MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF BISHOP'S CASTLE TOWN COUNCIL, HELD IN THE TOWN HALL ON TUESDAY 21ST AUGUST 2001 AT 8.00PM
PRESENT: Councillor G.N. St J. Penney, Mayor, in the Chair.
Councillors: S.J.S. Bedell, J.L.V. Blundell, B.P. Jones, W.J. Morris,
K.E.C. Pinches, J.A.J. Whittall and R.D. Wright.
Before the start of the meeting The Mayor welcomed PC Bill Bufton who today retired from the Police Force after 30 years service, much of this having been in the Bishop's Castle, Church Stretton, Craven Arms areas. He was invited this evening for the Council to formally thank him for his services to the Town and The Mayor presented him with a letter thanking him for his dedicated service and wished him a long and happy retirement. PC Bufton thanked the Council for their kind wishes and took the opportunity to introduce PC Ian Barrett who will now be working in Bishop's Castle.
1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE: Apologies received from Cllrs Carroll, Kinmond and Magill. Cllr Lawrence on sick leave.

2. MINUTES OF COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON 24TH JULY 2001:
Minutes of the Council meeting held on Tuesday 24th July, having been circulated were proposed as a true record by Cllr Jones and seconded by Cllr Whittall, approved and signed by The Mayor.
3. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST:
Cllr Whittall declared a direct pecuniary interest on item 13.
Cllr Blundell declared a direct pecuniary interest on item 13 and an indirect pecuniary interest on item 6.b
Cllr Bedell declared an indirect pecuniary interest on item 6.a.
The Mayor declared a non-pecuniary interest on item 6.a.
4. MATTERS ARISING:
Item 3.9: The Local Transport Plan Stakeholders Seminar has been re-scheduled for 18th September, 2.00 - 4.40 p.m. at the Shirehall. Cllr Jones agreed she would attend if no-one else was available.
Item 11: A meeting to discuss the bus terminus has not yet been arranged as Mr Willocks, S.C.C is on leave until the end of August.
Item 16: The Clerk has contacted S.S.D.C. regarding the litter bin by the bench in Church Street. They have confirmed they will not change the existing bin for a larger one, but if the Council wishes to purchase a new bin for the site they will continue to empty it. Cllr Whittall proposed that no further action is taken at the present time, but at some future point the Council could consider purchasing a new bin for the Town Hall and moving the old one down to Church Street. Seconded by Cllr Blundell and approved.
Item 20.c: The Clerk has obtained prices of two types of dog waste bin. Cllr Whittall said that the most recent bin purchased for the Playing Field was a solid substantial bin even though it was the more expensive of the two. Cllr Whittall proposed that the bin is ordered from Wybone at the cost of £102.85 to put in the Playing Field to match the new one and the existing bin moved to the Old Castle Land. Seconded by Cllr Blundell and approved. ACTION TOWN CLERK

Item 15: Whilst the two P.C.s were still in attendance Cllr Blundell would like to report that recently whilst the Playing Field gate was open a car had taken the opportunity to drive erratically around the Field. The registration number had been taken and the Police were asked to follow this up.

5. MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WISHING TO SPEAK: None.
6. TOWN & COUNTRY PLANNING ACT:
a) 1/01/12467/F Planning Permission (full) for formation of estate roads. (committee matter). The Wintles, Bishop's Castle. Living Villages. The Mayor and Cllr Bedell left the room whilst this was discussed and Cllr Jones took the Chair. Letters were read from Dr W. Howard, The Living Village Trust and Will Gannon & Smith, Consulting Structural and Civil Engineers. The Trust feel that the new plan will result in a naturally flowing and pleasant link road that is safer for pedestrians. It will be a more attractive route and will alleviate congestion in Welsh Street. The road has been designed to comply with Highway regulations. Cllr Carroll, who was not present had advised the Clerk that she was satisfied with the route of the footpaths. Cllr Wright has concerns about the road at both ends. He thinks that the mini roundabout should not be raised and that large vehicles will have difficulties emerging from The Wintles turning right into Castle Green. This end of the road also shows a pencilled line on private property and he wondered if there is an intention to purchase additional land. At the Welsh Street end Cllr Wright feels it is rather a tight corner and suggested there should be improvements to the junction. Cllr Blundell pointed out that the plan will obviously have to be approved by the Highway Authority.
