.

Proposed:  Cllr Mrs P Rainey            Seconded:  Cllr C Hancock

5.3            Renewal of Membership Subscription to Gloucestershire Market Towns Forum

Cllr Blundell agreed to investigate the possibly opportunities if the Council were to re-join the Forum and report to the next meeting.

Action :  Cllr Blundell to progress.

5.4      Grant Application from Northleach Town Cricket Club

Members considered the grant application and confirmed its decision made at the previous meeting to support the Cricket Club to the value of £250.00.

Proposed:          Cllr C Hancock                  Seconded:    Cllr J Phillips

5.5            Donation to Northleach Scouts for delivering the Town Council Newsletter

It was agreed to enquire if the Group are in need of anything to the value of £150 in return for delivering 3 Newsletters per year.

Action:                      Clerk to progress.

6.            PUBLIC QUESTION TIME

6.1     Mr G Green drew Members attention to the condition of the walls on either side of the road on the approach from the A429 traffic lights.  He said that the repair of the walls would improve the appearance of the Town and that farmers can access grants towards to the cost of the work.

Mr Green also pointed out that some of the trees at West End need pruning and an ash on School Hill needs attention.

6.2     Cllr Tufnell replied that although there are grants for walling, the owners still have to find 60-70% of the cost.  He advised Members that the Sports and Social Club was not successful in its application for a grant from CDC but that the Cricket Club was.  Cllr Tufnell advised Members of the following:

The Old Prison

• Planning application has been approved by the ODPM and work should begin shortly. 
• Interviews for the café lease are imminent. 
• The Cotswold Conservation Board has signed the new lease for office space.

Members suggested that the walls could be replaced with fencing.

Action:  Clerk to contact land agents.

The Sherborne Arms licence application

• Will be heard by the Licensing Committee on 8 May. 
• More than 26 objections have been received and only 1 was withdrawn following the applicant’s agreement to comply with the Environmental Health Officer’s restrictions. 
• The application is for the sale of alcohol until 1.00 a.m.
• The behaviour of customers leaving the premises late at night is still a problem.
• There have been reports that the applicant has made contact with objectors and this should be brought to the attention of the Licensing Committee.

7.            PLANNING AND TREE WORKS

7.1     The items discussed are detailed on the attached schedule.

8.            WESTWOODS CENTRE COMMITTEE

8.1             Draft Minutes from the Meeting on Thursday, 20 April 2006

Noted

8.2             Report and Update from the Chairman

In Cllr Pezet’s absence, Members were advised that 2 recent functions had been cancelled as the organisers were unable to raise enough support.  Cllr Mustoe stated that he has received complaints from some residents that the Centre does not supply draught beer.  There followed a discussion about this supply and it was agreed to recommend that the Westwoods Committee consider providing draught beer for functions that are able to sustain it as there is not enough demand at smaller functions.

9.            PROPERTY AND PREMISES MAINTENANCE COMMITTEE

9.1             Report from the Chairman

Cllr Loveday advised that there had been no meeting since the previous Council meeting.  However, steps are being taken to remove the fallen stone from the stream near Eastington Road.  It was pointed out that this belongs to Highways.

10.            UPDATE AND REPORTS FROM STUDY GROUPS

10.1   Traffic Calming

The notes from the Group’s meeting on 10 April 2006 were noted and Cllr Blundell circulated an overview of the traffic speed survey results: 60% of the vehicles in East and West End exceeded the speed limit, predominantly local residents but no “rat run” was proved.  Details of the Road Safety Campaign were given including poster campaign in collaboration with the School and prizes at the Countryside Day, window stickers, 40-30-20 stickers to go out with Newsletter and staggered parking plan.  It is hoped to reinstate a pedestrian crossing in High Street opposite the Market Place.

Application for a grant has been made to CDC to finance the campaign and it is hoped to enlist the support of the County Councillor.

Cllr Mustoe asked if arrangements could be made with the Fire Service for commercial vehicles to be parked behind the Fire Station and it was suggested that coaches could be parked at the Old Prison with the permission of CDC.

Action:  Clerk to contact the Fire Service and CDC.

10.2   Affordable Housing

Members’ comments on the draft questionnaire have been passed to GRCC and the proof is awaited.

10.3   Design Statement

CDC’s Conservation Officer has advised that he is currently unable to assist with this project.

Action:  Cllr Tufnell to investigate.

10.4   Town Council Newsletter

Cllr Asquith reminded Members that he requires copy by 30 April and advised that he already has an article from the Police and others on the Affordable Housing Survey and Traffic Calming.

11.       Clerk’s Information Update

Noted.

Highways

The Clerk also updated Members on the changes within the County Council Highways Department and the outcome of a recent meeting with the Stakeholder Manager regarding maintenance issues in Northleach.

• Posts in West End.  Members agreed that the 5 posts closest to the Fire Station should be replaced with oak posts and the remainder removed.
• The Mirror Opposite Farmington Road.  As Highways will not take responsibility for mirrors it was agreed that the Town Council should replace it.
• Mill End Re-Surfacing.  To be scheduled for 2007-8.
• Pavement Extension to the rear of Fruitcakes.  Members advised that the concrete slabs are not part of the fabric of the building and, therefore, should not prevent a pavement being laid.

Action:  Clerk to progress

• Members RESOLVED to support the Cotswold Hall’s grant application to CDC.
• Members were also asked to consider the hire of Westwoods by the School Association for Ice Skating.  It was agreed that members of the Westwoods Committee should discuss this further with the organisers.
• CCTV.  Following an enquiry from Cllr Wellman, the Clerk confirmed that the Council had declined to investigate the possibility of installing CCTV in the Market Place in response to a letter from CDC in June 2005.  Members further discussed the issue in the light of recent break-ins at the Post Office and the Musical Museum.  It transpired that 15 rural Post Offices have CCTV on their premises and Members agreed that it is probably more effective inside rather than outside premises as it requires good lighting.

Action:  Clerk to investigate options with the Police and CDC.

12.          CORRESPONDENCE FOR ACTION

a)        CDC Cross Party Statement relating to the state of the Health Service

Noted.

13.            Chairman’s Report            

Following the Chairman’s report given at the Annual Town Meeting, he had nothing further to report.

14.            PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL NEWS

Cllr Pezet advised that:

• The Faculty for the first window is in place and work will start at the end of May.  It will provide the benchmark for the remainder of the work.
• Fundraising stands at £150,000.

15.      ANY OTHER BUSINESS

Bus Shelter

Cllr Mustoe advised that another shelter is required on the road side of the present building in the Market Place.

Action:  Clerk to investigate with GCC.

Cats Eyes in West End

Cllr Mustoe advised that many are broken and need replacing.  Cllr Blundell acknowledged that whilst the broken cat’s eyes could be replaced, the white line may be removed as a result of the Traffic Calming Group’s work.

Action:  Clerk to progress with GCC Highways.

Re-cycling Sign

Cllr Hancock advised that this is again pointing the wrong way.

Action:  Town Caretaker to be asked to change it.

Litter on the A40 and A429

Members were advised that litter on roads has increased.  Cllr Tufnell advised that CDC has allocated £25,000 for this in the coming year.

Abandoned Vehicle on Eastington Road

Action:  Clerk to contact CDC.

Cotswold Link Bus

Members expressed concern that the bus is parked in the Market Place for a considerable amount of time.

Action:  Clerk to contact GCC advising Members’ concern and to enquire if the service is adequately advertised.

The next meeting will be the ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING of Northleach with Eastington Town Council on Tuesday, 23 May 2006 at 7.30 p.m.

There being no other business the meeting closed at 9.15 p.m.