MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF BISHOP'S CASTLE TOWN COUNCIL, HELD IN THE TOWN HALL ON TUESDAY 29TH MAY 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, B.P. Jones, E.A. Lawrence, J.A. Magill, K.E.C. Pinches, J.A.J. Whittall and R.D. Wright.

1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE: Apologies received from Councillor Kinmond.

2. MINUTES OF COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON 1ST MAY & ANNUAL COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON 15TH MAY 2001:
Minutes of the Council meetings held on Tuesday 1st May and The Annual Meeting held on Tuesday 15th May, having been circulated were proposed as a true record by Cllr Blundell, seconded by Cllr Jones, approved and signed by The Mayor.

3. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST:
Councillor Blundell declared an indirect pecuniary interest on item 16.a and a direct pecuniary interest on item 6.a.

4. MATTERS ARISING:
a) From Council meeting on 1st May 2001:
Item 4.12: Miss C. Shine, Planning Department of SSDC has advised that she will inspect the site in relation to the concerns of the quality of the footpath surface and will contact the Council again when an assessment has been made. She advised that planning permissions relating to the site have revealed that S.C.C. confirmed that footpaths 11 and 49 are adequately accommodated within the approved plan. Cllr Carroll asked for this to be on the agenda of the next meeting. AGENDA NEXT MEETING
Item 15.3: No response from Mr J. Griffiths and Mr Sweeting will ring at the beginning of June to confirm when he will be able to look at the pictures.
Item 3 from Annual Town Meeting: Copy of EMail read from Ms J. Harper, S.C.C. advising that the footpath in Montgomery Road is on the 'wish list' with Mr Allard for consideration as a future improvement site. Cllr Blundell was surprised that this project has got no further than a 'wish list', as it is now at least ten years since a request was made to S.C.C. and at the time an offer of land had been made by the landowner. Cllr Blundell proposed a letter is sent to S.C.C., seconded by Cllr Wright and approved. ACTION TOWN CLERK
Correspondence also read regarding the highway maintenance on the A488 Bishop's Castle to Lydham and the provision for pedestrians and horse riders and the provision of a pavement at the crossroads between Corporation Street and Woodbatch Road.
Item 7: No response from the Community College about repairing damaged benches.
Item 11: No reply from W.T. Parker regarding estimates for up-grading lighting in Church Lane.
a) From Annual Council meeting on 15th May 2001:
Item 4: Administration Services, SSDC - Arrangements for the Road Closure Order for Mayor's Sunday on 10th June have been put in hand.
Item 9: Letter from C.C. Peter Phillips was read concerning a number of items raised in the Mayor's speech. Cllr Phillips comments were noted, although Cllr Blundell felt that the Mayor's speech was entirely at the Mayor's discretion.

5. MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WISHING TO SPEAK: None.6. TOWN & COUNTRY PLANNING ACT:
a) 1/01/12183/B Listed Building Consent. Repairs to building (delegated matter) 28 High Street, Bishop's Castle. Mr A. Screen. Cllr Blundell left the room whilst this was discussed. Cllr Wright proposed NO OBJECTION, seconded by Cllr Pinches and approved.
b) 1/01/12195/F Planning Permission (full) for retention of a demountable building for use as a daycare centre, and associated site works. (delegated matter) Bishop's Castle Business Park, South Shropshire District Council. Cllr Jones proposed NO OBJECTION, for a maximum of 5 years, seconded by Cllr Whittall and approved.
c) 1/01/12223/LB Listed Building Consent. Replacement windows to front elevation. (delegated matter) 47, Church Street, Bishop's Castle. Ms E. Bowles. Cllr Carroll proposed NO OBJECTION, seconded by Cllr Whittall and approved.
d) 1/01/12132/F Planning Permission (full) for erection of agricultural building and alteration to (existing) vehicular access (delegated matter) The Cottage Farm, Bishop's Castle. Beaumond Partners. Cllr Whittall proposed NO OBJECTION, seconded by Cllr Bedell and approved.
e) 1/01/12246/CC Shropshire County Council: Planning Permission for construction of single storey extension to provide a science laboratory and provision of glazed covered way to entrances. The Community College. This correspondence was noted.
f) 1/01/12234/LB Listed Building Consent for reinstatement of fire damaged dwelling. Moonbeam Cottage, Chapel Yard, Bishop's Castle. Mr F. Harrison. Cllr Blundell proposed NO OBJECTION, seconded by Cllr Whittall and approved.
g) 1/01/12247/F Planning Permission (full) and 1/01/12248/LB Listed Building Consent for change of use of bakery to dwelling and erection of deomestic garage. Former bakery, Church Street, Bishop's Castle. Mr D. Pearce, Heathmynd, Bishop's Moat, Bishop's Castle. Cllr Whittall proposed NO OBJECTION, providing the right of way used by the two properties at the rear of site is unaffected and that the drainage system is found to be satisfactory, seconded by Cllr Blundell and approved.
f) The following Planning Reports have been received since the last meeting:
1) 1/01/12064/F Notice of withdrawal of application for erection of a dwelling. Plot B4, The Wintles, Welsh Street, Bishop's Castle. Mr and Mrs Howard.
2) 1/01/11902/LB Planning Permission granted for removal of partition wall. 8 Welsh Street, Bishop's Castle. A. Draper.
3) 1/01/12023/LB Listed Building Consent granted for alterations to dwelling. 3 Bull Street, Bishop's Castle. Mrs A. Nathan.
4) 1/01/12021/AD Refusal of Permission for advertisements. Display of canopy sign and illuminated gantry sign. 17 Church Street, Bishop's Castle. Harry Tuffin Ltd. The gantry sign has been illuminated on occasions and Councillors are asked to contact the Clerk if they notice it again. The Clerk was asked to pass on details to the Planning Department.

