Present:- Marshall Ferguson - chair, Matthew Moore, Andy Royle, Tim Fox, Ailsa Dempster, Terri Meechan, Robyn and Miranda - Junior Councillors, Mark Thompson, Stan Heggs (CC), Gary Williams - Police, and 1 Member of the Public.

Apologies:- Phil Bromhall, Paul Seaton

Chairman reminded councillors to declare an interest where appropriate.

The meeting was addressed by Gary Williams who praised the work of the CPSO team in the villages. This was echoed by councillors and the general concensus was satisfaction at the low crime rate. The next intake of CPSOs will be in February '08 to bring the teams up to strength.

The Rural Forum identified three areas of priority for Police action in the villages namely excessive speeding by motorists; misuse of motorcycles and problems with licensed premises.

Supt. Williams reported progress in all areas and stated that the next meeting of the Forum would be informed and new priorities requested. Operation Pilfer is the code name given to the specific task of eradicating metal thefts of which there has been an outbreak across the county.

A programme of crime prevention has been initiated with a substance called 'smart water' which is available to all, principally places of worship, to mark lead in situ and render it easily identified if removed.

The Minutes of the Meeting on 12th November were accepted as a true record and duly signed.

There were three matters arising; firstly concerning the trees on the Recreation Ground perimeter bordering Stafford Road. Corby Council have been asked to advise and quotes are sought to remove the trees and possibly replace depending on the Council's response. Secondly, there is a new specification for pathway renewal and the interested contractors will be asked to requote. Thirdly, it was decided to seek quotes to put a pitched roof on the Pavilion and Sports Club in place of the present flat roof. Discussions to take place with the Club committee. A structural report is required in order to apply for grants to refurbish the building, principally the changing rooms.

The landowner of the area of land bordering Lattimer Close, Southfield Road and Kirby Road is offering the parcel to the village with the proviso that it is not built on. The land will be used as allotments to be rented by residents. The proposal is that the income will be split between the charity Dogs for the Blind and the Parish Council. The gift will be covered by a formal agreement drawn up by solicitors for both parties. Clerk to oversee the Council involvement and write a letter of thanks to the landowner.

Report from Borough Councillor:-

Terri Meechan stated that a new bus timetable would shortly be produced for village services. It is not anticipated that any changes will affect Gretton.

The new Civic Centre on George Street in Corby will hold the Library and Amenity buildings as well as the Council offices.

Report from County Councillor:-

Stan Heggs reported that Corby BC would contribute £5m to the new library.

The new speed camera agreed by the Rural Forum for use in the villages would be purchased with County Council grant set aside for local use.

Correspondence:-

Letters from:-

Rural Pride officer requesting feedback for use on the Corby BC website

Bentley Contractors informing us of the route of the Anglian Water pipeline. The nearest point to Gretton appears to be Rockingham.

Email from Footpaths Officer updating us on the removal of spoil from under the Railway bridge.

Letters to:-

Neville Rumbelow and Tom Guest thanking them for their services as Newsletter Editor and Flag Steward respectively.

Winchelsea Estates relating to potentially dangerous trees at the end of Corby Road.

Councillor Seery of Northants CC asking for advice on highway concerns in the village

Corby BC Planning to reflect the discussions at the last meeting.

Circulation:-

Corby BC Agenda for 13th December

Parish Council Minutes for Cottingham and E. Carlton

CPRE Nth Northants - Minutes of meeting on 15th November

ACRE Update

Parish Crime report for October

Lets Talk Rubbish Update

Local Councils Update

Village Plan:-

The plans for the exhibition of possibilities for the Playing Field are well underway with Sunday 27th January confirmed. The Sports Club and School will be involved with a Corby Radio road show in the car park. Stands are also planned for the Village Hall and Youth clubs. Mark Palmer, Corby BC Youth officer is assisting with ideas for a Youth club in the village.

Planning:-

Applications granted for :-

White Owl cottage

46, Arnhill Road

13, High Street

Application rejected for:-

4, Stafford Road

New application:-

07/00563/LBC Insertion of conservation roof window into one side of roof and construct a toilet facility on the first floor of Salon at White Owl cottage

No objections were raised at this proposal.

Finance:-

		Current balance		23950.50
		Amount received:	Gretton Silver Band for rent of Band Room	100.00
		Amounts due:	Royal British Legion for wreath	35.00
			O'Connors for grasscutting in 2007	4353.00

Any Other Business:-

Street Light repairs required for corner of Corby Road/Kirby Road and High Street/Station Road

Miss Gretton competition will involve the appointment of a queen and princess. Council agreed a budget of £75 to supplement monies from Terri Meechan's grant from Corby BC for local use

Council requested a Budget for 2008/9. Clerk and Chairman to discuss.

Colin Gilder of PGR Construction to be asked to quote for the replacement of railings on the Village Green

Budget of £50 agreed for plants at the corner of Kirby and Corby Roads

Kier Services to be contacted relating to leaf clearing in the village.