MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF BISHOP'S CASTLE TOWN COUNCIL, HELD IN THE TOWN HALL ON TUESDAY 24TH JULY 2001 AT 8.00PM
PRESENT: Councillor G.N. St J. Penney, Mayor, in the Chair.
Councillors: J.L.V. Blundell, J.M. Carroll, B.P. Jones, C.T.E. Kinmond,
J.A. Magill, W.J. Morris, K.E.C. Pinches, J.A.J. Whittall and R.D. Wright.
1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE: Apologies received from Cllr Bedell. Cllr Lawrence on sick leave.

2. MINUTES OF COUNCIL MEETINGS HELD ON 26TH JUNE AND 10TH JULY 2001:
Minutes of the Council meeting held on Tuesday 26th June, having been circulated were proposed as a true record by Cllr Blundell and seconded by Cllr Carroll. Minutes of the meeting held on Tuesday 10th July were proposed as a true record by Cllr Jones and seconded by Cllr Magill. Both were approved and signed by The Mayor.
3. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST: None.
4. MATTERS ARISING:
Item 4.3: Mr Allard, Chief Engineer, S.C.C. has written to advise that he cannot give any firm information regarding the footpath in Montgomery Road, but S.C.C. has received funding through its Local Transport Plan for "small" improvements which include the provision of new or improved footpaths. This year's budget is already committed and the priority of other schemes is currently being assessed.
Item 4.7: The Deputy Mayor, Cllr Whittall and The Clerk met Mr Hunt on 16th July to look at the graffiti and damage to benches at Grange Road. The possibility of students repairing, sanding and revarnishing was discussed and Mr Hunt agreed to try and arrange for them to be done before the end of term, otherwise it will be after the Summer holidays.
Item 9: The Local Transport Plan Stakeholders Seminar due to be held on 10th July was cancelled and has been re-scheduled for 18th September at 2.00 pm at The Shirehall. It was felt that Bishop's Castle should be represented and any-one wishing to attend should contact the Clerk.
Item 10: Mr Jones, SSDC has not yet concluded his investigations into the area of land in Oak Meadow, but will contact us again when he has all the appropriate information.
Item 11: P.C. Weaver wished to amend two points noted in the Minutes. The Police Station is open from 9.30 am to 1.00 pm each Friday, not 9.00 am. and every week-end is covered not every other as recorded.
Item 14: Councillors who have been to the site reported that there is dreadful chipping to the sandstone caused by bikes. The loose flag stone has been identified and Cllr Magill will ask her husband to cement it back in place.
Item 18: Cllr Carroll has contacted organisers of the Flea Market, who have agreed to change the date of their event to the 17th November, leaving the Town Hall available for use of the Christmas Lights Festival Committee.
There were no matters arising from the meeting of 10th July.
5. MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WISHING TO SPEAK: None.
6. TOWN & COUNTRY PLANNING ACT:
a) 1/01/12397/CA Conservation Area Consent for re-slating of a roof (delegated matter). 5 - 7 Castle Green, Bishop's Castle. The Living Village Trust. Cllr Carroll proposed No Objection, seconded by Cllr Morris and approved. Cllr Blundell proposed that the Clerk asks why there needs to be an application for re-slating, many properties are re-slated in the Conservation Area without having made a planning application. ACTION TOWN CLERK
b) 1/01/12392/LB Listed Building Consent for Installation of a replacement door and frame. 18 Market Square, Bishop's Castle. Mr W. Steed. Cllr Blundell proposed No Objection, seconded by Cllr Carroll and approved.
c) 1/01/12432/F Planning Permission (full) for erection of a domestic garage and formation of vehicular access (delegated matter). Land to the rear of 2 High Street, Bishop's Castle. F. Gillett, P. Schwarz and S. Brown. Cllr Carroll proposed No Objection, seconded by Cllr Morris and approved.
d) 1/01/12342/F Planning Permission (full) for erection of a chimney stack (delegated matter). 4, The Field, Field Lane, Bishop's Castle. Dr D. Phillips. Cllr Carroll proposed No Objection, seconded by Cllr Whittall and approved.
e) 1/01/12441/AD Advertisement Consent for Display of an illuminated advertisement (delegated matter). Barclays Bank plc, High Street, Bishop's Castle. Cllr Wright proposed that the Council object to this application as the sign is not in keeping with the area neither are the materials used appropriate for a Conservation Area, seconded by Cllr Blundell and approved.
