MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF BISHOP'S CASTLE TOWN COUNCIL, HELD IN THE TOWN HALL ON TUESDAY 18TH SEPTEMBER 2001 AT 8.00PM
PRESENT: Councillor G.N. St J. Penney, Mayor, in the Chair.
Councillors: J.M. Carroll, J.L.V. Blundell, C.T.E. Kinmond, J.A. Magill,
W.J. Morris and R.D. Wright.
Before the meeting commenced Councillors stood in silence in respect of all those affected by the disaster in the U.S.A. last Tuesday.

1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE: Apologies received from Cllrs Bedell, Jones, Pinches and Wright. Cllr Lawrence on sick leave.

2. MINUTES OF COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON 21ST AUGUST 2001:
Minutes of the Council meeting held on Tuesday 21st August, having been circulated were proposed as a true record by Cllr Blundell and seconded by Cllr Morris, approved and signed by The Mayor.

3. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST:
Cllr Blundell declared a direct pecuniary interest on items 7 and 15.
Cllr Carroll declared an indirect pecuniary interest on item 6.f.

4. MATTERS ARISING:
Item 4.15: Cllr Blundell reported that P.C. Barratt had traced and spoken to the owner of the vehicle reported to have been driven dangerously around the Playing Field.

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

6. TOWN & COUNTRY PLANNING ACT:
a) 1/01/12590/F and 1/01/12591/LB Planning Permision (full) & Listed Building Consent. Alteration to commercial premises. (delegated matter) 10 Market Square, Bishop's Castle. Melcourt Farms Ltd. This is a very important building and the application does not include any details of what is proposed for the newly exposed stone wall or materials for the joinery. Cllr Wright proposed the Council objects on the grounds of inadequate information regarding the joinery and stonework, seconded by Cllr Magill. Cllr Blundell felt that as a Listed Building plans will be under close scrutiny of the Conservation Officer and proposed an amendment, there is No Objection providing proposals for the stone wall and joinery are in keeping with the building and are approved by the Conservation Officer. Seconded by Cllr Morris. There were four votes for the amendment, which was then put to the Council as the substantive motion and carried.
b) 1/01/12573/F Planning Permission (full) for erection of agricultural building (for storage). The Cunery, Stank Lane, Bishop's Castle. Mr J. Beamond, The Cottage. Cllr Morris proposed No Objection, seconded by Cllr Blundell and approved.

c) 1/01/12392/LB Listed Building Consent. Installation of replacement door and frame, re-advertised, additional information. 18 Market Square, Bishop's Castle. Mr W. Steed. Cllr Blundell proposed No Objection, seconded by Cllr Wright and approved.
d) 1/01/12625/F Planning Permission (full) for erection of a shed for collection of plastic household bottles (to be re-cycled). Bishop's Castle Business Park. The Wasteless Society, 7 Wells, B.C. Cllr Carroll proposed No Objection, seconded by Cllr Wright and approved.
e) 1/01/11913/F Planning Permission (full) for alterations and extension to Public House. re-advertised, amended detail. (committee matter) Crown & Anchor Vaults, High Street, Bishop's Castle. Mr R. Sidebottom, Hill End Farm, Bishop's Castle. Cllr Carroll took no part in the discussion. The changes made to the previous application do not affect our previous objections. As the property is so close to its neighbours it is felt to be an inappropriate situation for a roof garden. Cllr Wright proposed that members of the public in attendance are invited to comment, seconded by Cllr Magill and approved. Cllr Blundell proposed the Clerk enquires from the Planning Department how many times a planning application can be made, seconded by Cllr Magill and approved. ACTION TOWN CLERK
Cllr Wright proposed that the Council repeat the objections made to the previous application adding that the roof garden would cause a serious loss of amenity to the nearby properties, seconded by Cllr Kinmond and approved.
f) 1/01/12633/F Planning Permission (full) for Change of Use, agricultural land to domestic curtilage. (delegated matter) Land at read of Meadow Brook, Colebatch, Bishop's Castle. Mr and Mrs Wakelam. Cllr Blundell proposed No Objection, seconded by Cllr Morris and approved.
g) 1/01/12649/F Planning Permission (full) for erection of extension to dwelling. (delegated matter) 7 The Cabin, Bishop's Castle. Miss N. Curtis. Cllr Magill proposed No Objection, seconded by Cllr Carroll and approved.
The following Planning Reports have been received since the last meeting:
1) 1/01/12506/TC Permission granted for works to trees. Felling of a Weeping Ash tree. The Middle Bailey, Bull Lane, Bishop's Castle. Mr and Mrs J. Roberts.
2) 1/01/12488/LB and 1/01/12487/AD Consent granted to display advertisements and Listed Building Consent granted for the display of illuminated advertisement at the Kings Head, Church Street, Bishop's Castle. Pubmaster Ltd.
The Mayor reported that a Transport Assessment has been made in respect of the Planning Application for the erection of buildings to form a livestock market with associated plant and parking facilities at Churchstoke. There are 14 days for comments to be made to Montgomeryshire Planning Officer. After reading a copy of this the Mayor was concerned that there was not adequate provision for pedestrians and that the survey leading to the assessment was carried out on one day, a Tuesday, when no markets are in operation locally. During the present Foot and Mouth crisis, markets are closed and there is no heavy market traffic on any day. ACTION MAYOR AND CLERK

