MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF NORTHLEACH WITH EASTINGTON TOWN COUNCIL HELD ON TUESDAY, 26 JUNE 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, Mrs C Nevins, A Nevins, Mrs J Pullin, Mrs Rainey and A Wellman, Mrs Caroline Braidwood (Clerk), Cllr Mark Tufnell (District), PCSO Mark Williams, 4 members of the public and 1 member of the Press.
18/08 APOLOGIES AND REASONS FOR ABSENCE
Cllr Mrs C Nevins and Cllr A Nevins (family commitments).
19/08 MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL MEETING OF THE TOWN COUNCIL HELD ON TUESDAY, 15 MAY 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
20/08 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST IN ITEMS ON THE AGENDA
None.
21/08 TO DISCUSS ANY MATTERS ARISING FROM THE ABOVE MINUTES NOT ON THE AGENDA
None.
22/08 FINANCE
22.1/08 Draft Minutes From The Committee Meeting Held On 23 May 2007
Noted. Cllr Mrs Rainey accepted the position of Chairman of the Finance Committee. Cllr Hancock explained that the Committee would be looking at the adoption of the new Code of Conduct and checking that the Council’s Standing Orders and Financial Regulations are compliant. A report would be presented to the September Town Council meeting.
The Clerk confirmed that the new bank signatories are in hand.
22.2/08 Bank Reconciliation and Budget Status Up To 22 June 2007
These were not available due to the Clerk installing a new accounting system.
22.3/08 Bills for Payment for June 2007
Proposed: Cllr Mrs P Rainey Seconded: Cllr A Wellman
22.4/08 Year End Accounts to 31 March 2006
The End of Year Balance Sheet, Internal Auditor’s Report and Statement of Assurance were circulated and adopted.
Proposed: Cllr C Hancock. Seconded: Cllr K Blundell
The Chairman and the Clerk then signed and dated the Audit Return.
23/08 POLICE REPORT
PCSO Mark Williams gave a summary of the last 6 months crime figures:
2006 47 Crimes reported. 6 Detected
2007 13 Crimes reported. 4 detected.
It was noted that the crime rate has plummeted since PCSO Williams’ patrol of the Town and he was congratulated on his excellent work.
Skate Boarding
The mobile ramp is to visit the Westwoods Centre car park on 6 occasions during the summer beginning on 25 July 7 – 9.30 pm. PCSO Williams welcomed this as an opportunity to do something positive for the youth of the Town and confirmed that he will be present.
Traffic Speeds
PCSO Williams advised that several buses had caused damage to parked cars at the junction of High Street and Farmington Road and also along West End. He recommended that the speed limit should be reduced to 20mph and parking reduced near to junctions.
Disabled Parking Bays in the Market Place need a sign. It was also noted that many road signs have disappeared due to the theft of aluminium and are being replaced with cheaper materials.
Action: Clerk to advise Gloucestershire Highways of the dangers of parked cars and traffic speeds particularly when traffic is re-directed from the A40 together with request for Disabled Bay sign.
24/08 DISTRICT COUNCILLOR’S REPORTS
Drainage
Cllr Tufnell asked if the work carried out to date has made improvements although the Town has not experienced the volume of rain that other places have. It was thought that the system as a whole is still not adequate but that Mill End drainage has improved. Mr Green advised that the road drains do not empty into the culvert. Cllr Tufnell would request that the drains are cleared of detritus to prevent blockages.
Members were advised that a meeting had taken place between Cllr A Wellman, Mr G Green and an Officer from the Environment Agency and that a report is awaited.
Planning
Cllr Tufnell confirmed that he had supported the application for signs at Blades.
CPE
Cllr Tufnell referred to the Market Towns’ proposal to CDC regarding future parking arrangements. He confirmed that the District Council is keen for proper enforcement there is no intention to use CPE to generate revenue and advised:
25/08 PUBLIC QUESTION TIME
25.1/08 Ambulance Service
Mr Green advised that it took 38 minutes for an ambulance to attend an injured local man recently and when it did arrive no emergency light was flashing. Cllr Tufnell advised that there are not enough ambulances to cover nationally and recommended that the Council should write to the Ambulance Service with a copy to CDC Cllr D Penman. Members noted that the first 60 minutes following an accident are known as the Golden Hour and, therefore, prompt assistance is crucial.
26/08 PLANNING AND TREE WORKS
The schedule was noted and responses delegated to the Planning Committee.
27/08 WESTWOODS CENTRE COMMITTEE
27.1/08 Draft Minutes from the Committee Meeting held on 18 May 2007
Noted
27.2/08 Report from the Chairman
Cllr Blades advised:
28/08 PROPERTY AND PREMISES MAINTENANCE COMMITTEE
28.1/08 Draft Minutes from the Committee Meeting held on 22 May 2007
Noted.