Cllr Wright proposed that the Council objects to this application on the grounds that there should be alterations to improve visibility at the junctions at each end of the link road, seconded by Cllr Blundell and approved. Cllr Blundell proposed that Dr Howard was invited to speak, seconded by Cllr Morris. Cllr Morris asked about the drainage, Dr Howards advised that this has been considered and there are two pools which should deal with excess water adequately. He advised that the Highway Authority had stated a preference for a raised roundabout on Castle Green.
b) 1/01/12486/LB Listed Building Consent. Installation of 3 dormer windows. The Six Bells, Church Street, Bishop's Castle. Mr N. Richards. Cllr Wright proposed No Objection, providing appropriate materials are used, seconded by Cllr Whittall and approved.
c) 1/01/12506/TC Tree Works (Conservation Area). Felling of a Weeping Ash tree (delegated matter) The Middle Bailey, Bull Lane, Bishop's Castle. Mr and Mrs J. Roberts. This is a prominent tree and screens the property, Cllr Morris proposed No Objection, providing appropriate screening is replaced, seconded by Cllr Bedell and approved.
d) 1/01/12487/AD and 1/01/12488/LB Advertisement Consent & Listed Building Consent. Display of illuminated advertisement (delegated matter). The King's Head, Church Street, Bishop's Castle. Pubmaster Ltd. Cllr Whittall proposed No Objection providing traditional materials are used for lettering between the windows, seconded by Cllr Wright and approved.
e) The Community College, Bishop's Castle. Planning Application for construction of extensions to provide classrooms and administrative facilities. Shropshire County Council. Application noted.
f) Application for Public Entertainment Licence, Crown and Anchor Vaults: S.S.D.C. have advised that an Appeal has been made by Mr Sidebottom against the decision taken by the Council's Licensing Panel at the Public Hall on 29th May 2001 to refuse the application. At this Hearing the Application was amended to remove the existing premises of the Public House from the application, so the Licence will be only for the proposed new extension. At this meeting Mr Sidebottom also agreed to amend his 'Hours of Entertainment' to 11.00 pm to 1.00 am. The Appeal is to be heard by the West Mercia Magistrates Courts Service at Ludlow on 6th September at 10.00 p.m. Mr Fellows who has been appointed to represent the District Council will need to call a number of witnesses to give evidence at the Appeal and he asked the Clerk to advise the Council that objections received prior to the Hearing in May will not be taken into account. Cllr Wright proposed that if this is the case the Council should re-state to the Magistrates Court the objections made previously to the S.S.D.C., seconded by Cllr Blundell and approved. ACTION TOWN CLERK
The following Planning Reports have been received since the last meeting:
1) 1/01/12432/F Planning Permission granted for erection of a domestic garage and formation of vehicular access. Land to the rear of 2 High Street, Bishop's Castle. Gillett, Schwarz & Brown.
2) 1/01/12248/LB Listed Building Consent and 1/01/12247/F Planning Permission granted for change of use from a bakery to dwelling and erection of a domestic garage. Former Bakery, Church Street, Bishop's Castle. Mr D. Pearce.
3) 1/01/12342/F Planning Permission granted for erection of a chimney stack. 4 The Field, Field Lane, Bishop's Castle. Dr D. Phillipps.
4) 1/01/12397/CA Conservation Area Consent approved for re-slating of a roof. 5 - 7 Castle Green, Bishop's Castle. The Living Village Trust.
