Present: Marshall Ferguson - chair, Ailsa Dempster, Terri Meechan, Barrie Woolley, Andrew Royle, Mark Thompson, Vic Clark, Paul Seaton - part, Stan Heggs - County councillor - part, Ian Radcliffe - C.B.C. - part, one member of the public, Phil Oram - clerk.

Before the meeting proper started Ian Radcliffe reported on the latest situation regarding the proposed Travellers site in Gretton Brook Rd. At the last meeting members of the council rejected the proposal that a new site be made next to the existing one in Gretton Brook Rd. New proposals will be to re-furbish the existing site but not to make it any bigger and to create a new site further along the Gretton Brook Rd next to the Power Station. These would both have power and water laid on and would be subject to a leasing arrangement and payment of rent. The provision of the new site would make it easier for the Police to move on any travellers parked on the side of the road and they would be directed to this site. These proposals will be discussed by council members in the very near future.

1      Apologies - Phil Bromhall, Tim Fox, Lucy Fox.

2      Meeting open to the public - the only member of the public was Bob Dobson who had come to talk about a survey held on behalf of the Village Plan.

3      Declaration of Councillors' Interests

Chairman reminded Councillors that they should declare an interest where this was involved.

4      Minutes of meeting held 12 December 2005 were confirmed as a true record and signed by the chairman.

5      Report from Borough Councillor - in his absence there was no report.

6      Report from County Councillor

Stan Heggs reported that he was concerned about being told that he was not allowed to attend the Development Control meeting when the Station Rd development was to be discussed.

He also reported that the County had had a huge cut from central government which amounted to approx. £30 m. if they were to maintain services Council Tax would need to be increased by 10%. They were still in the process of agreeing budgets and he did not anticipate the increase would be 10%.

Corby would still be allocated £5m towards cost of a new library, subject to grants from the Deputy Prime Minister and C.B.C.

The County Council proposed to keep its election promises with regard to maintenance of roads.

Marshall Ferguson informed Stan Heggs that the drains had been cleared in station Rd but still did not work properly.

7      Matters Arising from Minutes

a      School Clock - this is in the hands of Andy Butterworth who will repair it within the next two months.

b      Clerk has received three quotes for repairs to the War Memorial paving slabs - at this point Mark Thompson declared an interest and left the room. The quotes were discussed by councillors and taking into consideration cost and performance the contract was awarded to M S T Construction, subject to the work being completed by end May 2006.

8      Village Plan

In the absence of Tim Fox the Action Plan for Services & Transport was discussed. It was agreed that Stan Heggs be asked to set up a meeting to include himself, Bob Seery, Atkins, NCC, Village Plan sub-committee and representatives from the Parish Council.

Terri Meechan then reported that she had arranged a meeting for the Sports Field committee to include herself, School Head Teacher, Rep from P.S.A. Rep from Cricket & Football clubs, Andrew Royle & Paul Seaton and hopefully some youth members from the village. This meeting would be held at the Sports Club on Tuesday 31 January at 8 p.m.

9      Correspondence

a      North Northants Joint Planning Unit - statement of community involvement - comments by 27 January - to be completed by clerk.

b      Northants ACRE - good practice quality standard review - to be completed by clerk.

c      Northants Assoc. of Youth Clubs - letter about youth developments - letter to go in next Newsletter - Terri Meechan to organise.

d      Details of areas in Corby that are "Designated Public Place Orders".

e      Small Projects & Capital Funding programmes application forms.

f      Surgery dates from Phil Hope MP - already on notice board.

g      NCC proposed mods to Minerals Local Plan - copy available on request, also inspector's report at C.B.C. or on website or can be purchased for £20.

h      Letter from RMS re terms of reference - no change.

i      Northants CPRE AGM at Cranford Hall on Wed 18 January when proposed merger of Catalyst Corby & North Northants will be discussed.

j      Standards of conduct in local government discussion paper.

k      Gretton Quiz competition - agreed to enter two teams.

Circulation file:

Health Times magazine

Miracle Playground equipment

Clerks & Councils Direct

EIBE Playground equipment

Parish Notice Boards

Free Parish Council Websites

CBC Dev Control meeting 20 December 2005

Wicksteed Leisure catalogue

PC Mins - Weldon, Cottingham, Stanion.

10    Highway Mattersr

Request for providing evening venues for monthly reps meetings - clerk to sort out with Ailsa Dempster.

11    Planning Matters

a      Internal alterations to the Old School 23 High St - listed building consent - no observations.

b      New House & Garage - 96 High St - it was considered this was a form of "garden development" and other such developments had been refused. Council also concerned about access in Kirby Rd in what is a very congested area, also being close to the school and the junction of Kirby Rd and High St and Corby Rd.

c      Ground floor extension - listed building consent for 68 High St, only concern is over keeping the right of way.

12    Finance Matters

	a	Current balance		8981.21
	b	Payments received	Football Club - rent	80.00
			Allotments Charity	350.00
			Bank interest	3.39
	c	Payments due	P A Oram - Petty cash	26.16
			Anglian Water	71.39

d      Precept to CBC due by 10 Feb, also details of actual expenditure for year 2004/5. Actual Grant for 2006/7 will be £8363 (an increase from last year of 2.4%)

13    Police Matters

a      December 2005 crime figures for Gretton & Northern Area, also same information for year to date.

b      Update on Police Community Support Officers.

c      Booklets on "How we handle your calls" and application forms for "Unsung Heroes".

d      December issue of Frontline first.

e      Phone no. for non-emergency calls 08453 700 700.

All of these have been put in the circulation file.

14    Any Other Business

Marshall Ferguson reported that the damaged salt bin at the top of Clay Lane had not been replaced by a new one and we should pursue this with Atkins - Mark Thompson informed council that the bin had been recently re-filled with salt. Clerk to talk to Atkins.

He also asked if Mr C Woolston had been paid for cutting the hedge in Caistor Rd - clerk had written to Dr Harris, the owner, but had not received a reply, he would check this out.

Mark Thompson reported lights not working in Spendlove Drive and at Southfield Rd end of finch Hatton Drive.

Vic Clark reported he had received a complaint about cars being parked on the road opposite 74 High St, which had blocked driveways and caused problems for pedestrians. Agreed to write a letter to T. Forsey, the landlord, and Paul Seaton agreed to talk to the people concerned.

Terri Meechan reported that Julie from the Post Office would contact the Dog warden to obtain collection bags; she would then advertise in the Post Office that they were available.

Ailsa Dempster reported that the Village Hall was unsuccessful with their bid for funds from the Wrenn Challenge of £250,000 but were invited to apply for £50,000. They will apply to the Big Lottery in April.

She also reported that following the appeal to the village the fund now stood at over £40,000.

She also reported that the light outside The Nook in Maltings Rd is permanently on - clerk to report.