Parish Council Minutes

Minutes of the meeting held on

At 7.30 p.m.

in the Village Hall, Warmington

Mr Rowell welcomed everyone to the meeting and reminded Parishioners that the meeting is closed until "Parishioners Comments". He asked that Parishioners and Councillors alike not talk amongst themselves as this makes it very difficult to hear

Mr D Rowell (Chairman)
Mrs M Hodges
Mr R Bosworth (Vice Chairman)
Mr V Cooper
Mr M Dixon
Mr R Enfield
Mr D Short
Mr P Banbridge

9 Parishioners were also in attendance together with Jenny Davey the Young People’s Representative.

2. APOLOGIES : Apologies were received and accepted from Mr A Hinton and PC Wearing.

3. ABSENTEES : None

5. POLICE AND NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH REPORT: None

6. YOUNG PEOPLES REPRESENTATIVE : Miss Davey reported that the Youth Club is going really well with 20-30 people attending every Thursday. Events to date have included Bowling and a Halloween Party and a Christmas Disco is being organised.

7. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST : None

a) Highway Matters – report by A Hinton and V Cooper. Mr Cooper reported that he and Mr Hinton had attended a meeting with WS Atkins at Northampton. The purpose of this was for the Highway Representatives to give their view as to how the scheme of such Representatives worked so that WS Atkins could decide whether or not to continue it. Warmington has a new representative, Will Haines and to date things are going well. A car parked illegally was quickly moved and footpaths have been cleared of the debris of trees.

The hedge overhanging Hautboy Lane is being cut back. There are two holes in the roads which require attention, one outside no. 2 Chapel Street and one in Broadgate Way.

b) Street Lights. Light No. 48 outside No. 3 Drapers Close is not working. Two lights in Big Green and Chapel Street still need to be connected. Mr Dixon asked if the blue light opposite the Chapel would be changed and it was agreed that a price be obtained for this. In addition it was agreed to obtain prices for two additional lights in Broadgate Way.

c) Leisure field. A Leisure Group has been formed and meetings are currently being chaired by Mr Short. The Field has been levelled. Elton Estates have been asked permission to erect a portacabin, but they would prefer a more substantial structure. It has been pointed out to Elton Estates that it is unlikely that the money for such a structure could be obtained given the fact that the lease still has a 12 month clause on it. It has been requested that this clause be amended. Elton Estates have agreed to give £20,000, instead of £10,000, in the event that they require the land back. This however does not help the current situation and the £3,000 grant from NCC needs to be spent by the end of December. It is anticipated that a portacabin would be sited on the right hand hedge off Dexter Way. If no reply has been received from Elton Estates by the end of the month the Clerk to follow it up.

Mr Dixon asked if he could remove some of the lower branches of some of the trees that are overhanging the path in Church Street. This was considered to be a good idea.

f) Eaglethorpe/ BT/ Fired Earth. A letter has been written to BT requesting a meeting of all interested parties to discuss the undergrounding of the cables and a positive reply has been received. Elton Estates, Fired Earth and the residents of Eaglethorpe have been kept informed.

g) Best Kept Village. The village have not received a particularly good report for this with the centre of the village in particular being criticised. The report is to be put up on the noticeboard and published in Four All magazine.

i) NALC AGM & Seminar – Report by D Rowell and M Dixon. Mr Rowell and Mr Dixon were very disappointed with this meeting. The location and in particular the acoustics were very poor. The speaker in the morning speaking on the Freedom of Information Act was very good, but the one in the afternoon on Quality Parish Councils was very poor. At lunch for 70 people there were only 4 tables available. A letter has been sent to NALC about the event and Mr Rowell and Mr Dixon have completed survey forms

k) Grass Cutting 2003. A grass cutting agreement had been circulated to Councillors for discussion. The main points of the agreement are to have the grass in the Church, the Cemetery and the Leisure Field cut 6 times a year as appropriate. All grass cuttings to be cleared away. Taylors Green to be cut and dragged mid September to mid October once both sides of the road. The enquiry is to be sent to at least 3 contractors.

Mr Short was asked when the grass will be cut this year, but it depends on the weather.

l) Freedom of Information Act. It was agreed to adopt the Model Publication for Local Councils (Core Classes Only). AIF

Mr Rowell has also received negative comments regarding the position of Mr Banbridge and planning matters. As chairman of the Planning Committee at ENC Mr Banbridge is unable to vote on planning matters at Parish Council level. To do so would mean him declaring his hand before discussion has taken place at District level. This however robs the Parish Council of a vote and the views of a Parish Councillor who has been elected to represent the village. It was agreed that Mrs Ding be made aware of these concerns and the problems caused.

