MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF NORTHLEACH WITH EASTINGTON TOWN COUNCIL HELD ON TUESDAY, 28 MARCH 2006
PRESENT: Councillors Phillips (Chairman and Mayor), Asquith, Blundell, Pezet, Mrs Rainey, Vincent and Wellman, Mrs Jill Thomas (RFO) and Mrs Caroline Braidwood (Clerk), Insp Alastair Stenner, PC Ian Randford and 2member of the public.
1. APOLOGIES AND REASONS FOR ABSENCE
Councillors Cotton (business), Hancock and Loveday (holiday), Mustoe (health) and Cllr Mark Tufnell (District) and Cllr Mavis, Lady Dunrossil (County).
2. MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON TUESDAY, 21 FEBRUARY 2005
The Minutes were 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 5.3 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 2nd homes fund and that the lease is in hand. It was confirmed that some of the sporting groups using the Club had no representation on the Committee and that this would be discussed with the Club’s representatives after their AGM in May 2006.
b) Disabled Parking Bays
It was advised that during a recent meeting with John Whittaker (GCC) it was confirmed that the installation of the Bays would be re-scheduled and the Police asked to attend.
Action: Clerk to chase for date of completion.
c) Burgage Plots
CDC’s Planner had confirmed that the concrete surface on the burgage plot at Mustoes Yard had not been required to be removed.
d) Hampnet Sign
It was confirmed that the new sign at the traffic lights is pointing towards the Old Prison and not in the correct direction.
Action: Clerk to advise Highways.
5. FINANCE
5.1 Cash Flow Analysis and Budget Status up to 28 February 2006
These were noted. The RFO advised:
5.2 To Consider Bills For Payment
The lists of bills for payment for March 2006 were approved.
Proposed: Cllr Mrs P Rainey Seconded: Cllr M Pezet
5.3 Cricket Club Support for Youth Side
The Council had received a letter from the Club requesting permission from the King George V Playing Field Trustees to install an all-weather practice facility including an Astroturf strip and, at some time in the future, a scaffold cage.
Members were advised how the Club has developed during the past few years to include 2 youth teams, a ladies team and ECB qualified coaches. The Chairman proposed that the Club should be supported and applauded for its achievements.
It was RESOLVED that permission be given to install an all-weather practise facility and that the Council should consider, at its next meeting, a donation of £250 to the Club in the next financial year.
Action: Clerk to provide grant application form.
6. INSPECTOR ALASTAIR STENNER AND PC IAN RANDFORD
Inspector Stenner introduced himself and his colleague and explained how he wished to get out into the community to meet people and provide an approachable and visible service. He referred to the recent high profile crimes in the Town and gave his commitment to doing the best he can for residents. He also asked that members of the public be encouraged to report all incidents to the Police.
PC Randford explained the work of the Safer Communities Team and how it is dedicated to deal with Town issues. There are 3 Police Constables and 3 Police Community Safety Officers covering the north Cotswolds lead by Sgt Martin Jones and they have spent 40 hours in the Town during the past week. PC Randford gave details of a proposed Amnesty / Open Day he is hoping to hold for children and youth of the Town involving the Team, Police dogs, videos, the School and possibly including a football match.
Members acknowledged that the Police presence has been noted and that it is appreciated by residents. They also welcomed Insp Stenner’s willingness for an Officer to attend Council meetings on a regular basis.
7. PUBLIC QUESTION TIME
Licence Applications
Insp Stenner was asked how the Police intended to respond to the application to extend the licensing hours at the Sherborne Arms. The Inspector confirmed that he had reviewed the calls from the public and there had only been 6 in the last 12 months. He confirmed that if residents had complaints they should notify the Police.
It was noted that it is unusual for a pub in the Cotswolds to apply for such late hours and that CDC’s Environmental Health Officer has objected to the application.
8. PLANNING AND TREE WORKS
8.1 The items discussed are detailed on the attached schedule.
9. WESTWOODS CENTRE COMMITTEE
9.1 Report and Update from the Chairman
Cllr Pezet advised that:
There had been an attempted break in over the weekend and that the Police had been called and taken swabs of blood found at the scene.
Councillors are needed to help oversee the bar during busy periods.
