MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF NORTHLEACH WITH EASTINGTON TOWN COUNCIL HELD ON TUESDAY, 31 JULY 2007
PRESENT: Councillors, C Hancock (Chairman and Mayor), K Blundell (Vice Chairman and Deputy Mayor), N Blades, Mrs S Burgess, D Cotton, Mrs J Lawrence, A Nevins, Mrs J Pullin, Mrs Rainey and A Wellman, Mrs Caroline Braidwood (Clerk), Cllr Mavis Lady Dunrossill (County), 16 members of the public and 1 member of the Press.
36/08 APOLOGIES AND REASONS FOR ABSENCE
Cllr Mrs C Nevins (family commitments), Cllr N Blades (holiday), Cllr M Tufnell (District) and PCSO Mark Williams.
37/08 MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL MEETING OF THE TOWN COUNCIL HELD ON TUESDAY, 26 JUNE 2007
The Minutes were confirmed as a true and accurate record and signed by the Chairman.
Proposed: Cllr K Blundell Seconded: Cllr Mrs P Rainey
38/08 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST IN ITEMS ON THE AGENDA
None.
39/08 TO DISCUSS ANY MATTERS ARISING FROM THE ABOVE MINUTES NOT ON THE AGENDA
None.
40/08 FINANCE
40.1/08 Report from the Chairman
Cllr Mrs Rainey thanked Members for their support in electing her Chairman of the Committee. She then explained that the new computer software is now up and running although the Clerk is still learning all the aspects of its operation.
40.2/08 Bank Reconciliation and Budget Status Up To 27 July 2007
Noted.
40.3/08 Bills for Payment for July 2007
Proposed: Cllr K Blundell Seconded: Cllr Mrs P Rainey
40.4/08 Contribution towards Clerk’s SLCC Annual Conference Fee
It was RESOLVED to contribute £225 + VAT to the Clerk’s Annual Conference Fee.
41/08 POLICE REPORT
PCSO Mark Williams was unable to attend.
42/08 DISTRICT COUNCILLOR’S REPORTS
Cllr Tufnell was unable to attend.
43/08 PUBLIC QUESTION TIME
The majority of residents present wished to draw the Council’s attention to the recent flooding caused by the exceptional weather and, therefore, the Chairman offered them the opportunity to speak during Item 46.
Mr G Green advised that an article in the Gloucestershire Echo stated that 2 VAS are to be installed on the approaches to Stow on the Wold. One of these would be on the southern approach this is uphill. He pointed out that Northleach’s 2nd VAS had not materialised even though it was more urgently required.
Mr Green also drew Members’ attention to the clock on the Old Prison that is in need of repair and it was agreed to contact CDC.
44/08 PLANNING AND TREE WORKS
The schedule was noted and responses delegated to the Planning Committee.
45/08 PROPERTY AND PREMISES MAINTENANCE COMMITTEE
45.1/08 Draft Minutes from the Committee Meeting held on 25 June 2007
Not available.
45.2/08 Report from the Chairman
Cllr Wellman advised that no meeting had taken place recently and that quotes are being sought for repairing playground safety surfaces and re-painting of equipment.
46/08 TOWN DRAINAGE AND RECENT FLOODING
Following torrential rainfall on Friday, 20 July, several areas of the Town had suffered severe flooding although not as severe as other parts of the County where people had been evacuated from their homes and many properties were without power and water.
Members and residents were shown slides of the flooding in Northleach with the Chairman talking them through the presentation. He confirmed that the Council has been in discussion with the County and District Councils since July 2006 and as a result Phase 1 of drainage improvement work has been completed. Phase 2 involving further cleaning of the culvert is expected shortly. However, it was agreed that the down grading of the river bank on the water meadows could not wait and it was RESOLVED to carry out this work as soon as possible.
