Parish Council Meeting

PARISH COUNCIL MEETING

Minutes of the meeting held on

Monday 14th January 2002

At 7.30 pm

in the Village Hall, Warmington

WELCOME & INTRODUCTIONS. Mr Rowell welcomed and introduced our guests for the evening: Councillor Mrs Radcliffe, performing a "Health Check" on the Council on behalf of NALC, Northamptonshire County Councillor Mrs Padley and Miss Jenny Davey, addressing the meeting on behalf of the youth of the village.

1. ATTENDANCE

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

13 Parishioners were also in attendance together with our 3 guests

2. APOLOGIES. Apologies were received from Mr Du Croz and PC Waring.

3. ABSENTEES. None

4. APPROVAL AND SIGNING OF MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON 19th NOVEMBER 2001. These were signed as a true and accurate record of events. AIF.

5. POLICE AND NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH REPORT. Mr Darters reported that there had been a burglary at Pierce Crescent and £500 of DIY equipment was taken. PC Waring had asked that parishioners be vigilant in locking sheds. Mrs Padley added that shed deterrents were available from the Police.

Mr Rowell reported on the work of the North East Northants Community Group and stressed that all are welcome to attend these meetings. Mr P Brudenell has been elected as Chairman for the coming year. At a recent meeting the following points were made. Crime is going down and Northamptonshire Constabulary is one of the top performing constabularies in the Country. It is likely that the Chief Constable will visit the area in the summer. The proposed improvements to the A605 were highlighted, including lane enhancements and the provision of 3 roundabouts on the stretch of road from the Cotterstock turn to the Lazy Acre turn at Thrapston. An audit of Crime and Disorder is being undertaken and will be presented at the next meeting. It was suggested that streetlights are a deterrent to criminals and so the more the better and that people should leave their lights on when they are out. The problems caused by fireworks was also discussed.

6. MISS DAVEY – ADDRESS TO THE PARISH COUNCIL. Miss Davey, a 15 year old parishioner, had responded to an article in Four All magazine asking for the views of the youth. She suggested that the youth would like to see better playing facilities and also more events such as the recent "Twelfth Night" where a youth orchestra was playing. Miss Davey felt that this event had served the purpose of getting the village together. She had also received calls from other young people who were interested in skating, BMX and Sports Clubs. Mr Rowell suggested that her comments would be discussed at the next meeting. Meetings are already underway to upgrade the Leisure Field so that all ball games can be played on it. Mr Dixon asked that Miss Davey spread the word about this.

7. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION

a) Village Design Statement. Mr Du Croz had presented the Council with details of work to date and a copy of the Constitution of the Group. Mr Banbridge proposed and Mrs Hodges seconded that this work and Constitution be endorsed and that this be confirmed to Mr Du Croz in writing. AIF. The next meeting of the Group is on 24th January. A letter has been received from Mrs Ding acknowledging the Group and wishing them success. This will be passed on to Mr Du Croz. It was suggested that the Parish Council and VDS Group should be seen to be acting in unison. Mr Constant suggested that this being the case it would be helpful for the Parish Council to adopt the principles of the Rockingham Forest Trust guidelines.

b) Leisure Field. A grant of £3,000 has been obtained from NCC and it is hoped to generally tidy up the field and level it so that it is suitable for ball games. The Parish Council have included the area in their schedule for grass cutting for the year and it will be cut by Mr Short from Spring to Autumn. At present there are two dog-fouling signs. Mr Banbridge queried whether dogs should be banned from the area. A Board will be put up with general rules pertaining to the area

c) Grass Cutting and Churchyard rose bed. The grass-cutting contract has been awarded to Mr Short but the Parish Council are still looking for someone to look after the rose beds. The Rose Garden in general needs to be looked at and may need dispensing with and a new area made. A letter to be sent to the PCC asking for their views.