5) 1/01/12257/F Planning Permission and 1/01/12258/LB Listed Building Consent granted for erection of extensions and alterations to hotel. Castle Hotel, Market Square, Bishop's Castle. Mr D. Simpson.7. ACCOUNTS:
Cllr Whittall proposed that all accounts as presented are approved for payment, seconded by Cllr Morris and approved.
8. OAK MEADOW:
a) Footpath: Miss C. Shine has written to advise that she is of the opinion that footpaths number 11 and 49 are adequately accommodated and there is no breach of condition in respect of the position or surfacing of the footpaths. The Mayor proposed that this Council should press for a site meeting to discuss this, seconded by Cllr Wright and approved.
ACTION TOWN CLERK

b) Play Area: A letter from Mr W. Jones advises that when the plans were approved for Oak Meadow it included an area of public open space, but it has not been intended that it should be made available for ball games, but as the land is in the ownership of the South Shropshire Housing Association the matter should be taken up with them. It was recorded that the Housing Association had been contacted in the first instance and were advised that it is currently owned by Days Construction who are covenanted to transfer the land back to the Council on completion of the whole development. Cllr Blundell proposed no further action is taken in this regard at the present time.
9. PUBLIC TOILETS, SIGNAGE, MAINTENANCE AND REFURBISHMENT:
There has been no further correspondence from the S.S.D.C. regarding the future of the public toilets. It was reported that there is a problem with the plumbing in the gents toilets under the Town Hall and the overflow from the ladies toilet is dripping onto the Cobbles. Cllr Whittall reported that there has been some vandalism to the toilets in the Auction Yard and recommended the Police are asked to make routine checks whenever possible. ACTION TOWN CLERK
10. HIGHWAY MATTERS:
a) Meeting with Mr Rutherford: The Mayor, Clerk and a number of Councillors met Mr Roberts and Mr Rutherford on 31st July to discuss various highway matters in the Town, in particular the unsatisfactory re-surfacing of the road in Church Street and High Street. Mr Rutherford has advised that some of the matters raised have already been dealt with. It was agreed at this meeting that it would be arranged for Church Street and High Street to have some dusting of the surface dressing.
b) Letter from Manager of S.H.B.C.: Highlighting the problem of complaints from customers and staff about vehicles using the pavement outside the branch as another lane of the High Street. The Clerk advised that a copy of this letter has already been forwarded to Mr Whitehouse S.C.C. Cllr Blundell said that this habit is illegal and some-one is going to be seriously injured if urgent action is not taken and he proposed the Police should be asked to monitor the situation and take action with drivers who do drive down the pavement. Seconded by Cllr Jones and approved. ACTION TOWN CLERK
c) Traffic in Bishop's Castle: The deadline for receipt of the completed questionnaires was 13th July and they are currently analysing the results. The most favoured scheme appears to be the option put forward by Julie Davies and the Oak Meadow - Welsh Street link seems the least favoured option for a link road. Results will be put to the public at the next meeting of the Community Forum.
d) Home Zones: Letter received from Cath Thomas, Traffic Engineer regarding 'Home Zones', a new Government initiative aimed at improving the quality of life. a description of the scheme with criteria guidelines are enclosed. It was proposed this is circulated. Letter from C.C. Phillips was read regarding this subject, suggesting Corporation Street would be a suitable through road to consider such a scheme, or alternatively Corricks Rise. TO CIRCULATE
e) Lodge Lane: Copy of correspondence from C.C. P. Phillips to Janet Harper, S.C.C. regarding work on Lodge Lane, which was originally programmed for completion in March next year. However Parkman have been asked to try and bring it forward and the need to carry out patching for safety is being looked at.
11. SOUTH SHROPSHIRE HOUSING ASSOCIATION:
Corricks Rise: No response received to the Council's request to meet and discuss the problems.
Best Value Review: The Association is currently carrying out a review of the grounds maintenance service, evaluating the current service and identifying ways it could be improved. The questionnaire was completed, there being no major complaints about the service provided.
