MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF BISHOP'S CASTLE TOWN COUNCIL, HELD IN THE TOWN HALL ON TUESDAY 6TH FEBRUARY 2001 AT 8.00PM

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

1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE: None.

2. MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON 9TH JANUARY 2001:

Minutes of the Council Meetings held on Tuesday 9th January, having been circulated were proposed as a true record by Cllr Dr. Penney, seconded by Cllr Wright, approved and signed by The Mayor.

3. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST:
Cllr Whittall declared an Indirect Pecuniary Interest in item 6.b.
Cllr Blundell declared a Pecuniary Interest in item 12.b.
Cllr Dr Penney declared a Pecuniary Interest in item 6.e.

4. MATTERS ARISING:

Item 4.20.p: Letters read from County Cllr Phillips to Mr Rutherford and Mrs Downes regarding winter gritting, with particular reference to Welsh Street/The Cabin to Mainstone. Mrs Downes advised that the area had been inspected and it is considered that drainage improvements would greatly reduce the build of ice that is causing much of the problems. Arrangements will be made for action to be taken in the near future, it is likely that extensive works will be required, such as installing piped drainage systems.
Item 10: Inspector Payton has reseached this incident and advised the Council that there were three emergency calls received from members of the public, four Officers attended and it took 17 minutes to arrive at the scene.
Item 11: SSDC have advised that this is a matter for S.C.C. The Clerk has contacted Mr Rutherford and he is investigating.
Item 13.c: The request for new salt bins will be considered with a view of locating for next winter.

5. MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WISHING TO SPEAK:

Mr David Bryan-Jones, Halls Auctioneers: Montgomeryshire Planning Department have advised that they have received an application (Ref: M2001 0078) for erection of buildings to form livestock market with associated plant and parking facilities at Pt Encl 7065 and 7962 Churchstoke. A letter from Mr P. Willcock, Director of Halls was read. Mr Bryan-Jones told Councillors how detrimental it would be to the local economy to have another livestock market so close. The Livestock auction sector is already at full capacity in this area and there is no commercial justification for the creation of another in such close proximity to Welshpool, Newtown, Knighton, Craven Arms and Bishop's Castle. There is also concern about dirty water washing from the site into the River Camlad. Cllr Dr Penney said that there is in existence a 800 year old Statute which prevents another market opening within 6 2/3 miles and urged as many people to write and object to this application. Cllr Bedell agreed entirely that this application should be objected to in the strongest possible way. Cllr Kinmond suggested that we liaise with Welshpool Market about objections, and Mr Bryn-Jones confirmed that this has been done. Cllr Dr Penney proposed the Council objects to this application in the strongest possible terms, seconded by Cllr Bedell and approved. Cllr Blundell proposed that a copy of the letter of objection is sent to each member of the Planning Committee. Cllr Dr Penney advised that local Solicitor Mr Robert Anthony was prepared to write a letter of objection at no cost to the Council and proposed we accept his offer of assistance, seconded by Cllr Bedell and approved.

6. TOWN & COUNTRY PLANNING ACT:

a) 1/01/11824/AD Advertisement Consent. Display of illuminated advertisement and advertisement. (delegated matter) Barclays Bank plc, High Street, Bishop's Castle. Barclays Bank plc, 54 Lombard Street, London. Cllr Wright proposed objection on the grounds that illuminated advertisement signs are not permitted in the Conservation Area and that the advertisement is not suitable for a Conservation Area. Seconded by Cllr Blundell and approved.

b) 1/01/11826/O Outline Planning Permission for erection of a dwelling (delegated matter). Land to the rear of Bumbles Cottage, Bishop's Castle. Mr and Mrs Nicholas, Bumbles Cottage. A letter of objection was read from Mr Millichope. Cllr Lawrence proposed objection on the grounds of it's close proximity to the Auction Yard, unsuitable access and overdevelopment, seconded by Cllr Wright. Cllr Blundell proposed No Objection as it would be providing off-street parking. The proposition was approved. (7 votes).

c) 1/01/11829/F Planning Permission (full) and 1/01/11830/LB Listed Building Consent for conversion of garage/workshop to two dwellings. 10 Market Square, Bishop's Castle. Melcourt Farms Ltd., Station Street, Bishop's Castle. Cllr Morris proposed No Objection , seconded by Cllr Whittall and approved.

d) Since the last meeting an Application for Advertisement Consent ( No 1/01/11784/AD) has been received from Harry Tuffin Ltd. for permission for an Advertisement Consent for the display of illuminated advertisement (Delegated Matter). 17 Church Street, Bishop's Castle. This was seen by The Mayor, Deputy and Cllrs Carroll, Wright, Whittall, Blundell and Magill who all objected on the grounds that illuminated signs are not permitted in the Conservation Area.

e) The Mayor advised that the application by The Living Village Trust is to be considered at the Planning Meeting at SSDC tomorrow. Cllr Carroll proposed that the Clerk sends a fax to confirm the Council's comment that the road joining Welsh Street to Castle Green should be built before any houses, seconded by Cllr Wright and approved.

