Parish Council Minutes

PARISH COUNCIL MEETING

Minutes of the meeting held on Monday 21st March 2005

At 7.30 pm

in the Village Hall, Warmington

1. ATTENDANCE

Mr D Rowell (Chairman)
Mr M Dixon
Mr R Bosworth (Vice Chairman)
Mr D Short
Mrs M Hodges
Mr G Reid
Mr I Cutler
Mrs L Huett

7 Parishioners were also in attendance.

2. APOLOGIES : Apologies were received from Mr P Hardcastle and PC C Wearing

3. ABSENTEES : None

4. APPROVAL AND SIGNING OF MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 17th JANUARY 2005. Mrs Hodges drew the attention of the meeting to Item 13 a) "Alms Houses" – she is actually Secretary and not Treasurer as stated. Other than this the minutes were signed as a true and accurate record of events. AIF

5. POLICE AND NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH REPORT. Mr Rowell had received a visit from PC Wearing. All is quiet at the moment .There have been thefts of 4X4 vehicles where keys have been left inside. Various young members of the community have necessitated speaking to over minor events. PC Wearing is now trained in the use of the laser gun. Broadgate Way and Stamford Lane have already been monitored. PC Wearing will target Buntings Lane in the near future.

Mr Reid reported that Mr Simpson has received the leaflets for pensioners and asked that these could be distributed via the Post Office.

The Parish Council are in receipt of a letter from the Chief Inspectors for the Eastern Area asking for views on the attendance of officers at Parish Council meetings and the requirement of Councils for crime statistics. It was agreed that the Parish Council are happy to continue with existing procedure whereby an officer attends meetings as and when he is able to do so. Further it was felt that crime statistics supplied by officers when attending meetings would be sufficient. The Clerk to reply to this effect.

6. YOUTH GROUP
Miss Davey reported that all is going very well. The group have contacted Terri Smith, the Youth Co-ordinator and she has attended a meeting. A Youth Worker called Daniel now attends all meetings. A grant of £800 has been obtained and the group are going to buy a football table, air hockey table, Playstation 2, TV and a cabinet to put them in.

7. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST : None

8. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION

a) Play Area future development and budget : This item was taken first to allow Mrs Rule to participate. Following discussion it was agreed that both the Chapel Street play area and the Leisure Field should be developed and that grants should be sought for both. Mrs Huett proposed and Mr Constant seconded that £10,000 be put into the capital budget for play equipment strategy with a view to obtaining a matching £10,000 in grants. The majority were in favour.
Mrs Rule had obtained the views of the School, the Playgroup and the Mums and Tots Group as to their suggestions. Their priorities would be:-

o Infant swings

o Benches for adults

o Climbing frame

o Another rocking animal

o Seesaw

o Roundabout

Additional suggestions would be :- wooden stepping stones, a bigger slide, "Teletubby – style" speaker system, wooden house and zip line. It was appreciated that some of these items would be better suited to the Leisure Field. Mrs Rule pointed out that the fencing of the play area and improvements to the footpath between Nene Pastures and Chapel Street were also mentioned as was the provision of rubber matting rather than the bark. She also drew attention to a group at Sudborough who had been formed under the umbrella of the Parish Council with the purpose of fundraising for a play area. Mrs Rule was thanked for her input and will be contacted in the future.

b) Highway Matters. Mr Rowell reported that the culverts have now been cleaned. Highways responded very quickly to problems with the pavement in Drapers Close. The Highways Department have now looked at the deeds supplied by Mr Clarke and state that although deeds can show properties extending out into the road in reality the verge still belongs to highways. It was agreed to notify Mr Clarke that this verge could be planted in the future.
The bus shelter on the main road has been damaged. Highways will be informed.
The drains have now been cleaned.
Mrs Huett passed to the Clerk information on the Street Doctor scheme which will replace "Clarence".
Mr Bosworth pointed out that the road out to Morborne is still very bad. A letter has been received from Highways stating that this will be inspected later this year.
The "Warmington" sign has been taken for repair.

c) Social Club footpath. A letter dated 8th February has been received from Debbie Strong stating that there was an error in her original letter. £50,000 should in fact read £5,000 and that ROW are currently investigating a dedication order for the footpath. Further Ms Strong asked if the Parish Council would part fund the scheme. After discussion it was agreed to approach Mr Hardcastle and arrange for he and a Parish Councillor to meet with Ms Strong.
Mrs Hodges reported that Mr Northwood, the Headmaster of the School, has been informed that there is no money available from the Safer Routes to School Scheme to fund the footpath. The Parish Council do still have the offer of £1,000 from Elton Estates.

d) Street Lights and design. Mr Rowell and Mr Short met with Eldridge Electrical. Various brochures were received but despite promises no quotations to date.
The light at the entrance to Pierce Crescent is flashing. Generally many lights need cleaning. ABB to be informed.

e) Leisure Field. The door to the portacabin has now been repaired. Mrs Hodges had been asked about a Teenage Shelter. This will be discussed by the Leisure Field committee.