7. ACCOUNTS:
Cllr Wright proposed that all accounts as presented are approved for payment, seconded by Cllr Morris and approved.
8. OAK MEADOW:
a) Footpath: Letter read from Miss Shine, SSDC advising that following an inspection and examination of relevant planning records she is of the opinion that there are no breaches of planning control. Cllr Carroll strongly disagreed, she feels it is quite clear there is a breach of planning regulations. The condition of the footpath is disgraceful and not suitable for a footway through a Housing Estate. Cllr Carroll proposed a letter is sent requesting a site meeting, seconded by Cllr Wright and approved. ACTION TOWN CLERK

b) Play Area: Mr Jones has advised that this area of land will come back to the District Council on completion of the development. However, he would advise against designating it as an area for ball games on the grounds that it is too close to the road, it borders onto three dwelling and it is quite a small size with a footpath running through it. He suggest that it remains a public open space to be used by any-one. Councillors were happy with this proposal.

9. PUBLIC TOILETS:
The Mayor attended a meeting in Craven Arms on the 13th September to discuss with representatives from other Councils the proposal by S.S.D.C. to divest responsibility for the public toilets to the Town and Parish Councils. As a result of this meeting the District Council were advised that it was the unanimous view that the public conveniences should be kept open and maintained by the District Council as important local facilities for residents and tourists. The Town and Parish Councils concerned will not accept responsibility for the maintenance of the public conveniences.

10. LOCATION OF PROPOSED CAMPSITE:
Letter read from Mr and Mrs C. Jones regarding the proposal by the Tourism Group that the Town should have a campsite for touring caravans and tents. Mr and Mrs Jones have been looking for a suitable site for some time and would appreciate any help that can be offered. It was reported that Enterprise South West Shropshire have included this proposal in the bid for funding that has been made recently, so it is very much in the early stages. Cllr Blundell proposed that there is a need for a campsite and the Council should support this idea, seconded by Cllr Morris and approved.

11. HIGHWAY MATTERS:
a) The Novers: Confirmation that the road and footways at The Novers were adopted as County roads by the Shropshire County Council with effect from 3rd September 2001. The Clerk was asked to clarify whether the street lighting is included in this. ACTION TOWN CLERK
b) Footpath A488, Love Lane: The priority of "small" improvement schemes is currently being assessed and it is confirmed that the request for a footpath on this stretch of road will be added to the list. It will be evaluated along the many other schemes put forward for the county.

