Present:- Marshall Ferguson - chair, Ailsa Dempster, Tim Fox, Mark Thompson, Jeremy Sharman, Matthew Moore, Andy Royle, Stan Heggs (CC), Phil Beckett (PCSO), John Hindle - clerk and four members of the Public.

Apologies:- Phil Bromhall (BC), Terri Meechan, Jake Villette (JC)

Elisabeth Jordan (Pocket Park) explained that the tree contractor had made two appointments to attend to the required work in the Park but had not followed up.Clerk to pursue.

Chairman reminded councillors to declare an interest where appropriate.

The Minutes of the Meeting on 9th February were accepted as a true record and duly signed.

There were no matters arising.

Report from County Councillor:-

Stan Heggs explained that the proposed fuel production and recycling plant planned for Brookfield Plantation would be considered in Northampton on 17th March. There are serious road safety issues connected with this development and it was agreed that both Clerk and Phil Bromhall would accompany Stan to this meeting.

In a similar vein the situation relating to HGV traffic in Gretton is already causing great problems. Stan and Parish Council are in correspondence with the Liaison Officer for Corby and East Northants at County Hall. Signage is sought to restrict HGVs from using the village as access to the main highways in the area. Stan was given pictures of such vehicles taken in Gretton High Street. Representations will continue.

Report from PCSO:-

Phil Beckett is concerned at the number of burglaries in recent weeks. Most worrying is the fact that doors are being left unlocked giving easy access to the opportunist thief. Residents are asked to be vigilant with their own security and also to report any unusual activity relating to strangers and vehicles. The local correspondent will be asked to place a security warning in the Gretton pages of the local newspapers.

Phil has undertaken to provide a Police presence at the Fun Run on 5th April.

Speed guns are being operated at regular intervals and residents are warned to watch their speed through the village.

Correspondence:-

Letters from:-

Barrie Edwards relating to MUGA (see Village Plan)

Northants CC informing Council of their adoption of Hatton Lane.

Weldon PC inviting volunteers to a litter pick on 21st March

Corby BC - Acceptance of Tree works planned for Pocket Park

Emails and letters to :-

John Robinson (Liaison at County Hall discussed earlier)

Corby BC Planners relating to the applications discussed last month.

Circulation:-

Parish Council Minutes for Cottingham and Middleton

NALC Update

Highways Agency Newsletter

Rural Pride Issue 12

Corby BC - Agenda for 26th February

CPRE Information

Town and Parish Standard

Rockingham Forum Agenda for 17th March

Clerk and Councils DIRECT Magazine

Village Plan:-

On the MUGA application Tim Fox agreed to reply to Barrie Edward's letter and reported that Corby BC had received other correspondence on the subject from residents in Stafford Road. The concerns are:-

                       Light pollution from floodlighting

                       Noise when area in use

                       Potential for cars using Stafford Road for parking

The whole issue was discussed at a recent meeting of Friends of Gretton Recreation Ground and a decision taken to report to Parish Council.

The application is with Corby BC Planners who are known to be sympathetic to resident's concerns. Their decision is expected soon. In the event of the application being rejected Parish Council may appeal to the Development Control Committee where residents would be free to express their views. According to the Parish Plan the villagers in general want this development so it was decided to await the planning outcome and proceed from there.

The Village Plan as a whole will be considered by Council in the next few meetings and items acted upon where necessary.

Friends of Gretton Recreation Ground have learned that County Council grants may be available to improve the Play Area for 8-13 year olds. A meeting of interested parties is called for Tuesday 17th March at 7pm in School and leaflets will be circulated with the next Newsletter.

Planning:-

The extension to 10, Harringworth Road was discussed in company with interested parties in the area. This is a revised application and the small changes from the original appear to have allayed some of the fears of the neighbours. Concerns had centred around the possibility of division into two properties at a later date and the retention of privacy for neighbours. These have been largely addressed and Council has no observations.

Rockingham Speedway have been granted temporary permission to stage one Show per year on the grounds. They are seeking to make this permanent and to include extra events.

The reply to E. Northants DC will require RS to comply with their current limits on noise etc. before embarking on further activities.

Finance:-

             Current Balance:-                £14,111.38

No amounts are outstanding at present.

Councillors were invited to bring items to the next meeting highlighting improvements.

Highways:-

At the recent repairs and temporary traffic lights on Rockingham Road it was noted that signage was poor and the area a hazard to road safety. Contractors to be informed.

Any Other Business:-

The kerb stones outside 5, High Street need attention.

Street Light repairs are required outside the Church on Station Road and at the junction of Station Road with Clay Lane.

The drain outside the Vicarage needs attention.

The hedge near Gretton House requires trimming.

The bank on Arnhill Road at the top of Clay Lane is being damaged by vehicles parking. Large stones to be placed to protect the area.

There is a considerable amount of builders material around the Railway bridge on Station Road. Landowners to be informed of eyesore and possible rodent infestation.

The recent Film night at the Village Hall was successful. More evenings are planned.