MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF NORTHLEACH WITH EASTINGTON TOWN COUNCIL HELD ON TUESDAY, 27 JUNE 2006

PRESENT:          Councillors Phillips (Chairman and Mayor), Loveday (Vice-Chairman), Asquith, Blundell, Hancock, Mustoe, Pezet, Mrs Rainey, Vincent and Wellman, Mrs Jill Thomas (RFO) and Mrs Caroline Braidwood (Clerk), and 6 members of the public.

1.                 APOLOGIES AND REASONS FOR ABSENCE 

Cllr Mavis, Lady Dunrossil (County) and Councillor Mark Tufnell (District).

2.            MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING HELD ON TUESDAY, 23 MAY 2006

Those Present was amended to include Cllr Hancock.

7 e) was amended to read West End not East End.

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

7e)          Condition of Walls at West End

It is understood that Cotswold Conservation Board are make enquiries of the Farmington Trust with a view to rebuilding part of one of the walls during a Dry Stone Walling Competition and the remainder during training sessions.

7j)       Bus Shelter in the Market Place  

CDC, the owner of the Bus Shelter, has given permission for a canopy to be added to the High Street side of the building.  Cllr Mustoe felt that all buses should be able to enter the Market Place but Members agreed that those buses entering the Town from the east picked up passengers on the High Street side of the shelter.

Action:  Clerk to progress with GCC and the Police.

11.2        Trees in Mays Crescent

The Clerk confirmed that neither Fosseway HA nor CDC own the trees and that 2 residents have asked for them to be removed.

Action:  Clerk to further investigate ownership and consult Tree Warden

16c)            Northleach Tennis Club – Proposals for new hut

An outline proposal has been submitted to CDC Planners and their comments are awaited.

20.      White Lines and Litter Bin

Re-painting of the white line would not be requested until the Traffic Calming proposal is finalised.  There is an existing litter bin in the Ward Road Playground.

5.            FINANCE

5.1              Draft Minutes from the Meeting on Wednesday, 21 June 2006 (to be available at the Meeting) and Report from the Chairman

The Draft Minutes from the meeting were noted by Members.  Cllr Hancock explained that the Finance Committee is considering long term planning to allow for replacement of playground equipment and a Westwoods maintenance plan.

5.2              To Consider Cash Flow Analysis and Budget Status up to 31 May 2006

Noted.  The RFO advised that the Town Council account is on budget and that the Westwoods account is £210 up on budget and £1,000 ahead on gross margin.

5.3              To Consider Bills for Payment for June 2006

Proposed:          Cllr Loveday                              Seconded:    Cllr Mrs Rainey

Action: Clerk to check the Beam Electrical Invoice against the quotation.

5.4              To Adopt Year End Accounts to 31 March 2006

Members noted the End of Year Balance Sheet, Internal Auditor’s Report and Statement of Assurance.  The Chairman, RFO and the Clerk signed and dated the Audit Return.

5.5              To Consider Donation Request from Gloucestershire Chest Fund

It was RESOLVED that in view of limited funds available for donations, priority should be given to local organisations and, regretfully, it is not possible to support the Chest Fund on this occasion.

6.            PUBLIC QUESTION TIME

Broken Culvert at West End

Mr G Green drew Members attention to the culvert that has been open for 3 months and is a hazard.

Action:  Clerk to investigate.

Westwoods Centre

Mr Green also advised Members that the Westwoods Centre needs maintenance to the external window frames and roof valleys.  Cllr Pezet confirmed that the work is being scheduled.

Double Yellow Lines at Mill End

Mr A Nevins enquired when these would be installed and was advised that it’s believed that the County Council will be issuing the order for the work this week.

Dogs on King George V Playing Field

Mr Nevis advised that dog owners are continuing to let their dogs run loose on the Playing Field and that dog faeces are a problem.  2 children had got dog mess on their hands today.  It was reported that some parents of children at the Primary School are amongst the culprits.  The Clerk advised that the District Council currently has no Dog Warden and is reviewing the service.  During the following discussion it was agreed that:

• The Council should police this issue themselves.
• Need a group of Voluntary Wardens (with badges for identification).
• Need a continuous campaign with the help of the Primary School and local press.
• Consider designated area for dogs.

