MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF BISHOP'S CASTLE TOWN COUNCIL, HELD IN THE TOWN HALL ON TUESDAY 3RD APRIL 2001 AT 8.00PM

PRESENT: Councillor P.B. Jones, Mayor, in the Chair.
Councillors: J.L.V. Blundell, J.M. Carroll, E.A. Lawrence, C.T.E. Kinmond, W.J. Morris, G.N. St J. Penney, K.E.C. Pinches, J.A.J. Whittall and R.D. Wright.

1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE: Apologies received from Councillors Bedell and Magill.

2. MINUTES OF MEETINGS HELD ON 6TH AND 27TH MARCH 2001:
Minutes of the Council meetings held on Tuesday 6th and 27th March, having been circulated were proposed as a true record by Cllr Dr Penney, seconded by Cllr Blundell, approved and signed by The Mayor.

3. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST:
Cllr Dr Penney declared an indirect pecuniary interest in item 6.e.

4. MATTERS ARISING:
Item 8: Mr R. Parry, Playground Services has confirmed his willingness to speak at the Annual Town Meeting. Mr W. Jones, SSDC is not available to attend and Mr M. Corfield has not yet replied. Rev K. Collins has confirmed Sunday 10th June for the Mayor's Sunday Service.
Item 10.3: The Clerk feels that the salary paid for the post is not commensurate with the hours that are worked. It was proposed this is on the Agenda for discussion at the next meeting. AGENDA NEXT MEETING
Item 18: The Clerk reported that unfortunately the banner belonging to Rainbow Records has not re-appeared.
Item 19: SSDC have advised the Clerk that if the Town Hall is available for use by the public it is recommended that there is a basic First Aid kit available in case of injury. They sent a copy of a leaflet and suggest and that a basic kit available from most Chemists is all that is required.
Item 21.a: Owing to the Foot and Mouth crisis we are advised that the Annual Palm Sunday Procession has been cancelled.
Item 21.c: The Local Government Act 2000 - Draft model Code of Conduct Consultation Paper, final proposals on general principles of conduct. The closing date for responses is 27th April. Cllr Wright felt that there is no substantial change from the draft circulated previously and proposed no comment.
Item 21.k: Residents of Corricks Rise are not satisfied with the response of the Housing Association or the Police. Cllr Dr Penney proposed that we write to the Housing Association and propose a meeting of all concerned parties including The Police, to discuss the problems, seconded by Cllr Wright and approved. ACTION TOWN CLERK
The Clerk read a letter from SSDC regarding street cleaning which was brought up at a previous meeting. It was confirmed that BIFFA have altered the cleansing round to ensure that Church Street and High Street will be mechanically swept earlier in the day to avoid congestion. Church Lane should be swept once a week on a Wednesday. Whilst discussing this the Mayor reported that Mr Ian Holten has offered to remove the weeds from The Cobbles, a letter of thanks will be sent to him. Cllr Carroll proposed that a stiff broom is purchased and Andrew Wallace is asked if he will sweep The Cobbles once a fortnight, which will discourage the grass and weeds from growing seconded by Cllr Dr Penney and approved.
ACTION TOWN CLERK

5. MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WISHING TO SPEAK: None.

6. TOWN & COUNTRY PLANNING ACT:
a) 1/01/12023/LB Listed Building Consent, alterations to dwelling (Delegated Matter). 3, Bull Street, Bishop's Castle. Mrs A. Nathan. Cllr Wright proposed No Objection, seconded by Cllr Dr Penney and approved.
b) 1/01/12021/AD Advertisement Consent, display of canopy sign and illuminated gantry sign (committee matter). 17 Church Street, Bishop's Castle. Harry Tuffin Ltd. Letter of objection has been received from The Civic Society. Cllr Blundell proposed there is No Objection to the actual signs, but objection to the gantry signs being illuminated as this is not permitted in the Conservation Area, seconded by Cllr Dr Penney and approved.
c) 1/01/12032/F Planning Permission (Full) for change of use, Office A2 to managers accommodation C3 (Delegated Matter). 17 Church Street, Bishop's Castle. Harry Tuffin Ltd. Cllr Carroll proposed No Objection, seconded by Cllr Morris and approved.
d) 1/01/11824/AD Advertisement Consent. Display of fascia and projecting sign. Re-advertised - amended heading and plan (committee matter). Barclays Bank plc, High Street, Bishop's Castle. Cllr Blundell proposed No Objection, seconded by Cllr Whittall and approved.
e) 1/01/12064/F Planning Permission (Full) for erection of a dwelling (delegated matter). Plot B4 The Wintles, Welsh Street, Bishop's Castle. Mr and Mrs Howard. Cllr Wright proposed the Council objects to this application, that this building should not be permitted until the entire infrastructure for the development is in position also it is not considered appropriate for the first building to be in the middle of a field, seconded by Cllr Pinches and approved.
f) The following Planning Reports have been received since the last meeting:
1/01/11826/O Refusal of Outline Planning Permission for erection of a dwelling. Land to the rear of Bumbles Cottage, Bishop's Castle. Mr and Mrs Nicholas.

