PRESENT: Chairman Cllr. Mrs. R. Whate, Councillors, Mrs. A Clark, P. Beresford, F. Clark, J. Cobb, Dist. Cllr. K. Isard and 1 member of the public.

1.      APOLOGIES

Councillors Mrs. B. Barber and L. Sinclair, Co. Cllr J.Hempsall, Dist. Cllr R. Sutton

2.       DECLARATION OF PERSONAL AND PREJUCIAL INTERESTS

None

3.      MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON 11.11.02

The minutes had been circulated prior to the meeting.  It was proposed by Cllr. F. Clark and seconded by Cllr. J. Cobb that they were a correct record of the meeting, this was unanimously approved.

4.       MATTERS ARISING

a)      BizFizz – Mr. Forshaw had confirmed he would send the information regarding the project by e-mail.  However, this has not yet been received.  Cllr. Izard advised that he knew there had been problems with the computer at BizFizz.

b)      Lane Repairs – work all now completed.

c)      War Memorial – Invoice still not yet received.  Cllr. F. Clark to follow up.

d)      Boat Club Lease – no further contact from Mr. Willoughby.

e)      Touring Caravans - Trentfield Farm – BDC advised they are still investigating.  Cllr. Isard stated he has still to follow up the implementation of the 106 agreement.

f)       Bus Shelter – Lynne Adams has advised that the brick shelter will be included in the refurbishment programme.  Request for new shelter has been noted, need to confirm whether a glass or wooden one is required.  To advise a wooden one is preferred.  Lynne has also requested that a questionnaire be placed in Roundabout re. the buses.  Questions to be confirmed.

g)      Post Office – no further news.

h)      Dyke – now OK and seems to be running well.

i)        Christmas Tree Lights – lights up and looking very effective.  Mr. Pyper has also donated the bulbs, the old lights have been updated and are now in use at Church Laneham.  The “switch on” and Carols had been well attended but it is hoped that some Carol sheets will be available next year.  The Chairman thanked Cllrs. F. Clark, J. Cobb and L. Sinclair for putting up the lights and also asked for a letter of thanks to be sent to Simon Hall for his assistance.

j)        Trentfield Lane – The Chairman updated everyone on the situation.  The solicitors are preparing the Statutory Declaration and an extension has been granted to 17^th December.  Solicitors fees expected to be £750 + VAT.

k)     Audit – Hacker Young have sent a copy of their reply to Mr. Hardman.  Auditors to be asked if the accounts will now be approved.

l)        Village Hall – Another meeting has been held.  Carola Jones attended and the forms are now to be completed for the grant for the feasibility study.  The Children’s Amenities Committee is to arrange for forms to be circulated regarding facilities required.  Cllr. F. Clark said he is of the opinion that Broadings Lane is still the best site for a new hall.

m)    Twin Bins – unfortunately Laneham is not included in the first phase.  However, should be included once more finance is available

n)      Rampton Hospital – Cllr. Mrs. A. Clark had not been able to attend the last meeting at the Hospital.  The Chairman advised that she had had complaints about the look of the new extension. It is hoped screening will be provided.

o)      Poor Close – still waiting some quotes for the hedge cutting.

p)      Quiet Lanes Schemes – Mr. Gillespie has been advised the Council have not withdrawn from the scheme, no reply from him.

The meeting was then closed for public debate.

5.      PUBLIC DISCUSSION

The meeting was quickly reopened for council business.

6.      PAYMENT OF ACCOUNTS

Footpath Sweeper - £25.00 (000454),  Cllr. F. Clark – Expenses £11.99 (000456)

Cllr. R. Whate – Expenses £29.99 (000457)  PMC – Lane repairs  £202.10 (000458)

The above accounts were all discussed.  Cllr. Bereford proposed and Cllrs. Mrs. A. Clark seconded that all be approved for payment.  This was unanimously agreed.

7.       CORRESPONDENCE

a)      Ferry Boat Inn – changing hands and the council has been advised that the new landlord has applied for a licence.

b)      Planning Application – 3-bedroom bungalow at rear of Butchers Arms has been approved subject to several conditions.  Cllr. Isard agreed to check out condition 9 – that the floor level is above level of floodbank.

c)      BDC – cheque for paper recycling received for £12.79.

d)      NALC – Long Service Certificates for 30 years service received by Cllrs.  Mrs. B. Barber and F. Clark. The Chairman congratulated the councillors.

e)      Rampton P.C. – Defibrillator – councillors have been invited to attend meeting on 6^th January.  Cllrs. Mrs. R. Whate and Mrs. A. Clark to attend if possible.

f)       Shopmobility – have advised that present premises are closed for refurbishment and will be temporarily located in the Buttermarket,

g)      Vital Villages – letter received from Patrick Mercer MP re grants.

h)      Freedom of Information Act – Parish Council Model Scheme passed to Chairman to peruse.

i)        Various Circulars – made available to councillors.

8.      ANY OTHER BUSINESS

a)      Village Signs – Cllr. Cobb raised the question of Insurance of the new village signs.  To be checked out.

b)      Parish Land -  Cllr. Beresford suggested all the Parish owned land should be registered.  Chairman has previous correspondence about this – to be checked.

c)       Helenships Lane – still not repaired, to raise again with NCC.

There was no further business and the meeting closed at 7.58 p.m.