ACTION TOWN CLERK
c) The following Planning Reports have been received since the last meeting:
1) 1/00/11636/F Planning Permission granted for installation of 0.3 m dish at 15m on (existing) tower. Oakley Mynd Transmitting Station, Bishop's Castle. Crown Castle International.
2) 1/00/11655/TC Permission for works to trees granted. Lopping of an Ash Tree. Mill House, Colebatch, Bishop's Castle. Mr R. Matthews.
3) 1/00/11686/LB Listed Building Consent granted for alterations to dwelling. 16 Market Square, Bishop's Castle. W. Bainbridge.

7. ACCOUNTS:

In addition to the accounts listed on the Agenda, the following invoices have been received:
R.W. Morris - decorating Council Chamber - £500.00
Mr A. Wallace - Street Cleaning - January 2001 - £14.80
Wybone Ltd. - Dog Waste Bin - £140.11
Enterprise House - Centre Usage - £34.54
Cllr Blundell proposed that all accounts as presented are approved for payment, seconded by Cllr Magill and approved.

8. PRECEPT:

The Clerk reported that a letter had been received signed by five Councillors, (Cllrs Dr Penney, Bedell, Kinmond, Morris and Pinches) requesting that the Precept be placed on the Agenda of this meeting. Letters objecting to the large increase in Precept were read from Mr B. Wright, Mr and Mrs J. Price, Mr P. Fielden and Mrs G. Furber. Cllr Dr Penney proposed that the decision to increase the Precept to £32,000 is re-considered, as there is no justifiable need to impose such a large increase and when combined with the increases from S.S.D.C., S.C.C. and The Police, will be an unacceptable burden on the Council Tax payers. S.S.D.C. have to make a contribution towards those people on benefit and not paying any Council Tax.
The Clerk advised that the Finance Officer had worked out that with the proposed £10,000 increase, Band 'D' properties will be increased from £39.78 to £56.71, an increase of £16.93 per annum for the local Council service.
Considerable discussion took place as to whether this matter could be re-discussed under the 'Six Month Rule' in the Standing Orders, as amended in November 2000. The decision to approve the increase had been taken at the last meeting in light of the financial information put before Councillors and Cllr Blundell proposed that there was not sufficient new information to warrant this subject to be re-discussed, seconded by Cllr Carroll and approved. Cllr Dr Penney proposed that a vote should be taken on whether this can be re-considered, seconded by Cllr Pinches. There were 3 votes for and 8 votes against this proposition.

9. SMELL NUISANCE IN BISHOP'S CASTLE:

Severn Trent have been contacted about the possibility of drains being blocked, causing the smell noticeable in Church Street. They have confirmed that this complaint is being investigated. The Environmental Health Department of S.S.D.C. have advised that they believe that there has been a problem with the drains, which has now been rectified. There have been no further complaints received by the Clerk. If there are further complaints they should be passed on to Miss Rose, Environmental Health Officer as soon as possible in order that it can be investigated.

10. TRAFFIC IN HIGH STREET:

The meeting at the Community College on 12th January, chaired by Mr R. Pahl, was very well attended, with representatives from S.C.C. and Cllr M. Beardwell, who spoke about 'Homezones'. Questionnaires were given out to be completed and returned by the end of January. In order that the questionnaires can be analysed and the ideas put forward drawn together a further meeting has been arranged for Tuesday 20th March. Notes from County Councillor P. Phillips have been received and the Clerk circulated a copy to each Councillor. The Mayor proposed that this is discussed further at the April meeting, seconded by Cllr Wright and approved.
A letter was read from Mr Wall, Woodbatch Road, regarding various traffic/highway problems in the Kerry Lane area. Cllr Dr Penney proposed a copy of this letter is sent to Mr Rutherford, seconded by Cllr Whittall and approved. ACTION TOWN CLERK

11. DRAINAGE IN CHURCH LANE:

The problems of effluent discharging into the stream in Church Lane was raised in 1997. The Environment Agency were involved in carrying out an investigation in 1997 and a request was made to Severn Trent by at least two residents in 1999, but to date no action has been taken by Severn Trent. A letter was read from Mrs Furber of Church Lane advising that she has also raised this matter with Mr Salt of Severn Trent. Cllr Dr Penney proposed that a letter is sent to Severn Trent enquiring about the progress of this matter, seconded by Cllr Magill and approved. ACTION TOWN CLERK

