Present:- Marshall Ferguson - chair, Ailsa Dempster, Terri Meechan, Andy Royle, Mark Thompson, Tim Fox, Phil Bromhall, Matthew Moore, Stan Heggs(CC).

Also in attendance were Phil Beckett(CPSO), Mike Deene-Hall(Headmaster) and 2 Junior Councillors, Robyn Seymour and Jake Villette and 2 Members of the Public

Apologies:- Paul Seaton

It was reported that the Flag Steward is now Stuart Eaton and the Newsletter Editor is Mel. Jarvis. Letters of thanks to be sent to Tom Guest and Neville Rumbelow for their work on these respective tasks.

Council is now in receipt of quotations for the renewal of the footpath on the Recreation Ground and repairs to the Pavilion roof. These will be analysed and a report presented to the next meeting.

Mike Deene-Hall reported to Council the position on Gretton School adopted by the County Council. The School is currently on capacity and County have undertaken that all future children within catchment who apply will be accommodated. This will entail the addition of two classrooms to coincide with the completion of the Avenue Farm development.

It is understood that extra government funding may be available in 2009/10 as part of the Primary initiative.

A short discussion ensued as to whether the problems of space at the school and the need for a new Village Hall could be combined in an extension on to the Recreation Ground. The Hall would be available for school use in the day and village groups in the evening.

The traffic situation in Kirby Road was again discussed; the construction of a one way ring road around school being a possibility.

Phil Beckett reported that an attempted burglary on Harringworth Road was disturbed by the occupants. An insecure rear door was the point of entry. Distraction burglaries are 999 (emergency) matters and the CPSO team need to know of unsolicited callers. Also any strange vehicles and personnel on farm land should be reported to prevent hay and straw fires.

Lead thefts are priority and designated officers identified to investigate. Arrests have been made and attempts are underway to render stolen lead unsaleable by use of sprays with infra red markings.

Phil was informed that vehicles parking in gateways on Rockingham Road was a road safety concern.

Report from County Councillor:-

Stan Heggs reported that following the recent meeting of the Rural Area Forum a speed camera would be purchased by the County Council for use by all the villages around Corby.

When quotes are to hand for railings on the Village Green Stan will pursue through County for the funding.

Report from Borough Councillor:-

Phil Bromhall reported that as Corby BC are subsidising expenditure on the Pool and Theatre in the town there is pressure on other items.

Stanion Lane plantation is to be replaced with forestry under a woodland replanting scheme. The Brookfield plantation may be similarly redesigned.

Correspondence:-

Letter from residents at 11, Stafford Road relating to concerns with trees on the Recreation Ground alongside their garden. Clerk to write to Corby Planning and the Tree Officer.

Letters to:-

Corby BC Licensing expressing concerns at the scope of the Licence Variation requested by the Talbot Pub.

Park Lodge Farms refusing their request for a meeting with councillors.

Corby BC Planning with reference to alterations at 13, High Street

Corby BC relating to signage to the Village Hall

Circulation:-

Parish Crime Report for September

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

Rural Pride Issue 5

Leaflets from Northants CC about direct payments to people receiving care

Various CPRE papers and Voice magazine

DIRECT magazine

Freeplay magazine

NHS information on various meetings next month

EMDA magazine

ACRE Village Viewpoint magazine

Corby BC Full Council 25th October

Consultation on Leics. Minerals Development Framework

Fly Tipping Hotspots report

Rural Area Forum on 18th October

Rockingham Forum on 2nd October

Northants Minerals and WDF

Village Plan:-

Terri Meechan and Tim Fox met with Rural Pride Officer recently relating to the future of the Playing Field. They would like representations from all parties and are planning an exhibition of possibilities with a provisional date of Sunday 27th January at the Sports Club. Council agreed a budget of £200 to facilitate this event.

Planning:-

07/00507/COU Change of use from annexe to separate dwelling, 25, High Street

No objections

07/00512/DPA Proposed Fish Farm on Mill Road

Council had no objection to the concept of a fish farm being constructed in the valley but felt the plans had not been thought through sufficiently. Frequent seasonal floods would be a hazard and although accommodation was mentioned there were no plans for a dwelling included in the submission.

07/00517/DPA New chimney and modify dormer window on house at rear of 2, Kirby Road

Council were unable to position the particular house in question as part of the overall new build

07/00524/DPA Ground and 1st floor extensions, 6, Winchelsea Drive

No objections but having regard to the usual considerations for neighbours

07/00535/541/DPA New house in the grounds of 96, High Street with part wall demolition for access.

Council are concerned about a new dwelling in an already overpopulated area. This proposal is in the Conservation area of the village and the loss of part of the stone wall would be regretted. Access on to Kirby Road is hazardous with the Corby Road junction around 50 metres away.

Finance:-

		Current balance		25063.47
		Amount received:	Fire Station Garage rent for 2nd half-year	250.00
		Amounts due:	Mel Jarvis - Newsletter printing	308.00
			Kier Services - Pathway clearance (twice)	187.47
			MST Construction - Removal of remnants of half-pipe	869.50

Any Other Business:-

Grants are being sought to refurbish the changing rooms in the Pavilion

The Coffee Shop is asking County to vary its licence by allowing opening on one night per week as a youth activity

A lavender bush on Southfield Road is overgrowing the pathway

The bank on Arnhill Road at the end of Hardwick Road is suffering from work vehicles parking. County to be informed.

Surface water on Lyddington Road is a potential hazard in winter. County to be informed

Tipping of hardcore has been noted on the bridleway at the end of Arnhill Road

Mark Thompson to organise a 'Gretton Parish Council' sign on the Notice Board

The half-pipe will be replaced if grants are forthcoming

Trees on Winchelsea Estate land near the junction of Corby Road and Gretton Brook Road are a potential hazard. Letter to Winchelsea Estates with a copy to the Corby BC Tree Officer

Information about glass recycling was promised from CorbyBC. Clerk to pursue.

The Gretton Fun Run will take place on 6th April 2008. A new route will incorporate Fullen Lane.