12. BENCH ON BOAR'S HEAD CROSSROADS:
Cllr Blundell reported that young people regularly meet by the bench in Church Street, opposite the Boar's Head causing considerable nuisance and on a number of occasions recently continuing well into the early hours. This has given rise to a number of complaints from residents. Cllr Blundell proposed that the seat is removed. Cllr Carroll said she would be strongly opposed to this as the bench is so well used during the day when people are waiting for buses. Cllr Carroll proposed the Police are asked to check this area and speak to any-one causing a nuisance late at night, seconded byCllr Wright and approved. ACTION TOWN CLERK

13. MR M. CORFIELD, CHAIRMAN, BISHOP'S CASTLE & DISTRICT LIFELINE COMPANY:
Mr Corfield attended the meeting to up-date Councillors of the current situation and future plans of Enterprise South West Shropshire. (The trading name for Bishop's Castle & District Lifeline Company.) Enterprise House: The core of the business saw over 5,000 people through it's doors last year, of this number 2,000 were attending training courses. 60% of those on training courses were businesses, 40% private individuals, many of these self-employed. Village Outreach: Original three year finance package finished last March, since then has been part of E.S.W.S. Workshops: Presently all let to Embrey's and a new phase is due to be started soon. Library: Successfully up and running for the past twelve months. Challenge Court: Fully let and providing a number of jobs. This was handed back to S.S.D.C. a few months ago and now E.S.W.S. acts only as managing agents.
Mr Corfield also spoke about Enterprise Grant Scheme, Community Chest, Leader +, Profitable Tourism Project and the new joint bid with the Community College currently being prepared for Objective 2. There is a plan to revamp the unused portion at the back of Enterprise House for additional training and office space. S.S.D.C. in the past has made a grant, but at present they are relying on a grant from S.C.C. and will be submitting a further bid for funding for next year.

14. TOWN HALL:

Roof: Heiron & Son, Building Contractors, All Stretton have responded to the letter sent. They advise they do not have any records of the renovation to the Town Hall.
English Heritage: The Mayor and Cllr Morris met an Engineer from English Heritage to discuss the building. He advised that the loose sandstone was dangerous and should be removed as soon as possible but did not recommend sealing or re-rendering for the present time. He recommended that the venetian window be re-newed and suggested that if the Council wishes to apply for a grant from English Heritage that an Architect should be appointed. Consequently a meeting with Keith Jones was arranged after which Aaron Jones was asked to remove the cracked and loose sandstone as a matter of urgency. Cllr Wright felt the sandstone pediment to be an eyesore and the Council should take this opportunity to improve the building and seek funding. The Mayor proposed that at least two Architects are approached and invited for a preliminary discussion about the building, which should not at this stage incurr any expenditure. Seconded by Cllr Wright and approved. ACTION TOWN CLERK

Cleaner: An advertisement placed in Stars window had received a good response, there have been six applicants for the position. It was proposed that The Mayor, Deputy and Clerk interview all the applicants next Monday, 24th September in the Town Hall and are given power to act in making an appointment. ACTION MAYOR, DEPUTY AND CLERK
Town Hall Committee: It was proposed to hold a meeting of the Town Hall Committee on next Tuesday, 25th September at 6.30 pm in the Town Hall to discuss the ideas arising from the Public Meeting held on 31st July.

16. PLAYING FIELD:
Annual Safety Report: The Playing Field Committee have met to discuss the Safety Report and Cllr Blundell reported that most matters have now be dealt with. The Clerk was asked to order wood and springs in order that the remaining items can be repaired by himself and Cllr Whittall. ACTION TOWN CLERK
Gate: Mr Whitefoot has met with Cllr Blundell to discuss the entrance and gateand is preparing a design and costings for consideration by the Council.
Bike Track: Cllr Carroll reported that residents whose gardens are near the bike track have complained to her about noise, foul language and abuse. There have been incidents of teasing pets and stones being thrown over the hedge. Cllr Carroll felt that this area is too near houses and the Council cannot effectively police it and proposed the track is removed. The Mayor proposed that this should be an Agenda item for the next meeting, seconded by Cllr Magill and approved.