The following Planning Reports have been received since the last meeting:
1) 1/01/12183/LB Listed Building Consent granted for repairs to building. 28 High Street, Bishop's Castle. Mr A. Screen.
2) 1/01/12138/LB Listed Building Consent granted for alterations to dwelling. The Old Vicarage, Church Lane. Mr and Mrs J. Mawdsley.
3) 1/01/12234/LB Listed Building Consent granted for reinstatement of fire damaged dwelling. Moonbeam Cottage, Chapel Yard, Bishop's Castle. Mr F. Harrison.
4) 1/01/12223/LB Listed Building Consent granted for replacement windows to front elevation. 47 Church Street, Bishop's Castle. Ms E. Bowles.
5) 1/01/12195/F Planning Permission granted for retention of a demountable building for use as a daycare centre, and associated site works. Bishop's Castle Business Park, South Shropshire District Council.
7. ACCOUNTS:
Cllr Whittall proposed that all accounts as presented are approved for payment, seconded by Cllr Blundell and approved.
Letter read from SSDC advising of the amendment to the Account and Audit Regulations and enclosing a copy of Circular 203/1 from the Local Government Association. The threshold above which parish councils are required to prepare income and expenditure accounts has been increased from £5,000 to £50,000.
A note from the Auditor asks for the Mayor and Clerk to sign the Income and Expenditure and Balance Sheet. Cllr Blundell proposed that they are signed as requested, seconded by Cllr Jones and approved.
8. FOOTPATH - OAK MEADOW:
Cllr Carroll advised that she has discussed this path with Mr Newnham, S.C.C., which has been left in a dreadful state by the Developers. Cllr Carroll proposed a letter is sent to SSDC requesting a site meeting to look at the path and request measures are taken by the developers to re-instate the path, seconded by Cllr Wright and approved. ACTION TOWN CLERK
9. PUBLIC TOILETS, SIGNAGE, MAINTENANCE AND REFURBISHMENT:
Letter from Mr G. Biggs, Chief Executive, SSDC was read regarding the provision of public conveniences. The District Council is facing significant budget pressures and the Joint Member/Officer Working Group have recommended the complete withdrawal of public conveniences in the District, which is a discretionary service. This would affect 4 sites in Ludlow, 2 in Church Stretton, Cleobury Mortimer, Clee Hill, Clun, Craven Arms, Worthen, Snailbeach and 2 sites in Bishop's Castle.
The Clerk gave details of the cost involved in the annual maintenance, which is £7,868 for the Auction Yard and £6,609 for the Town Hall. These figures are based on running costs and would not include any improvements, which would be necessary as the facilities need up-grading. Councillors were appalled by this suggestion, which comes at a time when farming has been decimated by Foot and Mouth and efforts are being made to encourage tourism to the area. Cllr Wright felt that the D.C. would be failing in a fundamental obligation by divesting themselves of this function. Following discussion it was unanimously agreed that a response should be sent to Mr Biggs that we do not accept this proposal, we regarding the provision of public toilets as a prime obligation of the District Council. Cllr Blundell proposed that we also add to this letter that the Auction Yard belonged to the Town before the amalgamation and if the Town Council is to take back responsibility for the public toilets then the Auction Yard should also be returned to the Town, seconded by Cllr Carroll and approved. ACTION TOWN CLERK
Cllr Carroll reported that there are currently no signs to the toilets in the Auction Yard as the sign attached to a post at the entrance has been knocked down, she proposed that a letter is sent to Mr W. Jones requesting a new one. Seconded by Cllr Magill and approved. ACTION TOWN CLERK
10. HIGHWAY MATTERS:
Surfacing: Mr Roberts has responded to our letter about the unsatisfactory re-surfacing in Church Street and High Street. There have been a number of trenches in the Town in recent times and these have continued to settle because of the ingress of water. The decision to use tar and chippings was based on the need to seal the road surface to prevent further ingress into the road foundations. The roads will be inspected on a regular basis and further sanding will take place if the hot weather continues. Cllr Wright still felt that this is an inappropriate method for a Conservation Area. Mr Roberts would like to come with Mr Rutherford to discuss the problems and provisionally Tuesday 31st July has been arranged. To meet at 6.15p.m. by the Town Hall.
