Parish Council Minutes

INTERIM PARISH COUNCIL MEETING

Minutes of the meeting held on
Monday 31st March 2003
At 7.30 pm
in the Village Hall, Warmington

1. ATTENDANCE

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
Mr Hinton.

3 Parishioners were also in attendance.

2. APOLOGIES : None

3. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST : None

4. PLANNING APPLICATIONS

a) The Malt House, 61, Church Street, Warmington – Conservatory at rear – Application for Listed Building Consent

b) The Malt House, 61, Church Street, Warmington – Conservatory at rear – Application for Full Planning Permission

c) Long Lane Farm, Taylors Green, Warmington – Re-instate original window and build floor

The plans for each of the applications were circulated for consideration. After discussion Mr Cooper proposed and Mr Short seconded that there be no objections. AIF

5. LITTER PICK 26th APRIL 2003. BTCV are not organizing the usual litter pick this year due to lack of funds. It is hoped that ENC will be organizing something. In the meantime Tansor have organized their own litter pick for 5th April. Warmington are to have a litter pick on 26th April starting at 9am and all are encouraged to attend. Mr Banbridge kindly offered to organize the event.

6. BEST KEPT VILLAGE COMPETITION. Warmington will be entering both this and the Best Kept Churchyard competition.

7. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

a) Mr Short reported that the bus has been running late on a Wednesday, 45mins one week and 20mins the next. It was agreed to monitor the situation. Mr Cooper queried the display of bus timetables in the shelters and Mrs Bosworth informed him that there is one on the A605.

b) Mr Enfield commented that this is his last meeting and that he has been proud to serve on the Parish Council. He drew the Parish Councils attention to the subject of Neighbourhood Watch with the sad death of Mr Darters. Mr Enfield is still very heavily involved with Neighbourhood Watch and has been invited to sit on the Northern Area N W Management Support Team. Mr Enfield feels that a volunteer for N W in Warmington is required who will bring new ideas to the job. He offered to assist such a volunteer as much as possible. Mr Rowell thanked Mr Enfield for his offer. The subject of Neighbourhood Watch will be discussed by the new Parish Council after the election. In the meantime Mr Rowell will discuss the subject with Mr Reeves in Oundle.

c) Mrs Hodges reported that the path between Little Green and the end of Buntings Lane is rutted and full of holes and cracks. The manhole covers in Broadgate Way are still raised and dangerous. Both items to be reported.

Mrs Hodges had been approached about the possibility of another dog bin at the end of Long Lane. It was considered that this is expensive and would probably not make a lot of difference. It was also considered an intrusion into open countryside. Mr Rowell confirmed that NCC have been asked to sweep the road around Taylors Green.

Mrs Hodges has received comments from Mrs Turton about the piece of green near her house in Chapel Street. Despite attempts to keep it cut and tidy people still park on it making the task impossible.

Mrs Machin has asked that the Parish Council write to Northamptonshire Lifelong Learning to ask if their tutors taking Adult Education classes at Warmington School could encourage people not to park on the verges.

d) Mr Cooper has received requests for water at the Cemetery. There is no mains water there. In the past this encouraged travelers. Mr Brooks has very kindly offered to keep the water butt full. Mr Cooper commented that there is a large accumulation of rubbish by the dustbins at the Cemetery. Mr Rowell to take a look.

Mr Cooper has received a phone call from Mr Gilder NCC Highways suggesting that the dropped kerb in Orchard Close is taken up with Debbie Strong, the Area Manager.

8. PARISHIONERS COMMENTS

a. Mr Reid asked what is involved in standing as a Parish Councillor. Mr Rowell stated that there are 7 official meetings a year with additional meetings as required to discuss such matters as planning applications etc. In addition there are various other meetings to volunteer for many of which are held at Thrapston or Northampton. There are also training courses. The important thing is to have the village and community at heart.

b. Mr Thomas thanked the Parish Council for sorting out the seat which has been installed in Taylors Green in memory of his parents.

The three parishioners then left the meeting and contacts were discussed.

1) Grass Cutting

Mr Short left the meeting for this item.

Four quotations were requested but only two replies received.

The two quotations considered were from CCM and Mr J M Short.

After discussion Mr Rowell suggested that Mr Short’s quotation of £2019.00 be accepted for a 3 year period with a cost of living increase each year if this was acceptable to Mr Short. It was pointed out that Mr Short’s quotation does not include clearing the grass cuttings from the Leisure Field.

Mr Cooper queried the situation with the rose bed and was informed that Mr Harbour has the contract for this.

2) Street Lighting

ABB quoted to upgrade Public Lamps 34 and 49, install 2 additional lights in Broadgate Way and upgrade the light outside the Manor House for £2921 + VAT. Mr Dixon suggested delaying the decision until June when a grant from ENC may be available. Mr Rowell felt that the lights would be unlikely to then be installed for the winter. Street lighting is an ongoing project and money will always need to be spent on them. Mr Banbridge proposed and Mr Short seconded that the Parish Council go ahead. The majority were in favour.

3) Allotments

Mr Ellard had put together a comparison of 3 quotes from companies for fencing. Various queries need to be raised with Mr Ellard – a 12 ft gate instead of a 10 foot gate, the standard of the netting, the actual measurements of the fencing, the problems of access to install fencing if Mr Short has a crop in the adjoining field and the distance the posts are apart. On paper Spendlove appear the cheapest, but the decision will depend on the answers to the above questions. There has been no reply re the grant application to date and this will be pursued before going ahead with the fencing.

The meeting closed at 9.05pm..