f) Landscape Management. 25 trees received from BTCV have bee planted and many of the bulbs planted are now in flower.
Mr Simpson has suggested that the trees on Broadgate Way were planted to close to the hedge and are hampering hedge cutting.
16-17 people attended the litter pick on Saturday 19th March and the children were given Easter eggs.
Mr Cutler reported that a tree has been removed at Nene Pastures, various dead trees removed and hedges cut.
The hedge on the inside of the Cemetery needs to be cut back. The Odd Job Man to be approached.
Mr Reid suggested that there is a lot more to be done. This will be on the Agenda for the July meeting.
Mrs Huett reported that there is a dead tree in the middle of the small estate opposite the Red Lion.
The area around the Garage and the new restaurant needs cleaning.

g) Village Flagpole. The Royal British Legion has expressed an interest in this and suggested that it could be installed at the Social Club and they would take care of it. Further the Chairman expressed a willingness to make a personal donation. It was suggested that people may be willing to buy their own flags as appropriate. Prices for a flagpole range from £182.95 for a 6m pole to £239.95 for a 9m pole. After discussion Mr Reid proposed and Mrs Hodges seconded that the Parish Council proceed. A vote was taken and with only 3 Councillors in favour the item was dismissed.

h) Unsung heroes awards. Mr Peck reported that he Mr Constant, Mr Leakey, Mr Du Croz and Mr Short had attended this event. The citations of work carried out by some people in the County were incredible to the extent that Mr Peck felt somewhat embarrassed by what he considered to be his small role in the Community. Both the Five All team and Mr Du Croz were awarded Appreciation Certificates. An article will appear in the Five All magazine. Mr Rowell had received a letter from Mr Du Croz expressing very similar sentiments to those of Mr Peck.

i) Affordable Housing. Affordable Houses have offered to speak to the Parish Council about their work. They would ascertain whether there was a need for affordable houses and if this is the case carry out a survey to identify land. Houses would always remain "affordable houses" and control would lie with the Parish Council. Mr Dixon pointed out that past experience suggested that such homes would not necessarily be taken up by Warmington residents, in fact last time only one person moved in and it was a long time before the houses were all let. After discussion only two Councillors were in favour of taking the item further and it was agreed not to proceed.

j) East Northants Council – Draft Rural Strategy. Mr Rowell and Mr Dixon agreed to respond to this document. Mr Rowell had spoken to Mr Atkinson at Atkins, however, and it was his view that it is a document more for ENC and no reply was required.

k) Rights of Way PD20 (24/05). This has now been rerouted and the Parish Council are in receipt of the relevant maps and order.

l) Donation to Citizens Advice Bureau (25/05). Mr Reid proposed and Mr Constant seconded that a donation of £50 be made. The majority were in favour.

m) Glasdon Products letter (26/05). No further action was required with this item.

n) Donation to Playing Field Magazine (52/05). It was agreed not to donate to this magazine.

o) NALC Subscription (59/05). After discussion Mr Dixon proposed and Mr Reid seconded that the basic subscription of £159 be paid. AIF.

p) ACRE Subscription (67/05). Mr Reid proposed and Mr Constant seconded that the subscription of £31 be paid. AIF

q) Community Speedwatch. Mr Rowell reported that this form had been delivered to 390 houses. A 20% positive return was required. Unfortunately the return was 14.9% by household and 12.5% by electorate.

9. PLANNING

a) Land north side of Fotheringhay Road – EN/05/00195FUL – Proposed new cattle barn. Planning Permission received. As the applicant Mr Short has agreed to look into the situation with the fence and the hedge. Re the old railway line running along his land and people wishing to walk in this area, Mr Short suggested that anyone would be welcome as long as they observe the Countryside Code

b) 57 Dexter Way – EN/05/00504/FUL – Conservatory to rear. Mr Reid proposed and Mrs Huett seconded that there be no objections to this application. AIF.

10. ACCOUNTS

a) Community A/C (Current) : £1457.86

INCOME		EXPENDITURE
Balance b/f	1583.32	Village Hall Hire	12.50
		A Webb Salary/Exp	476.87
Training Bursary	200.00	D Rowell Exp	63.04
Trf from deposit	2000.00	Cemetery Tax	22.00
		Powergen	764.70
		S Harbour Rose gar	120.00
		C Ellard Allot Exp	20.48
		BTCV trees	25.00
		Glebe Gardens	271.43
		Youth Club Donat	100.00
		NALC Course	350.00
		G Reid Exp	30.30
		D Constant Exp	35.07
		Plaque for tree	34.07

		Balance c/f	1457.86

	3783.32		3783.32

Accounts submitted for payment

- Anna Webb Salary and Expenses £520.43

- Village Hall Hire £12.50

b) Main BPA (Deposit) : £21,432.88

c) Cont. BPA (Contingency) : £3,474.27

d) Pocket Park A/c : £371.38

Adoption of accounts. Mr Dixon proposed and Mr Bosworth seconded that the accounts be adopted.

