Present:- Marshall Ferguson - chair, Tim Fox, Matthew Moore, Andy Royle, Stan Heggs (CC), Terri Meechan (BC), Robyn Seymour (Junior Councillor), John Hindle -clerk, Suzanne Preston - RPO - Corby BC and 4 Members of the Public.

Apologies:- Phil Bromhall, Mark Thompson

Chair reminded Councillors to declare an interest where appropriate.

Bob Dobson, Pocket Park representative, addressed the meeting. He is hoping to do some work in the Park and was looking for monies to assist. Stan Heggs agreed to consult County Council with regard to installing a drop kerb to facilitate disabled access. Phil Bromhall has £600 from Corby BC to contribute to improvements.

Tony Barlow from the village asked about the Waste Materials Plant to be constructed by Brookfield Plantation. Stan Heggs agreed to pursue details at County Council.

Report from County Councillor:-

Stan Heggs informed Council that the Police Speed Camera recently purchased had a good effect when used in Weldon.

There is an Around Corby Walk being organised by Rotary to encourage use of Bed & Breakfast facilities, cafes etc and improve health.

An amount of grant from County Council may be available to assist with the project to replace the railings around the Village Green. Quotes are being sought.

ATKINS have lost the Highway contract. The new contractors have been appointed and the early signs are good for communication and safeguards for individual jobs.

Suzanne Preston, Rural Pride Officer has had success with a Lottery Grant application for a Play Scheme for 8 - 14 year olds in Corby Borough.

The Joint Action Group has been informed of priorities by the Rural Forum. Posters to follow.

Robyn Seymour, Junior Councillor reported that the main path in the Pocket Park needed attention. Parking by the School remained a problem. Phil Beckett - PCSO to be asked to monitor.

The Minutes of the Meeting on Monday 14th January were accepted as a true record and duly signed.

Matters Arising:-

Quotes have now been received to fell trees bordering the Recreation Ground. It was decided to accept C. Woolston and Son who quoted £515 plus VAT. Electric Motors Ltd of Northampton have quoted £1276 plus VAT to replace the sewage pump by the Pavilion. As they were the original contractors on this job this was deemed acceptable.

Correspondence:-

Letters from:-

Corby BC setting out the decision in the Licence Hearing for the Talbot Inn

Audit Commission appointing Stoy Hayward as external auditors

Letters to :-

ATKINS relating to questions asked by them about progress on the Village Plan

Corby BC about the current position on Parish Council finances

Corby BC Planning in response to last meeting's applications

Three contractors asking for grasscutting tenders for 2008

Circulation:-

Parish Council Minutes from Middleton and Weldon

Corby BC Agenda for 14th February

Northants Fire and Rescue Operational Response Document

Rural Pride Issue 6

Crime reports for December 07 and January08

NALC and ACRE Magazines

ATKINS Reps Review

Village Plan:-

Tim Fox and Terri Meechan reported on the exhibition held in the Sports Club on 27th January. A number of ideas were forthcoming from villagers as follows:-

A new multi purpose facility to be constructed on the Recreation Ground.

Put another floor on the Club as a community room

Explore the possibility of a pitched roof on the Club and Pavilion

A sub committee has been formed to explore the situation with Terri Meechan, Tim Fox and Suzanne Preston. Andy Royle agreed to join. The first meeting will be on 5th March.

Planning:-

08/00047/DPA Extensions to 11, Southfield Road.

No objections were raised. It is hoped that due care will be observed to ensure that neighbours are not unduly affected during construction.

The proposal for an objection by a Parish Council to a planning application to automatically refer it to Planning Committee to be considered shortly by Corby BC

A proposal to fell damaged trees at 19, Station Road has come to Parish Council attention. Some of the trees on site are subject to a Protection Order. Letter to Corby BC Planning for clarification.

Finance:-

Any Other Business:-

The state of the wall in Arnhill Road at the top of Clay Lane is still causing concern. Northants CC have been informed.

Files to be checked for deeds to all Parish Council owned land and a full inventory drawn up.

Plans for the School Centenary celebrations are underway. A plaque and commemorative CD are being considered.

Mrs. Ivy Woolston of Caistor Road will be 100 years old in May. Celebrations to be planned.