Parish Council Meeting

a) Highway Matters. A number or remedial works have been undertaken around the village. The Parish Council are in receipt of a letter from Mrs Solt expressing her concern about some of these works. She is disappointed about the height of the kerbing and also the surfacing of the footpaths. The VDS recommended that golden gravel be utilised for footpaths but this has not been adhered to. Mr Rowell has approached the engineer who suggested that where repairs are required for safety the County Council are duty bound to act. In this situation due to budget limitations the materials would be of a standard kind. The engineer agreed that golden gravel could be used in the future if funds were available. Mr Cutler questioned whether NCC were aware of the VDS. Mr Du Croz had ensured that all necessary organisations had a copy of the document. Mr Cutler also suggested that out of courtesy, Highways should acknowledge the existence of the document completed by the Parish Council detailing highway issues throughout the village and at least consult with the Parish Council before commencing works. It was agreed that the Clerk should write stating that although the Parish Council is pleased that work is being undertaken in the village, in future they would like to be consulted.

Mr Constant expressed his pleasure at the posts erected in Church Lane. He suggested, however, that they are quite far apart and cars are still able to park between them.

A letter has been received from Mr Peck detailing problems with the dropping down of the footpath near the bus shelter in Orchard Close. This is considered to be dangerous. The Parish Council have previously reported this to Highways and the footpath has been inspected. It was agreed that the Clerk write again enclosing a copy of the letter from Mr Peck.

Mr Short reported that the road outside the School still has a tendency to flood. Mr Constant reported that the road in Pierce Crescent is breaking up. Highways to be made aware of these issues.

b) Street Lights : Further quotations were sought from Eastern and Ringway. To date nothing has been received from Eastern. Ringway have telephoned the Clerk and will send further information.

c) Allotments : The small gate is still to be fitted. Mr Rowell to have a word with Mr Ellard.

d) Leisure Field : No further progress has been made. Negotiations tend to be through Elton Estates to Taylor Woodrow. The Parish Council are pressing for a meeting with Elton Estates to discuss various matters, but to date with little success. The treatment has been very poor and it may be that solicitors become involved.

Mr Short has purchased a gang mower which he is going to service and get into order. The Parish Council will see how its cuts and then negotiate with Mr J Short to cut the Leisure Field.

e) Quality Parish Councils : In order to qualify for Quality Parish Council status one of the criteria is for the Council to have a qualified clerk. The recognised qualification is the AQA certificate in Local Council Administration. The County Training Partnership (CTP) were due to have training in place by May 2004, but due to the loss after a very short period of their Training Co-ordinator and the appointment of a new one this is now due to take place in September. Of further concern is the fact that from April 2005 AQA will no longer be the accrediting body and the national association are currently in the process of finding another assessing body. It was agreed that although the Clerk would continue to express an interest in the qualification, concerns would also be expressed. The item would be put on hold until these concerns can be overcome.

f) Landscape Management/Pocket Parks. Mr Rowell, Mr Constant and Mr Reid had met to discuss future planting of bulbs, plants and trees. At the last meeting it was agreed that up to £200 be spent on planting. This will be in the form of wildflowers such as primroses etc. If Mr Enfield is in agreement, the £100 he promised for an oak tree will be utilised to purchase a new yew tree for the churchyard. About 20 trees have failed on the old A605 and along Broadgate Way and one or two more in Church Street coming off the roundabout. The Clerk will look for grants to replace these trees. Mr Dixon suggested that existing trees could be spaced out further so that not so many are required. Mr Cutler questioned the maintenance of the trees. Mr Rowell suggested that it would normally be expected to lose 10-15% of new planting. However, last years very hot summer did not help. Mr Constant suggested that the Parish Council should not plant beyond what it is able to maintain.

At the last meeting Mr Constant suggested putting together a small team to update and prepare a management report for the Pocket Parks. Mr Rowell had raised this at the last meeting of the Pocket Parks, but it was felt that it was not necessary. A new Pocket Parks Officer has been appointed and the committee will obtain her views. Mr Constant expressed his view that the committee is not proactive enough and that other people could be included. Mrs Hodges suggested that there is a Friends of the Pocket Park Group which all are welcome to join. Posters are displayed advertising the work of the Pocketeers and events are held.

g) School Play area : A letter has been received from Cornhill Insurance suggesting that NCC are being rather harsh on the Parish Council in terms of the insurance that they require. The School have passed this letter on to NCC and the Parish Council await further comments. Mrs Hodges suggested that there are already problems with older children playing on the recently upgraded play area.

h) Rights of Way : There have been problems with PD25 through Mr Northern’s field on the Morborne Road. Mr Northern has been informed and he has cut the area back to the satisfaction of the Parish Council. He has been informed however to refer to the Rights of Way department for further clarification and maps.

There is a small tree overhanging the footpath in Broadgate Way from Mr Northern’s field. Mr Northern will be informed and invited to cut it down.

Mrs Hodges reported that the Nene Way post in Church Lane opposite the Alms Houses is now out of the ground.

i) Christmas Tree. This was discussed in terms of location, type and maintenance. Mrs Hodges proposed and Mr Short seconded that the idea of a Christmas Tree be agreed in principle, but that further consideration be given to the implications. The majority were in favour. Ideas to be discussed at the next meeting.

j) Flagpole. This was discussed in terms of location, maintenance and responsibility. The School was discussed as a possible location. Mrs Hodges to approach the School and report back.

k) Orchestra musical instruments. These instruments were obtained through grants and have been stored by Mr Constant. The Parish Council agreed that these now be stored at the School on a permanent loan for their use and for the use of the Orchestra should they reconvene. Mr Constant has itemised the instruments and it was agreed that they be added to the Parish Council asset register and insured accordingly.

l) Village Design Statement. Covered under Highway Matters above.

m) Cemetery : There are currently one or two problems. A grave has been renovated resulting in two stones that stand approximately 6" too high. Mrs Cooper suggested that they may have been installed by a stonemason at Crowland. The Clerk to investigate. Mr Rowell suggested that all applicants for memorials be sent a copy of the Standing Orders governing the cemetery. These Standing Orders also state that no flowers are to be planted on graves. This has occurred in a number of cases. People to be made aware.

