Present: Marshall Ferguson - chair, Terri Meechan, Barrie Woolley, Andrew Royle, Ailsa Dempster, Tim Fox, Phil Bromhall - Borough Councillor, Lucy Fox - Jnr. Councillor, Lewis Holdcroft - Jnr. Councillor, Phil Oram - clerk, 3 members of the public.

1      Apologies - Jim Wade, Paul Seaton, Vic Clerk, Sue Forsey.

2      Meeting open to public.

Mr Carr of The Coach House, High Street brought details of proposed plans for extending his property and discussed details of his proposals with the council. These plans were being submitted to Corby council and would be available for discussion by the Council at the next meeting.

Jnr. Councillors reported that the bins for re-cycling plastic were overflowing - it is understood that an additional bin will be provided.

They were concerned about the speed problems in Kirby Road and asked if "speed humps" could be introduced - agreed to write to NCC. It was stated that traffic calming is in the Village Plan.

They asked if a basketball area could be put up in the recreation field, this does not have to be a full court but just a hoop which can be used for practice - agreed that the one at Lyddington be looked at to see what is required.

The provision of an all weather multi-sport court was mentioned - this would be subject to funding and space being available.

The Jnr. Councillors spent a day at Corby Borough council to see how the Council works.

The top of Clay Lane has recently been tidied up and a good job was done - the painting of the railings will be carried out at half term.

We need to think about tidying up the village in preparation for the Village of the Year competition.

3      Declaration of Councillors' Interests

Chairman reminded Councillors that they should declare an interest where this was involved.

4      Minutes of meeting 14 March 2005 were confirmed as a true record and signed by the chairman.

5      Report from Borough councillor

Phil Bromhall reported that in the Housing Maintenance programme there was nothing for Gretton.

He also reported that garages in Corby that were not being used or in low demand were being demolished and re-used. NCC mining plans were being discussed.

At the last meeting of the "Rockingham Forum" it was reported that the "noisy" event for 2005 would take place on May 21/22. It was also reported at that meeting that temporary planning permission had been given for the third time by East Northants Council even though it is normal practice to only give it once, it appears East Northants council are not using their powers properly.

He also reported that C.B.C. had decided to retain council housing under its control and would expect to reach "decent home standards".

Phil Beckett, Community Support Officer, can be reached on 01536 536999.

6      Report from County councillor

In his absence the clerk read out his report where he informed the council that the County council made it a requirement for all school bus contractors to comply with enhanced level Police checks and vetting of their drivers and provide certification.

7      Matters Arising from Minutes

Council was informed that those organisations that C.B.C. had recently started charging for waste disposal did not have to use C.B.C., as there are other waste disposal contractors available.

Andrew Royle reported that the proposed floodlights by the Football club `` would be the same as the existing ones - agreed they could go ahead.

8      Village Plan

It was reported that some of the task groups are working, some are being thought about and some need pushing along. It was hoped that each section would have a Parish councillor to oversee the action. Councillors were asked to think about which section they would like to oversee.

Terri Meechan agreed to look after Sport and School.

Services and Transport was currently being looked after by Bob Dobson.

Environment - Marshall Ferguson would ask sue Forsey if unable to this he would look after this section.

Communications i.e. Newsletter and Website - need someone.

Planning and Housing - Tim Fox would look after this section.

 

Planning and Housing:

It is envisioned that C.B.C. will consult with the Parish Council over this. Affordable housing is need but we need to identify needs. C.B.C. housing policy says there should be 20% of affordable housing - Tim Fox to write to C.B.C. regarding this.

 

Sport and School

Terri Meechan has already spoken to some people about forming a recreation ground committee - suggested that representatives from Cricket, Football, BMX track, Half Pipe, Band, School and people from Stafford Rd area be invited to form committee. Terri will make a list for the next meeting. They should consider a Spring Clean for the recreation ground.

 

Village Hall

Adult classes have already been organised to start in September - they will be Computers, Patchwork and Italian. Evening classes are preferred by most but the committee room is not suitable, it is possible that evening classes could be held in the School or Chapel room. There are various ideas for new activities but they are wanted in the evening. More information is becoming available for funding of the new village hall.

 

Services and Transport

Improvements to roads and footpaths and street lighting are all requested and it was agreed that villagers should get together to look at this in detail then write to NCC about what is required.

 

Other items in the village Plan were discussed as follows:

Agreed to ask Paul Seaton to oversee roads, street cleaning, drains etc.

