MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF BISHOP'S CASTLE TOWN COUNCIL, HELD IN THE TOWN HALL ON TUESDAY 26TH JUNE 2001 AT 8.00PM PRESENT: Councillor G.N. St J. Penney, Mayor, in the Chair.
Councillors: S.J.S. Bedell, J.L.V. Blundell, J.M. Carroll, 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 Cllrs Jones and Lawrence. Cllr Lawrence applies to the Council for sick leave. Cllr Wright proposed that sick leave is approved, seconded by Cllr Magill and approved.

2. MINUTES OF COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON 5TH MAY 2001:
Minutes of the Council meeting held on Tuesday 5th May, having been circulated were proposed as a true record by Cllr Blundell, seconded by Cllr Pinches, approved and signed by The Mayor.
3. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST: None.
4. MATTERS ARISING:
Item 4.12: Mr Newnham, S.C.C. telephoned to advise that he had visited Oak Meadow and he has a number of concerns about the footpath which he is contacting Days Contractors about. AGENDA NEXT MEETING
Item 4.3: No response received regarding the footpath in Montgomery Road.
Item 4.7: A letter was read from Mr Hunt regarding repairing the damaged bench. He suggested a meeting with some of the Councillors to discuss the matter would be helpful. Cllr Whittall proposed the Clerk should contact Mr Hunt's secretary to arrange a meeting and any Councillors available attend.
Item 11: W.T. Parker have provided an estimate for the erection of new lights in Church Lane, the price does not include providing the service to the new lights and is more than the quotation from M.E.B. Contracting. The Clerk has given an order to M.E.B. Contracting, as approved at the meeting on 1st May.
Item 13: Mr J. Roberts, Chief Engineer, Highway Maintenance, S.C.C. has acknowledged receipt of the Councils concern about the road resurfacing and with Mr Rutherford will be investigating. Cllr Wright reported that in the recent hot weather the tar had melted and the road is in a disgraceful state. He had tried to contact Mr Rutherford without success.
Item 17: The Mayor and Deputy have recently moved some of the old Council papers from the Town Hall to the Heritage Archive Centre. Cllr Carroll had understood that more of the old papers, kept in the Wooden chest were also to be moved. The Mayor had discussed this with Mrs Marion Roberts, the Honorary Archivist, who reported that she is sorting and listing all the papers in the Town Hall with the aid of the local History Group and would not wish any of the papers to be removed until the group have finished their project.
Item 21.a: There have been numerous telephone calls and letters between The Housing Association, Social Services and the resident's parents, regarding the problems being experienced by tenants of Clive House. The matter is being dealt with and will hopefully be resolved in the near future.
5. MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WISHING TO SPEAK: None.
6. TOWN & COUNTRY PLANNING ACT:
a) 1/01/12257/F and 1/01/12258/LB Planning Permission (full) and Listed Building Consent for erection of extensions and alterations to hotel (delegated matter). Castle Hotel, Market Square, Bishop's Castle. Mr D. Simpson. Cllr Whittall proposed NO OBJECTION, seconded by Cllr Morris and approved.
The following Planning Reports have been received since the last meeting:
1) 1/01/11829/F and 1/01/11830/LB Planning Permission and Listed Building Consent granted for conversion of garage/workshop to 2 dwellings. 10 Market Square, Bishop's Castle. Melcourt Farms Ltd.
2) 1/01/11824/AD Refusal of Permission for advertisement: Display of fascia and projecting sign. Barclays Bank plc, High Street.
3) 1/01/12088/O Outline Planning Permission approved for erection of a dwelling and garage. Land adjoining Hall Villa, Bishop's Castle. Mr and Mrs D. Jones.
4) 1/01/11864/F Planning Permission approved for conversion of building to dwelling. Rear of 36 High Street, Bishop's Castle, Mr R.E. Davies.
5) 1/01/12087/F Planning Permission approved for erection of extension to garage and retail sales. 17 Church Street, Bishop's Castle. Harry Tuffin Ltd.
6) 1/01/12068/F Planning Permission approved for erection of extension to dwelling and construction of a dormer window. 13 Banks Head, Bishop's Castle. Mr J. Kerswell.
7. ACCOUNTS:
In addition to the accounts listed on the Agenda, the following invoice has been received:
Public Works Loan Board - loan repayment - £934.81
Councillor J.M. Carroll - Travelling Expenses, S.S. Sports & Leisure Committee - £16.00
Cllr Magill advised that it is not necessary to pay the £15.00 Affiliation Fee, as Community College facilities are now available to every-one.
