109/09

Action:

Action:

Public Question Time (1) - Standing Order 22 refers

Mr G Green asked why buses are still not stopping at the correct side of the bus shelter in the Market Place.  Clerk to contact bus companies and Gloucestershire County Council.

Mr I Slatter enquired if there has there been recognition of the work to dry stone walls on the A429 access to the Town.  Cllr Mrs Lawrence advised that there has been no formal recognition but asked the Clerk to write to the Farmington Trust.

110/09

Apologies and Reasons for Absence

Cllr N Blades (holiday) and Cllr C Hancock (holiday)

111/09

Acceptance and signing of Minutes of the Council Meeting held on Tuesday, 23 June 2009

Unanimously RESOLVED to confirm the Minutes as a true and accurate record and were signed by the Chairman.          

112/09

Declaration of Interests

None

113/09

To Discuss any Matters Arising from the above Minutes not included on the Agenda

Clay Pigeon Shoot at Farmington Quarry

Members were advised that Planning permission has been granted for 3 guns and for 4 hours per week.  It was acknowledged that it has been quieter recently so it was agreed to take no further action.

114/09

District  and County Councillors’ Reports

114.1/09

Councillor Fiona McKenzie (County)

Not available.

114.2/09

Councillor Mark Tufnell (District)

·       Acknowledged the request for beige sacks for Town Council waste bins.

·       Parking restriction at the top of the Market Place – cancellation of the Traffic Regulation Order is in progress.

·       Clock at Prison – trying to arrange repair and suggested that a letter from the Town Council may help.

·       Brick through car window and other incidents – Clerk to make contact with Sgt Martin Jones.

·       Planning application at Grace Drive – had noted the Town Council’s comment on loss of off street parking.

115/09

Police Report

115.1/09

Report from attending Police Officer – Sgt Martin Jones

Noise and Vandalism at Playing Field 4 / 5 July

Sgt Jones explain that the Call Centre takes 4 – 500 calls overnight and there is the tendency to pigeon hole types of call and treat then the same as Cheltenham and Gloucester.  He was also concerned that no response had been made but only 1 complaint had been received and had there been other calls it would have attracted more attention. 

Aware of problems in the Cemetery and confirmed that the PCSO and local PC are watching the situation closely.

He advised that there were 25 crimes between 1 April and 30 June last year and 21 this year in same period, 3 of which were criminal damage.

Sgt Jones was asked if there could be increased speed checking particularly in view of a regularly speeding vehicle at 6 am most mornings heading west and incidents in Eastington Road.  Cllr Mrs Pullin and Cllr Cotton confirmed that they will be attending the forthcoming Community Policing meeting.

115.2/09

Email from Mr Douglas Glen and Police response  regarding disturbance on Playing Field Car Park 4/5 July 2009

Noted.  Already dealt with by Sgt Jones.

116/09

Finance

116.1/09

Draft Minutes of the Meeting held on 21 July 2009

Noted

116.2/09

Report from the Chairman of the Finance Committee

Nothing further to report.

116.3/09

Budget Status up to 30 June 2009

Noted

116.4/09

Bills for Payment for June 2009

Proposed:  Cllr Mrs J Moss and Seconded by Cllr M Gaut and unanimously RESOLVED to pay.

117/09

Planning and Tree Works

117.1/09

Schedule of New Planning Applications, Applications Responded to and Decision Notices Received

 Noted.

Cllr Mrs Moss requested that Planning Committee members’ comments be circulated to the Committee.

117.2/09

Report from the Chairman of the Planning Committee

Cllr Mrs Lawrence drew Members attention to the application at Grace Drive and regretted the loss of off street parking which would create more congestion.  Cllr Wellman expressed concern on the effect the building work at the Wellings would have on drainage and the Clerk was asked to draw planners’ attention to this.

A member of the public asked what would be the Council’s view on the impact on parking if a new dental practice were to open in the Market Place.  Cllr Mrs Lawrence confirmed that whilst the Council has not been formally approached there would be concerns and the lady was asked to leave her contact details so that the matter may be discussed further.

118/09

Property and Premises Maintenance Committee

118.1/09

To Receive Report from the Chairman of the P&PM Committee

There has been no meeting and nothing to report.

119/09

Westwoods Committee

119.1/09

To Receive Report from the Chairman of the Westwoods Committee

Cllr Blades was not available but it was reported that the refurbishment of the Fortey Hall floor is nearing completion with only one more finishing coat to be done.

120/09

Working Groups and Projects

120.1/09

Notes from the Resilience Meetings held on 13 July 2009

Noted.

120.2/09

To Note Update Report on Other Current Projects

Nothing further to report.

130/09

Correspondence

130.1/09

CDC –Review of Statement of Principles – Gambling Act 2005

Noted

130.2/09

Cotswold Hall – Letter of Thanks for Donation

Noted

130.3/09

Cotswold Tree Project – Inter Parish Competition

Noted

130.4/09

CDC – Chairman’s Reception for the Voluntary Sector

Members were asked to pass suggestion on to the Clerk.

130.5/09

NALC – Government Responds to Matthew Taylor’s Report on the Issues Facing Rural Communities

Noted

130.6/09

Email from Northleach Lions re collection on 11 October 2009 in Northleach Market Place

Noted.

130.7/09

Email from The Inn at Fossebridge

Members welcomed the offer of fundraising to support repairs to the War Memorial and requested the Clerk to respond.

131/09

Chairman’s Report

Cllr Mrs Lawrence gave Cllr Hancock’s report in his absence.

Meeting with Highways to look at various issues: crossing point around end of Doctors Lane and protect the War Memorial, formalising parking places to facilitate traffic flow, Keep Clear outside the Cotswold Hall that is not always observed, entrances and exits to Market Place, Zig Zag lines outside the Fire Station and No Waiting restrictions between traffic lights and Coalyard Farm.

Cllr Mrs Lawrence also advised Members about CDC’s parking consultation and the funding allocation to flood defences at Eastington.

132/09

Representatives on Other Bodies

An Opportunity for Members representing the Council on Other Bodies to Give Brief Verbal Reports

Cllr Mrs J Pullin advised that:

·        She had attended CDC’s Community Safety meeting on 16 July.

·        Youth leaders are back on the streets - Katie and a new youth leader who is an American ex. marine.

·        Residents have noticed that CDC’s Dog Warden has been around the Town.  Lots of coloured circles have been noticed and dog mess has reduced.

133/09

Any Other Business

Cllr Fletcher advised

·        that he had been contacted by a resident of Mill End requesting that the one way street road markings outside Allens Almshouses should be improved.

·        Farmington Road has no footway and is frequently used by dog walkers.  

Cllr Mrs Lawrence advised Members that this was Mrs Rita Nichols last meeting as she would be leaving the employment of the Council at the end of August to take up a place at the University of Gloucestershire and work with the Youth Service.  She thanked Rita for her hard work on the Town Plan and wished her success in her future career.  Rita said that she had enjoyed working with the Council and had gained useful experience and knowledge.

134/09

Public Question Time (2) - Standing Order 22 refers

None