Present:- Marshall Ferguson - chair, Barrie Woolley, Tim Fox, Mark Thompson, Phil Bromhall (BC), Stan Heggs (CC), Rees Lawson, Lucy Fox, Paul Seaton, Andy Royle, Ailsa Dempster, John Hindle - clerk, Phil Beckett - Community Police Officer.

Apologies: - Vic. Clark, Terri Meechan.

Chairman reminded Councillors to declare an interest where appropriate.

Minutes of Meeting On 11 September were accepted -as a true record and duly signed.

Matters Arising:

A discussion ensued on the general look and condition of the Village- Green and its surroundings on the roads. The Green is well used by the youth of the village and often looks unkempt. Too Fox agreed to seek out possible funding to clear the area.

Police:

Phil Beckett (CPO) reported that distraction burglaries had decreased and attention was turning to prevention of auto crime. He was planning leaflet drops to raise awareness in the villages. In addition, he has changed his shifts to include 2-4am when the bulk of the crimes occur.

A programme of Road Safety presentations is underway in local schools. Particular emphasis is being given to parking away from school entrances. In Gretton he is keen to encourage parents to use the Recreation Ground car park close to the school. Tim Fox asked what progress had been made with the Speedwatch campaign. In the absence of Terri Meechan, Phil Bromhall agreed to check developments.

Report from Borough Councillor:

Phil Bromhall reported that he had experienced concerned villagers relating to the condition of overgrown footpaths particularly next to 32, Kirby Road. Corby BC do not act quickly enough to prevent paths becoming overgrown in the summer months. Council discussed the possibility of adding this to O'Connor's contract for 2007.

Corby, Kettering and Wellingborough are combining to reduce expenditure on revenue collection and associated activities.

The budget for Travellers' sites in the area has been approved. Both on Gretton Brook Road, one refurbishment and one new site.

Correspondence:

Copy of letter from Jeff. Ward to Central Networks relating to damage to pole carrying overhead power lines in Station Road. Clerk to contact the appropriate authority.

Letters to:

       Camelot re Gretton Post Office

       Jim. Milligan re work on Notice Board

       Network Rail re sign on bridge

       Northants CC re Subsidised Bus Services

Corby BC Planning Dept. re:

       3, Hatton Lane

       48. Arnhill Road

       96, High Street

Letter from Phil. Hope MP re grants for local projects.

Circulation:

ACRE Update for August and September

Victim Support Annual Report

Project funding through Compact

ACRE Village Viewpoint magazine

E. Northants re Rockingham Forum Minutes of 19 September Update on N. Northants Joint Planning Unit.

Corby BC Development Control Committee of 19 September, Agenda Parish Council Minutes for Cottingham, Middleton, Weldon & Stanion

Atkins Rep' s Review

Draft E. Mids. Regional Plan - Document for Public Consultation

Village Plan:

Another letter has been received from Smith Stuart Reynolds relating to the proposed development of land beyond the end of Southfield Road. The same ground has been covered in previous correspondence but it now appears that the company have discussed their 'village enhancing' proposals with officers at Northants CC. who apparently are 'happy for an enhanced Village Hall to be located within any new school, providing that access and security can be managed appropriately'.

In discussion, Council felt that the Village Hall was in a central location and its position had been endorsed at a public meeting-same-two years ago and therefore was not keen to move; In addition, the land in question is outside the present Local Development Framework (LDF) specification.

It was decided to acknowledge the letter and discuss with Northants CC requesting Smith Stuart Reynolds to identify the officers in question. Council also require clarification as to whether the company is offering to build new facilities or just provide the land.

Report from County Councillor:

Stan Heggs was asked to accompany Marshall Ferguson on a walk around the village to assess necessary road repairs. This was agreed.

Ailsa Dempster requested help to arrange a grant from Northants CC towards Village Hall rebuilding.

Planning:

Ailsa Dempster declared an interest.

06/0029819/DPA/LBC 12116, Station Road. Revised application for widening parking bay and alterations to garage.

Council had no observations to make on what was viewed as a private matter between neighbours.

Finance:

		Current balance		21222.32
		Payments due:	J. Hindle - clerk - Salary & petty cash	568.10

Any Other Business:

Marshall Ferguson reported that the electrics in the Sports Club would be serviced soon.

Barrie Woolley raised the concern of ivy growing on the wall surrounding the Village Green. Council undertook to organise clearance.

Mark Thompson requested guidance on the repair of the damaged Half- Pipe on the Recreation Ground. He was asked to fence the structure. Clerk to raise an Agenda item on this equipment at the next meeting.

The footpath from the Recreation Ground to Stafford Road will be patched with Tarmac to ensure the safety of users.

Paul Seaton raised the problem of dog fouling on the High Street. Clerk to contact Corby BC Dog Warden re provision of a bin. Also, to write to the School with a view to initiating a poster competition to make villagers aware of the problem.

Ailsa Dempster reported that the Craft Fair in the Village Hall on 8 October raised £906.

Foliage below the vicarage on the footpath needed attention.

The proposed Fun Run on 1 April 2007 is progressing re sponsorship from local businesses.