Present:- Marshall Ferguson - chair, Paul Seaton, Mark Thompson, Andy Royle, Tim Fox, Matthew Moore, Phil Bromhall (BC), Terri Meechan, Ailsa Dempster, Stan Heggs (CC), John Hindle - clerk and 1 member of the Public.

The Meeting was opened to the Public and questions were raised on the calculation of the Council Tax. Stan Heggs agreed to follow up.

Chairman reminded Councillors to declare an interest where appropriate.

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

There were no matters arising.

Report from County Councillor:-

Stan Heggs reported that free travel passes were not recognised on certain buses run early in the morning. Councillor Seery at Northampton is making representations.

Report from Borough Councillor:-

Phil Bromhall expressed the view that Corby BC could run short of cash in the light of the various capital projects being undertaken. He will seek assurances from the appropriate officers.

Correspondence:-

Council are in receipt of a copy of a letter from a resident in Station Road to Corby BC planners citing sewerage problems in the vicinity of his property. It appears that Anglian Water have investigated and suggested a way to improve the situation. Council to gain clarification from Anglian Water.

Council have undertaken to adopt the Phone Kiosk on High Street. An MPAN no. is needed from the electricity suppliers.

Emails have been sent to County Council, Street Doctor and Corby Planning relating to village issues.

Circulation:-

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

ACRE Village Viewpoint Magazine

EMDA News

CPRE news and Voice Magazine

Corby BC Agenda for 9th April

Village Plan:-

At the Parish AGM in March'09 Tim Fox proposed discussing each aspect of the Parish Plan (2004) in the next few months of Parish Council meetings. The section on Planning, Employment and Housing was chosen for this meeting.

Purpose:- To protect the village from excessive or inappropriate development and establish the needs of the village in respect of any future development, ensuring the village maintains a mixed and vibrant community.

Progress is ongoing with Corby BC taking Parish Council views into account on individual planning matters and having regard to the aims stated above. The Conservation Area has particular merit.

With regard to low cost housing Corby BC have adopted a One Corby policy which can result in non Gretton people being offered homes within the village to the possible detriment of people with families here.

Council is aware that information is out of date and a new data base is required. A questionnaire on housing needs will be formulated and sent to every house. The results can then be used in discussions with Corby BC on the way forward.

At the Meeting in May the Parish Plan section dealing with Sport , Education and Village Hall will be discussed.

The Friends of Gretton Recreation Ground Committee report that the Planning application for the MUGA has been turned down. However, there is a strong possibility that the grant may be forthcoming. At the same time there may be grant available for new items of play equipment which would mean a redesigning of the whole area alongside the footpath. Anglian Water will be contacted to assess the possibility of purchasing or leasing land around the Water Tower to give alternative space for car parking.

Planning:-

The application to build alongside 1, Hatton Lane has been refused. Corby BC found the site unsuitable for the size of property proposed.

Finance:-

Current Balance:		£14,928.55
Amounts due:
	BT - adoption of red phone kiosk	1.00
	UCC - Newsletter printing	198.38
	J. Hindle - clerk, salary and petty cash expenses	856.53

Any Other Business:-

Pocket Park Committee to proceed with the sundial as discussed and to inform Council of costs.

Street Lighting on Station Road reported to Corby BC for attention.

The drain outside 46 and 48, Arnhill Road is blocked.

Items tipped on village approaches reported to Corby BC.

Plants required for Jo Stone on Corby Road. Council to pursue.

Item on the unsocial burning of rubbish to be included in next Newsletter.

New cemetery requires tidying. Council to liaise with contractors.

Ivy around Village Green requires attention. Council to undertake trimming.

Ensure Pocket Park is cleared after tree surgery.

The hedge on Hatton Lane/Station Road needs trimming.

Ownership of Bus Shelter to be followed up.

Parking on Kirby Road is approaching dangerous proportions. Police are aware.

Lamp posts around the Village Green need painting.

Assess required expenditure on village amenities for future discussions with Corby BC.

The pavement near White Owl Cottage needs sweeping.