7. S.S.D.C. LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT - STANDARDS BOARDS:
Letter from Mr R. Thomas, Head of Legal Seervices was read. In Part III of the Local Government Act 2000 the Government has intoduced a new ethical framework for local government which will replace existing arrangements for ensuring probity, including the National Code of Local Government Conduct. All Councils will have to introduce elements of the framework which will centre on a new Code of Conduct. Local Councils will not be required to appoint a Standards Committee and The Government are requiring District Councils to undertake this function for Town & Parish Councils within their area. The primary task of the Standards Committee will be to guide and advise the District Council on conduct matters and will be required to oversee the compliance with the new Code of Conduct.
The District Council's Policy and Resources Committee favour the appointment of such a body and it is proposed to appoint a Sub-Committee comprising of five members, if the majority of local Councils support this approach. A reponse is required before the 15th June. Cllr Wright said that the letter putting foward this option does not give details of the alternative options and proposed the Clerk contacts Mr Thomas as a matter of urgency to request details and if necessary a Special Meeting is called to consider, seconded by Cllr Pinches and approved. ACTION TOWN CLERK

8. ACCOUNTS:
In addition to the accounts listed on the Agenda, the following invoice has been received:
M.E.B. Contracting - lighting repairs - £263.07
Cllr Blundell proposed that all accounts as presented are approved for payment, seconded by Cllr Magill and approved.
The Clerk advised the Council that notice has been received that arrangements have been made for the audit of accounts to year ending 31st March 2001. Accounts and related documents should be made available to the auditor on 25th June at 10.00 am and the Clerk or Chairman should attend the audit on 5th July at 10.00 am. Local government electors may exercise their rights under Regulation 12 of the Accounts and Audit Regulations 1996 and section 15 and 16 of the Audit Commission Act 1998 to question the auditor about or make objections to the accounts on the date and subsequently until such time as the auditor certified the completion of the audit.

9. SEVERN TRENT WATER:
a) Church Lane Sewerage: Following representations by Christopher Gill M.P. a letter from Bob Ainsworth M.P. was read. This letter advised that Anglian Water have sought Judicial Reviews into four appeal decisions made by the Agency. The fact that Judicial Reviews have called into question parts of the Guidance does not relieve sewerage undertakers of their duty under section 101A It is suggested that the Council considers referring the case to the Environment Agency on appeal if it seems that a satisfactory answer from Severn Trent Water is not likely to be forthcoming. But, as part of their legal action, Anglian Water are challenging the appropriateness of the Agency to deal with section 101A appeals, so any appeals at this time to the Agency may not receive a rapid response. Cllr Blundell proposed this Council takes no further action at the present time, seconded by Cllr Whittall and approved.
b) Poor water quality: The Mayor reported that at present the water seems to be discoloured, but has discovered this is on his own property, not a general problem and Severn Trent have been contacted. Cllr Blundell reported that many people have said that their water is discoloured and urged people to report poor water quality problems to Severn Trent.

