MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF BISHOP'S CASTLE TOWN COUNCIL, HELD IN THE TOWN HALL ON TUESDAY 16TH OCTOBER 2001 AT 8.00PM
PRESENT: Councillor G.N. St J. Penney, Mayor, in the Chair.
Councillors: S.J.S. Bedell, J.M. Carroll, J.L.V. Blundell, B.P. Jones,
E.A. Lawrence, C.T.E. Kinmond, J.A. Magill, W.J. Morris, K.E.C. Pinches and J.A.J. Whittall.
1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE: Apologies received from Cllrs Wright. The Mayor welcomed Cllr Lawrence back after being on sick leave.

2. MINUTES OF COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON 18TH SEPTEMBER 2001:
The Clerk made a correction on Item 1, Cllr Wright should have read Cllr Whittall. Item 15 should have had an additional paragraph regarding the removal of two lights in Corporation Street. In the absence of Cllrs Blundell and Whittall the Clerk reported that M.E.B. Contracting had quoted £145 to dead end and remove each light, plus £96 to re-instate the tarmac and £37 to re-instate the grass. Cllrs Blundell and Whittall had offered to remove these two lights for the cost of the hire of the equipment plus their time, which would be considerably less. Cllr Carroll proposed that the Council accept this offer and ask Cllrs Blundell and Whittall to remove the two lights, seconded by Cllr Morris and approved.
Minutes of the Council meeting held on Tuesday 18th September, having been circulated and taking into account the above amendments, were proposed as a true record by Cllr Blundell, seconded by Cllr Morris, approved and signed by The Mayor.

3. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST:
Cllr Bedell declared a direct pecuniary interest in item 6.b.
Cllr Pinches declared a personal declaration in item 6.a.
Cllr Blundell declared a direct pecuniary interest on items 17.
Cllr Whittall declared a direct pecuniary interest on item 17.

4. MATTERS ARISING:
Item 10: Cllr Carroll reported that the Tourism Group are now re-considering this suggestion, as there are already a number of existing campsites in the area and an additional one would be in competition. However, Cllr Carroll feels that as there are none within walking distance of the Town the Town Council should write supporting this project, seconded by Cllr Jones and approved.
ACTION TOWN CLERK
Item 11.a: Mr Bywater, Highways Development Control has confirmed that the lighting on The Ridge is to "highway" standard and has been adopted by the C.C. who will bear all future maintenance and energy costs.

5. MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WISHING TO SPEAK: None.
6. TOWN & COUNTRY PLANNING ACT:
a) 1/01/12694/F Planning Permission (full) for erection of 2 dwellings for use as Holiday Accommodation (delegated matter). Hollenbough, Church Lane, Bishop's Castle. Mr and Mrs B. Jones. Cllr Pinches left the room whilst this was considered. Two letters of objection were read by the Clerk. There was concern about the access being from an unadopted road, rather than through the garden of Hollenbough. That this is outside the building line and is not designated building land, which will set a precedent for similar developments. They are large dwellings which will be obtrusive especially from the Shropshire Way. Cllr Jones proposed no objection providing conditions are attached that access should only be through Hollenbough and the dwellings should not become independent residences but remain part of Hollenbough, seconded by Cllr Blundell. There were two votes for the proposition and six votes against, the Clerk was asked to inform SSDC that the Council objects on the grounds given.
b) 1/01/12657/F Planning Permission (full) for change of use agricultural building to farm shop and alteration to (existing) vehicular access (delegated matter). The Wintles Farm, Bishop's Castle. Messrs F.T. Bedell & Son. Cllr Bedell left the room whilst this was considered. A letter from The Civic Society was read advising they had no objections, on the condition that adequate car parking is provided for customers. Cllr Whittall proposed no objection, seconded by Cllr Morris and approved.
c) No further plans had been received, but the Mayor read a letter from C. C. Phillips regarding the application for planning at the Crown & Anchor Vaults, which is being considered at the S.S.D.C.'s Planning Committee meeting tomorrow. One paragraph referred to zoning of the Town. Councillors felt they would be opposed to this suggestion as part of the character of the Town is the mixture of residences and businesses it would also be difficult to implement zoning. The Mayor proposed a letter is sent to the Planning Officer to this effect, seconded by Cllr Blundell and approved. ACTION TOWN CLERK
d) The following Planning Reports have been received since the last meeting:
1) 1/01/12441/AD Consent granted to display an illuminated advertisement at Barclays Bank, High Street.
2) 1/01/12573/F Planning Permission granted for erection of agricultural building for storage at The Cunery, Stank Lane, Mr J. Beamond.
3) 1/01/12625/F Planning Permission granted for erection of a shed for collection of plastic household bottles to be re-cycled. Bishop's Castle Business Park, The Wasteless Society.
4) 1/01/12392/lb Listed Building Consent granted for installation of a replacement door and frame. Re-advertised, additional information. 18 Market Square, Bishop's Castle. Mr W. Steed.
5) 1/00/10644/RR Approval of Reserved Matters. Erection of 11 dwellings, construction of estate road and associated works. Oak Meadow, Bishop's Castle. Days Construction Ltd. This referred to revised plans dated 6th October 2000 and the Clerk was asked to obtain a copy of these for future reference.
6) 1/01/12486/LB Listed Building Consent granted for installation of 3 dormer windows. The Six Bells, Church Street, Bishop's Castle. Mr N. Richards.