12. STREET LIGHTING:

a) Church Lane: Cllr Magill has received complaints about the inadequate lighting in Church Lane and proposed that the Street Lighting Committee look at how the lighting in this area can be improved, seconded by Cllr Carroll and approved. Cllr Blundell suggested that the residents who raised this with Cllr Magill are invited to join the meeting when it is arranged. ACTION STREET LIGHTING COMMITTEE

b) Maintenance: The Clerk reported that she had worked out the cost of maintenance of the street lights for the last three years, breaking it down into lamp replacements, photo-cells problems etc. The total cost of repairs in 1998 was £1.027, £1,044 in 1999 and £1,249 in 2000. This is much less than the cost of taking out a Maintenance Repair Contract. Cllr Dr Penney proposed that the Council does not take out a Contract, but continues on the same basis that we have in the past, seconded by Cllr Morris and approved. NO ACTION

c) Kerry Lane: Baptie have produced a design scheme for street lighting in Kerry Lane and Grange Road. This design would meet Highway standards, which it will need too if the Council wishes S.C.C. to adopt the new lights. Cllr Blundell offered to take the file and study the design. Cllr Dr Penney proposed that after Cllr Blundell has had the opportunity to look at this the Street Lighting Committee meet to discuss, seconded by Cllr Carroll and approved.
ACTION STREET LIGHTING COMMITTEE

13. COUNCIL WEBSITE:

Mike Ashwell has provided a copy of the 'home page' of the Bishop's Castle Town Council Website which has been set up. Cllr Carroll proposed that names and addresses of Councillors are included, then it is up to the individuals to decide how much or how little information is available about themselves. The Agenda for each meeting together with approved minutes should be available each month, seconded by Cllr Magill and approved.

14. TOWN HALL: - To be dealt with at the end of the meeting.

15. PLAYING FIELD:

a) Grass Cutting: At this time of the year the Council normally seeks tenders for the contract to cut the grass for the forthcoming season. It was suggested that the Clerk should approach J.D.M. Midlands, Cliff Evans, Par 4 and S.S.D.C.

b) Skate Board Area: A meeting of the Skate Board Group was held at the Community College on 19th January. Mrs Furber gave a report of a meeting she had had with Mr S. Griffiths, Powys County Council. Mr Griffiths had been very helpful and offered advice on equipment and suppliers. Mr D. Hinves, SSDC was in attendance and advised that it is very unlikely that any funding would be approved by SSDC, although the Sports & Leisure Advisory Council may be a source of a small amount when planning for the area is more advanced. Other sources of funding were discussed and a further meeting arranged for 9th February. Mr T. Evans, Youth Worker hopes the students will complete their video at half-term and on 3rd February the group is holding a model making session at the Community College. It is planned to hold a public consultation on Saturday 3rd March, by taking the Youth Bus on the Playing Field. Between 11.00 am and 2.00 pm the bus will be open for every-one and it is particularly hoped that residents from the surrounding properties will attend.

c) Shropshire Playing Fields Association: 1) Play in Shropshire. A conference on play issues will be held on Saturday 3rd March at Wem Town Hall from 10.00 am to 4.00 pm. Amongst other items on the Agenda will be Playground Safety, so it was felt that it is important that the Town Council is represented. Cllr Lawrence would not be able to attend, but will enquire if a representative could be found from the Playing Field Regeneration Group.

2) New European Standards on playground equipment and playground surfacing have now been adopted in the U.K. as BS EN 1176 and BS EN 1177. It is not mandatory, but compliance represents good practice and may be referred to in any civil court action. Insurance companies may require compliance. As part of a National Lottery Charities Board funded project the S.P.F.A. is developing a playground information and inspection service using local volunteers and providing them with training on risk assessment and inspection. At this initial stage they are surveying the county to update the records about playgrounds and what equipment and surfacing they have, who owns them and who runs them. A questionnaire was enclosed and the Clerk asked to complete and return to Mrs Dorothy Jones, Play Project Co-ordinator.

