Present:- Marshall Ferguson - chair, Tim Fox, Mark Thompson, Matthew Moore, Andy Royle, Ailsa Dempster, Terri Meechan, Jeremy Sharman, Phil Bromhall (BC), Stan Heggs (CC), Jake Villette & Simon King (JCs), Suzanne Preston (RPO), Kim Collins (Adrenaline Alley), Paul Branagh, Phil Beckett & Peter Heyward (PCSOs), John Hindle - clerk

Chairman reminded Councillors to declare an interest where appropriate.

Report from County Councillor:-

Stan Heggs expressed concern that the plans for development of industry in Gretton Brook Road discussed at the December meeting did not provide a sufficient turning space for lorries in a very restricted area. County Council are considering the plans and Stan will make his reservations known.

Representations are being made at County to ensure that the repair of Gretton roads is included in the Highways budget for 2009/10.

Kim Collins explained that Adrenalin Alley is a registered charity; the building being situated in Priors Haw Road (previously Webbs Chicken factory) on the Weldon Industrial Estate. They aim to provide activities for young people in a safe environment. Apart from the Skate park there is an Internet Café and studio. She reported that some 70,000 visits had been made in two years.

Kim discussed the venue with the junior councillors and distributed promotional information. Transport from villages is an issue.

Suzanne Preston, Rural Pride Officer introduced Centre Screen Projects which seeks to bring films to areas some distance from cinema facilities. The Village Hall Committee and Parent School Association have expressed interest. Arts funding may be available from Corby BC to help with costs.

Adult Learners Week will take place in May this year with Corby BC taking a lead in this area. Gretton Village Hall may be used as a venue.

Report from PCSOs:-

Phil Beckett and Peter Heyward distributed copies of the Policing Policy to councillors.

Recent burglaries in High Street and Station Road are under investigation.

A Crime Awareness Pack has been produced to inform villagers. Leaving cars running on driveways on cold mornings was highlighted; Insurance companies will not accept liability should theft occur.

Phil considers a Neighbourhood Watch Scheme to be desirable in Gretton and will pursue.

Paul Branagh and Pat Butler have spent time recently repairing the electrical mechanism of the sewer pump on the Recreation Ground. A reconditioned pump has also been purchased to provide back up in case of future failure.

Paul is to retire from his business and the suggestion was made to make an annual payment to him to inspect the sewer regularly. £300 was considered acceptable with the contract to start on 1st February.

The area around the pump pit is used as a thoroughfare and it was decided to limit access by fencing around the back of the Sports Club. Paul to undertake this work in due course.

The Minutes of the Meeting on 8th December 2008 were taken as a true record and duly signed.

Matters Arising:-

The regular presence of heavy lorries in the village is causing concern. Clerk to liaise with County to pursue signage at each road entry setting a weight limit.

Report from Borough Councillors:-

Phil Bromhall and Terri Meechan drew attention to the Corby BC budget consultation document. The Council are aiming to make savings in many areas to protect core services. One of the options being considered is the removal of the £30,000 over three years earmarked for village's Street Lighting. Representations to be made immediately and at the Rural Area Forum on 22nd January.

Correspondence:-

Letter to accompany Planning application in support of the multi purpose playing area proposed for the Recreation Ground.

Letters from Corby BC on precept and grant and the proposals for the 2009/10 budget.

Circulation:-

Corby Rural Pride Issue 11

NALC Journal

Active Ageing Newsletter

Victim Support Annual Report 2006/7

Crime Statistics for November 2008

Clerk and Councils Direct Magazine

Village Plan

Tim Fox reported that the Planning application previously referred to had been made to Corby BC and a response was expected in the next few weeks.

Planning:-

Permissions granted:-

08/00460/DPA - Brick garden shed construction at 23, High Street

08/00501/DPA - Conversion of outbuildings into annex to main dwelling at 34, High Street.

08/00488/LBC - Wireless Broadband aerial at 74, High Street.

Application rejected:-

08/00506/DPA - Erection of timber building for use as workshop/store at 74, High Street.

Finance:-

Any Other Business:-

The hedge bordering the new graveyard and a garden in Station Road requires trimming.

Sponsorship of the Gretton Queen and Princesses agreed at £75

The various salt bins around the village are filled by Northants County for the use of villagers in icy conditions to aid vehicle movement. Extra bins are to be sought for Arnhill Road and Church Gap.

The Recreation Ground footpath was not resurfaced last spring due to pressure of other work. Clerk to re-examine tenders submitted at that time.

The fate of the Phone box on the High Street has yet to be decided. A report to be prepared.

Village Hall committee report a grant from WREN of 25,000 being received towards refurbishment.

The Bus shelter on Kirby Road needs a new roof and sundry other repairs.

The sewer on Station Road is not sufficient for purpose. Overflows already occur in conditions of excessive rainfall and any new development in the area would cause major problems.