Kerry Lane: Mr Rutherford met the Mayor to discuss the proposition to lift the level of Kerry Lane to enable the road to be widened. At this meeting if was agreed there is little benefit in lifting tha carriageway and the costs would be prohibitive if utilities want to raise their equipment. At this meeting Mr Rutherford recommended that the Town Council apply for the grant that is available to assist with the cost of small works and arrange to cut back the hedges in Kerry Lane which currently reduce visibility. Cllr Blundell proposed that an application is made for this grant, seconded by Cllr Morris and approved. S.C.C are proposing to construct passing places in the upper section of Kerry Lane and construct a footway at the junction of Kerry Lane and Woodbatch Road. The latter to be completed during the school holidays. Mr Rutherford also thought that bollards around the corner of Corporation Street would prevent vehicles parking on the pavement causing obstruction, this was felt to be a good idea.
Lodge Lane and A488: Mr Rutherford has advised that a design brief is with Parkman's, it was intended to resurface in the next financial year, but this will be brought forward due to the deterioration last winter.
Hedges: Cllr Morris reported that the hedge between Welsh Street and Oak Meadow is very overgrown and reducing visibility considerably. This could be the responsibility of either S.S.D.C., the Housing Association or Days Contractors. The Clerk was asked to contact S.S.D.C. for advise of ownership. AGENDA NEXT MEETING
Mrs Higgs of Welsh Street has written to ask why the decision has been made to stop cutting the ditches in Welsh Street. Other years this has been done up to the 30 mph sign, but this year contractors stop lower down in Welsh Street and she is concerned this will result in the ditches being blocked. Cllr Carroll proposed this is raised with Mr Rutherford at the meeting next week, seconded by Cllr Morris and approved. ACTION TOWN CLERK
It was also reported that the hedge is overhanging the pavement at Coverage Care and the roundabout by the entrance to Stone House is very overgrown. It was proposed that Mr Rutherford's advice should be sought about these matters at the meeting next week.
11. BUS TERMINUS:
Mr Willocks and Mr Gallop would like to make a site visit in order to look at the position of bus stops. Councillors felt this was a good idea. Mrs Morrison, Chairman of Stone House League of Friends has advised that the suggestion of a bus shelter at Stone House had been considered at a recent meeting and it was agreed that if a decision is made to establish the bus service to the hospital then the 'Friends' will consider the provision of a shelter. MEETING TO BE ARRANGED
12. SOUTH SHROPSHIRE HOUSING ASSOCIATION:
Corricks Rise: The problems in Corricks Rise have not been resolved as the Clerk has received further complaints. The South Shropshire Housing Association in response to our request for a meeting of the parties involved advises that they are trying to improve relations between the people involved as there are allegations from both sides and they "respectfully suggest that the issue be left to the Association, the police and S.S.D.C.'s Environmental Health Department." The Mayor and Clerk have written to Mr Holland that it is now eight months since the complaint was first received and nothing has happened yet and the Council still request a meeting.
Clive House: It was reported that the problems in Clive House have not been resolved and the young man has not yet been found suitable alternative accommodation in the Town, although it is understood he has been offered accommodation in Ludlow, which he has declined. It was suggested that if this is the case he should return to his foster parents until appropriate accommodation for his needs has been found.
Open Day: An Open Day is being held at the Lambeth Friendship Centre, Craven Arms on Saturday 28th July between 11.00 am and 5.00 pm. There will be a range of displays showing their services and Board Members and staff will be on duty to discuss activities and get feedback about how the local housing service should be developed.
13. TOWN HALL:
Walls: Cllr Wright reported that some of the render has come away from the wall and a large piece that has recently fallen off was produced. There is a row of cement to the right of the main door which is cracked and moving away from the sandstone, which over the Winter with frost and rain will deteriorate even more. It was felt this could be the start of a potentially serious problem. Mr Richards to be contacted for advise. ACTION TOWN CLERK
Roof: On the 5th July Cllrs Morris and Wright met with Mr Richards, SSDC and Mr Tiernan from English Heritage to look at the roof. The building was viewed from the outside and inside and it was felt that the roof slates had been badly relaid, but without actually inspecting it at eaves level it is not possible to decide if the wrong size nails were used. It appears that some slates were re-used which should not have been and that the reason some are slipping could be the poor quality of the slates rather than the size of fixing. Cllr Morris reported that he and Chris Evans were prepared to get up to the roof on a ladder, to remove some slates and check the nail fixings. Mr Tiernan had advised he would be willing to attend such an inspection if a mobile hoist was available. Cllr Carroll proposed the price of hiring a hoist locally is obtained and if it is not too expensive The Mayor and Clerk are given power to act, seconded by Cllr Whittall and approved.