Mrs Hodges asked if there is likely to be a position for a further Parish Councillor given the growth in population of the village, but this is unlikely.

n) Quality Parish Councils. To become a Quality Parish Council it is necessary to sign up for the scheme, merely to practice what is required is not enough. It is suggested that Quality Parish Councils are more likely to qualify for grants. It was agreed that Warmington Parish Council would sign up for Quality status.

o) N E Northants Community Safety Partnership- report by R Enfield. Mr Enfield had hoped that the subject of traffic and Elton Estates proposed agricultural reservoir would be discussed at this meeting. He had passed the documentation to Sergeant Deans who in turn passed it on to PC Wearing, but there was no senior police presence at the meeting and therefore the questions were irrelevant. It is hoped that the questions can be raised at the next meeting. Mr Rowell suggested that such issues had more to do with Highways than the Police.

p) Churchyard maintenance. Mr Rowell and Mr Short have inspected the Churchyard. The footpath is OK. Mr Short is to take care of the low branches on the oak tree. There are 5 gravestones with a severe lean. It is hoped to try to identify the families who are responsible for these and encourage them to repair them. Bob Daniels surveyed the gravestones and so he may be able to help. Further sources of information would include Parish records and Wootton Hall.

Mr Rowell was disappointed with the letter received from the PCC regarding parking when there is a particularly large event in the Church. The Parish Council were requiring assistance with small matters such as additional cones, but the PCC saw parking outside the School as a more pressing problem.

The Churchyard wall is the responsibility of the Parish Council, but the wall between the vicarage and the churchyard is the responsibility of the Diocesan Church Council. Mrs Hodges reported trees hanging over the wall onto the path. Mr Dixon will report this to the Diocesan Church Council.

q) Parking in the village. A notice has been produced to put on offending cars. On behalf of Mrs Hodges, Mr Darters had reported parking on verges to the Police. The offenders stopped parking on the verges for a short while, but are now doing it again.

r) Litter bins at the School. Mrs Williams had written to suggest that the School had asked the Parish Council to provide bins. Mrs Hodges reported that the School currently have 2 bins, 1 inside and 1 outside. This is not enough, particularly at weekends when villagers are allowed to use the play area. The PTA have bought 2 additional bins, but given the use by parishioners would be grateful for a contribution from the Parish Council. It was decided to ascertain costs and discuss further at the next Parish Council meeting.

s) Noticeboard at Nene Pastures. Mr Murphy had asked that there be a noticeboard at Nene Pastures. Mr Bosworth proposed and Mr Banbridge seconded that this should not be provided, considering that 1 central noticeboard is adequate. 6 were in favour of this.

a) Elton Estates Agricultural Reservoir and Gravel extraction. Observations submitted. No further comments have been received from Elton Estates.

b) Eaglethorpe Farm and Buildings – Dwellinghouse and garage (Vary conditions 2 and 3 and relocate garage) Application for Variation and Listed Building Consent. No objections.

c) Two dwellings at 44 Big Green – Outline Planning Permission received

d) Q8 Garage – Recessed fascia sign to front elevation. Advertisement Consent received

e) Q8 Garage – Installation of ATM Machine. Planning Permission received

f) 26 Stamford Lane – Two storey side, single storey rear extensions with roof terrace and porch. Planning Permission received

g) 23 Broadgate Way – Two storey front and rear extensions, new garage (including conversion of two dwellings to one) Planning Permission received

h) Mrs Strickland is appealing against the refusal of planning permission for 2  dwellings at Highlands Boarding Kennels.

i) Mr Short and Mr Enfield have been approached by staff at the Little Chef, Warmington for advertising signs on the Peterborough side of the  roundabout. They have been informed that they need to apply to ENC for planning permission

a) Community A/C (Current) : £675.70

Accounts submitted for payment

- Anna Webb Salary and Expenses £320.25

- Village Hall Hire £6.00

b) Main BPA (Deposit) : £11,174.43

c) Cont. BPA (Contingency) : £3,430.00

d) Pocket Park A/c : £455.82

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

Internal Controls. The Parish Council have signed up to NALC for the provision of an internal auditor.

