PRESENT: Chairman Cllr. Mrs. R. Whate, Councillors, Mrs.A. Clark, P. Beresford, F. Clark, J. Cobb, L. Sinclair and 2 members of the public.
1. APOLOGIES
2. DECLARATION OF PERSONAL AND PREJUDICIAL INTERESTS
Cllr. Sinclair declared a personal and prejudicial interest in the Planning Application at 5a on the Agenda.
3. MINUTES OF MEETINGS HELD ON 10.11.03
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. This was unanimously agreed.
4. MATTERS ARISING
a) Boat Club Lease A reply has now been received from Mr. Maher and information also obtained from DEFRA. These replies were read and discussed, the council agreed that after receiving this information they cannot enter into a formal lease with the Boat Club or allow the land to be fenced off. The Boat Club to be notified.
b) Village Hall a meeting has taken place with Mr. Jordan of BDC, Architects Frith Moxon and Councillors. Although it is still not apparent if the land on Broadings Lane would be available. Certain criteria would have to be satisfied i.e. is there any alternative site for a play area, is there an alternative site for a new hall, extra traffic, local residents views. If all the above can be satisfied then BDC would be able to consider the proposal. It was agreed to now conduct a village appraisal on the hall, but the architects to be consulted regarding the questions to be asked.
c) Trent Valley Way the planned site meeting did not take place as only two people turned up. Cllr. F. Clark has inspected the fishing pegs and considers two to be in a dangerous condition and need to be fenced off. After discussion it was agreed that as a temporary measure the fencing should be done as soon as possible. Cllr. Cobb agreed to do this. It was proposed by Cllr. Whate and seconded by Cllr. F. Clark that wood should be purchased for this. All agreed. The fishing club to be contacted again regarding the more permanent repairs.
d) Risk Assessment still not completed. Cllrs Sinclair and Cobb agreed to inspect Over Trent Piece to complete the exercise.
e) Parish Plan Two meetings have taken place. 6 people have become involved and a basic steering committee has been formed. Contact to be made with the Rural Community Council to work out a strategy. Grants are available, but may have to opt for Quality Status to secure grants.
f) Road Repairs NCC have now undertaken some of the work, letter of thanks to be sent. They have advised that Top Town Bridge railings will be repaired in the near future.
g) Trees pruning still not done.
h) Rampton Hospital still no response to request for visit.
i) Electricity Pole still no reply.
j) Boat Club secretary advised that notice had been taken down as requested.
k) LIDB work has now started on the work at the Moor Lane Pumping Station. Cllr Beresford queried the state of the electricity pole on Moor Lane. Has not been repaired but was considered not to be dangerous.
l) Dukeries Training Agency no reply yet received to letter sent.
m) Clayhough Lane it appears to be the owners responsibility to maintain the hedges. Letters to be sent to owners asking if they can be cut.
n) Planters The Chairman thanked Cllr. Beresford for supplying the plants and setting the village planters.
The council meeting was closed to allow public discussion. It was then reopened for council business.
5. PUBLIC DISCUSSION
Two points raised.
a) Public Toilets roof still not repaired. Cllr. F. Clark to speak with Caretaker.
b) Helenships railings damaged at bridge, this item to be added to letter to NCC.
Cllr L. Sinclair left the room before the next item was discussed.
5A PLANNING APPLICATION ERECT DWELLING ADJACENT BEECH WORKSHOP
The plans were inspected and discussed. Cllr. F. Clark stated this house is needed by a person providing a useful service in the village and cannot be considered as detrimental to the area. Five out of five councillors present voted in favour of the application and that the previous comments should be noted.
Cllr. Sinclair rejoined the meeting
6. PAYMENT OF ACCOUNT
a) K.R.Hewitt Poor Close Hedge cutting. - £35.50 (000504)
b) Caretaker - £333.33 (000500)
It was proposed by Cllr. Mrs. R. Whate and seconded by Cllr. L. Sinclair that the above be paid. This was unanimously agreed.
7. LOCAL AUTHORITY MEMBERS ALLOWANCES
After discussion it was agreed to contact Gillian Blenkinsop to seek further information.
8. START TIME OF FUTURE MEETINGS
After discussion it was decided to continue starting meetings at 7.00 p.m. unless any special circumstances warranted an earlier start.
9. CORRESPONDENCE
a) Addendum to Best Value Performance Plan Cllr. Sinclair agreed to inspect in conjunction with the Plan.
b) Auditors further correspondence received which was read and discussed. The draft reply was studied and approved.
c) Bank Forms new mandates were completed for the Poor Close account.
d) Ready Steady Go Newsletter to be passed around.
e) Planning Application, Holmside BDC Approved.
f) Planning Application , Mill House BDC Refused
g) EDF Cottam information received, Councillors agreed this can only improve the local environment.
h) Electoral Register updated register now available.
i) Peoples Places Award Scheme information to be studied by Cllr Sinclair.
j) Literature various circulars made available.
9. ANY OTHER BUSINESS
a) Dumping in Lay-by tyres etc have been dumped, to be checked if still there before advising BDC.
b) Christmas Tree Cllr F. Clark said that Cottam Power Station had helped put the lights up on both trees. The switch on will be Saturday 13th December followed by Carols and a Christmas Fair.
c) Village Hall the door needs a new lock, this to be organised as soon as possible.
d) Certificate of Merit for Best Kept Village Cllrs. Mrs. R. Whate and Mrs. A. Clark had attended the meeting and received the certificate.
There was no further business, the meeting closed at approximately 8.35 p.m.