Cllr Blundell proposed that all accounts as presented, except the £15 Affiliation Fee, are approved for payment, seconded by Cllr Kinmond and approved.
8. S.S.D.C. LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT - STANDARDS BOARDS:
Letter from Mr Thomas read regarding the appointment of a Standards Committee which District Council must establish under the provisions of Part 3 of the Local Government Act 2001. The main purpose of this Body is to promote and maintain high standards of conduct by District Council members and staff. In addition, Standards Committees will oversee the administration of the local Councils operating within that District. The purpose of which is to ensure the highest ethical standards are maintained by all Parish and Town Councils. The District have the option of dealing with all these functions through its own Standards Committee, or as S.S.D.C. prefer, to set up a dedicated Sub-Committee to deal with the issues relating to Town and Parish Councils. Cllr Carroll proposed that the Council supports the recommendation, seconded by Cllr Blundell and approved.
9. LOCAL TRANSPORT PLAN:
Shropshire's Local Transport Plan - Stakeholders Seminar to be held on 10th July 2001 at 2.00 pm in the Council Chamber, Shirehall. The purpose of this seminar is to provide information about the various work programmes funded through the LTP and to gather view and opinions on our transport proposals. Cllr Wright advised that he is not available to attend a meeting on this date and the Clerk was asked to contact Cllr Jones on her return from holiday to see if she could represent the Council.
10. PLAY AREA - OAK MEADOW:
The Clerk has written to Mr Jones as requested, but to date no reply has been received. County Councillor Phillips has forwarded copies of correspondence he has had concerning this and in the latest Mr Biggs has advised that the matter has been passed to Mr Jones/ Mr Bryan.
11. LOCAL POLICING:
The Mayor and Clerk had recently received complaints that the new Police Station is not regularly manned. P.C. Weaver was in attendance and advised the Council of the current situation. The Police Station is regularly manned by a counter clerk on Fridays between 9 am and 1 pm for people to produce documents etc. The two Officers based in Bishop's Castle who respond to local issues work mainly core hours and cover two week-ends out of every four. The Rapid Response Unit provide 24 hour cover, the nearest being based in Craven Arms and will respond to any urgent matters.
The intercom on the wall of the Police Station will connect you immediately to an operator at all times, who will establish details and grade calls according to urgency and deploy resources according to demand. Employing a Police Officer to work inside a Station is not productive and West Mercia having a limited budget have to make the best of the resources available. However, there are Police Officers available 24 hours a day available either through the intercom or telephone. P.C. Weaver agreed to publicise this information so that people are aware of the situation.
Cllr Magill expressed concern about under age drinking at the Public Hall and asked if this can be monitored. There being no further questions the Mayor thanked P.C. Weaver for his time in attending the meeting. Cllr Blundell reported that P.C. Bufton retires from the force in August and proposed that a letter of appreciation is sent from the Council, seconded by Cllr Morris and approved. A letter to be brought to the next Council meeting for Councillors to sign.
ACTION TOWN CLERK
11.a. BUS TERMINUS:
Mr Willocks, S.C.C. has contacted the Clerk to advise her that four out of the five service providers have responded to the letter regarding a bus terminus at Stone House and have no objection to the proposal. Councillors were very pleased to hear this, and it is felt it is even more important that the buses do not wait on Church Street as there has been an increase in traffic in this part of Church Street now that the garage has a supermarket within it. ACTION TOWN CLERK
12. PLAYING FIELD:
Carnival Committee Commemorative Tree: It was reported that the tree planted by the Carnival Committee to commemorate its centenary has been removed. Cllr Carroll proposed that the Council arranges for a replacement tree to be planted this Autum and pays for a tree guard around it. Seconded by Cllr Blundell and approved. The Playing Field Committee to meet to discuss type of tree and look at alternative sites, as this particular area is not suitable for a tree that will grow very high.
Millennium Oak: Cllr Carroll reported that the Millennum Oak given by the Shropshire Star last year appears to have died. The Clerk reported that last year when it was looking unhealthy some-one had offered a replacement, she would see if it is still available.
