Present:- Marshall Ferguson - chair, Paul Seaton, Matthew Moore, Ailsa Dempster, Mark Thompson, Phil Bromhall (BC), Jeremy Sharman, Tim Fox, Terri Meechan, Stan Heggs (CC),Jake Villette & Simon King (Junior Councillors), John Hindle - clerk, Jonathan Meadwell & Paul Heyward (PCSO) and 2 Members of the Public.

Apologies:- Andy Royle

Chairman reminded Councillors to declare an interest where appropriate.

Report from County Councillor:-

Stan Heggs announced that due to local pressure the Street Lighting budget for villages had been reinstated for 2009/10.

At a recent meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee in Northampton it was stated that some £300m was required to bring county roads up to standard.

During the recent snow all county services were working to full capacity to maintain communications and answer emergencies.

The Minutes of the Meeting on 12th January were deemed to be a true record and duly signed.

Matters Arising:-

British Telecom have decided to discontinue the phone service from the box by the Talbot. Parish Council have been given the chance to adopt the decommissioned box for £1 which will be retained for heritage considerations. Report to go in next Newsletter.

A new salt bin has been placed in Arnhill Road. Station Road to be checked out for another site.

Street Lighting repairs and replacements are nearing completion. Thanks to be communicated to Corby BC.

Ownership of the Bus shelter to be discussed with Corby BC.

Repairs to the footpath on the Recreation Ground will be completed when it is known if the MUGA will go ahead.

The Junior Councillors reported that amounts of rubbish had been left on Westhills during the recent snow activities. Residents are asked to consider the landowners and take litter home.

Report from PCSOs:-

Jonathan Meadwell and Paul Heyward had no objection to the provision of a grant to the Post Office towards the purchase of their CCTV facilities. Parish Council could have access to the images on an occasional basis chiefly for road safety.

One attempted burglary was reported and Jonathan asked residents to be aware of crime involving animals. There has been a recent incident of red kites being poisoned. Council raised the problem of cars being parked too close to the junction with Corby Road on Kirby Road. PCSOs will keep under review.

Report from Borough Councillor:-

Phil Bromhall expressed his concern that Corby BC may be overreaching themselves with large capital undertakings. He cited the running costs of the new swimming pool and the possibility of major works to the stadium on Rockingham Triangle.

Correspondence:-

Letter from Corby BC offering Parish Councillors an opportunity to speak at the Development Control Committee on 10th February to discuss the planning application alongside No.1, Hatton Lane.

Letter from Northants CC with an invitation to attend a workshop on a pandemic flu outbreak.

Letter to Corby BC discussing budget proposals.

Circulation:-

Parish Council Minutes for Weldon, Cottingham & E. Carlton

CPRE information

Rural Area Forum papers

Vehicle speeding data

Corby BC Minutes for 12th February

Village Plan:-

Tim Fox reported that the plans for the MUGA had been submitted to Corby BC and the Lottery Fund Community Spaces. These require Council to grant a lease to Friends of Gretton Recreation Ground for a period of at least ten years. The outcome of the applications will be known by mid March.

Planning:-

08/00561/DPA - New house in front garden of 13, Arnhill Road. Two storey with rooms in the roof. Two bedrooms. This is a re-application and was originally commented on in July 2008. It was decided to reiterate past concerns regarding tandem development and road safety.

09/00042/DPA - MUGA at Recreation Ground. This will be a multi purpose sports pitch 30m by 45m with a fence surround of 2.75m. It will be available for use by any resident in the village.

Finance:-

Any Other Business:-

A drain cover outside 6, Corby Road requires immediate attention

The flooding on Corby Road just before the T junction to be reported to Highways

During the forthcoming refurbishments to the Village Hall Parish Council will be required to find alternative accommodation for meetings.

The Village Quiz will be held on 27th February in the Village Hall. Parish Council team to take part.

The Village Hall will host film shows in conjunction with the PSA. Funding is sought from Corby BC Arts budget to facilitate the project. £500 to be given to offset the costs of £80 per film.

Village Hall Accounts for 2008 were made available. No questions were forthcoming.