Present- Marshall Ferguson, Tim Fox, Ailsa Dempster, Phil Bromhall, Terri Meechan, Matthew Moore, Paul Seaton, Andy Royle, Mark Thompson, John Hindle-clerk and two members of the Public

Apologies:- Stan Heggs(CC)

Marshall Ferguson as chairman welcomed the new council. He and Tim Fox(vice chairman) stood down and were re-elected to serve again in these positions.

Chairman reminded councillors to declare an interest where appropriate.

The Minutes of the Meeting on 16th April were accepted as a true record and duly signed.

Matters Arising

Councillors learned that the scheme to build five houses on land at Clay Lane/Station Road had been withdrawn and would be resubmitted.

Ian Tattersall at Corby BC has been informed of the potentially hazardous nature of some gravestones in St. James' churchyard.

Photographic evidence of Wheelie bin obstruction after emptying was presented by a member of the Public. Corby BC to be informed.

As newly elected to Corby BC Phil Bromhall and Terri Meechan were asked to clarify the position with regard to their seats on the Parish Council. They stated that councillors would be informed of possible conflicts of interest in the months ahead but did not foresee problems in promoting village matters in both Borough and Parish Councils.

Report from Borough Councillor:-

Phil Bromhall informed Council that certain trees on the side of 'Clinkers' footpath had been identified for Protection Orders by Corby BC.

The Allotments site behind Kirby Road has been discussed again with Martin Field at Corby BC. To build houses on such sites is against general policy. However, if no building occurs the site requires work to enhance its appearance. Any housing constructed on the site should go to older residents. One bedroom apartments would have the advantage of being close to the village centre and in keeping with the area. Martin Field to be invited to a future meeting of Council.

Correspondence: -

Letters to Corby BC Planning dealing with the applications discussed at the last meeting.

Letter from the local NHS Trust inviting Parish representation on its Board.

Circulation: -

Corby BC Development Control Committee 24th April

Parish Council Minutes; Cottingham, Stanion, Middleton, Weldon & E. Carlton

Votes cast in recent Election

Clerk and Councils DIRECT Magazine

ATKINS Partnership Open Day 30th June at Brixworth 1 lam-3pm and Reps Review

Waymarker - footpaths

Rural Pride Officer information

The Code of Conduct for Parish and Borough Councillors is to hand and will be circulated to all members with their copies of these minutes.

Improvements to Playing Field:-

Council raised concerns at the state of the car park at the Sports Club / Field. Also, the area around the Water Tower is unkempt. Apparently the Tower is for sale; Tim Fox will ascertain the situation.

Provision of a Basketball ring was suggested.

The Half Pipe needs clearing; the Rural Pride Officer will be asked to assist in organising this task. To be discussed at next meeting.

Village Plan:-

Tim Fox to liaise with Rural Pride Officer re Village clean up day

Adult Education classes are increasing in scope and membership.

Planning:-

07/00135/COU - Extra burial facilities including part of Manse garden - Baptist Church. No objections

07/00153/DPA - Amend Plot H at rear of 14, Kirby Road - windows in loft area This plot is one of five being built and the plans could set a precedent which would be out of keeping with this part of the village. Car parking concerns were also raised.

07/0015 8/DPA - Two Dormer windows and two rooflights in existing bedrooms l,Hatton Lane. No objections

07/00156/DPA - Redevelop chalet style dwelling into traditional house 12, Maltings Road. No objections so long as due regard is taken of existing neighbours' privacy

Northampton CC - Proposed development of in-vessel composting and wood-chipping at Kirby Lodge, Gretton Road. This scheme has serious traffic issues for the area particularly if the lorries access the site through the village.

Applications granted - 07/00033/DPA - Rear extension to 34, Arnhill Road Change of Use from Paper shop to Coffee shop - 30, High Street

Finance:-

		Current Balance		13509.09
		Payments received	Half Year rent of Old Fire Station garage	250.00
			Full year rent of Stone Pit Close	50.00
			Corby BC - Precept	8000.00
			Corby BC - Grant	8689.00
		Payments due	EC Electrical - work at Sports & Social Club	88.12
			Handy Service - Sewer clearance	105.75
			Hemmings - Glass	26.00
			Corby BC - Election expenses	641.32
			CPRE - Subscription 2007/08	27.00
			J. Hindle - Holiday pay	241.02

Council are aware that the following capital projects need addressing:-

(i) New Sewer for Sports Club

(ii) Pathways and Car Park on Recreation Field

Prices to be obtained from interested parties.

Any Other Business:-

Possibility of a Year Six pupil at Gretton School filling Junior Councillor position.

Trampoline in garden of property in High Street. Possible Nuisance. Letter to Tenant and Corby BC.

Article of support for Post Office in next Newsletter. Ask Mike or Julie to write.

Concern that Wilsons Coaches buses on Gretton route are not very accessible for elderly or disabled. Letter to NCC Sustainable Transport.

Village Green clear up to be progressed. Removal of ivy and tree pruning.

Representations to be made to possible interested parties regarding leadership of a Youth Club in the village.

Potholes in Southfield Road are a problem.

The Pick Playing Field is underused. Provision of a new sign expressing village ground for general use. To be discussed further at next meeting.

Problem of graffiti along Corby Road.

New sign for High Street needed. Perhaps affix to Coffee Shop.

Traffic Hazards - Lorries on Kirby Road and hedge on Caistor/Kirby Road,

The Cemetery on Station Road is overgrown. This area is part of O'Connor's grass cutting contract.

The Big Lottery grant for Village Hall rebuilding is still under consideration.

Ailsa Dempster to redesign the Village Welcome Pack.

Village of the Year judges visited Gretton in early May. Results to be known in July.

Northants CC have agreed to grant £25000 to Village Hall rebuilding when the main funding is in place.