13. BOWLING GREEN CLOSE FOOTPATH:
Cllr Carroll reported that when it rains the footpath at the back of Bowling Green Close floods and she has been advised that the water runs onto the path from the adjacent car park, where it seems there may be a broken drain. It was also reported that the trees in the hedge are overhanging the light again. Cllr Carroll proposed that a letter is sent to Halls Auctioneers about both matters, seconded by Cllr Wright and approved. Cllr Carroll would like to see the tarmac continued down the length of the path and it was agreed that a tarmac path would need edging kerbs both sides. Cllr Whittall proposed that no action is taken until the flooding problem has been sorted out, seconded by Cllr Blundell and approved ACTION TOWN CLERK
14. OLD MARKET HALL PLACE:
Cllr Magill said that it has been reported to her that children with bikes and skateboards are using the Old Market Hall Place and are causing damage to the slabs, chipping pieces off and one slab is now loose. Cllr Whittall reported that the wall at the end of Grange Road is similarly damaged. Cllr Magill proposed that a notice is put up 'No bikes or Skate Boards' on this area, seconded by Cllr Whittall and approved. Cllr Magill would asked her husband to secure the loose slab. ACTION CLLR MAGILL AND TOWN CLERK
15. PARKED CARS ON CORPORATION STREET/KERRY LANE CROSSROADS:
Concern has been expressed about the Corporation Street / Kerry Lane crossroads. Visibility from the crossroads is very poor, there are often a number of cars parked on the pavement and surrounding area, children have to cross the road to get to and from school. County Councillor Phillips has already taken up realigning the crossroads with Mr Rutherford, Divisional Surveyor and it has been noted that one property is in the process of altering their property so that cars may be parked off the road. Cllr Whittall said that it was reported at the Traffic Management meeting earlier this year that Corporation Street could be considered a suitable road for a 'Home Zone' and perhaps this should be taken up. He also suggested that the idea in the Mayor's speech about filling in Kerry Lane to enable it to be widened and improved should be taken forward. The Clerk was asked to write to S.C.C. and C.C. Peter Phillips about this suggestion. ACTION TOWN CLERK
16. HIGHWAY MAINTENANCE:
An Information leaflet about Parish Council Involvement in Highway Maintenance has been circulated to Councillors, this is an initiative by S.C.C.'s Community and Environment Directorate and the S.A.P.T.C. Cllr Wright proposed it is not appropriate for this Council to take action, seconded by Cllr Pinches and approved.
17. LINKS WITH ST. MARCEL:
50 Students and teachers, which include the Mayor of St. Marcel had recently been to Bishop's Castle for ten days, during which time The Mayor had visited the Community College to welcome them. Mr Lewis, teacher at the Community College has written to the Town Council to ask if the Council would offer it's support to establishing connections with St. Marcel, a french town near Paris. Previously when the idea has been discussed it was rejected because of fears of commitment to a budget which the Town Council could not afford. However, Mr Lewis stressed that there is no requirement for any spending, that a project could be self-financing and may in fact attract funding from European sources. Cllr Blundell proposed that the Council approved of links with St. Marcel in principle, providing there is no expense involved, seconded by Cllr Magill and approved. ACTION TOWN CLERK

18. TOWN HALL:
Roof: Mr Colin Richards, Conservation Officer, S.S.D.C. had kindly agreed to attend the meeting to talk about the problems with the Town Hall roof. He told Councillors that the building is a fine example of a Grade II* and one of the best in Shropshire, which has been in continuous use for 200 -250 years. The building was completely re-roofed in 1986 with the aid of a grant from English Heritage. The roof should have remained in good condition for many many years and it is most unfortunate that some slates have come off, putting the fabric of the building at risk. Long wet winters where you have a building of a mixture of hard and soft woods are ideal condition to develop fungus and a legacy of deterioration could build up. It is imperative that the present problems are attended to if we are to avoid further problems. English Heritage have been contacted for advice and a representative will be coming to look at the building very soon.
Scaffolding will be required to have good look at the problems and it is suggested that whilst this is up the other matters of concern are also attended too. We have been advised that the venetian window needs to be replaced and there are cracks in the sandstone at the side of this window. Cllr Wright asked about painting the pediment, but Mr Richards would not recommend this, as it would require ongoing maintenace and would need to be the right type of paint. Neither is sandblasting to remove the graffiti recommended as it would expose the softer interior of the sandstone, instead he recommended a sugar solution, which when the scaffolding is up could be used to clean up all the stone and brickwork. At the same time the windows should be painted. Mr Richards suggested that advice is sought from Mr G. Biggs, Chief Executive, S.S.D.C. about availability of grants. The priority at present must be the roof and cracks in the sandstone and English Heritage are the most appropriate people to advise in the first instance.
Pictures: Mr Deby Sweeting has been to look at the pictures in the Town Hall and is most impressed with the collection. However, most are showing signs of derioration due to age and damp and it is important that they receive the appropriate treatment in order to preserve them for the future. He estimates that all the pictures can be cleaned, repaired where necessary, preserved and re-framed for approximately £1,000. Cllr Blundell proposed that a further estimate is obtained, seconded by Cllr Wright, but after further discussion about this being a specialised job Cllr Blundell proposed that Mr Sweeting is asked to go ahead with the repair and restoration, seconded by Cllr Morris and approved.