Printing costs. Currently normal printing is charged by the Clerk at 5p a copy. This no longer covers costs. Mr Dixon proposed and Mr Short seconded that it be raised to 6p AIF. Mr Rowell reported the new mileage rates laid down by NALC to be:- 35.8p for engines 451-999cc, 39.9p 1000-1199cc and 49.4p 1200-1450cc.

Precept 2003/4. Figures for actual and estimated expenditure had been presented to Councillors and copies were given to Parishioners. Further discussion involved the effect on the rates of an increased precept. Mr Banbridge reported that last years base rate was £397 and that £14,000 precept cost a D rated householder £35.26. This year’s base rate is £407 and £14,000 precept would cost a similar householder £34.40. However, it was felt that an increase on the £14,000 was needed. Mr Rowell felt that the Contingency Account needs to be built up. Further unknown expenditure includes the maintenance of the Leisure Field, the Allotments, the maintenance of the streetlights at Nene Pastures, further street light project work, the expansion of grass cutting and election expenses. After suggestions of increased figures ranging from £15,000 to £17,000, Mrs Hodges proposed and Mr Enfield seconded £16,000. This was carried with 4 in favour. Mr Cooper asked for further written confirmation as to how this would affect the rates.

Since the last meeting in September 62 items of correspondence have been circulated amongst Parish Councillors and 67 items of post have been sent by the Parish Council.

Post in circulation includes a letter from Vincent Sykes solicitors informing the Parish Council that they are still chasing up Wright Hassal solicitors re the transfer of the Pocket Park from ENC. A response has not been received from Wright Hassal since the summer.

12. OUTSTANDING CORRESPONDENCE : None

b) Conservation. Mr Bosworth had nothing to report

c) Oundle Surgery. Mr Cooper had nothing to report

d) Pocket Parks. Mr Rowell reported no problems

e) Rights of Way. Mr Atkinson has not reported any problems

f) Road Safety. Mr Banbridge is still awaiting the signs

g) Village Hall. Mr Enfield reported that the AGM held a week ago was poorly attended.

h) Warmington Charities. Mr Bosworth reported that a meeting was held last month and no requests for money had been made. Donations would be made to the Pensioners Party and to Oundle Aftercare

i) Warmington School. Mrs Hodges reported that the outside wall of the school is to be damp proofed and then the hall decorated. The whole school will then have been decorated.

b) Mr Du Croz referred back to the meeting held with ENC Planning in April to enquire whether any new guidelines have been received from Geraldine Smith. He was informed that these are currently in circulation.

c) Mr Du Croz asked if any response has been received from Elton Estates re the agricultural reservoir and if the plans were made available to the Parish Council before the application was submitted. There has been no response from Elton Estates and the plans were made available to the Parish Council but only at the same time as the application was submitted.

d) Mr Du Croz expressed his concern at the way the Precept had been discussed and suggested that more information should be available as to how the rates will be affected.

f) Mr Cutler expressed his dismay at how readily the noticeboard in Nene Pastures had been turned down.

g) Mr Cutler asked about maintenance on Nene Pastures. Certain areas have been cut and maintained but others have not. Mr Rowell stated that a letter has been received from NCC Highways suggesting that some areas of ground belong to householders and should appear in their property deeds. This matter has been continually taken up with Bryants but despite promises no written communications have been received. Further attempts will be made.

h) Mr Davey expressed the gratitude of the Youth Club for the support received from the Village Hall committee and the Parish Council.

i) Mr Davey was also disappointed with the discussion on the precept, but thanked the Council for a very entertaining evening! He suggested the idea of holding an open meeting where the responsibilities of the Council and Councillors are outlined together with their relationship to other bodies.

j) Mr Forrest thanked the Council for their continued attempts to resolve the problems with the cables at Eaglethorpe.

a) Mr Dixon reported that the underpass has been flooded again. Mr Bosworth suggested that this happens when the river rises, but then it subsides again.

b) Mr Bosworth asked why the village are experiencing so many power cuts. It was suggested that it is still to do with trees, but the Clerk to write to enquire.

c) Mr Rowell expressed a number of warnings and stated that he will not hesitate to report such matters. There is excessive dog fouling at Orchard Pocket Park and waste engine oil at Big Green Pocket Park. A motorcyclist was seen riding very fast through the underpass which is not suitable for vehicles.