Present:- Marshall Ferguson - chair, Mark Thompson, Andy Royle, Phil Bromhall, Matthew Moore, Terri Meechan, Ailsa Dempster, Tim Fox, John Hindle - clerk, Stan Heggs (CC), Gary Williams - Police, and 4 members of the Public

Apologies:- Paul Seaton, Lucy Fox

A member of Gretton Stickholders took issue with Council over a Minute from a recent meeting. A discussion ensued and any misunderstandings were aired. Apologies were proffered.

Councillors were reminded to declare an interest where appropriate.

Minutes of the Meeting on 17th May were accepted as a true record and duly signed.

Matters Arising:-

Tim Fox reported that in the event of being decommissioned the Water Tower behind Kirby Road would likely be sold by Anglian Water. At present there are various Radio Masts attached to the roof. Also, it was ascertained that Gretton Sports Club rent an area in front of the boundary fence to give more car parking space.

Mike Deene-Hall, Headmaster has been approached to ask a year six pupil to become a Junior Councillor.

Gary Williams, Corby Sector Commander, Northants Police, reported that crime in our area for year ended 31st March 2007 was down by 27%. In that time only one car was stolen. Burglaries however were up from two in 2006 to four in 2007.

He is very pleased with the work of the Safer Community Teams (SCTs); the initiative being launched on 30th April at Rockingham Motor Speedway. Each team consists of a Police Sergeant, three Police Support Officers (PSOs) and a student Police Officer from time to time. A Community Panel decides priorities in each area on a twelve week cycle.

The recent thefts of lead in the area were raised. Scrap thefts are a serious problem. Word of mouth is important in the bid to deter offenders. Concerns were also raised at vehicles being seen around queues of children at school bus times.

Report from County Councillor:-

Stan Heggs referred to a planning application from last meeting where a recycling digester is proposed for siting at Kirby Lodge. He has seen a similar operation elsewhere and endorses the process. In addition, steps can be taken to organise weight restriction signs 'Access Only' on the approaches to the village.

Northants CC chief executive has taken early retirement

Stan has £10,000 allocated to him to spend on the villages he represents. Council has placed bids to replace railings on the village green, improve footpaths around the playing field and introduce weight restriction signs.

Report from Borough Councillors:-

Phil Bromhall and Terri Meechan reported that they also had amounts of cash to spend on village projects. Bids to be prepared in the near future.

The present traveller occupiers of the land on Gretton Brook Road/Phoenix Parkway are illegal and will be evicted by court action on 2nd July. The area will then be bunded to prevent further illegal occupation. The murdered traveller's vehicles will be removed from the Gretton Brook Road site in July.

There is no Dog Warden in post at present. All dog complaints to be addressed to Eddie Morgan, Senior Pest Control Officer at Corby BC tel.no.464052. No prospect of a dog bin on Gretton High Street at the present time.

Correspondence:-

Letters to Corby BC Planning to reflect the observations of last month's meeting.

Letters from and to a concerned villager about the village green.

Letter from Corby BC re Money 4 Youth funding. Terri Meechan to pursue.

Circulation:-

Corby BC Development Control Cmttee 12* June - Agenda

Parish Council Minutes for Middleton, Cottingham and Weldon.

Parish Crime Report for April

CPRE Fieldwork Magazine

Corby Play Partnership Minutes of 24th May

ACRE Information and Village Viewpoint Magazine

Planning:-

07/00178/DPA - Application to build a four bedroomed house and garage on land adjacent to 1, Hatton Lane.

Concerns raised are:-

(i) Impact of the size of the building in relation to plot size

(ii) Lack of visibility for traffic turning in and out of Hatton Lane. There is already a heavy density of traffic using this road.

(iii) The building would impose privacy issues on other dwellings in an already congested area of the village.

(iv) The number of trees which would be lost to accommodate the building.

07/00188/LBC - Internal alterations to provide dressing room and ensuite facilities at 1, Makings Road. No objections.

07/00216/LBC - Repair to fire damaged beam at 9, Mailings Road. No objections.

07/00217/DPA - Provision of a temporary portacabin for office use at Gretton House. No objections but Council would like to see a two year life imposed on this structure.

Pick Playing Field:-

Council are keen to make this area a village amenity again. Various ideas were discussed :-

(i) A Picnic area provided

(ii) 5-a-side Football Pitch

(iii) An area for Scouts and other villagers to barbeque

Council are aware of the difficulties connected with the field ie out of the village; grass not cut regularly and a small entrance. It was proposed to:-

(i) Arrange regular grasscutting

(ii) Erect a sign

(iii) Expand the entrance to accommodate vehicles

Half Pipe:-

The old structure needs removing as soon as possible. Rural Pride Officer to be asked to assist. Terri Meechan is looking at possible grants to replace. The preferred apparatus has been located. Council will pursue funding.

Code of Conduct:-

Councillors were provided with a bound copy each of the new Code. It was decided to accept and inform Corby BC of the decision.

Finance:-

		Current Balance		30125.32
		Payments due	Allianz Cornhill - insurance for 2007/8	856.30
			ACRE Subscription for 2007/8	33.00

Any Other Business:-

As previously stated Council are investigating funding for two capital schemes ie replacement of the railings around the village green and refurbishment of the footpath alongside the Recreation Ground. One quotation for the footpath has been received and others are sought for both jobs.

Council are aware that grasscutting and footpath clearance have fallen short of required standards this year. Unfortunately there are three agencies involved in this work and it is not always possible to ascertain responsibility for specific areas. It was agreed mat from next year Council will produce tender documents for the upkeep of the village as a whole. Clerk to contact local areas which already have this in place to understand procedures.

There are three trees on Corby Road by the junction with Gretton Brook Road which appear dangerous. Corby BC to be informed.

The vegetation along Caistor Road is overgrown and obstructs the footpath. Council to investigate.

The field gate on the Recreation Ground has lost the 'No Parking' notice. To be replaced.

Mini bikes on the Recreation Ground are still an occasional problem. Phil Beckett (CPSO) to be informed.

The showers in the Sports Pavilion require refurbishment One quotation is to hand and others are sought.

The roof is leaking in the Pavilion. Investigation to be undertaken.