Pictures: At the last meeting when details of Mr Sweetings estimate for the pictures were given, the Clerk had overlooked Sally Chappell's estimate which had been received some time ago. Apologies were given for this and the Clerk explained that Ms Chappell's estimate for repair and conservation work to the pictures was £672, which did not include the large oil, as she recommended this required professional attention. Mr Sweeting, before his retirement specialised in restoration of oil paintings. The Clerk suggested that the conservation and repair of the pictures is split between Ms Chappell and Mr Sweeting. Cllr Carroll proposed this is a good idea, seconded by Cllr Morris and approved. ACTION TOWN CLERK

14. PLAYING FIELD:
Skate Board Area: Mr Tim Evans, Youth Worker and six 'skateboarders' attended the meeting to report to the Council the progress that has been made regarding the provision of a skateboarding area in the Playing Field. South Shropshire Youth Forum have agreed to assist the group in seeking funds. Plans and details of equipment have been drawn up together with suitable suppliers and they are looking to raise £42,000. Mr Evans confirmed that the equipment they are currently looking at is not portable. This concerned Cllr Carroll, who suggested that the User Groups and residents in the area meet to agree the most suitable site which will cause the least disruption. Cllr Blundell proposed that a meeting is not necessary at this stage, but should be held once funds are secured. The cost of insurance and a ROSPA Annual Safety Inspection can be included in the bid for funding and Mr Evans asked if these could be organised through the Town Council and the group re-imburse the cost. Regular routine inspections can be carried out locally. Cllr Carroll proposed that the Council approves the progress so far and that a meeting of the User Groups, residents and Playing Field Committee is held in due course to discuss the best location for the area, seconded by Cllr Blundell and approved.
Gate: Mr D. Whitefoot has offered to make a wooden gate for the Playing Field using hard wood if the Council are prepared to meet the cost of materials. Mr Middleton has been approached to give a price, but to date has not been in contact. The Clerk was asked to contact Mr Middleton again and in the meantime thank Mr Whitefoot for his kind offer.
Dog Bin: Cllr Carroll reported that the dog bin has been damaged and the lid does not fit properly. Cllr Whittall will inspect and repair if he can.
Trees: It was reported that some of the lower branches of the trees need cutting back as some are overerhanging the footpath while others are being swung on by children. Cllrs Whittall and Blundell will prune trees.
15. BISHOP'S CASTLE NATURALISTS; SEVERN TRENT LAND:
A letter was read from Mr C. Millard, Treasurer of the Bishop's Castle Naturalists. Some years ago they had been asked by the Council if they would be prepared to manage a small area of land which may be gifted by Severn Trent, which was to be made into a 'Conservation Area'. Cllr Carroll said that work at the Severn Trent site had taken place and proposed that a letter should be sent asking if the land is still available. Cllr Blundell recalled meeting a representative from Severn Trent with a number of Councillors when he was Mayor and thought they would probably have contacted us by now if the land was still available. He proposed this is on the Agenda of the next meeting and in the meantime Councillors make a visit to the area to see what is happening. AGENDA NEXT MEETING

16. LITTER BIN - CHURCH STREET:
Cllr Whittall reported that there are large amounts of litter around the bench in Church Street, opposite the Boar's Head. The present litter bin is a small post bin and Cllr Whittall proposed that the price of a large back bin similar to one at the front of the Town Hall is obtained for the next meeting. Seconded by Cllr Carroll and approved. ACTION TOWN CLERK
17. BISHOP'S CASTLE & DISTRICT DIAL-A-RIDE:
The Mayor asked for another representative to be appointed for the Dial-a-ride Committee in his place, but no nominations were put forward. Mr Varcoe, theCo-ordinator has contacted the Council, as they urgently need to recruit new voluntary drivers for the bus and the voluntary car scheme, recently illness and family commitments have meant a number of drivers are not available. Any one wishing to volunteer should contact the office at Enterprise House. It was suggested that an article in the local press might help. Cllr Magill had attended the A.G.M. on the 5th June at the Community College and had received a copy of the Annual Report 2000/01 and Business Plan for 2001/2002. FOR CIRCULATION

18. CHAPEL YARD HERITAGE ARCHIVE CENTRE:
At the last meeting Cllr Jones had been appointed to represent the Council on the Chapel Yard Heritage Archive Centre Partnership, but two voting members are required. Cllr Magill was appointed as the second representative.