10. TOWN CLERK'S CONTRACT OF EMPLOYMENT:
The Clerk reported that according to her Contract of Employment there are no set hours of work. Over the ten years since her employment began the hours required to carry out the job have increased significantly and having recorded the number of hours worked over the last 9 weeks shows a total of 119 hours. This averages out at 13.5 hours per week, worked mainly on Tuesday, Wednesday and either Thursday or Friday mornings, plus meetings. On the current salary this equates to an hourly rate of £4.43 per hour, which is felt to be unacceptably low. The Clerk after presenting this information left the room which discussion took place and the Mayor noted the proceedings. Cllr Blundell proposed an increase in the salary for the Clerk with immediate effect to £5,280 per annum, seconded by Cllr Wright and approved.

11. PLAY AREA - OAK MEADOW:
A letter from South Shropshire Housing Association enclosed a letter from Days Construction regarding the open space adjacent to the new development. This letter advises that Days are covenanted to transfer the land, in a seeded state, back to the Council on completion of the whole development. They would anticipate doing this on completion of phase 3. Cllr Carroll proposed a letter is sent to SSDC requesting that this area of land should be left as a 'kick-about' area on which the children of Oak Meadow can play ball games and it is suggested that it may be wise to net the area to prevent complaints from neighbouring properties. Seconded by Cllr Jones and approved. ACTION TOWN CLERK

12. BUS TERMINUS:
Mr Gallop has advised that he has contacted each of the five bus companies that serve Bishop's Castle asking for their view on the use of the entrance to the hospital as the terminus. When he has the responses from all companies he will contact the Council again. The Shrewsbury service is primarily a commercial operation, so that any final decision regarding terminal arrangements and routeing rests with the Company. Cllr Carroll proposed that the Council awaits a response and this is on the Agenda for discussion, seconded by Cllr Wright and approved. AGENDA NEXT MEETING

13. RECENT RESURFACING WORKS:
Cllr Wright was appalled about the recent resurfacing work with tar and chippings that has taken place in Church Street and High Street. The result of which is a cheap and unsatisfactory surface, particularly for a town centre and is certainly not an appropriate surface in a Conservation Area. Cllr Pinches reported that only 24 hours notice was given by putting up posters advising that work would take place on Thursday 10th or Friday 11th May. He had contacted the S.C.C. to tell them that it was unreasonable to try and clear the main street of all vehicles on a Friday, the busiest day of the week, particularly as the Friday before contractors had caused chaos trying to patch and prepare the road. In fact the Contractors completed the work on Thursday. Cllr Whittall advised the Council that people had carried on their shoes tar and chippings into shops and businesses causing considerable damage to flooring and carpets. Cllr Wright proposed a letter should be sent to Chairman of Highways at S.C.C. with copies to Mr Rutherford and C.C. Peter Phillips strongly objecting to the surface, which should enhance the centre of our Market Town, seconded by Cllr Carroll and approved. ACTION TOWN CLERK

14. PUBLIC FORUM FOR TRAFFIC IN BISHOP'S CASTLE:
Cllr Wright advised that the date for the Public Forum for Traffic has been re-arranged for Monday 18th June at the Community College. Various schemes have been put forward, none of which he feels is suitable for the Town, and this meeting gives every-one the opportunity to express their opinion. This meeting will be just the beginning of the consultation process and the Police and Council will have the opportunity to make their comments at a later date. Any system introduced would in the first instance be experimental. There are funds available for enhancement of Market Towns and Bishop's Castle should ensure it does not miss out on opportunities to enhance the Town. Cllr Lawrence advised that the Shropshire Partnership is formulating a plan, which needs to be 'on the table' for consideration by the Autumn.

15. HANGING BASKETS:
Cllr Carroll asked if the Council would be willing to once again help with the cost of planting the hanging basket/planters in the Town. For the last two years the Council has contributed £100 towards the cost which is shared with the Chamber of Trade and the Tourism Group. Cllr Carroll proposed a contribution of £100 as last year, seconded by Cllr Wright and approved.