Clive House: It was reported that the tenant of No 9 has been moved to alternative accommodation and a letter from the residents was read to the Council. Cllr Blundell proposed that complaints raised in the letter should be taken up by the residents with the Police, seconded by Cllr Whittall and approved. No further action to be taken at the present time.
12. APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT PERSON TO THE STANDARDS COMMITTEE:
The S.S.D.C. are looking for nominations for an independent person to sit on the Standards Sub Committee to deal with the new Code of Conduct for Town and Parish Councils. The appointed person should not be a Councillor, or closely related to a Councillor. Advertisements have appeared in the local press and nominations should be sent to Mr R. Thomas. The Mayor proposed that Mr A. Clague should be approached to see if he is willing to stand, seconded by Cllr Morris and approved. ACTION THE MAYOR
13. STREET LIGHTING:
a) Corporation Street: The lighting in Corporation Street has been inspected following the 12 month maintenance period. All equipment is in good condittion and the lighting has been adopted as from 24th June 2001. The County Council will now assume all maintenance and energy responsibilities. It is requested that the Council arranged for the three old concrete columns are removed as soon as possible. It has been agreed last year that the last post in Corporation Street would not be removed until such time as the Kerry Lane lighting had been improved, otherwise this area would be very dark. The other two lights, one of which has not been working for some months ought to be removed. The Mayor proposed the M.E.B. are contacted for the cost of dead-ending both lights, in order that they can be removed, seconded by Cllr Pinches and approved. If the posts are in good condition they can be used in the Playing Field.
b) Lighting Repairs: Cllrs Whittall and Blundell left the room whilst this was discussed. The Clerk advised that the agreement with M.E.B. for lighting repairs is on a 'Report and Repair' basis and there is no formal contract in place. Cllrs Blundell and Whittall had offered to repair any lights which are defective if the Council purchases a supply of bulbs and photocells. After discussion Cllr Morris proposed that providing they have adequate Public Liability Insurance, we accept their offer to repair the lights at the cost of £10 per light. £5 is payable if they inspect a light and they cannot repair it and the M.E.B. need to be contacted. Seconded by Cllr Pinches and approved. Cllr Wright proposed that an Agreement is drawn up for the next meeting, seconded by Cllr Morris and approved. ACTION TOWN CLERK

14. TOWN HALL:
Walls: The Clerk has contacted Mr Richards about the loose render on the Town Hall and he recommended that a reputable stone mason is contacted for advise. It is likely that we will be advised that the loose render should be removed as soon as possible, the stone will then need refacing, English Heritage will be able to advise on this. Cllr Wright proposed a meeting is arranged with Goughs of Craven Arms to discuss, seconded by Cllr Jones and approved.
ACTION TOWN CLERK
Roof: English Heritage have advised they are unable to assist with funding the hire of a mobile hoist for inspection purposes. Cllr Morris reported that he hoped to be able to use Steven Owen's cherry picker during the next few days to obtain a nail sample. Cllr Blundell proposed that the Mayor and Deputy are given Power to Act in this matter in order that tenders can be obtained as soon as possible and something can be done before Winter sets in, seconded by Cllr Pinches and approved. Cllr Morris advised that the hiring and erecting of scaffolding will be expensive and whilst the scaffolding is up he strongly recommends that the whole roof is completely re-done and patching is not considered as an option.
The Clerk has had discussions with Mr Skewis of B.C. and District Lifeline Company, who has agreed to include the renovation and enhancement of the Town Hall in the bid for funding for Bishop's Castle that he is preparing at present, in order to ensure the future of this historic Grade II* Listed Building.
Report of meeting: The Mayor chaired a public meeting on Tuesday 31st July to discuss future uses of the Town Hall, which was attended by 23 people. There was considerable discussion of the possible uses for the building in the future. Access for the disabled was raised, but last year we were informed that the gradient to the front door would be too steep. The difficulty of parking ruled out many events, but it was agreed to publicise it's availability and try to increase bookings.
The Clerk has contacted Mr and Mrs Bass about placing an advertisement in the Church Magazine.

