MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF BISHOP'S CASTLE TOWN COUNCIL, HELD IN THE TOWN HALL ON TUESDAY 2ND APRIL 2002 AT 8.00PM

PRESENT: Councillor G.N. St J. Penney, Mayor, in the Chair.
Councillors: J.M. Carroll, J.L.V. Blundell, E.A. Lawrence, J.A. Magill, K.E.C. Pinches, J.A.J. Whittall and R.D. Wright.

The Mayor and Council stood in silence in memory of H.M. Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother who died last Saturday.

1. NEW ETHICAL FRAMEWORK:

Letter from Mr R. Thomas, Head of Legal Services, SSDC read, reminding the Council of the timescales which apply now it has adopted the Code of Conduct. a) Declaration of acceptance of office and undertaking to observe the Code of Conduct must be returned to the Clerk within 2 months of adopting the Code of Conduct. It was confirmed that all Councillors present have signed and returned these to the Clerk. b) The form relating to the Notification of Financial and other interests must be completed and returned to the Clerk within 28 days of adopting the Code of Conduct. It was confirmed that all Councillors present have completed their forms and returned them to the Clerk.

2. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE: Apologies received from Cllrs Bedell, Jones, Kinmond and Morris.

3. MINUTES OF COUNCIL MEETINGS HELD ON 5TH MARCH 2002:

Minutes of the Council meetings held on 5th March, having been circulated were proposed as a true record by Cllr Blundell, seconded by Cllr Lawrence, approved and signed by The Mayor.

4. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST:

Cllrs Blundell and Whittall both declared a prejudicial interest on item 8 and a possible prejudicial interest on item 26.

5. MATTERS ARISING:

Item 4: Council advised that the Hearing between R.D. Sidebottom and S.S.D.C. will continue on Friday 12th April at The Shirehall.

Item 4.9: Mrs Roberts has provided a copy of the Market Charter, which has now been passed to Mr Proctor.

Item 11: Mr Hunt has confirmed he is able to attend the Annual Town meeting on Tuesday 23rd April.

Item 18: The contract for cutting the grass has been given to Sodex Ho, whose price for the season is £1,004.25 + VAT, compared to J.D.M. Midland of £1,204 + VAT.

Item 27.c: L. Keay, has advised that SSDC is investigating new methods of issuing District or Countywide Travel Cards and suggestions would be gratefully received.

South Shropshire Housing Association has acknowledged the Council's concern about footpaths and the cherry trees in Corporation Street. They have arranged for the paths to be inspected and any necessary repairs to be carried out. The grounds maintenance contractor has been asked to attend to the trees.

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

7. TOWN & COUNTRY PLANNING ACT:

a) 1/02/13218/TC Tree works (Conservation Area) for felling of a Scots Pine (delegated matter). St. John the Baptist Church, Bishop's Castle. Mr B.J. Harrison. It is understood that emergency work has had to be carried out. Cllr Blundell proposed no objection to necessary work being carried out, and recommend a replacement tree is planted, seconded by Cllr Whittall and approved, 4 votes, 1 against.

b) 1/02/13203/F and 1/02/13204/LB Planning Permission (full) and Listed Building Consent for erection of extension and alteration to fenestration to dwelling and erection of ancillary domestic outbuilding. (delegated matter). 58 Church Street, Bishop's Castle. Mr and Mrs J. Greig. Cllr Carroll proposed no objection, seconded by Cllr Wright and approved.

c) 1/02/13221/TC Tree works (Conservation Area). Felling of an Ash tree (delegated matter). 29 Union Street, Bishop's Castle. Mr A. Seabourne. Objection has been received from the Civic Society and the Tree Warden has advised that the tree does not present a threat to neighbouring property. Cllr Wright proposed an objection to felling a healthy tree, which is not dangerous to neighbouring properties, seconded by Cllr Lawrence and unanimously approved. It is suggested that a T.P.O. be placed on the tree.

d) 1/02/13230/AD and 1/02/13231/LB Advertisement Consent and Listed Building Consent. Display of 2 advertisements (delegated matter) 29 Church Street, Bishop's Castle. McCartneys. Cllr Blundell proposed no objection and suggested that McCartney should be asked to provide off-street parking for staff working on the premises, seconded by Cllr Whittall and approved.

