MINUTES OF THE MEETING
OF NORTHLEACH WITH EASTINGTON TOWN COUNCIL
HELD ON TUESDAY, 30 JANUARY 2007
PRESENT: Councillors Phillips (Chairman and Mayor), Loveday (Vice-Chairman), Cotton, Hancock, Mustoe, Pezet, Mrs Rainey, Vincent and Wellman, Cllr Mark Tufnell (District), Mrs Caroline Braidwood (Clerk), 12 members of the public, 1 member of the Press, Sgt Martin Jones and PCSO Mark Williams.
1. APOLOGIES AND REASONS FOR ABSENCE
Councillor Asquith (Prior Engagement), Blundell (Family Commitment), Mrs Jill Thomas (RFO) and Cllr Mavis, Lady Dunrossill (County).
2. MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON TUESDAY, 5 DECEMBER 2006
None
3. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST IN ITEMS ON THE AGENDA
None
4. TO DISCUSS ANY MATTERS ARISING FROM THE ABOVE MINUTES NOT ON THE AGENDA
Layton Lane Lighting
It was reported that one of the lights is now operational.
Closure of Gloucester Mail Sorting Office
The reply to the Council’s letter was noted. Cllr Cotton advised that the closure will undoubtedly cause delivery delays but has no further information at the moment.
Street Cleansing – Mays Crescent
Cllr Mustoe complained that the drains are full of leaves, the street cleansing is not adequate and there are no litter bins on the Estate.
Action: Clerk to arrange meeting with Fosseway Housing Association, Cotswold District Council and Gloucestershire County Council to determine responsibilities for the area.
5. FINANCE
5.1 Bank Reconciliation and Budget Status up to 31 December 2006
Circulated and Noted. Cllr Hancock advised Members that the budget is on target. Cllr Pezet confirmed that the Westwoods account is doing well and that roof repair would be claimed against insurance.
5.2 Bills for Payment for December 2006 and January 2007
It was RESOLVED to approve the Bills for payment.
Proposed: Cllr C Hancock Seconded: Cllr Mrs P Rainey
5.3 Support for Northleach Junior Football
Mrs Helen Wiseman and Mrs Nicola Owens explained how they are building a sustainable Club for 7 – 14 year olds with the support of parents. Members congratulated them on their achievements and considered a grant application for £250 to cover training required to obtain FA recognition. It was RESOLVED to approve the application and consider longer term support for the Club at the next meeting. It was also agreed to investigate sites for a football pitch as the one used on the Playing Field is not large enough.
6. POLICE
6.1 Reports from Sgt Martin Jones and PCSO Mark Williams
Members were advised that:
6.2 Suitable Area for Skate Boarding
Members were advised that a location is needed for the mobile skateboard and youth facilities van and that opportunities for young people in the Town need to be well advertised. It was suggested that the old tennis courts area at the Westwoods Centre could be used once a vehicular access has been made. In the meantime the Westwoods Car Park would be a suitable location.
Action: Clerk to make contact with the Youth Service regarding skateboarding.
7. DISTRICT COUNCILLOR’S REPORT – COUNCILLOR MARK TUFNELL
Ward Projects Fund
Cllr Tufnell suggested that the Junior Football Club might wish to apply for the balance remaining in the Fund that closes on 31 January 2007.
Town Drainage
CDC has allocated £5,000 to match GCC funding for works to be carried out.
Public Toilets
Refurbishment will be carried out in Bourton on the Water and rolled out to chosen locations during the forthcoming year. Those in Northleach will be overhauled in due course and a charge of 20p will be made at refurbished facilities.
Clean Up Campaign
Waste Collection
Details of the new arrangements are yet to be determined but will include: wheelie bins for household waste, kerbside collection of cardboard and plastic bottles at collection sites. Cllr Wellman pointed out that many of the Town’s properties have no rear/side access and are not suitable for wheelie bins and also enquired who was responsible when bins obstructed the footway and pedestrians walked into them causing injury ? Cllr Tufnell explained that CDC may consider bio-degradable bags for those householders with no rear access.
Civil Parking
CDC is negotiating with GCC to control on and off street parking. Market Towns such as Stow on the Wold and Chipping Campden are concerned how this might affect them and preparing to put proposals to CDC.
Tree Wardens
A Steering Group is looking at how the Wardens will work more independently of CDC although funding will be available in the first year.