7. ACCOUNTS:

The Clerk read a letter from the Audit Commission confirming that the audit of accounts for 1999/2000 have been completed and matters arising were read and noted. The Clerk confirmed that the Income and Expenditure Account, Balance Sheet, Supporting Notes to the Balance Sheet and the Audit Opinion have been put into the Library and will remain there for at least 14 days. Following comments raised by the Auditor about the whereabouts of the deeds for the Playing Field Cllr Carroll proposed that if the deeds have not been found then the Council should take steps to obtain a copy of them, seconded by Cllr Dr Penney. The Clerk confirmed that she has written to Mr George Hickey who was employed at Robert Hanratty Solicitors when the May Fair Agreement was drawn up.

8. SEVERN TRENT WATER:
Response from Severn Trent Water was read. Feasibility work following receipt of the Section 101a application has been undertaken and the consultants have submitted their report. However, certain aspects of the Guidance Note which augmented the Section 101a of the Water Industry Act 1991 were the subject of a judicial review brought by Welsh Water. The review was inconclusive and water companies have sought further clarification on the issue from the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions. Unfortunately clarification has not yet been received. Cllr Dr Penney pointed out that not all of the residents of Church Lane want to be connected to the main sewer. However, to aid those that do Cllr Carroll proposed we send a copy of the letter to Christopher Gill M.P. and request that he seeks clarification from DETR, seconded by Cllr Blundell and approved 6 votes to 3. ACTION TOWN CLERK

9. PLAY AREA - OAK MEADOW:
Letters were read from Mr K. Bavistock, Mrs D. Owen and Martin and Shaun Owen. These letters give both sides of the issue of children playing football in the Street. Mrs Owen explained that there are over 60 children living at Oak Meadow and Corricks Rise, many with small gardens. The play area in Oak Meadow is small and has play equipment on it and ball games are not permitted. The Playing Field is too far away for this young group and the result is that they play football in the cul-de-sac in Oak Meadow. Miss Brummer and Mr Bavistock have written that regularly children play football right outside their house, banging the house and cars, and as the gardens are open plan are running over the lawn to retrieve the ball. Councillors sympathised with both parties and felt with this number of children living in the area there should be some green space left undeveloped so the children can safely play away from neighbouring properties. Last year this issue had been discussed with Mrs Bayliss about the bottom part of the school field being used, but this had not been progressed because of various problems of unsupervised activities on S.C.C. property. Cllr Carroll proposed that a letter is sent to SSDC, seconded by Cllr Wright and approved. ACTION TOWN CLERK

10. LEASEHOLD LAND AT IVY HOUSE, BANKS HEAD:
Mr and Mrs J.A. Barnes, Ivy House, Banks Head wish to register the title to land at Ivy House, Banks Head, Bishop's Castle, which is leasehold, comprised in a Lease dated 2nd May 1911. At a meeting in March 2000 it was approved that any legal cost involved should be borne by Mr and Mrs Barnes. Mr Barnes has confirmed that he will meet any costs the Council incur in this. Cllr Dr Penney proposed that The Clerk takes to Snows Solicitors a copy of the Lease dated May 1911 she has found, seconded by Cllr Whittall and approved.

11. BUS TERMINUS: No response has been received from Mr Gallop. AGENDA NEXT MEETING

12. FOOTPATHS:
a) Diversion of footpath 45: In 1998 an application had been made to divert part of footpath No 24, Love Lane Industrial Estate. The Council had objected until problems identified on footpath 45 had been addressed. SSDC have advised that these problems have been addressed and The Ramblers Association have withdrawn their objection. Cllr Dr Penney proposed that the comments are noted and objections removed, seconded by Cllr Morris and approved.
ACTION TOWN CLERK

b) Footpath number 17: Mr Carmichael had replied on behalf of The Pines Trust to advise that for some years the Trust has been trying to get this footpath accessible for wheelchairs. Landlords and farmers have agreed in principle to a design drawn up, which involves fencing both sides of a tarmac path and the necessary gates. Fund raising is still on-going and any contribution would be gratefully received. Cllr Carroll said she was very pleased to hear that this project is still on-going and proposed that as a Council we should consider making a donation and that this should be included when the precept is discussed later in the year, seconded by Cllr Wright and approved. ACTION TOWN CLERK