Since the last meeting an application has been received for Tree Works (Conservation Area) for felling of a tree at 9 Copall Paddock, Bishop's Castle by Mr R. Smith. Response to this was required by 23.3.02. It was seen by the Tree Warden, Mayor and Deputy. The Clerk was asked to object on the grounds that work already carried out had rendered the tree safe. The Council approved the action taken.

The following Planning Reports have been received since the last meeting:

1/01/12934/O Outline Planning Permission granted for renewal of O.P.P. 1/08365/O of 19.2.99 erection of 40 dwellings with link road and formation of vehicular accesses. Off Welsh Street and Castle Green, Bishop's Castle. Living Villages (Bishop's Castle) Ltd.

1/02/13054/F Planning Permission granted for erection of a polytunnel. Field adjacent to B4385, Crowgate, Bishop's Castle.

1/01/12914/F and 1/01/12915/LB Notice of Withdrawal of application for extension and alterations to Public House, Crown & Anchor Vaults, High Street, Bishop's Castle.

e) Illuminated Sign: Letter read from Mr P.G. Clasby, Planning Department, SSDC. Advertisements are displayed with the benefit of express consent, subsequently benefit from deemed consent by virtue of Class 14, Part 1, Schedule 3 of the Town and Country Planning (Control of Advertisements) Regulations 1992, upon expiry of the express consent and having considered the facts presented is of the opinion that the display of the illuminated advertisement is not unlawful. Cllr Blundell proposed the Council does not accept this opinion and the Clerk should write to Mr Caird, seconded by Cllr Wright and approved, with the exception of Cllr Carroll who felt it a waste of time to protest further. ACTION TOWN CLERK

f) South Shropshire Local Plan: Having been circulated to Councillors it was unanimously agreed there is no comment.

g) Stars News Shops Ltd.: Application for New Justices Licence authorising the sale of alcohol from 70 Church Street, Bishop's Castle. Unanimously approved that the Council objects strongly to this application on the grounds that there are sufficient public houses, off licences and licenced restaurants for the population of the Town. ACTION TOWN CLERK

8. ACCOUNTS:

The Audit of Accounts for 2000-01 has been completed and the Auditors Certificate and opinion to Bishop's Castle Town Council has been posted on the Notice Board outside the Town Hall. The audit concluded that the statement of accounts fairly presents the financial position of the Council at 31st March 2001 and its income and expenditure for the year ended in accordance with the requirements of the Accounts and Audit Regulations 1996 and CIPFA Accounting Guidance Notes for Local Councils. The only point raised was that the deeds for the Playing Field were not available for inspection. The Clerk reported Mr Hickey has not been able to locate the deeds, neither have Robert Hanratty Solicitors, the Clerk has now written to the Land Registry at Telford for advice.

The Account received from District Audit was for £1,249.97, which was a considerable increase on the charge for the previous year. There appeared to be no reason why there should be such a large increase and Cllr Blundell proposed the Clerk writes to enquire about the charge, seconded by Cllr Whittall and approved.

The cost in Insurance has increased by £294 from last year, but Councillors felt this was to be expected.

In addition to the invoices listed on the Agenda an invoice has been received from Cllrs J. Whittall and J. Blundell for repairs to street light during December, January, February and March for £270.00. Cllr Wright proposed that all accounts presented, with the exeception of District Audit are approved for payment, seconded by Cllr Pinches and approved.