Appointment of Internal Auditor 2005/6. It was agreed that the Council continue with this scheme at a cost of £126. AIF

11. CORRESPONDENCE

Since the last meeting in January 72 items of correspondence have been circulated amongst Parish Councillors and 27 items of post have been sent by the Parish Council.

The Parish Council are in receipt of a consultation from NCC re the Mobile Library Service. It is proposed that the Mobile Library visit Warmington fortnightly on Wednesdays calling at the following times:-

	Arrive	Leave
Acremead	10.05	10.25
Chapel Street	10.30	10.45
School	10.50	11.40

It was agreed that this is a very good service and NCC will be informed accordingly.

12. OUTSTANDING CORRESPONDENCE : None

13. PARISH COUNCILLOR’S REPORTS

a) Alms Houses. Mr Short reported that the Alms Houses are to be rewired

b) Village Hall. Mr Cutler reported that a meeting was held on 31st January. Finances continue to be healthy and various refurbishments were considered. The hot water system will be upgraded and some changes made to the kitchen. Mrs Ellard had arranged for officers to visit Glapthorne Village Hall where further ideas were formulated.

c) Warmington Charities. Mr Bosworth reported that a meeting will be held in 4 weeks time

d) Warmington School. Mrs Hodges reported that the School have asked about replacing the Cherry tree that was removed when the School was extended. It was decided to allow the children to decide upon a suitable replacement. Mrs Hodges to report back when a decision has been made. Mr Norwood has taken the permanent head teacher appointment. Problems continue with the playground with older children using the area. Mr Rowell agreed to meet with Mr Norwood to discuss the agreement and the legal situation. Mrs Hodges has received a letter from County stating that she is now a co-opted Governor rather than a Parish Council Governor. The School are keen to continue the links with the Parish Council however and when Mrs Hodges term of office comes to an end would like to continue to appoint a Parish Councillor.

e) Tree Warden/Conservation. Mr Reid raised the issue of owls in the village. Mr Bosworth continues to work with Dr Owens, Oundle School, on the provision of owl boxes. There are now two on land belonging to Mr Wilkinson and two in the water meadows.

f) Road Safety. Mr Rowell reported that the Parish Boards are due to be received next month.

g) Pocket Parks. Mr Rowell reported that the Orchard Pocket Park has a badger.

h) Allotments. Mr Short reported that the hedge on the roadside needs trimming. He agreed to sort this out. It would seem that October would be a better time to collect rents than May. Mr Ellard will confirm this with allotment holders.

i) Rights of Way. Mr Atkinson asked the Parish Council whether they felt that the stile on PD23, Broadgate Way should be repaired as a stile or replaced as a kissing gate. It was felt that it would be more appropriate as a kissing gate. ROW to be made aware.

14. PARISIONERS’ QUESTION TIME

a) Mr Ellard asked how parishioners will be informed of the times and venues of the Mobile Library. It was felt that this information would be conveyed by the Mobile Library itself, but the information could also be included in Five All and on the Parish Council noticeboard when appropriate.

b) As an observation Mr Ellard pointed out that the problems with the School play area stress the need to sort out the Play Area/Leisure Field.

c) Mrs Bosworth suggested that the residents of Nene Pastures start up a petition to get the footpath completed. Mr Ellard suggested that gravel etc could be put on the path as a temporary solution. Mr Cutler pointed out that this had been considered but was not really the answer.

d) Mr Peck reported problems with cars parking on the pavement near the School in Church Street, particularly in the evenings. This may be people attending evening classes at the School. Mrs Hodges agreed to place notices on car windscreens as appropriate.
Mr Peck also drew attention to that sorry state of the green areas on Big Green. Mr Rowell suggested that contractors on both Little Green and Big Green have agreed to reinstate the areas when they have finished their work. The Parish Council always add a rider to letters to applicants for planning permissions asking that the village is respected.
Mr Peck made the observation that the Police do not seem to visit the village so often recently. Mrs Huett pointed out that the village does not always warrant a police presence and that they do come when time permits.

e) Mr Atkinson asked what should be done when the names of vandals are known as was the case with the vandalism at the Leisure Field. It was agreed that this was up to the individual witnessing the event.

15. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

a) Mrs Hodges pointed out that the "Nene" post has not been put back, the dog bin outside the School has not been repaired, the seat by the ford has been dismantled and the Cemetery gate does not stay shut. It was felt that the ford seat is undergoing work by the Odd Job Man who is currently repairing and restoring all seats around the village and that the Cemetery gate was probably left open.

b) Mr Dixon asked about the possibility of extending street lighting from the village to the roundabout. He felt that this would encourage residents to use the bus which often necessitates having to walk back to the village from the main road in the dark. This to be an agenda item for the next meeting.

c) Mr Reid questioned the amount of literature that the Parish Council now receive. It was agreed that it is necessary to receive it all but that a lot of it is beyond the remit of the Parish Council.

16. DATE OF NEXT MEETING

Monday 9th May 2005

The meeting closed at 9.50 pm.