e) Internally illuminated signs in the Town. Mr Jones has written that the D.C. is aware of the internally illuminated sign at Harry Tuffins, Church Street. This has been turned down at appeal, but as the Council has recently lost the service of one of the Enforcement Officers this will have to take its turn with other outstanding matters. Cllr Whittall proposed that SSDC are asked to inspect all signs in the Town. There needs to be consistency about signs in the Conservation Area and a number of signs have been erected which are not of traditional materials whilst others have been asked to remove similar signs from their premises. Cllr Carroll proposed that the Council walks the streets before the next meeting in order to advise SSDC on the current situation, seconded by The Mayor and approved. It was agreed that Councillors should meet at 7.00 pm next Tuesday, 23rd October by the Church.

7. ACCOUNTS:
Mrs Kean had spoken to the Clerk and said she finished work at the end of September and did not expect to be paid for the time she spent handing over to the new cleaner. Cllr Blundell proposed that the accounts as presented are approved for payment, seconded by Cllr Morris and approved.

8. ORGANISATION OF FARMERS MARKET:
The Clerk reported there had been an enouraging interest in the Farmers Market and four people have so far made a firm booking and paid a deposit. The practical side of arranging stalls/unlocking on the morning etc. need to be organised. Cllr Blundell proposed that when Councillors meet next Tuesday they discuss these arrangements, seconded by Cllr Carroll and approved.

9. FOOTWAYS:
Pavements: It was reported that work on pavements in the main street was carried out last Friday. Cllr Whittall proposed that Mr Rutherford should be asked to ensure that any work carried out in Church Street or High Street is not done on Fridays, seconded by Cllr Pinches and approved. ACTION TOWN CLERK
Oak Meadow Footpath: Mr Jones advised that the D.C. and the Housing Association have inspected the development and the proposed line of the public footpath and are not aware of any problems. He asked for more specific details if we feel there is a problem. Cllr Carroll proposed that she draws a diagram of the problem for Mr Jones, seconded by Cllr Blundell and approved. ACTION CLLR CARROLL

10. HIGHWAY MATTERS:
A letter was read from Mr Drummond regarding the scheme put forward by Julie Davies, which was considered at the meeting of the Community Forum on 11th September and well received by those present. This is to be a six month trial project to improve the traffic flow in High Street and remove the hazard of motorists driving on the pavements. The plan was considered by Councillors and during discussion, concerns were expressed about the necessity for planters and whether plastic bollards are substantial enough. Cllr Blundell proposed the Clerk writes to Mr Drummond giving the Council's support for a trial project, raising these concerns and recommending that 'No Parking' is painted in white on the green areas, seconded by Cllr Carroll and approved. ACTION TOWN CLERK

11. WHAT'S THE FUTURE FOR SMALL VILLAGES:
Letter from Mr D. Francis, S.S.D.C. The District Council has arranged a series of 8 meetings to discuss the future for small villages - The emerging South Shropshire Local Plan 1996 - 2011. On 22nd October a meeting will be held at the Community College at 7.30 pm. Cllr Blundell felt that as Bishop's Castle is a Market Town these meetings are for the surrounding villages rather than us. Both Cllrs Magill and Morris thought they would attend the meeting in any case.

12. PUBLIC BENCHES:
Union Street: Letter received from a resident of Union Street advising that the area around this bench is in need of tidying up. The bench itself is quite well used, but the wall around it has not been painted for many years and now some-one has sprayed green paint on it. Cllr Blundell proposed that S.S.D.C. are approached about painting the area, seconded by Cllr Whittall and approved. ACTION TOWN CLERK
Boar's Head crossroads: It was reported that youths meeting on this corner are often shouting and making a disturbing level of noise in the early hours of the morning. Similarly people are meeting by the bench outside the Chemist. Cllr Carroll proposed that residents in this area are advised to contact the Police whenever there is an incident. The Mayor would meet with the Headmaster of the Community College to discuss how this problem of young people hanging around the streets could be improved.