The Chairman requested that the Westwoods Committee consider not taking bookings for late night functions on a Sunday.
Action: Cllr Pezet to approach the Guides with a proposal for buying their tent that would appear to be unwanted.
10.1 Draft Minutes from the Meeting held on Tuesday, 14 March 2006
Noted.
10.2 To Receive Report from the Chairman
In the absence of Cllr Loveday the report was given my Cllr Vincent who reported that:
Action: Clerk to provide information on the equipment that would be required.
Action: Clerk to pursue.
11. COMMITTEE STRUCTURE
As this had been agreed at the previous meeting, no further discussion was necessary.
12. UPDATE AND REPORTS FROM STUDY GROUPS
12.1 Traffic Calming
The Notes from the meeting on 6 March were logged and the Notes from the meeting on 27 March were not yet available.
Cllr Blundell advised that:
§ The County Council has no budget for environmental changes but Highways have agreed to provide a flashing speed limit sign for East End.
§ Police will recommend a chicane with a gate and have also agreed to provide 3 Archer tubes to collect traffic speed data. Fatal sites are given priority and availability will be advised in due course.
§ The Group is working extremely well together involving both Members and residents and had raised public interest.
§ A radar gun in now in the Group’s possession and would be used to survey traffic speeds next week.
§ Members were asked for volunteers to help with the survey.
§ Road Safety Campaign would be developed at the next meeting with Jan Hales (GCC).
Action: Cllr Wellman to contact Pulhams regarding the speed of buses driven through the Town.
12.2 Affordable Housing
The Notes from the meeting on 21 March were recorded and a draft of the proposed survey form and accompanying letter were circulated. Members were advised that the site of the old Doctors’ surgery in Fortey Road has been flattened but Fosseway Housing Association have no current plans for the site.
It was RESOLVED to cover the cost of copying the survey form likely to be in the region of £150.
Proposed: Cllr D Vincent Seconded: Cllr Mrs P Rainey
12.3 Design Statement
Cllr Mrs Rainey advised that steps are being taken to involve the Gloucestershire Rural Community Council and CDC Conservation Officers in the project. She is also waiting for a meeting of these two organisations to take place, to discuss recognition of Parish Plans and Design Statements, before proceeding.
12.4 Town Council Newsletter
Cllr Asquith advised that
The Chairman suggested that an additional sheet should be included detailing the revised Cemetery fees and notification of the Headstones Survey.
13. CLERK’S INFORMATION UPDATE
News Sheet (attached) was noted.
14. CORRESPONDENCE FOR ACTION
a) GCC - The Gloucestershire Charter – Publication Reception, 5 April 2006
No one is available to attend.
b) Royal International Air Tattoo Briefing – 11 May 2006
The Chairman will attend.
c) GCC – Bus Shelters
In principle, Members RESOLVED to approve the replacement of Shelters and the installation of those on new sites providing that the Council was kept fully informed and is consulted at all stages.
15. Chairman’s Report
The Chairman informed Members that the following developments at The Old Prison have been advised by Cllr David Fowles (District):
§ The 5 Year tenancy has been advertised in the press and all previously interested parties notified.
§ The lease had been valued by the District Council’s agent at £10,000 per annum.
§ 3 expressions of interest have been received.
§ Listed Building Consent is still waiting approval of the Office of Deputy Prime Minster.
§ Tenders for the building work have been received and a preferred builder chosen but awaiting decision from ODPM before appointing.
§ Target date for completion of the work and occupation is June 2006.
16. PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL NEWS
Cllr Pezet advised that:
· Cllr Blundell advised Members that he has been elected a Governor of the NHS Trust.
· Cllr Vincent asked for clarification on the Lighting Survey and it was confirmed that the entrance to Macarthur Road would benefit by an additional light.
· The Chairman asked for a status report on the Town notice board and lights and signs on Back Lane. The Clerk confirmed that the notice board and the light have not yet been progressed but that the signs were due to be installed.
The next meeting of Northleach with Eastington Town Council
is to take place on Tuesday, 25 April 2006 at 7.30 p.m.
preceded by the ANNUAL TOWN MEETING at 7.00 p.m.
There being no other business the meeting closed at 9.00 p.m.