Present: - Marshall Ferguson - chair, Ailsa Dempster; Andy Royle; Terri Meechan; Vic Clark; Tim Fox; Mark Thompson; John Hindle-clerk; Phil Bromhall-BC; Stan Heggs - CC; Phil Beckett - CPO; and 4 Members of the Public.

Apologies:- Paul Seaton; Barrie Woolley; Lucy Fox

Chairman reminded Councillors to declare an interest where appropriate.

The Minutes of the Meeting on 12th February were agreed as a true record and duly signed.

There were no matters arising from the Minutes.

Report from Borough Councillor:

Phil Bromhall drew attention to the matter of excess litter at the Mill Bridge on Lyddington Road. It was suggested that a litter bin could be provided in the first instance and the situation monitored.

County Council are committed to providing places at Gretton School for all children in the catchment area. As demand grows discussions are continuing.

Low-cost Compost bins and Water Buts are available from Corby BC.

An Email has been received from Martin Field at Corby BC broadly in favour of a social housing development on the old Allotment site behind Fulwell Avenue.

The Brookfield Plantation site on Gretton Brook Road will produce tarmac and concrete with a staff of four people.

Phil will bring up noise levels emanating from Rockingham Speedway at the meeting of the RS.Forum on 13th March.

Report from Community Police Officer:

Phil Beckett reported that a daytime burglary had occurred in High Street recently. Other villages in the area have experienced nightime burglaries - patrols are to be increased.

Vehicle Number plate thefts have increased in recent weeks.

Mini Motorbikes continue to be a problem. Offenders have been identified.

The Rural Areas Police Team will consist of five officers who will cover all the villages in the Corby BC.

Correspondence:

Letters from Phil Hope - copy of letter to Conservative MEPs re Rural Development Programme.

Northants CC &. Atkins re adoption of Hatton Lane

Northants CC re extended Bus Service to Great Oakley.

Letter to Mr. R Chambers of Southfield Road re proposed development.

Circulation:

Corby BC - Development Control Committee 20th February

Corby BC - Full council 28th February

Parish Council Minutes for Weldon, E. Carlton, Cottingham & Middleton

Monthly Crime Report for January

Also available:

CPRE Fieldwork magazine and invite to the AGM on 19th April

Northants CC. General aims etc for 2007-10

E. Midlands Rural Action Plan

Village Viewpoint magazine

Clerks and Councils DIRECT magazine

CPRE 'Voice' magazine

Age Concern - Get Set Go information

NALC & ACRE updating information

Parish Council Elections

Nomination packs will be issued to all existing councillors and other interested parties. All nominations to be received at Corby BC by 4th April.

Village Plan:

The fence on the Village Green needs replacing. County Council to be contacted as to cost and the possibility of a Joint Venture with the Parish Council.

Report from County Councillor:

Stan Heggs reported the fact of reduced budgets for drain clearances in local-areas. A possibility exists for Councillors to be allocated a budget for their local area to such minor undertakings.

Planning:

The revised scheme for Change of Use of Gretton Stores to a cafe was described to Council. It is expected to be an enhancement to village amenities.

Finance:

		Current balance		15297.32
		Payments received	Rent etc. Gretton SSC	295.00
			Rent Fiona Sharman	50.00
		Payments due	UCC - Newsletter printing	148.50
			M.S.T. - Fencing Half Pipe	213.14
			Handy Services - sewer unblock	105.75
			EC Electrical - Install fans at Sports Club	611.00
			NALC Sub 2007/8	218.00
			ACRE Village of Year comp.	15.00

Any Other Business:

The Hardwick Road sign is rotten and needs replacement

Accept the Quotation from P. Collins to refurbish the wall at the junction of Kirby Road and High Street.

Miss Gretton, Gretton Princess and Miss Corby Villages have recently been chosen and will be asked to participate in Gretton events this summer starting with the Fun Run on 1st April.

The Fun Run has received sponsored insurance. The Village Hall Committee is hopeful of a success; a good number of forms have been taken.

Ailsa will respond to Suzanne Preston's questionnaire on play equipment in the village.