13. STREET LIGHTING:
a) Church Lane: M.E.B. Contracting have not yet provided a price for improving lighting in Church Lane.
AGENDA NEXT MEETING

c) Kerry Lane: Mr Charles Jones from Parkman (formerly Babtie Group) had met The Mayor, Deputy, Clerk and Cllrs Carroll and Whittall to discuss the plan for new Highway standard lighting for Kerry Lane. The location of several lights which had been puzzling the Street Lighting Committee was discussed and as a result some of the lights have been moved. Mr Jones will draw up an amended plan for the Council to consider.

14. PLAYING FIELD:
a) Grass Cutting Contract: The Clerk reported that Frank and John Thomas do not have the equipment to cut the grass in the Playing Field and the grass at the Cricket Club is cut by one of the members. Five letters were sent out asking for tenders; Mr M. Jones did not reply. South Shropshire District Council are not in a position to tender, J.D.M. Midlands Ltd. tendered £90.90 (exc of VAT) per occasion. Sodex ho Land Technology tendered £975.00 (excl VAT) for the season and Marches Garden and Land Services tendered £260.00 per occasion. Cllr Dr Penney proposed that the tender from Sodex ho is accepted, providing this sum is for 13 cuts throughout the season, seconded by Cllr Lawrence and approved. The Clerk was asked to liaise with this Company regarding the dates for the various fairs and festivals.
ACTION TOWN CLERK
b) Safety Surfacing: Cllr Carroll had asked for this to be put on the Agenda, but as Mr Parry of Playground Services has kindly agreed to attend the Annual Town Meeting and talk about safety surfacing she proposed that it is put on the Agenda for consideration at the next meeting, seconded by Cllr Whittall and approved. AGENDA NEXT MEETING
c) Springy Animals: These have now been delivered and Cllr Whittall has offered to install them when the weather improves.
d) No decision was made at the last meeting regarding the mound of earth by the Allwoods fence and Cllr Carroll reported that there has been complaints about this. As there are a number of holes and some of the ground is uneven could the soil be moved to level up the field and then seeded, Cllr Carroll proposed we seek tenders for this. However, Cllr Whittall offered to investigate how this could best be done and report back to the next meeting.
e) Cllr Carroll reported that during the outbreak of foot and mouth and the consequent closure of public footpaths the Playing Field has been used much more than usual for walking dogs and she wished to advise the Council that Julie Burgwin, a resident of Clive House has been clearing dog mess from the Playing Field. Councillors very much appreciated this action.

15. TOWN HALL:
1) Whilst painting the Council Chamber Roger Morris had noticed that water is running down the south wall and forming a pool on the window ledge. Cllr Dr Penney proposed that some-one is asked to go into the clock tower and look at the roof from the inside. If this is a job which requires scaffolding to be erected, then at the same time we should consider replacing the window which we have been advised is required. Cllrs Morris and Blundell said they would have a look in the roof at the end of the meeting. A piece of sandstone, apparently from the roof of the Town Hall fell onto Cllr Magill's car last Tuesday, cracking the windscreen and causing damage to the bonnet. Cllr Dr Penney proposed the details are passed to the Zurich Insurance. ACTION CLLRS MORRIS AND BLUNDELL AND AGENDA NEXT MEETING
2) Mrs Latchford, who sells plants at the entrance of the Town Hall between March and September cannot do so at present because of the scaffolding against the adjacent property. It was proposed that the Clerk contacts the owner of the property to enquire how long the scaffolding will be up.
3) Cllr Carroll proposed that now the redecorating is finished, some of the pictures in the Mayor's Parlour and the picture that was hung on the wall of the Council Chamber are cleaned, reframed if necessary and hung in the Council Chamber. Seconded by Cllr Wright and approved. Cllr Lawrence said that she would have a look at the pictures and report back at the next meeting. ACTION CLLR LAWRENCE
4) The Mayor would like to hold a Coffee morning in the Council Chamber, in aid of the Mayor's Fund, on Friday 4th May between 10.00 am and 12 noon. Items for the bring and buy stall and the raffle will be gratefully received.

