Present:- Marshall Ferguson - chair; Ailsa Dempster; Mark Thompson; Paul Seaton; Phil Bromhall (DC); Terri Meechan; Tim Fox; Stan Heggs (CC); John Hindle - clerk; Suzanne Preston - Rural Pride Officer, Corby BC; Neville Rumbelow - Public.

Apologies:- Vic Clarke; Barrie Woolley; Andy Royle; Lucy Fox.

The Meeting was addressed by Mrs. Suzanne Preston, Rural Pride Officer at Corby BC. She explained that she bad been appointed to improve the quality of services emanating from. Corby BC to the villages. In her central role she could offer liaison with Police and Council officers as well as providing assistance to combat anti-social activities such as fly-tipping. She reiterated that Ted Greaves, Corby BC would appear in Gretton on 17th April to talk to representatives from. the pubs, club and local businesses about the effects of the smoking ban. In this area the ban will be monitored by Corby BC through Environmental Health.

Northants Adult Learning are keen to extend their programme to Gretton and would like to hear from interested parties to discuss the range of courses available. Details will be circulated in the March Newsletter.

Content and regularity of the Village Newsletter was discussed with the Editor. It was decided to produce three per year in March, July and November. Clerk to produce an explanation of the Southfield Road proposals for the March issue. Neville Rumbelow was thanked for his efforts on behalf of the village.

Chairman reminded Councillors to declare an interest where appropriate.

Minutes of the Meeting on 8th January were accepted as a true record and duly signed.

Report from Borough Councillor.

Phil. Bromhall reminded councillors that should volunteers cease to operate the Paddock Park then it would revert to the Parish Council.

He is to arrange a meeting with Martin Field at Corby BC to discuss the provision of social housing on the old Allotments site behind Fulwell Avenue.

A review has been undertaken of the cost of the 'Emergency' buttons in Sheltered and High Dependency properties. It was decided that charges should be frozen at current rates to help the most needy.

Report from County Councillor:

Stan Heggs reported that he had secured verbal agreement from Adrian Sibley - Finance, Corby BC to allocate specific sums in the budget for Gretton Street Lighting. A sum of £10,000 for each of the next five years was proposed.

County Budget will be increased by 3.9%. from April. Corby will get a 3% increase.

Corby BC and Kettering BC are exploring ways to work more closely to save duplicating expenditure.

Stan is hopeful that the new Corby North Orbital Road will be dual carriageway.

Rural Area Forum:

Chairman and Clerk attended the meeting in Rockingham on 18th January. A paper dealing with the problems facing the Post Office network was presented. ACRE are co-ordinating the area response to the Government's proposals.

The Scheme of Delegation to Officers in Planning Matters was again discussed.

Representations have been made to Corby BC chief executive and Council Leader.

The review will take place during February and March. Parish Council concerns particularly relate to objections not being carried forward in the event of a revised application and a P .C. objection only counting as one when three are required to ensure Development Control Committee involvement.

Correspondence:

Letters from:

Phil Hope MP raising concerns that funds earmarked for local schemes eg Awards for All are being diverted towards London 2012

R.Chambers re Southfield Road proposals

J.O'Connor with the tender for Grasscutting in 2007

Weldon Parish Clerk about extra CPOs by PCs

Corby BC - Formation of Corby Play Partnership

 

Letters to:

Bob. Birkett - Clinkers footpath. Acknowledgement received

Phil Hope MP with best wishes for a speedy recovery

Sewer connection to cross land in new Kirby Rd development. Reply now received, Council to follow up possibilities.

Corby BC Planning re 96, High St and 12/16, Station Rd.

Smith, Stuart Reynolds re Southfield Road proposals

Circulation:

Parish Council Minutes from Weldon, Middleton & Cottingham

Corby BC Agendas & Minutes Full Council on 16th January & 15th February

Corby BC Development Control Committee on 23rd January

Consultation on Model Code of Conduct for Local Councillors

Monthly Crime report for December 2006

Also Available:

Agenda of CPRE meeting on 24th January

Corby Voluntary and Community Projects. Pension Information Service.

E. Northants re Raunds Area Preferred Options Report

ATKINS Reps Review

Leicestershire's Statement of Community Involvement

Northamptonshire Waste & Minerals Local Plans

Celebrate St. George's Day Information Booklet

AGM and Parish Council Elections

Possible names of interested parties were discussed prior to the Election in May. They will be sounded out as to their willingness to stand.

Chairman reminded Councillors of their obligation to attend the AGM

Painting Competition - Gretton School

In November 2006, the Parish Council invited three age groups to submit paintings drawing attention to the problem of dog fouling within the village. A good response was forthcoming and two pictures in each age group were chosen for display. Clerk to liaise with the Headmaster with reference to prizes and presentation.

Planning Matters:

Permissions granted:

06/00383/DPA Extensions to 36, Station Road

06/00387/DPA Extensions to 25, Southfield Road

06/00400/DPA Field Shelter & Stable on Land off Corby Road

 

Permission refused:

06/00273/CAC Demolition of Barn & wall & new house erected, 96 High Street

06/00394/COU Application withdrawn. A revised application will be prepared.

 

Documents relating to the Tree Policy during construction of the Corby North Orbital Road were circulated for information.

Finance:

			Current balance	15791.16
			Payment due to Hillman
			Kitchen fitments in Sports Club	493.84

Any Other Business:

The wall on the junction of Kirby Rd/Corby Rd requires attention. Clerk to pursue.

The Village Quiz will be held on Friday 23rd February. Mark, Terri and Tim as team

Drain problems on Station Road, Hardwick Road and Caistor Road. Street Lights require attention on junction of Clay Lane/Station Road and o/s 36, Finch Hatton Dr.

The website: freecycle.org exists for villagers to dispose of unwanted household items. It is possible to sign up for local areas and offer objects to be given away. Strictly no charges to be levied for these items.

Village Hall Accounts for year ended 31st December were circulated

Village of the Year papers have been received. Judging to take place in May 2007.