16. PLAYING FIELD:
a) Use of Playing Field for camping over week-end of Beer Festival: Cllr Blundell, who had declared his interest left the room whilst discussion took place. Normally over the week-end of the Beer Festival (6th, 7th, 8th July) camping is available on a field on the outskirts of Town. Unfortunately owing to the Foot and Mouth crisis this year a field will not be available for use. Cllr Carroll proposed that the Playing Field is made available on the understanding that the Festival organisers are responsible for insurance, hire of toilets and regulating the site, seconded by Cllr Whittall and approved.
b) Use for Carnival: Letter from the Public Hall Committee requesting use of the Playing Field for the Annual Carnival on Sunday 1st July. Cllr Blundell proposed no objection providing the Committee organise adequate insurance cover and hire public toilets for the day. Seconded by Cllr Carroll and approved.
c) Soil Heap: Johnnie Williams has moved the soil that was piled by Mr and Mrs Allwood's hedge and spread it over the bank.
d) Gate: Cllr Whittall proposed that the Clerk obtains a price for a new gate for the Playing Field and fencing up the side of the entrance. The oak posts have already been purchased, ready to be erected and suggested that the Clerk contacts Mr S. Middleton, seconded by Cllr Blundell and approved. It was thought that there should be one large gate and a small pedestrian gate, large enough for use by the mobility cars, opening downhill and two bollards installed at the entrance of Kerry Lane.
e) Dog Bin: Cllr Whittall proposed that a dog waste bin is put along the back footpath of the field near the Union Street entrance, seconded by Cllr Blundell and approved. Nearby residents to be contacted first.

17. CHAPEL YARD HERITAGE ARCHIVE CENTRE:
The Chapel Yard Heritage Archive Centre is now open and Cllr Carroll proposed that some of the old papers stored at the Town Hall are moved to the Centre for safe storage, seconded by Cllr Wright and approved.

18. TOWN HALL:
a) Repairs: The Mayor reported that it looks likely that the Town Hall will need to be re-roofed and whilst scaffolding is up the venetian window needs replacing and the sandstone at the side of the window need attention. Cllr Carroll felt that as it is only 16 years since the roof was completely re-slated the Council should not be so eager to spend further large amounts of money without going back to the Contractor and complaining. Cllr Blundell said that there is only a 10 year guarantee on new dwellings and felt that it would be less for a listed building, as English Heritage supervised the work it would be better to write to them for their opinion. Cllr Wright suggested that the project could be handled in a similar manner to the Old Market Place, where grants were obtained from several sources. Cllr Carroll proposed that the Town Hall Committee meet to discuss, then a public meeting is held to seek their ideas and suggestions. The Mayor felt that the Town Hall Committee would need some in-put from some-one with building knowledge and proposed that Mr C. Richards, Conservation Officer is invited to speak to the Council. Cllr Whittall suggested that until we have obtained tenders for the work the Council has no idea what amount of money we are talking about, and we need to have some idea, but as water is coming into the building should the Council consider a temporary repair whilst the alternatives are investigated.
Cllr Blundell proposed that as soon as we have appropriate specifications the Council goes out to tender for the hire of scaffolding, re-roofing, replacement of window and necessary stone work, so at least we know the amount of money needed, seconded by Cllr Jones and approved. Cllr Carroll proposed that a sub-committee meets to discuss what we want to do with the building and look at possible sources of funding, seconded by Cllr Wright and approved.
b) Market Traders: Nothing further to report at present.
c) Forward Planning: Cllr Lawrence has put together several points for consideration regarding the formulation of a Forward Plan, which was circulated to Councillors with the Agenda. Cllr Carroll proposed that as time is always limited at meetings there is a special meeting held to discuss forward planning, seconded by Cllr Wright and approved.
d) Handrail: Letter read from Mr Marsh, Access Officer of S.S.D.C. confirming that the application for a grant for the handrail at the Town Hall has been approved. The grant will be payable on completion of the work to their satisfaction and should be claimed within 12 months of the letter.

19. REPORT OF RECENT MEETING - ENTERPRISE SOUTH WEST SHROPSHIRE & SHROPSHIRE PARTNERSHIP:
On Wednesday 9th May Cllr Lawrence had attended an 'Objective 2' meeting at the Boar's Head. Minutes of meeting to be circulated. Cllr Lawrence had also attended a meeting of the South Shropshire Partnership on Thursday 10th May at Craven Arms Community Centre. Minutes of this meeting have been circulated.