16. REPORT OF RECENT MEETINGS:

Cllr Lawrence had attended a meeting of the Board of Directors of Bishop's Castle & District Lifeline Company on Thursday 25th January 2001. The Annual Report 1999 - 2000 and Minutes of the last meeting on 16th November 2000 to be circulated.
The Mayor will attend a meeting of the Community Advisory Group tomorrow at the Community College. Minutes of the previous meeting, which was held on 7th December 2000 will be circulated.
Cllr Whittall reported he had recently attended a meeting of the Leisure Centre Joint Advisory Committee and would circulate the minutes when they arrive.
Cllrs Carroll and Whittall had attended the A.G.M. of the Bishop's Castle Sports Union on Thursday 25th January. Cllr Carroll reported that unfortunately at this meeting it was agreed that a Lottery Bid will not be pursued. There is to be a further meeting on 12th February to discuss where the Group moves from here.

17. CORRESPONDENCE:.

a) SAPTC: Policy Update P01/01. Comments would be appreciated by 26th February. This would be circulated and any councillor wishing to make comment should contact the Clerk.

b) S.C.C. Transportation Group - Traffic Team Responsibilities: With an increase in the capital programme, new staff and requirements of the Best Value service review, there has been a allocation of responsibilities for new and existing areas of work. Roger Drummond as Team Leader has overall responsibility for projects and programmes. East team members will have geographical responsibility for traffic management activities. CIRCULATE

c) S.C.C. - A New Way of Working: The County Council has to submit proposals for a new way of working to Government by May of this year. Details of the three Government options plus the Council's preferred choice are set out in the leaflet. Comments are welcome before the end of February. CIRCULATE

d) The Parish Church is planning a Flower Festival from 15th - 18th June and hope the whole community will join in producing a display or making a donation.

e) Shropshire Records & Research Centre: Open Day, Monday 5th March 2.00 pm - 6.00 pm. To celebrate the completion of the first stage of the Shropshire's Past Unfolded Project. Any-one wishing to attend to contact the Clerk who has the booking form.

f) S.S.D.C.: News and Views - February 2001 CIRCULATE

g) South Shropshire Citizens Advice Bureau: Update on the work locally of the C.A.B. CIRCULATE

h) Bridgnorth & South Shropshire Crucial Crew: Request for a contribution towards the transport costs of taking 27 children from the Primary School to Crucial Crew. Cllr Blundell proposed this is on the Agenda for consideration at the next meeting. Seconded by Cllr Carroll and approved. AGENDA

NEXT MEETING

i) Arthritis Care in Central England: Request for a financial contribution towards the Shropshire Community Support Group. There is a wish to generate income to offer exercise classes, personnel development courses and information to all people with arthritis, irrespective of age. It was proposed this is dealt with at the Precept meeting. PRECEPT MEETING

j) South Shropshire Women's Aid: In January a Women's Refuge opened in South Shropshire. The refuge is designed to provide safe accommodation for women and children who are the victims of domestic abuse. They are looking to raise funds to assist the women and children at a time of crisis. It was proposed this is dealt with at the Precept meeting.

PRECEPT MEETING

k) South Shropshire Voluntary Action: This is an information point for individuals and agencies, who can help with specific enquiries and put people in touch with specialised agencies. They are looking for members of the local community who would like to volunteer for a project in this area. Enclosed are posters and leaflets giving more details about the service. Leaflet to be circulated and posters put on the Notice Board. CIRCULATE

l) S.S.D.C.: Setting of dates for the South Shropshire Sports & Leisure Advisory Council.

m) S.S.D.C.: Footpaths on Oak Meadow development: Ms Humphreys, Area Development Control Officer has confirmed that she has written to the developers agent about our concerns regarding the footpath. Cllr Carroll said that she wil be interested in the developers response as they appear to have built over the footpath.

n) Mrs P. Middleton: A report on the very successful Millennium Youth Project held last Summer, to which the Council had made a donation. Mrs Middleton was also pleased to forward a cheque to the value of £50, which was the balance left over at the end of the project. Councillors were pleased to hear the project had been such a success. CIRCULATE

o) Morgans Solicitors: Application for a Transfer of Licence for 39 High Street, Bishop's Castle. Formerly known as The Odd Spot, now renamed The Pickled Onion.

p) S.C.C.: Bus Service 745 - Bishop's Castle to Ludlow. Details of the revised service operated by WhittleBus, using a new fully accessible bus, being introduced from 19th February. The same date there are some changes to services operated by Horrocks Coach Travel. A copy of the final timetables for the new services are enclosed. CIRCULATE

q) C.C. P. Phillips: Rural White Paper: Wishes to draw attention to Chapter 12, which is proposals for parish councils - new powers etc.

r) Civil Protection: CIRCULATE

Cllr Blundell proposed that the press & public are excluded for the final item to be considered, seconded by Cllr Whittall and approved.
14. TOWN HALL:

The Mayor declared the meeting closed at 10.00 p.m.