28.2/08 Report from the Chairman
Cllr Wellman advised that a meeting had taken place the previous evening at which the following had been discussed:
29/08 STRATEGY AND MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
It was unanimously agreed to formalise the Strategy and Management Committee that was previously the informal Management Team. This new Committee would priorities the Clerk’s duties, consider Blue Sky issues and formulate strategic planning for approval by the Council. It would consist of the Chairman and Vice Chairman of Council and the Chairmen of Committees and meet approximately quarterly.
Action: Clerk to amend Standing Orders.
30/08 STUDY GROUPS AND PROJECTS
30.1/08 Traffic Calming
Members were advised that Gloucestershire Highways are currently re-structuring and it is hoped to arrange a meeting during August to progress the Market Place pedestrian crossing.
30.2/08 Town Drainage
It was agreed to request an update from Gloucestershire County Council Drainage Engineer and to ask him to clarify what feeds into the main culvert.
30.3/08 Multi-Function Sports Court
There are now 3 quotations but the specifications are not all exactly the same. It was agreed that Cllr Mrs Pullin will lead a Working Group to conduct a feasibility study that will be carried out separately to the Town Plan. In the meantime, it was agreed to how the site next to the Westwoods Centre might be tidied up for temporary use.
30.4/08 Town Council News
To be progressed.
30.5/08 Town Plan
It was agreed to proceed with 2 meetings to determine the issues involved in the Plan. The core group would include Cllrs Blundell, Hancock, Mrs Burgess and Mrs Lawrence.
30.6/08 Youth Forum / Council
Cllr Mrs Nevins has had a preliminary meeting with Claire Dowan (CDC) and it is planned to invite youngsters to a social function to launch this project. Concern was expressed that a suitable venue should be chosen.
31/08 CORRESPONDENCE
31.1/08 NALC Legal Briefing L07-07 Model Code of Conduct – The Revised Code
Noted.
31.2/08 GAPTC – Elections to the County Committee
Noted.
31.3/08 GAPTC – AGM 13 October 2007 – Call for Resolutions
Noted.
31.4/08 G H Courtier – Parking Restrictions
Noted. It was agreed to request Gloucestershire Highways to reinstate the double yellow lines when installing the pedestrian crossing build out.
31.5/08 Cotswolds Conservation Board – Management Plan
Noted.
31.6/08 Gloucestershire Highways – copy of letter to Mr Brough regarding Charter Market
During discussion it was noted that the organisers of the market are responsible for cleaning up afterwards and that the cost should be covered by stall holder fees. It was agreed that despite the proposal to hold the market weekly, this Council had previously resolved to support it being held at fortnightly intervals.
31.7/08 GCC – PROW Asset Survey Update
Noted.
31.8/08 Cotswold Market Towns Response to Civil Parking Enforcement
Noted
31.9/08 Bob Houghton Ltd – Expansion of Premises
Members were advised that a meeting is to be held with Mr Houghton and Gloucestershire County Council to explore the possibilities of finding a suitable site. Members expressed concern that there is no provision in the Local Plan for small business development in the Town and, therefore, no employment prospects particularly for youngsters. The Town has good road links with the prospect of additional affordable housing.
32/08 CLERK’S INFORMATION UPDATE
Not available.
33/08 CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
Cllr Hancock informed Members that he had attended a Beating the Retreat event at 29 Regiment the previous week together with other Mayors in the area. It was agreed that the Regiment should be invited to send a colour party to the Town’s Remembrance Day service.
The Chairman also advised Members that he wishes to develop informal liaisons with other Groups in the Town and is considering ‘Working Dinners’.
34/08 PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL NEWS
Cllr Cotton advised Members that the Friends of Northleach Church are now looking to long term fundraising using will bequest forms. An organ recital on 14 July is also expected to raise funds.
35.1/08 Tarmac
The Clerk had been approached by a contractor working on the nearby A40 offering tarmac. It was agreed not to take up this offer.
35.2/08 Northleach Stocks
The Clerk advised that the Stocks have been collected from the Corinium Museum stores at the Old Prison and are now at the Westwoods Centre. There is, however, some doubt that these are in fact the stocks built for the Town.
35.3/08 Dog Fowling
Members were advised that an increasing amount of dog faeces are being left in West End early in the morning and late at night.
Action: Clerk to seek advice from Kate Bishop at CDC.
The next meeting of NORTHLEACH WITH EASTINGTON TOWN COUNCIL will be the held on Tuesday, 31 July 2007 at 7.30 p.m.
at the Westwoods Centre
There being no other business the meeting closed at 9.30 p.m.