20. REPORT OF RECENT MEETINGS ATTENDED BY COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES:
a) The Mayor reported that he had attended the Ludlow Festival of Crafts on 26th May when prizes were given to pupils of Church Stretton, Bishop's Castle, Lacon Childe and Ludlow schools.
b) Cllr Whittall had attended a meeting of the Joint Use Leisure Advisory Committee and would circulate the minutes when he received them.

21. CORRESPONDENCE:.
a) Residents of Clive House: Irate residents of Clive House reported that a new tenant who recently moved in was noisy and breaking the conditions of his tenancy from the day he moved in. It was felt that this was not appropriate accommodation for this young person, who might be better placed in a supervised environment. Cllr Jones proposed that Clerk urgently contacts the South Shropshire Housing Association and request this complaint be investigated, seconded by Cllr Blundell, who suggested that noise complaints should be passed to the appropriate department of S.S.D.C. Cllr Wright proposed copies of this correspondence is sent to Social Services
b) The Clerk has received a report of up to five vehicles parked on the pavement and road near the Corporation Street/Kerry Lane junction. Concern was raised about this junction at the Annual Town Meeting and there had been an accident there last week-end. Cllr Wright proposed this should be on the Agenda for the next meeting.
c) S.C.C. Best Value Performance Plan 2001/2002: It is a requirement for the C.C. to publish information about its priorities, targets and performance. Any comments regarding this Plan, which is also available in libraries and on S.C.C. web site, would be appreciated. This is a bulky document and it was agreed that it should be retained by the Clerk and those Councillors wishing to loan it should contact her, rather than it be put into circulation.
d) S.C.C.: Parish Involvement in Highway Maintenance: An initiative by S.C.C.'s Community & Environment Directorate and S.A.P.T.C. Leaflet outlining the role of Parish Councils in dealing with minor highway defects which cause concern to the local community and guidelines for councils who are considering using volunteers. CIRCULATE & AGENDA FOR NEXT MEETING
e) Mr P. Lewis, Language Teacher, Community College: Request the opportunity to talk to the Council regarding re-presenting the proposal to form links with the French town of St. Marcel. There would be no requirement for a financial commitment as any project set up would have to be self-financing. It may even attract funding from European sources.

AGENDA NEXT MEETING
f) L. Keay, Support Services Supervisor, S.S.D.C.: From 1st June local authorities are required to issue Concessionary Travel Passes to pensioners and people with certain disabilities. To assist applicants in obtaining a pass, Officers of S.S.D.C. will be visiting a number of parish & village halls during May. The Clerk reported the Notice giving details of dates had been posted on the Town Hall Notice Board.
g) Community Council of Shropshire: 'Rural White Paper' A seminar has been arranged for local communities voluntary organisations and Town & Parish Councils to be held at The Guildhall, Oswestry, on Wednesday 6th June. Delegate fee is £12 per person. Any Councillor wishing to attend should contact the Clerk who has the booking form.
h) Community Council of Shropshire: Rural Transport. A conference for voluntary and community organisations and Town & Parish Councils has been arranged for Wednesday 20th June at The Gateway, Shrewsbury, from 9.30 am to 4.00 pm. The cost is £10 per delegate. Any Councillor wishing to attend to contact the Clerk who has the booking form.
i) Mr R. Beaumond, Community College: 'Tunes from the Trenches' The tape made last October is ready and an invitation is extended to go to the Boar's Head on Monday 18th June at 8.00 pm for the launch.
j) Enterprise House: invitation to an Open Evening on Thursday 14th June, drop in at any time between 6.00 pm - 9.00 pm.
k) South Shropshire Housing Association: The Association has been reviewing it's community involvement strategy and has sent out a copy for consultation to tenants and a cross section of the community. Feedback will be appreciated and it is anticipated that the final version will be available later in the year. FOR CIRCULATION
l) South Shropshire Access Group: Agenda for meeting held on 15th May and minutes of meeting 20th March. CIRCULATE
m) B.C. & District Dial-a-Ride: Letter of thanks for the donation towards running costs.
n) S.C.C.: Re-tendering of Local Bus Service Contracts: A number of contracts for local service are due to expire at the end of August. Copies of the timetable for these service are enclosed. Comments on this or any other services in general are welcome.

The Mayor declared the meeting closed at 10.03 p.m.