Mr Rowell thanked Mr Short for cutting the area outside the Cemetery which was not a scheduled cut.

d) Highway Matters. The improvements to the A605 were discussed. Concerns were over the provision of a right turning lane at the Cotterstock turn and the position of the roundabout at the Barnwell/Oundle junction. These concerns to be expressed in writing.

e) Street Lights. The new lights in phase 1 are installed and are to be painted black. The one opposite the School is still not working, but it is to be looked at on Tuesday 15th January. A decision needs to be made on street lighting improvements for next year. Mr Cooper pointed out that the Parish Council will soon be responsible for the repair and maintenance of a further 24 lights on Nene Pastures.

f) Allotments. Mr Hoyes is progressing this item and is negotiating with a Warmington farmer. Elton Estates would let the land to the Parish Council and they would then relet it to allotment holders. There may be a fencing requirement on this land. This would be far preferable to a compulsory land purchase

g) Pocket Parks. There are no problems at present. A mower will be required but a grant for this may be looked into.

Mr Bosworth queried the Pocket Park sign in Big Green placed there by Northants Pocket Parks. Mr Dixon proposed and Mr Short seconded that the Parish Council ask for it to be removed. 5 Councillors were in favour of this. The same would apply to the sign placed underneath the main sign at the Pocket Park at Eaglethorpe

h) Tree Planting. This is now complete apart from those trees promised by parishioners. Mr Wilson has responded to the letter to state that he felled the tree at the entrance to Pierce Crescent because it was in the line of vision. It was agreed that he should be asked to replace this tree.

i) Precept. This was discussed at the last meeting with figures being presented. At this time Mr Banbridge proposed £12,000, as this would have mean a very small increase on the rates. This, however, would be inadequate to undertake additional projects such as street lighting, Leisure Field etc and it was suggested that a figure up to £16,000 should be considered. Mr Dixon suggested that £14,000 would give more room for manoeuvre. Mr Rowell suggested that a recent telephone conversation from Bryants should also be considered. The footpath from Nene Pastures through the Social Club is likely to cost around £5,200. A contribution may be available from Bryants but it would be a small one. Further, if the path followed the edge rather than going straight across the price could double.

If a precept of £14,000 was requested this would add approximately £5 to the rates, a precept of £16,000 would add approximately £10. Mr Dixon proposed and Mr Cooper seconded that £14,000 be applied for. 5 Councillors were in favour of this and it was carried.

As a consequence of this it was decided to carry out only half of Phase 2 of street light improvements at present.

j) Church Lane verge. Mr Rowell has received complaints about traffic parking on this grass area. Small signs had been suggested but the Parish Council were not in favour of this.

k) Quality Councils. The Clerk has produced and circulated notes on this Consultation document. It concerns ways in which all tiers of local government could work together and how Councils can achieve quality status. Ideally comments are required by DEFRA by the end of January with copies to NALC.

Mr Cooper expressed his view that Councillors give their time voluntarily and that too many rules and regulations would put people off doing the job. He was concerned that Councillors may not stand for re election. Mr Enfield agreed and Mrs Hodges expressed her concern that it is a move further away from the grass roots.

Mrs Radcliffe pointed out that at the moment it is only comments that are required, the Council is not being asked to sign up for anything. She suggested that possible benefits of Quality Council status could be the relationship with other tiers of local government and that funds may be available from the Countryside Agency. Mr Banbridge proposed and Mr Hinton seconded that the Council reply with their points of view. AIF.

l) Fired Earth, BT, Eaglethorpe. Problems have occurred in Eaglethorpe with BT putting up overhead lines to service the needs of Fired Earth. Following an on site meeting BT have provided a costing for undergrounding. For Fired Earth it will be approximately £9,600 and for the remainder £10,000 +. Both Fired Earth and Elton Estates had agreed to contribute to this £1,000 and £500 respectively. A phone call has been received from David Edsall, CPRE, pledging their support for the Parish Council over this matter. At this point the Chairman opened the meeting for comments. Mr Furze was pleased with the letters sent by the Parish Council. He pointed out that BT did not need planning permission for what they did because Eaglethorpe is not a conservation area. Mr & Mrs Furze are willing to make a contribution to the work. Mr Furze also felt that it might be possible to persuade Fired Earth and Elton Estates to increase their contributions. Mr Rowell suggested that the first dealings should be with Fired Earth as the customer of BT. Mr Cooper suggested obtaining other quotes from contractors for the undergrounding. Mr Rowell felt that this could be suggested to Fired Earth. Mrs Forrest pointed out that the quotations contain VAT which can be claimed back. Mr Furze had recently received a letter from Fired Earth and he felt that they were open to further representations. This letter was passed to the Parish Council. Mr Dixon agreed to look into the possibility of applying to Awards For All for a grant.