19. REPORT OF RECENT MEETINGS ATTENDED BY COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES:
a) Bishop's Castle Lifeline Company Ltd. meeting held on 5th July 2001 at the Boars Head. Minutes to be circulated. The Clerk noted that under item 7.3 'Special Items' .." it was felt that a visit by the Chairman to the Council would be valuable." The Clerk was asked to invite Mr Corfield to the next meeting.
b) The Leisure Centre, Bishop's Castle. Minutes of Joint Use Advisory Committee held on 16th February, Agenda for meeting held on 23rd May and Manager's Report for the Leisure Centre 16th January to 23rd May. FOR CIRCULATION
c) South Shropshire Area Committee of S.A.P.T.C. Agenda for meeting held on 9th July at Stone House, Ludow and minutes of meeting held on 9th April. CIRCULATE
20. CORRESPONDENCE:.
a) SSDC, B.C. Michaelmas Fair 2001: Request has been received for additional road closures for Sunday 23rd September. Between 9.00 am and 5.30 pm in addition to High Street already requested, Church Street from the junction with Station Street up to High Street and Harley Jenkins Street from the junction with Church Street as far as the entrance to the Harley Jenkins Street car park. Cllr Magill proposed no objection, seconded by Cllr Blundell and approved.
b) SSDC, B.C. Christmas Lights Festival 2001: Request has been received for a street closure to accommodate the annual festival being held on Saturday 24th November. from 2.00 - 11.00 pm Church Street and High Street, Market Square and part of Salop Street (to the Three Tuns entrance) and Harley Jenkins Street. Cllrs Whittall, Blundell and Carroll declared an interest under 3.e and took no part in the discussion. Cllr Magill proposed no objection, seconded by Cllr Pinches and approved.
c) Mr and Mrs D. Whittle: Letter read regarding litter bin on Old Castle Land. With footpaths closed because of Foot and Mouth more dog owners are exercising their dogs on the Old Castle Land and Mr and Mrs Whittle who have emptied the litter bin on the land for over three years would like a dog bin. They also ask if it would be possible to arrange for the bin to be incorporated in the emptying programme with other bins in the Town. Cllr Morris proposed that a dog waste bin is purchased, seconded by Cllr Whittall and approved.
d) S.S.D.C. Best Value Practice Notes. It had been intended to issue sets of the current Notes at the beginning of July. However this has been delayed until the Autumn because revision is required to take account of the new structure of Government departments introduced on 9th June and the new structure prepared for the Council and its decision-making pocesses.
e) Mrs R. Coxall is making a scroll for the Town Crier and The Mayor has been asked if the Town Crest can be used. Cllr Carroll proposed no objection, seconded by Cllr Jones and approved.

f) South Shropshire Access Group: Minutes of meeting held on 15th May and Agenda for meeting held on 17th June 2001. FOR CIRCULATION
g) The Wasteless Society: Newsletter FOR CIRCULATION
h) Civil Protection: FOR CIRCULATION
i) S.A.P.T.C. New County Secretary, Karen Roper has commenced employment and would like to talk to all Parish and Town Councils to find out how the Association could better serve our needs. Councillors felt that Ms Roper should be invited to a meeting in the near future, depending on which meeting Mr Corfield attends.
j) Street Lights: A box of bulbs have been purchased for the lights in the Playing Field, which Cllrs Whittall and Blundell are prepared to change when necessary. They would also be prepared to change bulbs on street lights if Councillors wish. The Mayor said he wasn't sure whether the contract with M.E.B. Contracting would permit this and asked if this could be on the Agenda for the next meeting and in the meantime the Clerk obtain a copy of the contract for lighting repairs with M.E.B.
The Mayor declared the meeting closed at 10.00 p.m.