15. PLAYING FIELD:
Annual Safety Report: Rospa have forwarded the Annual Safety Report for consideration. It was proposed that the Playing Field Committee meet and discuss this. Meeting arranged for 7.00 p.m. next Tuesday 28th August.
Trees: Cllrs Blundell and Whittall have cut back some of the lower branches as suggested at the last meeting and the rubbish has been burnt. The Mayor thanked them.
16. REPORT OF RECENT MEETINGS ATTENDED BY COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES:
Cllr Jones had attended the meeting of Chapel Yard Heritage Archive Partnership Group on Monday 23rd July. Next meeting to be held on 16th October. MINUTES TO BE CIRCULATED
17. CORRESPONDENCE:.
a) A letter was read from Mrs J. Kean tendering her resignation as cleaner for the Town Hall, due to other work commitments. She is prepared to continue until the Council has appointed a replacement. Councillors were sorry to hear that Mrs Kean is leaving, she has carried out her work very efficiently during the last three years. Cllr Blundell proposed that the Clerk writes to Mrs Kean to thank her and record our appreciation and takes appropriate action to appoint a replacement. Advertisements to be placed on notice boards at the Stars Newsagents and the Town Hall. Intereviews to be carried out by the Town Hall Committee. Seconded by Cllr Whittall and approved. ACTION TOWN CLERK
b) Dr W. Howard: The Wintles development will add at least 10% to the population and economy of Bishop's Castle and The Trust felt it might be beneficial to have a discussion, either formal or informal, with the Council about the plans. Cllr Blundell proposed that individual Councillors can arrange to meet with members of the Trust if they wish to do so, seconded by Cllr Wright and approved. CIRCULATE LETTER
c) S.C.C. Suspension of Sunday Bus Services - Winter 2002: An analysis of the performance of bus services funded by Rural Bus Grant indicated that the number of passengers using the Inter Urban Sunday Bus Network was very limited. On all the services during the last financial year the subsidy per passenger had been in excess of £2 and on the Service to Ironbridge the sum was over £10 per passenger. A decision was taken on 10th July to terminate the Shrewsbury to ironbridge Service from October 2001 and to suspend all other services from 1st January 2002 until late March 2002. These service reductions will go ahead unless additional funding can be found. Cllr Wright proposed the Council object to these cuts. It would not be acceptable for Bishop's Castle should not be left without a bus service on Sundays, seconded by Cllr Blundell and approved. ACTION TOWN CLERK
d) Royal Shrewsbury Hospital: Request to consider the Ward 15 Trust Fund for a charitable grant this year. Ward 15 treats general medical patients as well as specialising in the treatment of Gastroenterology patients. This year they are working towards the purchase of additional medical equipment for the benefit of patients being treated on the ward. It was proposed this is dealt with at the Precept meeting. PRECEPT MEETING
e) S.C.C. Community & Environment Services: Towns & District Survey - Records & Research Best Value Review: Shropshire is reviewing the Records & Research Service and are interested to see how other local authorities are tackling the function of archives and records mamangement, particularly in light of recent legislation about records/information. i.e. Freedom of Information Act 2000 and Data Protection Act 1998.
f) South Shropshire Access Group: The Group hope to produce leaflets to cover information that will be of interest to disabled people in South Shropshire. The type of information is lists of shops, cafes etc that are wheelchair accessible. Disabled toilet facilities and any information which make life more comfortable. It was suggested that the Clerk should contact Elizabeth Black who may be able to assist with this information. ACTION TOWN CLERK
Cllr Wright proposed that the press and public are excluded while the final matter of the gates for the Playing Field are discussed (item 15), seconded by Cllr Bedell and approved.
Mr Middleton has provided a design and price for the installation of a post and wire fence and posts and 13' galvanised gate at the entrance to the Playing Field. It was suggested that the Playing Field Committee meet with Mr Whitefoot to discuss his proposal for the entrance and report back to the next meeting.
The Mayor declared the meeting closed at 10.00 p.m.