Bus service - it had been asked for an extension of times and routes - agreed that this would be discussed with the people who went to the monthly village hall lunches, and also to ask the youngsters what they would like.

Surgery facilities - a draft letter to Northants Heartland Primary Care Trust had been drafted and it agreed this be sent from the council asking if the existing surgery facilities could be extended.

Speeding - agreed should discuss this with the Police and Highway Authorities - invite the Police to the next meeting.

Neighbourhood Watch - understood that Mike Kinnard and Stuart Rochester are interested.

Agreed to contact Lloyd Davies at C.B.C. to look at creating more activities for youth in the village.

Village Spring Clean day - Sue Forsey would help organise, possible third week-end in May, would also ask C.B.C. to send the road sweeper this week-end.

Agreed to contact the two churches regarding the spring clean, ask for grass to be cut at bottom of Station Road and write to Anglian about the area around the water tower, making it a Health and Safety issue.

Agreed to ask the following organisations to help with picking up litter: Guides and Brownies the Village Green; Scouts and Cubs the Paddock Park; Terri Meechan to organise the Recreation ground.

9      Correspondence

a      CPRE summer events invitations.

b      CPRE's response to proposals of Milton Keynes/South Midlands strategy - circulation file.

c      NCC - new Mobile Library timetable.

d      C.B.C. Rural Area Forum meeting - date change.

e      NCC - Draft statement of community involvement with minerals and waste development, also planning - comments by 16 May - circulation file.

f      defra - quality parishes and parish planning - circulation file.

g      CBC notice re County Council Elections - already on Notice Board.

h      CBC letter from dog warden - contents noted ask this to be highlighted in E.T. report.

i      Corby Carnival Entry Form.

j      NRHA help in provision of affordable housing - contents noted.

k      Publication of Regional spatial Strategy for E. Midlands - available on website or Stationery Office - circulation file.

L      Letter from Phil Hope MP - A Better Future for Rural Areas - circulation file.

M      ENC letter re Rockingham Forum village representation.

Circulation file:

Minutes of Rockingham forum meeting

CPRE - Outlook

CBC - Development Control meeting 22 March

Playground equipment leaflets

Calendar of Events - Wadenhoe House

PC minutes - Stanion, Weldon, Cottingham.

10      Highway Matters

a      Street doctor information

b      Rep's Review - circulation file

c      Information re street lighting.

d      Prohibition of Traffic orders for Rockingham Speedway.

11      Planning Matters

a      Damp proof course - 26A High street - no observations.

b      Sun Lounge to rear - 11 Maltings Road - no observations.

12      Finance Matters

	a	Current balance		3614.26
	b	Payments received	Gretton Band - Rent	100.00
			Bank Interest	1.86
	c	Payments due	Uppingham Coll. - newsletter	122.88
			CPRE - subs	25.00
			Samson Doors - roller shutter	1577.44
			P A Oram - Petty Cash	13.63
			R.J. Ferguson - garage	2100.00
			R.J. Ferguson - half pipe	385.00

An additional £165.00 was paid for an additional window at the sports pavilion which was found when they came to fit the windows.

d      Audit papers have been received - Audit date is 29 July 2005.

13      Police Matters

Letter received introducing Acting Chief Superintendent George Shipman.

14      G R E A T Report

Continuing to meet monthly - nothing to report.

15      Any Other Business

Marshall Ferguson reported that the trees around Philip Latham's house were causing problems on the footpath.

Also reported the new house in Corby Road had been given the same number as an existing house - the house numbering need sorting out - clerk to contact C.B.C.

Reported that holes in the car park at the recreation ground need filling in - there is a bag of filler available.

Andrew Royle reported that the missing drain cover in Lyddington Road was still missing.

He still has no news from Railtrack.

Reported that some of the drain covers at the back of the sports pavilion are off - agreed the whole system needs looking at - Marshall Ferguson will get specialist advice as to what is needed.

Terri Meechan advised the council that funding is available for celebrating 60 yrs of the end of World War Two.

Also advised council that she would be standing for the County Council as a Lib. Dem.

Ailsa Dempster had received a complaint that the wheelie bin at 59 High Street is left out all the time and blocks the footpath - clerk to write to the owner, Mr. Ashworth of Arnhill Road.

She enquired about the money Phil Bromhall said was available for special purposes.

The Welcome pack is now available for newcomers; please let her know of any newcomers.