13. CHANGES TO BUS SERVICES:
It had been noted that there are a number of changes to the bus timetable for this area. Cllr Carroll advised that a complete new timetable had been printed and published earlier this year which replaced the booklet the Clerk had brought to the meeting. It does seem there are large numbers of changes and it was felt that it would be preferable if timetables were fixed and unchanged for twelve months at a time.

14. TOWN HALL:
Roof: Two Architects had been contacted and one has been to meet the Mayor and Clerk the other has advised he is not in a position to take this on. The Mayor proposed the Clerk contacts another couple of Architects before the next meeting.
Flea Market: Mrs Burkhill, organiser of the Flea Market is arranging the programme for next year and has given dates to the Clerk. Cllr Carroll said she would be reluctant to confirm dates until after the Farmers Market, as she hoped this would be held on a regular basis next year. Cllr Jones felt we should agree the Flea Market dates as requested and fit in the Farmers Market around them. Cllr Whittall proposed that we confirm dates until March and provisionally agree the dates after and confirm them as soon after the Farmers Market as we can, seconded by Cllr Blundell and approved.
Letter from E.S.W.S.: Dr Skewis is currently preparing submissions for EU funding on a number of projects. The information he has on the Town Hall project is minimal and he needs to have more details regarding the capital costs, estimates of revenue costs, estimate of annual revenue, sales generated and jobs created. Cllr Carroll propose that as many Councillors as possible meet next Tuesday to discuss this and then meet with Dr Skewis.
Letter from Civic Society: The Civic Society have written regarding the future of the Town Hall and have asked to place on record that in 1973, in time for the Town's Charter Celebrations, they converted the lower part of the building for use as a public hall, suitable for public functions and general lettings. Details were given of the work involved which were duly noted and will be placed on file for future information.
New Cleaner: The Clerk advised that Ali Fox has been employed as the new Cleaner with effect from 1st November, initially on a three month trial period.

15. PLAYING FIELD:
1) Gate: Mr Whitefoot advised that after investigating the most suitable type of wood to make the gate thinks Green Oak would appear to be the best and is looking at various sources for prices. He proposes that the metal work is locally hand-made iron work and the plaque is a piece of kiln dried oak, hand carved with the Town Crest by a local craftsman. Councillors felt this sounds a very reasonable project and look forward to hearing details of the cost involved. The Clerk was asked to advice Mr Middleton who has already given an estimate for fitting a standard metal gate, that Mr Whitefoot has offered to make a wooden gate.
2) Bike Track: The Council have received no further complaints regarding the behaviour of those children using the bike track. Cllr Whittall proposed that no action is taken regarding removing the track at the present time and the area is monitored over the coming months, seconded by Cllr Pinches and approved.
3) Skate / BMX Park Seminar: Shropshire Playing Field Association is organising a Seminar on Saturday 17th November at the Eastern Oswestry Community Centre, Harlech Road, Oswestry running from 10.00 am to 4.30 pm. The cost is £20 per person. The day is aimed at inviduals, community groups and local authorities to promote, give advice and information on the provision and management of wheeled sports areas. Any-one wishing to attend should contact the Clerk for the booking form.

16. REPORT OF RECENT MEETINGS ATTENDED BY COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES:
Fire Station Open Evening: The Mayor and a number of Councillors attended an Open Evening at the Fire Station on 4th October. This was an excellent evening during which local employers were awarded certificates in recognition of their continued support. Without these employers being willing to release employees, a sub-station like Bishop's Castle would not be able to exist.
Shropshire's Local Transport Plan: A stakeholders Seminar was held on 18th September at the Shirehall, which was attended by Cllr Jones. She found this a very interesting meeting and has some information which Councillors may be interested in. One interesting point she noted was that there are grants available for rural bus shelters. CIRCULATE
Bishop's Castle & District Lifeline Company: Meeting of the Board of Directors met at The Boar's Head on Thursday 27th September where Cllr Lawrence represented the Council. Agenda for this meeting together with minutes of the previous meeting, held on 5th July are to be circulated. CIRCULATE
South Shropshire Area Committee: Meeting held on Monday 8th October at 7.30 p.m. at Stone House, Ludlow. Unfortunately the Council was not represented at this meeting. The Agenda together with minutes of the previous meeting held on 9th July are to be circulated. CIRCCULATE
Chapel Yard Heritage Archive Partnership Group: Cllr Jones attended a meeting on 23rd July at Old Chapel Yard. Minutes to to be circulated. CIRCULATE
Community Advisory Group: Cllr Jones attended a meeting of this Group on 3rd July at The Community College. Minutes to be circulated. CIRCULATE
Leisure Centre Advisory Group: Cllr Whittall reported he has recently attended a meeting of this Group at the Community College and will pass the minutes to the Clerk when he receives them.