8. PUBLIC QUESTION TIME
8.1 Charter Fair
Mr Stephen Wilson presented a proposal that had previously been circulated to Members (attached). He explained:
Members made the following comments:
Action: Clerk to contact Lord Apsley who organised the Cirencester Farmers Market.
8.2 Proposed Extinguishment of Public Footpath KNE8
Many of the residents present expressed concern at the proposed loss of the footpath and particularly for the future of the field. During discussion it was acknowledged that the alternative footpath that follows the Cemetery wall is often muddy and impassable. The Chairman confirmed that whilst the Council is a consul tee, the County Council will make the final decision.
Action: Chairman to contact the Farmington Trust to determine reason for closure and future plans. Clerk to liaise with GCC Officers.
9. PLANNING AND TREE WORKS
9.1 The items discussed are detailed on the attached schedule.
10. WESTWOODS CENTRE COMMITTEE
10.1 Draft Minutes from the Committee Meeting held on 16 January 2007
Noted.
10.2 Report from the Chairman
Cllr Pezet advised Members that:
· Usage of the Centre is being increased.
· Use of the area between the Centre and the Surgery is being investigated.
Cllr Pezet’s attention was drawn to the breeze blocks on which the old oil tank had stood and that need to be removed.
11.1 Draft Minutes from the Committee Meeting held on 29 January 2007
Not available.
11.2 Report from the Chairman
Cllr Loveday advised that the Sports & Social Club Lease is near completion and that works to improve the Town’s drainage are continuing.
12. UPDATE AND REPORTS FROM STUDY GROUPS
12.1 Traffic Calming
Notes from the Meetings with Gloucestershire Highways held on 15 December 2006 were noted. Notes from 22 January 2007 were not available. Members were advised that the Group would progress discussions regarding a Shared Space Scheme and this would be presented to the Council in due course.
12.2 Affordable Housing
Copies of comments from CDC Planners on possible sites were circulated.
12.3 Town Council Newsletter
The Clerk advised that a draft copy would be available in the next few weeks.
12.4 Town Drainage
A letter from the County Council Drainage Engineer was circulated and Members were advised that a meeting would take place later in the week to discuss the work that has already been carried out and further plans.
13. CORRESPONDENCE FOR ACTION
a) Proposed Extinguishment of Public Footpath KNE8 – See Item 8.2
b) CDC – Closure of Ward Projects Fund - Noted
c) CDC – Civic Valentine Dinner / Dance – 10 February 2007 – Noted.
d) T-Mobile (UK) Ltd – Proposed Base Station at Upper End Farm, Eastington Road (PreApplication Consultation)
It was agreed that any further provision should share current providers’ site but to wait for planning application before making a response.
e) Mr P Sayers – Advertising Boards and Parking in Disabled Bays in the Market Place and Gloucestershire Highways response.
Members were advised that an Order has been served for removal of the trailer currently parked in a parking bay outside Fruitcakes and that Gloucestershire Highways are waiting for the outcome of this before considering further action.
f) Oxfordshire County Council – Temporary Road Closure – A361 Burford Bridge
Noted.
g) Ms S Rogers – No Parking Zone in Mays Crescent
Members were advised that Gloucestershire Highways are currently reviewing all parking provision in the County and will not consider any new provision at the moment.
Action: Clerk to maintain a list of requests pending submission to Gloucestershire Highways.
Mr M Bough – Proposal to Hold The Charter Fair on 30 May 2007
See Item 8.1
14. Clerk’s Information Update
Noted.
15. CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
None.
16. PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL NEWS
Cllr Pezet advised that there is to be a meeting of the PCC on 12 February and that a Thanksgiving Service is to be held on 3 June 2007.
Bungalows in Fortey Road
Cllr Vincent informed Members that residents of the bungalows had complained of children running behind the properties at night.
Action: Clerk to advise PCSO Williams and Fosseway HA suggesting that a sensor activated light could be installed.
Litter in Fortey Road
Action: Clerk to look into the installation of a litter bin next to the telephone kiosk.
Street Cleaning in Eastington
Cllr Mustoe advised that street cleaning in Eastington is inadequate.
Action: Cllr Tufnell to check the situation.
Fortey House
Action: Clerk to make enquiries with Fosseway HA regarding their future plans.
18. CONFIDENTIAL Item
The next meeting of Northleach with Eastington Town Council will be held on
Tuesday, 27 February 2007 at 7.30 p.m.
at the Westwoods Centre
There being no other business the meeting closed at 9.20 p.m.