Generally the cemetery is becoming rather gaudy with solar powered lights, teddy bears etc. Again, people to be made aware. Mr Rowell suggested that it may be preferable to speak to people rather than write.

Mr Bosworth raised the question of water in the cemetery. Mr Brookes is happy to fill the water butts. Mr Rowell to ask him if he would check the levels of water periodically.

n) Seats/Street furniture. There are numerous seats around the village which are in need of attention. It was agreed to approach the Odd Job Man to undertake the task.

a) Warmington Grange, Fotheringhay Road – EN/04/00403 – Creation of new access. Planning permission received.

b) 28 Chapel Street – EN/04/00568 – Conservatory. Planning permission received

c) 15 Pierce Crescent – EN/04/00663- Single storey front extension to create porch. Planning permission received

d) The Old Hautboy – EN/04/00970 – Removal of an internal masonry wall and a partition wall and erection of burglar alarm. No objections

e) Fired Earth showroom – EN/04/00783 – Erection of signage to advertise access to Fired Earth. No objections to the sign. Objections to the removal of the gates. Mr Constant expressed his objection to this application and his hope that the Parish Council will not support any further development of signs for the site.

f) The Parish Council are in receipt of the Planning Permission for Elton Estates Reservoir which will be circulated. This must go ahead within 3 years and be completed in 5 years. Mr Rowell reported that many of the concerns raised by the Parish Council have been addressed. Elton Estates have also promised to send the Parish Council the Land Management Plan. Mr Rowell suggested that the Parish Council monitor the site when works begins and approach the contractor to liaise.

b) Main BPA (Deposit) : £17,570.73

c) Cont. BPA (Contingency) : £3,456.13

d) Pocket Park A/c : £371.38

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

a) Stagecoach – request for bus timetables in the bus shelters.

b) BT – Pole in Pierce Crescent. Mr Rowell to approach the local office.

c) Crowsons – request for a probe of parts of the area reserved for the burial of ashes in the cemetery.

d) The Way Post highlighted by Mr Thomas at the last meeting. This will be raised at the next meeting.

a) Alms Houses. Mr Short reported that the ceiling had been put right at no. 7.

b) Village Hall. Mr Cutler reported that a committee meeting had been held on June 7th. There was a problem with the Youth Club using the hall when children were found straying up and down Church Street unsupervised. This matter has been resolved. Work is to be undertaken on the water heater in the kitchen. The increase in hire charges was confirmed. A Christmas Show is to be performed in early December under the leadership of Mrs Ellard. The next meeting is on September 6th.

c) Warmington Charities. Mr Bosworth had nothing to report.

d) Warmington School : Mrs Hodges reported that Mrs Machin is leaving on Friday 16th July. In 2006 the role of Local Authority Governor is to be phased out and one third of governors are to be parents.

e) Tree Warden/Conservation : Mr Reid reported that he had attended an ECO meeting at Kettering. As a village Warmington is good for recycling. Mr Reid had picked up some further information and also some for Mrs Hodges to pass on to the School. This involved ways of educating young children to recycle.

f) Road Safety : Mr Rowell reported no problems other than ongoing problems with speeding and parking on verges. Mr Reid reported that Upper Benefield, like Weldon, now has a flashing warning sign. It was felt that these are only installed on major roads.

a) Mrs Cheeseman questioned the route likely to be taken by the lorries from Elton Estates reservoir. Mr Rowell informed Mrs Cheeseman that lorries exiting the reservoir have to turn left. It would appear that many will be going to Peterborough anyway. Coming from Peterborough the lorries are unable to turn right at the site entrance and would go down to the roundabout and go back. Mr Rowell pointed out that Highways have to be satisfied with the road systems before work begins.

b) Mrs Bosworth suggested that the system used in France to water trees should be adopted. This involves placing a tube with the tree enabling water to go down to the roots. Mr Dixon suggested that the problem is getting the water to the trees.

c) Mr Thomas asked if the Parish Council would be responding to the "Design for the Future Oundle and Surrounding Areas Discussion Paper" and was informed that this would be dealt with under any other business. Mr Thomas further commented on the recognition of excessive light pollution in the Northamptonshire Plan. He queried this in relation to Warmington Barns. As the landlord Elton Estates have been approached about this. Mr Hoyes informed the Parish Council that the occupants of the Barns actually wanted more lighting and he persuaded them against it. The matter will be followed up.

d) Mr Rowell drew Mr Hardcastle’s attention to the provision of the footpath to link Nene Pastures to the rest of the village. He outlined the history and the current position that the footpath is not to be included in the budget for NCC for 2004/5. Mr Rowell stressed the importance of the footpath for the village and Mr Cutler pointed out that the Estate accounts for one fifth of the population of the village. It was pointed out that the offer of £1,000 towards the establishment of the path from Elton Estates is still available. Mr Hardcastle agreed to look into the matter.

"Design for the Future Oundle and Surrounding Areas Discussion Paper" – Mr Dixon agreed to draft a response to this paper to be circulated amongst Parish Councillors for their comments.