It was agreed that a further letter be sent to Fired Earth.

m) Golden Jubilee. Volunteers are needed to organise these celebrations. Mrs Hodges to approach a group of people who may be interested

n) NALC Re training. Mrs Radcliffe pointed out that there is a legal framework within which Councils have to operate and it is for this reason that training is offered. She stressed that it is important to keep up to date. Training is organised on a four-year plan to coincide with elections. Occasionally additional training is warranted/requested e.g. for planning matters and with the introduction of the new lighter touch audit. A good councillor would probably attend one Saturday event per year and one training course. Comments were made about the location of the courses and the distances to be travelled. Mrs Radcliffe pointed out that attempts were made to move them around the County as much as possible. Mrs Hodges pointed out that increased training could put Councillors off standing for re election.

o) Standards Board. A Model Code of Conduct has to be adopted by 5th May. Councillors then have 2 months to sign up to it. This will be on the agenda for the March meeting.

p) Parish Council sign in Big Green. This dog fouling sign had been erected by Mr Dixon. It has now been taken down it being felt that it served its purpose. Mr Rowell pointed out that such a sign should have been discussed with and agreed by the Parish Council before being put up. No signs should be put up on behalf of the Parish Council without their permission.

q) Affordable Housing. East Northamptonshire Housing figures show that 17% of affordable housing has been lost in Warmington. Mr Banbridge pointed out that this statistic hides the occasions where the owners are the original tenants. Mrs Hodges expressed her view that Warmington is losing a lot of young people who grew up in the village because they cannot afford the housing. Mr Bosworth pointed out that previous attempts to provide affordable housing failed. EN Housing has offered to undertake a survey. Mr Cooper proposed and Mrs Hodges seconded that this be taken up, but with only 3 in favour this offer is to be declined.

r) Clerk of the year. The Council have put forward the Clerk’s name for this award.

8. PLANNING APPLICATIONS

a) Victoria Lea, 17, Eaglethorpe - Extension to garage including dormer window – Amended Application. Mr Dixon proposed and Mr Cooper seconded that there be no objections to this AIF.

b) America Farm Buildings, Morborne Road, Warmington – Change of use of redundant agricultural buildings to (B1) business uses. Concern was expressed over increased heavy traffic through the village especially HGV’s. Even if the Bullock Road was used it was felt that he road leading to the buildings itself was not suitable for HGV’s. Mr Cooper proposed and Mrs Hodges seconded that the application be objected to on these grounds. 5 Councillors were in favour of this objection.

9. ACCOUNTS

a) Community A/C (Current) : £5947.06

INCOME		EXPENDITURE
Balance b/f	1171.39	Village Hall Hire	21.50
		A Webb Salary/Exp	317.39
EME re Street lights	750.00	ENC Cem Tax	42.00
Trf from Deposit	10250.00	N Griffin Cemetery	77.00
Interest	0.30	ENC Litter bins	365.36
		ABB	4991.61
		VDS Expenses	37.70
		Pocket Park Grant	321.00
		Cutter	51.07
		Balance c/f	5947.06
	12171.69		12171.69

Accounts submitted for payment

- Anna Webb Salary and Expenses £310.84

- Village Hall Hire £10.00

b) Main BPA (Deposit) : £3,943.14

c) Cont. BPA (Contingency) : £3,421.93

d) Pocket Park A/c : £612.42 ( Receipts = Interest £0.10, PC Grant £321.00)

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

10. CORRESPONDENCE

a) Mr Rowell has received a telephone call from Bryants. They are hoping to complete their work at Nene Pastures soon. They are aware that they still have to install a perimeter fence around the play area, alter the swings and slide and build up the bark. They will also put up a sign stating that the play area is now under the direction of the Parish Council.

