Parish Council Meeting

a) Highways : Following the visit from Mr Gilder, Highways are now undertaking many small jobs in the village. Other matters to bring to their attention is flooding outside the School and pot holes in Big Green and near the ford in Church Street.

The Clerk has spoken to Debbie Strong NCC re the footpath across the Social Club. It did not score highly enough to receive funding 2004/5 but will be rolled over to 2005/6 unless other funding can be found. Estimated costs were £5,000. Mr Cutler suggested that the rubbish should be cleared on the car park side and the path rerouted to the back of the recycling bins. It is currently very wet and muddy. Mr Cutler suggested that the intention is to encourage people to walk and not use their cars around the village. Mr Rowell pointed out that Mr Hoyes, Elton Estates, had a one point offered £1,000 towards the creation of the path. It was agreed to see if this is still available. It was also agreed to obtain quotes from local builders for the work and look into other grants. Concern was that it is the responsibility of NCC and that they should be pressed to do it. It was agreed to write to Debbie Strong and also contact Mrs Padley, Northamptonshire County Councillor to press for further action. Mr Bosworth pointed out that the Social Club had offered the land to the village for the footpath. The Social Club, however, had never received any correspondence from NCC acknowledging this.

Mr Constant asked if there had been any progress with Traffic Management in Church Street. This was discussed with Nick Gore, NCC and to date no reply has been received. Mr Cutler pointed out that although money may not currently be available the Parish Council should continue to lobby NCC.

It was agreed that ways need to be devised to prevent parking on verges and footpaths. Mr Reid reported that re the area of hard standing created by the resident in Chapel Street, negotiations were continuing with NCC. The resident had felt that he was acting in the best interests of the village in removing his vehicle from the road , allowing greater access for buses. This is a matter for NCC to resolve.

b) Street Lights : A quotation from ABB had been received for the lights in Pierce Crescent, further quotations will be sought and other designs looked at.

c) Allotments : Further to the last meeting, Mr Ellard reported that the allotment holders considered that the gale breaker was not really necessary and that there would be little gain from it.

d) Leisure Field. A meeting of the committee had been held. Letters had been received from Taylor Woodrow stating that they had applied for the water and electricity connections. One of the main issues is having the grass cut to the desired length. The committee felt that an investment in a 3 gang mower would be profitable. Mr Short and Mr Rowell to look into costs. ENC to be approached re a grant for this.

The Parish Council had received a letter from a resident of Nene Pasture expressing concern over the use of the Leisure Field and its impact on property prices. The Leisure Field survey however, found most residents to be in favour. Of the replies received tennis was the favoured sport with football second. The results are to be published in Five All. It is anticipated that the School will use the field next week. The next Leisure Field meeting is to be in 4-5 weeks time.

e) Village Litter Pick : Mr Rowell thanked Mrs Hodges for organising this. It was agreed that it should be held in March next year. Mr Short reported that there is spoil on the road as you leave the village on the old A605 towards the bypass. NCC to be made aware.

f) Quality Parish Councils : Re the AQA Qualification, the Clerk reported that she is awaiting details of a NALC course which was due to take place at the end of May

g) Landscape Management / Pocket Parks: Mr Constant reported that in the Landscape Management Report the term "Public Open Spaces" should be replaced by "Important Open Spaces". This has been changed on the master copy. Mr Constant had met with the Clerk to draw up arrangements to send information and request advice from ENC as to how to proceed with the Landscape Management report. A further map has been commissioned to send to ENC with the report. It was also agreed to send a letter to the police asking for assistance in preventing people from parking on verges and footpaths.

Mr Cooper agreed to ask Mr Enfield to contact Mr Rowell re the oak tree.

Mr Constant suggested that the Pocket Parks had not been included in the Landscape Management report as they have their own original agreement and management plan. However, it is likely that this needs to be updated to ensure that the Pocket Parks evolve as was originally planned. Mr Constant suggested putting a small team together to prepare a report. Mr Rowell agreed to discuss this at the next meeting of the Pocket Park Committee. Mr Rowell reported that there is now a new lady responsible for Pocket Parks at NCC and she will have an input.

Mr Dixon drew the attention of the meeting to a document received from ENC identifying an area south of Warmington, bounded by Taylors Green, that could be developed in the future. This is in conflict with current planning policy and it was agreed that ENC be made aware. Mr Constant suggested that the response be made in terms of the Village Design Statement and Mr Du Croz consulted. Mr Dixon agreed to draft a letter.

Mr Rowell suggested that in all responses to planning applications there be a statement asking builders to respect grass verges and footpaths.

Mr Reid raised the question of bulb planting. Areas for planting have been highlighted in the Landscape Management report and Mr Constant suggested that priorities be picked off. Mr Constant proposed and Mr Reid seconded that a maximum of £200 be spent on bulbs. AIF.

h) Clerk’s Salary. This is currently £2602.60 for 6½ hours per week, LC Scale 1 Spinal Column 18. Mrs Hodges proposed and Mr Short seconded that the Clerk’s salary increase by 3% to £2680.68. AIF. An updated Contract of Employment was signed.

a) Community A/C (Current) : £1384.03

d) Pocket Park A/c : £428.76

Mr Short queried the £64 VAT on dog bins. The Clerk explained that ENC had not originally charged VAT on dog bins as they should have done. This has now been reclaimed on the VAT return.

Adoption of accounts : Mr Short proposed and Mr Bosworth seconded that the accounts be adopted. AIF.

a) Stagecoach – A copy of the results of the Public Transport Survey was sent to them for their comments.

b) Insurance re the School Play Area – this is currently in the hands of NCC legal department.

c) Elton Estates – various items are outstanding including the Allotment Agreement.

d) Taylor Woodrow – the problems with street lights have not been addressed. This may be taken care of when the Estate is adopted. Mr Cutler reported that some residents of Nene Pastures are taking matters into their own hands and weeding, cutting hedges etc, all of which should be the responsibility of Taylor Woodrow.

e) BT re the pole in Pierce Crescent.