Christmas Lights Festival: A request to use the Town Hall on Saturday 24th November. The Christmas Lights Festival Committee would like to use ground floor for Charity stalls and the Mayor's Parlour as Father Christmas' Grotto. They suggest the children and parents/carers use the back stairs into the Council Chamber where they can wait in the warm and dry and be entertained whilst they wait to see Father Christmas, leaving by the front stairs. The Clerk has already taken a booking for the downstairs for a Flea Market on that day. Cllr Carroll said she would contact Mrs Burkhill to discuss. Cllr Wright proposed No Objection, seconded by Cllr Morris and approved.

19. FOWARD PLANNING:
The Deputy Mayor reported that some Councillors had attended an informal discussion prior to the meeting, but until we are more informed about the likely cost of the Town Hall roof we are not in a position to know what finances are available to put into other projects. Various suggestions have recently been discussed for the future of the Town Hall to make it a more viable building and Cllr Carroll proposed that the public should be consulted and suggested a public meeting should be held to discuss any ideas and suggestions which people may have. Following that Mr G. Biggs should be consulted and invited to a Council meeting. It was agreed a public meeting should be held on Tuesday 31st July in the Town Hall at 7.30 p.m. The Clerk was asked to arrange posters and publish a piece in the local papers. ACTION TOWN CLERK

20. BISHOP'S CASTLE & DISTRICT DIAL-A-RIDE:
The A.G.M. of the Bishop's Castle and District Dial-a-Ride is to take place on Monday 2nd July at 7.30 p.m. in the Library at the Community College. As part of its ongoing commitment to community work in the area it is hoped that community groups and individuals will send a representative to the meeting to suggest further ways in which the transport service could be used and comment on existing ones. The Mayor is not available on this date and Cllr Magill said she was willing to attend. ACTION CLLR MAGILL
21. ENTERPRISE SOUTH WEST SHROPSHIRE: Report from recent meeting to be circulated when received.
22. REPORT OF RECENT MEETINGS ATTENDED BY COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES:
Reports from any meetings to be circulated when received or reported on at the next meeting.
23. CORRESPONDENCE:.
a) Chapel Yard Heritage Archive Centre: The articles of constitution require two voting members from each partner organisation. Names of the Council representatives to be passed to the Secretary before the next meeting on 23rd July. Cllr Carroll proposed Cllr Jones, seconded by Cllr Blundell and approved. The Centre is available for Partnership Societies to book as a venue for meetings. There is no hiring fee but donations towards running costs would be welcomed.
b) S.C.C. Foot and Mouth Disease: The County Council's Foot and Mouth Disease Committee have considered re-opening rights of way in the context of the latest MAFF and Veterinary Guidance, which states there is a vanishingly low risk of walkers spreading infection. TO BE CIRCULATED
c) Environment Agency: The River Severn Corridor Abstraction Management Strategy: Management of water resources of the Rivern Severn are being reviewed and a leaflet produced outlines how this will be achieved and describes how you can take part in the consultation process. TO BE CIRCULATED
d) Leader+ in the Middle Marches: Would you like to help revive traditional skills in your community? This is a project to help low paid and young people to make a good living in the countryside. This may include skills and training in rural industries, the development of products from the countryside and marketing of these products.
TO BE CIRCULATED
e) South Shropshire Police-Community Consultative Group: Minutes of the Annual General Meeting held in Ludlow on Tuesday 10th April 2001. TO BE CIRCULATED
f) News from The Shropshire Hills: Spring 2001 TO BE CIRCULATED
g) SAPTC: NALC Corporate Plan 2001 Document: SAPTC have recently received this document and have been asked to consult local Councils and receive views. The contents of the plan would affect the way SAPTC work and the services that are available to Council. Comments as soon as possible. TO BE CIRCULATED
Mobile Base Stations: Consulting with local communities: TO BE CIRCULATED
h) S.C.C. Summer Opening Times for Household Waste sites and Recycling Facilities. NOTICE BOARD
i) Action News - regional Action West Midlands: Newsletter TO BE CIRCULATED
j) Corricks Rise, Bishop's Castle: Ongoing problems with some residents. Cllr Blundell proposed this is on the Agenda for the next meeting, seconded by Cllr Pinches and approved. AGENDA NEXT MEETING
The Mayor declared the meeting closed at 10.00 p.m.