Parish Council Minutes

a) Highway Matters. Mr Cooper stated that he has reported problems with the gully opposite the Old Chapel. The verges opposite no 51 Chapel Street need attention. Mrs Hodges stated that in addition, the gravel on the drive is coming out onto the road. The builder to be contacted. Mr Cooper stated that the hedge overhanging Hautboy Lane is still causing problems. The Clerk to write.

Mr Short reported that there is still a hole in the road in Broadgate Way.

Mr Rowell stated that the verges in the village generally at the moment are in a poor state. Advice will be obtained from Highways.

Mr Hinton reported a hole in the road in Church Street on the left hand side before the ford.

Mrs Hodges reported that the raised manhole covers in Broadgate Way are still causing problems and are dangerous.

Mr Rowell suggested that the road opposite the School in Church Street is now in a very poor state and needs attention. Highways have classified it as low priority but attempts will be made to get it attended to.

Mr Rowell stated that work is due to start on the turning to Cotterstock and that a 40mph speed limit will be put into force while the work is going on.

b) Street Lights. Mr Rowell has met with Mr Millard to discuss the next phase of the street lighting project in Broadgate Way and the Parish Council are awaiting prices.

The light outside the Social Club still needs to be connected. Mr Millard suggested that the problems with lighting outside the Manor House could be resolved by putting a lamp on the existing electric post. Mr Cooper queried the light on the Big Green triangle. It was to be raised to give more light. Mr Rowell to ask Mr Millard about this.

c) Leisure field. Mr Short reported that a portacabin has been purchased and paint to refurbish it. The grant of £3,000 can now be claimed from NCC. A decision is needed as to where to place the portacabin. The Leisure Field committee will discuss this but the views of the Parish Council should be put forward. It was agreed that it should be sited where the old building was, but that consideration should be given to parking, where the services are required and where they are likely to be required in the future and the possible future development of the field.

e) Tree Planting. Mr Dixon reported that the Beech trees have been successfully planted along the A605. Two hornbeams have been planted, one at the School and one at the end of Buntings Lane. There is still a small amount of grant money available and it was agreed to order a few more trees for the autumn.

Mr Rowell reported that one of the stakes has been knocked out of a tree along Broadgate Way. It needs a new stake.

f) Conservation, bulb planting. Bulb planting will be looked at in the autumn. Mr Banbridge suggested identifying gaps in planting as the bulbs come up.

Owls - Mr Bosworth reported on the success of Dr Owens’ nesting boxes in the Oundle area. There are 8 pairs – 6 successfully reared young and 3 pairs having 2 lots of young. This is an increase of 2 pairs on last year.

There are issues that have been raised that are outside the remit of the VDS Group. These have been identified as "Action for Key Partners". Appropriately, two of the actions for the Parish Council are to produce a planning leaflet and to establish Eaglethorpe and the area around the Church as conservation areas.

Mr Du Croz apologised for the time delay and thanked the Council for the opportunity to work on the project.

i) Grass Cutting. The Parish Council are still waiting for prices for this.

j) Standards Board. The Parish Council are awaiting a reply to their letter sent to Mrs Ding regarding this. The MP, has expressed an interest in having a copy of this reply.

k) Churchyard headstones. Photographs have been taken of 5 of the leaning headstones and they will be sent to the Public Records Office in an attempt to trace relatives.

Mr Rowell expressed concern over the ivy growing on the tombstone outside the west door. It probably should be removed as it will ruin the tombstone. This will be looked into. Mr Cooper stated that the branches on the oak tree outside the entrance need cutting back. Mr Short has agreed to do this. After discussion it was agreed that the oak tree was not worthy of attempts to get a preservation order on it.

l) School litter bin. The School has bought 2 litter bins at a cost of £140.49 + VAT each. It was agreed that the Parish Council pay for 1 of these bins. Proposed Mr Cooper, seconded Mr Bosworth. AIF

m) Four all application for donation. Mr Cooper proposed and Mr Hinton seconded that a donation of £100 be made to Four All Magazine. AIF.

n) Open spaces/Village Greens. Mr Rowell expressed the need to protect open spaces. He suggested that a survey be done of the village. Mr Rowell and a couple of other Councillors to undertake this survey.

The village boundaries outlined in recent documentation from ENC were discussed. The concern is that there seems to be a presumption in favour of applications within the boundary drawn and against without. The majority of Councillors viewed the boundaries as a good idea as they are fairly tightly drawn. It was agreed to write to ENC once more however to reiterate the view that Warmington has had considerable development over the past few years and that it is now time to bring a halt to it. Mr Dixon agreed to draft a letter to ENC.

o) Events 2003. Mr Rowell asked that if there are any large events planned for 2003 the Parish Council be informed.

Mr Cooper, Mr Hinton and Mr Enfield informed the meeting that they would not be standing for re-election. Mr Cutler, however, has agreed to stand.

q) Bryants re play area and footpath. Letters have been received from Bryants. Wicksteed Leisure are to fence the play area and carry out the necessary changes to the play equipment. The dead trees have been removed but the footpath through the Social Club still remains contentious. An on site meeting with Bryants is to be held.

Mr Dixon reported that in conversation with Mr Tilley, NCC, Mr Tilley suggested that if in time the footpath from Nene Pastures to the gate became the responsibility of NCC or ENC, they would ensure that it was completed through the Social Club to the road. Ownership of the path to be looked into.

r) Village Orchestra. Mr Constant asked if the Parish Council would be prepared to support the Orchestra every year in order to give stability. He has received a grant for instruments and applied for another one for lessons for children, however this money is earmarked for specific items. Money is also required for such items as donations to the School for the hire of the hall, administration costs etc. It was agreed that £100 be made available to the Orchestra annually. Proposed Mr Enfield, seconded Mr Short AIF.