The devastation on 20 July had, however, highlighted other problems in Northleach, specifically run-off from poorly maintained farm land. Flooding in Ward Road has been a problem for a number of years caused by run off from the fields to the rear of the properties. Run off from farm land behind the Post Office had caused flooding through the Market Place and into properties on the opposite side of the road.
The Chairman advised those present that he had discussed these problems with Geoffrey Clifton-Brown MP during his recent surgery and that the MP had agreed to arrange a meeting of all responsible authorities and land owners to develop a co-ordinated approach to resolve the problems.
Cllr Mavis Lady Dunrossill confirmed that the photographs were a useful record to determine the causes of the flooding and that the split responsibilities made it difficult for any authority to take the lead. She recommended that GCC Officer, Paul Gallagher should be included in any discussions.
During discussion the following points were raised:
47/08 NORTHLEACH CHARTER FAIR
Mrs C Crompton and Mrs C Richards, representing the Charter Fair Committee, thanked Members for providing the seed money of £500. They confirmed that the event had been extremely successful and were pleased not only to repay the agreed £250 but also to contribute £900 to the Councils Donation Fund. The Committee felt that the Council was in the best position to distribute these funds to local organisations. They had also raised enough funds to launch next year’s event.
Members congratulated the Committee on their well earned success and thanked them for their contribution.
48/08 NORTHLEACH COUNTRYSIDE FAIR – SUNDAY, 5 AUGUST 2007
Cllr A Nevins requested use of the King George V Playing Field for the Countryside Day and advised that unlike in previous years he was not requesting the Council to cover the insurance premium.
It was RESOLVED to grant permission for use of the Field.
49/08 STUDY GROUPS AND PROJECTS
49.1/08 Traffic Calming
It was agreed to chase Gloucestershire Highways for a meeting date to progress the build out crossing and second VAS.
49.2/08 MULTI-FUNCTION SPORTS COURT
Cllr Mrs Pullin advised that in forging links with the Youth Club a request has been received to consider an artificial grass surface and it was agreed to obtain quotes. A meeting is being arranged for 10 September involving local individuals and organisations to progress the feasibility study.
49.3/08 Town Council News
To be progressed.
49.4/08 Town Plan
Cllr Blundell advised that the Strategy Group has been formed comprising of 4 Members and 8 residents and 4 public meetings will take place from which the issues for the questionnaire will be taken.
49.5/08 Youth Forum / Council
Members were advised that a sports evening is to be held on the Playing Field, led by Scott Bury, to attract youngsters and encourage them to be involved.
50/08 CORRESPONDENCE
50.1/08 Letter from Mr P Day re Traffic Behaviour Through Northleach
Cllr Blundell agreed to reply.
50.2/08 Gloucestershire Highways – Part Night Operation of Street Lighting
It was noted that this proposal is being progressed by the Property and Premises Maintenance Committee.
50.3/08 Letter from Messrs Pratt, Brooklyn and Peace re Allotments in Northleach
Mr Pratt explained that he has a petition of 26 residents who are requesting that the Council complies with its statutory obligation to provide allotments for the Town. Cllr Wellman advised that besides the privately owned allotments near to the Primary School, there were allotment in the past but there had fallen into disuse.
Action: Clerk to investigate the possible provision with local land owners.
50.4/08 Letter from Mrs K Mustoe re Collection
Noted. Mrs Mustoe had requested that her letter should be well circulated.
Action: Clerk to post copy in Post Office window and circulate to the press.
51/08 CLERK’S INFORMATION UPDATE
Noted..
52/08 CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
Nothing further to report.
53/08 PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL NEWS
Members were advised that the organ recital on 14 July was very successful and the Chairman advised that that he is taking part in a sponsored abseil down the Church tower in September.
None.
The next meeting of
NORTHLEACH WITH EASTINGTON TOWN COUNCIL
will be the held on Tuesday, 18 September 2007 at 7.30 p.m.
at the Westwoods Centre
There being no other business the meeting closed at 9.15 p.m.