16. TOWN CLERKS COMPUTER:
Last Summer the Council had discussed up-grading the computer used by the Clerk. However, she was told that it was not advisable to spend a large amount of money up-grading a computer of this age. Over recent months the computer had been causing problems, crashing on several occasions and losing work. The printer was also showing signs of age and paper had to be fed through carefully one sheet at a time. The Clerk had recently purchased a new computer, screen and printer direct from IBM at a cost of £729.25, including VAT and as it is mainly used for Council business the Clerk asked if the Council would be prepared to re-imburse at least part of the cost. Cllr Blundell proposed that the Council should re-imburse the whole cost of the computer, seconded by Cllr Wright and approved. It is unlikely that the old computer will be of any value, but Cllr Blundell would make some enquiries at the College Powys, otherwise Cllr Lawrence will find out details of a scheme that collects old computers.

17. REPORT OF RECENT MEETINGS:
a) Cllr Carroll reported that she had attended the meeting of South Shropshire Sports & Leisure Council at Ludlow on 20th March. It was the last meeting in this financial year and there were a large number of applications for grants to consider. Among the successful bids were two Clubs in Bishop's Castle and grants of £200 were approved for the Squash Club and £300 for the Castle Bowling Club.
b) The Mayor had recently attended a Community Management meeting at the Community College and will circulate minutes when they arrive.
c) Cllr Lawrence would be happy to raise any items at the next meeting of the Enterprise South West Shropshire and suggested that Councillors contact her after the meeting or telephone her at home.

18. CORRESPONDENCE:.
a) Morgans Solicitors: Application for Transfer of Licence for The Poppy House, 20 Market Square, Bishop's Castle, to be considered by the Magistrates on 12th April. Cllr Dr Penney proposed no objection, seconded by Cllr Morris and approved.
b) S.S.D.C.: Application for a Street Closure Order to accommodate the Midsummer Rejoicing procession on Sunday 24th June. The procession propose to use Union Street, Market Square, High Street and Church Street to the Church between 10.30 am and 11.00 am. Cllr Carroll proposed no objection, seconded by Cllr Dr Penney and approved.
c) Rural Youth Project: Request to use the Town Hall as an operating venue on Monday evenings between 6.45 pm and 9.45 pm. Cllr Carroll proposed no objection to this request, seconded by Cllr Wright and approved. Clerk to discuss details with Mike Pugh, Leader in Charge.
d) S.S.D.C. The Clerk read a copy of a letter sent to Mrs Karen Corfield from SSDC. Mrs Corfield had asked if the skip placement in the Auction Yard could be at a more convenient time for people who are working. SSDC advise that the hours are limited by resources available and they do not have any more money for this service at the present time. However, for the gardening season this year it is planned to site a refuse collection vehicle for 2 - 3 hours on either a Friday evening or Saturday morning in a variety of locations, for residents to dispose of garden waste. The collected material will be delivered to a local reprocessor rather than landfill.
e) Shropshire & Wrekin Fire Authority: Best Value Performance Plan 2001/02: Describing the services provided by the Fire and Rescue Service. TO CIRCULATE
f) National Association of Local Councils: Rural White Paper - Implementation. There appears to be very little difference to the draft that has been circulated. TO CIRCULATE
g) The Countryside Agency: a) Rural Services Survey 2000 - Acknowledging receipt of completed questionnaire, the full findings of which will be published this summer. b) New rights, new responsibilities: A guide to access rights that will be created by the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000. A copy of this leaflet has been sent to each Councillor with the Agenda for this meeting.
h) Department of Trade & Industry: Recently there has been great public interest and concern about the future of the post office network, particularly in rural areas. The Government is committed to the maintenance of a nationwide network of post offices and are aware of the importance of them as a focal point in local communities. TO CIRCULATE
i) Axis Counselling: Letter of appreciation for the donation.
j) Relate: Letter of appreciation for the donation.
k) Citizens Advice Bureau: Letter of appreciation for the donation.
l) S.S.D.C. Budget Consultation: A copy of the consultation newsletter and questionnaire which has been sent to each household in the District. The Council's views on the budget situation would be appreciated. It was proposed that each individual has the opportunity to complete this and it is not necessary for us to complete this one.
m) S.S.D.C. Rural Services Partnership: The Town Council some time ago added its name as a supporter of the Rural Services Partnership. It has been decided to produce a newsletter for its members and a copy of the first has been sent for information. TO CIRCULATE
n) BUZZ: Newsletter of the Community Council of Shropshire: TO CIRCULATE
o) Shell Interactive: TO CIRCULATE

The Mayor declared the meeting closed at 9.50 p.m.