Present:- Marshall Ferguson - chair, Tim Fox, Matthew Moore, Mark Thompson, Andy Royle, Ailsa Dempster, Phil Bromhall, Jake Villette - Junior Councillor, John Hindle - clerk, Suzanne Preston - RPO - Corby BC, and 3 members of the Public.

Apologies:- Stan Heggs (CC), Paul Seaton, Terri Meechan.

The Meeting was declared open to the Public and the railings work around the Village Green was raised. After discussion it was agreed to bring up the level by the Church and apply another coat of paint.

Suzanne Preston, Rural Pride Officer has produced laminated anti fly tipping notices for distribution around the area. It was felt that there was no excuse for this practice as the Corby BC collection service is so efficient and free.

There is Government grant available to improve play facilities in the Borough. Some grant could be coming to the village. Suzanne will monitor progress.

Dennis Greenan, Speedwatch co-ordinator reported that the new Police speedgun had recorded one villager travelling at 61mph into the village on the Corby Road. He felt that anonymity of volunteers could be an advantage and the possibility of interchanging between villages was discussed. To be raised under Matters Arising at the Rural Area Forum on 17th April.

Chairman reminded Councillors to declare an interest where appropriate.

The Minutes of the Meeting on 10th March were accepted as a true record and duly signed.

Matters Arising:-

The Gretton Fun Run took place on Sunday 6th April and attracted 108 runners and walkers. There was good feedback for use next year. There are advantages in becoming an official event with the governing body. This will be explored. A key is required for the Fullen Lane gate on to Corby Road.

The Pump alarm identified last meeting will be delivered to the Electrician for installation. A dye will be introduced to the Pump chamber to determine the route of sewer outfall.

Trees in the Pocket Park require inspection by an arboriculturalist and then again every five years. Around 30 are raising concerns. Lockhart Garrett have an officer who could undertake this work for around £500. A volunteer is needed to monitor the situation after all necessary work is completed.

Report from Borough Councillor:-

Phil Bromhall reported that the English travellers site designated for the corner of Phoenix Parkway and Gretton Brook Road would have contracts let in May this year. The cost will be £824,000 for six double pitches - 12 caravans in all. The scheme will be fully funded by Government grant.

The existing travellers site on Gretton Brook Road will be refurbished in Winter 2009 at a cost covered 75% government and 25% BC. At a recent BC meeting the present nature of Brookfield Plantation will be written into Policy and established. Corus still own the land.

Progress on Contracts:-

Railings on the Village Green were discussed earlier in the Meeting.

The roof repair to the Sports Club and Pavilion appears to have been completed satisfactorily. To be kept under review. Grasscutting in 2008 of the main village areas and footpaths has been let to O'Connors with Northants CC retaining responsibility for the verges.

Correspondence

Letters from:-

N. Northants and E. Northants relating to Spacial Surveys.

Gretton Primary requesting sponsorship towards their centenary celebrations later in the year. Parish Council to sponsor a plaque for the school.

Park Lodge Farms announcing their intention to seek Planning consent for their project to build on land to the east of Southfield Road.

Mel Jarvis - Newsletter Editor. Council decided they are happy with the new format and will request that each issue is limited to 24 pages.

Mencap requesting a donation.

Allianz with the insurance quotation for 2008/9

Letter to Corby BC relating to the Planning applications discussed last month.

Circulation:-

Rural Area Forum Agenda for 17th April

PC Minutes for E. Carlton, Middleton, Cottingham & Weldon

Corby BC Full Council Agenda for 10th April

Town and Parish Standard Update

Crime Report for February

CPRE Fieldwork Magazine and VOICE Magazine

EMDA News

NCALC Update

Rural Pride Issue 7

Village Plan:-

The Youth Club project is being planned with Suzanne Preston and Sarah Stewart from the village involved. Volunteers are needed to support when the Club is in operation.

A discussion ensued into the practicality of combining the Village Hall and Sports Club on the Recreation Ground. The Village Hall Trustees will be invited to attend a meeting with representatives of the School and Sports Club to discuss possibilities. If a Leisure Centre is created the ethos will move away from the current voluntary format.

Highways:-

Bob Seery at Northants CC to be contacted expressing concern at the state of village roads.

Planning:-

08/00125/CAC Widen gateway at 25, High Street

08/00132/DPA Ground and first floor extensions to 4, Stafford Road.

08/00149/LBC Installation of rooflight to bathroom at 26A, High Street

No objections were raised on the above schemes.

The extensions to 11, Southfield Road have been granted

Finance:-

Any Other Business:-

A gang mower may be available without charge from Corby BC for use by villagers as back up on the Recreation Ground.

Council to pursue with Corby BC the destination of the Sec.106 Agreement payments from the development on Kirby Road.

In respect of Phil Bromhall's impending resignation from Parish Council the vacancy needs to be advertised with a view to co-opting an interested villager.