Lorry Parking

Action:  Clerk to chase Fire Service for response to request for allocated commercial vehicle parking behind the Fire Station.

Parking at the side of Cotswold Stores

Mrs J Pullin raised the issue of cars parking between the Market Place and the Green.  Members confirmed that this area will be included in plans for Traffic Calming and the Council has requested an extension of the pavement around Fruitcakes.

Action:  Clerk to ask the Police to keep this area clear of parked cars.

6A.            POLICE REPORT

PC Ian Randford and PCSO Adrian Palmer explained how the Safer Communities Team is a long term investment that is already achieving results by increased detection and arrest rates.  A member of the Team can be in the Town at any hour of the day or night, are intercepting school buses (to establish relationships with the children) and patrol during the evenings and early hours of the morning.

They raised the following points:

• Detection of crime rate has risen from 14% last year to 35% this year.
• 5 crimes were reported directly to the Safer Communities Team.
• By regular patrolling they are becoming known in the Town especially by the young.
• 4 youths were stopped and searched in the Town this week and drugs found.
• Meet the Police Days events are being held at local schools.
• Due to recent vandalism at Northleach Primary School, patrols have been increased in that area.
• 2 people are on bail following damage to the windows at the Church.
• Need people to come forward with snippets of information that can be followed up and assist the detection process.

Cllr Cotton said that he has noticed a considerable improvement in the Policing of the Town that will deter any vigilantism.

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 Tuesday, 20 June 2006

Noted

8.2             Report and Update from the Chairman

Cllr Pezet advised that the Centre is progressing well but that bookings are likely to be down during the summer months.

9.            PROPERTY AND PREMISES MAINTENANCE COMMITTEE

9.1             Report from the Chairman

Cllr Loveday advised that the Committee will be meeting tomorrow evening.

10.            UPDATE AND REPORTS FROM STUDY GROUPS

10.1   Traffic Calming

Cllr Blundell presented the proposal document that was developed following research and meetings with interested parties.  The Chairman thanked Cllr Blundell and those residents who had been involved in the Study Group.  It was RESOLVED that the proposal should be put to Gloucestershire Highways for consideration.

Proposed:        Cllr A Wellman                Seconded:     Cllr S Asquith

Cllr Blundell thanked Mr G Green for the considerable contribution he has made in developing a draft parking scheme.

10.2   Affordable Housing

Members were advised that the Survey Questionnaire was delivered by Northleach Scouts last week. 

10.3   Design Statement

This project is pending receipt of further information from CDC’s Conservation Officers.

10.4   Town Council Newsletter (Attached)

Members were advised that this has been delivered to households by Northleach Scouts.  Cllr Asquith asked Members for copy for the next Issue my mid-September.

11.       Clerk’s Information Update

Noted.

12.          CORRESPONDENCE FOR ACTION

a)           RSS Consultation on the Draft Regional Spatial Strategy for the South West 2006 – 2026

Action:  Cllr Phillips and Cllr Mrs Rainey to study.

b)           Gloucestershire Partnership NHS Trust - Consultation on Changes to Mental Heath Services

Action:  Cllr Phillips to make the Council’s response.

c)           CDC – Consultation on the Draft Car Parking Strategy

Action:  Cllr Phillips to make the Council’s response.

13.            Chairman’s Report            

None

14.            PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL NEWS

Cllr Pezet advised that work on the windows continues.  However, 83 panes have been broken by vandals.

15.      ANY OTHER BUSINESS

Local Works – Sustainable Communities (Private Members) Bill

Cllr Loveday asked if pressure could be put on Geoffrey Clifton-Brown MP to support this excellent initiative.

Westwoods Surgery Boundary Wall

Cllr Wellman expressed his disappointment at the appearance of the wall and that it is lower than he expected although Members confirmed that it is an exact replacement of the original wall.

Action:  Clerk to write to the Surgery asking if planting can be carried out behind the wall to improve its appearance.

Oak Posts in West End

Cllr Mustoe stated that he was surprised that Gloucestershire Highways have gone to such expense to install oak posts.  Members reminded him that it was this Council that had requested the installation of the oak posts to replace unsightly black and white ones.

The next meeting of Northleach with Eastington Town Council will be held on

Tuesday, 26 September 2006 at 7.30 p.m.

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