17. STREET LIGHTING:
Kerry Lane: Residents of Corricks Rise have complained that Kerry Lane is very dark and asked if there are any plans to re-instate the light that was removed. Cllr Carroll was concerned that no further action has been taken regarding the new lighting scheme for Kerry Lane. Following the meeting with a representative from Babtie/Parkman about the unsuitable location of a number of lights no further progress has been made. The Clerk was asked to chase this up for the next meeting.
Harley Jenkins Street car park: There is still no lighting in the car park and the Clerk was asked to remind Mr Jones, SSDC that he had said he would arrange for a light to be erected in the car park. ACTION TOWN CLERK

18. CORRESPONDENCE:.
a) S.A.P.T.C. Allowances for members of Parish and Town Councils. Letter from SAPTC was circulated to Councillors. This contained extracts from a consultation paper from the Department of Transport, Local Government and the Regions containing proposals for a new approach for allowances for Parish Councillors. In particular the new 'participation allowance' and the payment of travel allowance within as well as outside the parish. Responses are requested by 24th October to enable NALC to co-ordinate a national response. The contents of this were considered and the Clerk asked to respond as follows: Cllr Blundell proposed the council do not approve of the principle of participation allowances for parish councillors or travel allowances within the parish, seconded by Cllr Jones and approved. Cllr Jones proposed the Council would be opposed to the district council and its independent remuneration panel setting the level of allowances for parish councils, seconded by Cllr Blundell and approved. Cllr Pinches proposed that records of payments should be available for inspection as part of the annual audit, seconded by Cllr Jones and approved.
b) S.A.P.T.C. For information only. Formation of the Policy Panel: The Association receives a large number of consultation documents to which they have to respond. The timescale is often short and the Government has been lobbied for a more sensible period of consultation. The Cabinet Office has recently issued a directive which specifies a minimum consultation period of 12 weeks. The Executive Committee of the SAPTC has decided to establish a Policy Panel which will oversee responses. This is to consist of one representative from each Area Committee.

c) A copy of the Preliminary Draft of the Bishop's Castle Sports & Arts Facilites Options Appraisal has been received. Councillors who would like to read this should contact the Clerk.
d) The Countryside Agency: Vital Villages, Parish transport grant: To be passed on to Adrian Varcoe, Co-ordinator for Bishop's Castle Community Transport. CIRCULATE
e) Cobbett & Brown: Notification that a Full Transfer Application has been made for the King's Head, Bishop's Castle by Mr A.R. Lewins. Noted by Council and Clerk asked to acknowledge.
f) Mr M. Turner, Severn Trent Water: The area of land that some time ago was discussed as a possible Conservation Area has had to be incorporated within the curtilage of the new works and is consequently not available for conservation purposes. The Clerk was asked to forward this information to Mr C. Millard, Bishop's Castle Naturalists.
g) S.C.C.: The Community & Environment Scrutiny Panel is holding the Shropshire Inquiry into the Foot & Mouth Crisis on 29th October at the Shirehall at 2.00 pm. This meeting is open to the public. The SAPTC has made a submission to the Panel and comments are welcome from Town & Parish Councils.
h) Department of Health: Modernising the NHS: Shifting The Balance of Power in the West Midlands. Consultation on the proposal to establish a new Health Authority for the West Midlands North. Councillors wishing to read should contact the Clerk.
i) Zurich Municipal: Community Insurance Centre newsletter. CIRCULATE
J) Local Environment Focus: CIRCULATE

k) Mrs B. Williams, Civil Defence Bowling Club: After considerable funding raising the Club has bought a 999 year lease on the bowling green and a second-hand portacabin. However, they need further fund to complete the project, which they hope will encourage new members and they are particularly keen to interest some younger people. Mrs Williams is asking for the Council's support as they are applying for a grant from SSDC. Cllr Blundell wondered if the Club is affiliated to the South Shropshire Sports & Leisure Council and suggested the Club contacts them.
that a poppy wreath is purchased as in previous years, seconded by Cllr Jones and approved.
Councillors were reminded that before the next meeting there will be the Remembrance Parade and Service on 11th November. Usual arrangements apply. Meet at Town Hall at 10.35 a.m., ready to march to Church for 11.00 a.m. Cllr Blundell proposed

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