11. OUTSTANDING CORRESPONDENCE

The following items are pending in the correspondence file

a) ABB – no reply as to the street light in Stamford Lane knocked over by a car. The Parish Council feel that it is not their responsibility to pay for this repair, as at the time ABB were still working on the light.

b) Stagecoach Bus Company. Despite two letters requesting bus timetables in the bus shelters, one in May and one in October, no answer has been forthcoming. Mr Rowell to telephone them.

c) The Ancient Monument. Work is being done on this by Elton Estates and signs for the footpath will be erected.

12. PARISH COUNCILLOR’S REPORTS

a) Warmington Charities. Mr Hinton had nothing to report

b) Village Hall. Mr Enfield reported some problems with frozen pipes. There is to be a meeting in a fortnight.

c) Oundle Surgery. Mr Cooper reported some pitfalls with the new appointment system introduced in November. These are to be looked into.

d) Road Safety. Boards will be received again in October.

e) Conservation. Mr Bosworth had nothing to report.

f) Tree Warden. Mr Dixon had nothing to report

g) Alms Houses. Mr Bosworth and Mr Short are up for re election for this. Mr Rowell proposed and Mr Cooper seconded that they be voted back in. AIF.

h) Warmington School. Mrs Hodges reported that there is a meeting next week.

i) Rights of Way. Mr Rowell reported no problems.

j) Village Design Statement. Covered earlier.

13. PARISHIONERS COMMENTS

a) Mrs Stroud asked that her position as Tree Warden be clarified. It was agreed that she supply Mr Bosworth with a report prior to each meeting detailing trees in the Parish needing attention.

b) Mr Peck expressed his disappointment at the way in which the precept was discussed at the meeting. He felt that such a matter needed more consideration. Mr Rowell pointed out that figures and budgets had been presented to Councillors at the last meeting in November. This was to enable them to have a lengthy time to consider it and come to the January meeting with an informed opinion.

c) Mrs Padley commented that Nassington have a separate finance committee which draws up figures and budgets for consideration by the Council of the precept. She commented on the grant of £3,000 from NCC for the Leisure Field and asked how the shortfall would be made up. Mr Rowell stated that the Leisure Field would be run on a shoestring this year. It would be improved in the hope that this would encourage people to look for and assist with further improvements. Mrs Padley stated that she would be more than happy to attend meetings re Fired Earth and help with any other problems the Council may have.

d) Mrs Forrest thanked the Council for their support with Fired Earth and the problems at Eaglethorpe. She has signatures from all residents at Eaglethorpe and is keen that the matter is taken further.

14. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

a) Mr Dixon asked that a letter be sent to Bryants regarding the replacement of the dead trees at Nene Pastures.

b) Mr Cooper asked if the roadsweeper could be requested, but Mr Banbridge pointed out that this works on a set system. Mr Cooper asked if the owners of the Malt House, Church Street could be asked to park their cars so that the path is not blocked. He also queried the four heritage signs for Warmington Mill on the A605. It was agreed that further enquiries be made.

c) Mr Short stated that the Stamford Lane sign is broken. Highways to be contacted. He is also concerned with fly tipping on the Bunny Run road and it was suggested that the grassed area be reinstated. Mr Short also pointed out that the area near Glebe Stores is very slippery.

d) Mrs Hodges commented that the area near the bus stop on Orchard Close is very muddy. Mr Rowell to have a word with Mr Rose on site.

e) Mr Banbridge expressed his concern about the boulders outside the Malt House on Church Street. Originally they were placed there when building work was undertaken. Mr Banbridge can see no reason for them to still be there. He also commented on problems with dog fouling both near the shops and in the play area down to Chapel Street. Mr Dixon offered the use of his sign. This to be discussed at the next meeting.

f) Mr Rowell reported that the refurbishment of the barns at Eaglethorpe is imminent.

15. DATE OF NEXT MEETING

18th March 2002

The meeting closed at 9.55pm.