17. REPORT OF RECENT MEETINGS ATTENDED BY COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES:
Cllr Jones had attended the Stakeholders Seminar to discuss the Shropshire Local Transport Plan today at the Shirehall, Shrewsbury. Cllr Carroll suggested that Cllr Jones gives a report at the next meeting.
Cllr Whittall has recently attended a meeting of the Sports & Art project. He asked if the Clerk would pass to the Council his recommendation that a letter of support is sent for this project, but requesting improved parking facilities. Cllr Blundell proposed such a letter is sent, seconded by Cllr Carroll and approved. ACTION TOWN CLERK

18. CORRESPONDENCE:.
a) The Countryside Agency: Local Heritage Initiative Advisor, Chris Tomlin is responsible for providing guidance and advice to people interested in applying for a grant through the L.H.I. Cllr Carroll reported she had also had a copy of this and suggested it is discussed by the Town Hall Committee.
b) Ms K. Roper, County Secretary, S.A.P.T.C.: Copy of 2001 resolutions for discussion so that delegates can put the Council's view at the A.G.M. on 3rd November. Resolution 1 is .. Government should impose a mandatory duty on Unitary Authorities/District Councils to provide and maintain public toilets in centres of population and to keep them open and maintain them in a clean and hygienic condition. The Mayor proposed the Council write strongly supporting this resolution with a copy to the M.P., seconded by Cllr Carroll and approved. ACTION TOWN CLERK
c) Axis Counselling: A unique and valuable service with provides support to members of the community who require help to relieve the effects of childhood sexual abuse. It was proposed this should be dealt with at the Precept meeting.
d) Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service: Open Evening at Bishop's Castle Fire Station on Thursday 4th October at 7.00 p.m. This is an opportunity to demonstrate the vital role retained firefighters play in the Fire Service. Shropshire has only three stations staffed by wholetime employees and therefore relies on the existence of part-time fire stations. Without the help of local employers to provide the support necessary it would not be possible to staff these part-time stations. The Mayor, Deputy and as many Councillors as able to will attend.
e) The Wasteless Society Newsletter: To circulate.
f) South Shropshire Sport & Leisure Advisory Council: Meeting taking place this evening. Minutes of previous meeting to be circulated. It was noted that the next meeting also co-incides with a Council meeting and the Clerk was asked contact Mr W. Jones regarding this.
g) S.S.D.C. A copy of the first edition of '@ction Replay', the official Youth Sport Newsletter of the Shropshire Sports Partnership. TO CIRCULATE
h) South Shropshire Housing Association: Financial Statement for the y/e 31.3.01 TO CIRCULATE
i) GPU Power UK. Quality of Service 2000 - 2001 TO CIRCULATE
j) Shell Better Britain Campaign: Interactive. TO CIRCULATE
Cllr Magill proposed the press and public are excluded for the last item to be discussed, seconded by Cllr Morris and approved. Cllr Blundell left the room whilst this was considered.

15. STREET LIGHTING:
An Agreement has been drawn up between the Town Council and Messrs J. Blundell and J. Whittall for the repair of street lights in the Town. The Council will provide materials for this work and Messrs Blundell and Whittall will be paid £10.00 for each light repaired. The Clerk will give written instructions of location of lights needing attention and they will be paid on completion of work after providing the Clerk with an invoice giving details of the repairs. They are required to have Personal Accident and Public Liability Insurance and proof of these should be provided to the Council. Cllr Carroll proposed this Agreement is for twelve months and should be reviewed next September, seconded by Cllr Morris and approved. The Mayor signed the Agreement on behalf of the Council and Cllr Blundell was invited to return to the room and he too signed the Agreement.
The Mayor declared the meeting closed at 10.00 p.m.