HSBC have advised an increase in charges for Safe Keeping, to £25.00 for small items, £40 for medium and £55 for large. This Council has one large item, 2 medium and 1 small, they also advise that a £10 access fee is to be introduced. This is likely to cost a considerable amount over the year, yet the maces and mayor's chain obviously needs to be kept securely. The Mayor to contact the Manager and will report back to next meeting. AGENDA NEXT MEETING

9. APPOINTMENT OF NEW TOWN CRIER:

The Council were very pleased to hear that Mr M. Shanahan has applied for the position of Honorary Town Crier, however, as the vacancy has not yet been advertised it was felt that a notice should be put on the Town Hall notice board. Mr Shanahan's application along with any others received to be considered at the next meeting. AGENDA NEXT MEETING

10. THE QUEEN'S GOLDEN JUBILEE:

It was resolved that the Town Council would be prepared to make a contribution towards celebrations in the way of street parties etc. arranged by Townspeople provided applications are made before 29th April and notice should be given in the local press and on the Town Hall notice board. The Council to consider presenting mugs or coins to children at Crowgate, Primary School and Community College who live within the Borough of Bishop's Castle. Details of number and costs to be investigated. Cllr Carroll will call a meeting with Councillors Blundell, Magill and Whittall shortly and report back to the next meeting.

Other suggestions put forward were: Lighting of a beacon, 'Jubilee' bus shelters in Union Street and Church Street. New gate at Playing Field entrance. Cllr Blundell would try to meet Sue Cooper to discuss whether money might be available to meet the cost of some of these.

11. C.P.R.E. THE GOVERNMENT PLANNING GREEN PAPER - RESPONSE:

The Government recently launched a major review of the planning system with the publication of its Green Paper 'Planning: delivering a fundamental change'. The CPRE has sent a copy of this, which has been circulated to Councillors. No response was proposed.

12. VITAL VILLAGES - REPORT ON PROGRESS:

Local groups and committees have been invited to a meeting on Tuesday 16th April at 7.30pm in the Town Hall. Mrs Caroline Oakes, Shropshire Community Council will be coming to speak about the Vital Villages project.

13. TOWN HALL:

1. Architect: Mr Wheatly has advised that he and colleagues have been to closely photograph the building and are currently scaling the photographs which will form part of the report currently being prepared.

2. Review of rents: The Town Hall Committee had met and discussed the Friday Market and proposed that the rent is increased by 50p per table, per week. This would increased the weekly rent per table to £5.50 per week. No increase was proposed to the rent for the Farmers Market or hire of the Town Hall. It was reported that a new cake stall will be starting in the Market on Fridays in the next few weeks and that some-one is interested in coming into the hall way to sell china, books and bric-a-brac.

3. Farmers Market: The Clerk reported that the Farmers Market are progressing well, with most stalls now being regulary booked. A stall selling herbs will be at the next Market on 20th April, leaving just one empty stall, which it is hoped will be taken by organic vegetable producers. Dates have been arranged for the rest of 2002, being the third Saturday of each month with the exception of September. Posters have been produced and widely circulated.

14. TRAFFIC IN STATION STREET:

There has been quite severe traffic congestion on Station Street since the Market has opened. It was thought much of this is caused through the new legislation for wheels of vehicles to be disinfected before entering the Auction Yard. Minsterley Motors reported that they have been held up on several occasions, and recently had a delay of 15 minutes. The Mayor has telephoned Halls to advise them of the problem. It was suggested that the responsibility for traffic management lies with the Auctioneers. It was proposed by The Mayor that a letter is sent to Mr Willcock of Halls, seconded by Cllr Carroll and approved.
ACTION TOWN CLERK

The gates to the Auction Yard are closed the night before an Auction, again to meet new legislation. However this gives the impression that the public toilets are not to be used and it was proposed that in the letter to Mr Willcock it is suggested that a sign be put on the gates 'Pedestrian Access only'.

15. BUSES; REPORT OF MEETING AND SHELTER:

The Deputy gave a report of the meeting held with Mr Gallop, S.C.C and Mr Jones, Minsterley Motors, attended by The Mayor, Deputy and Clerk. They advised changes are being made to the existing bus routes, details of which will be advised when they have been finalised, but most routes will be made by newer low level buses, making access much easier. It was requested that bues go around to Stone House as often visitors to Stone House and Abbeyfield are elderly. However, the tight timetable and lower level buses will mean it is not possible to take every bus around, but when they are preparing the new time table they will try to incorporate a limited number of buses going this way. A bus shelter could then be put by the roundabout at Billingsley Close. Access for buses will require some pavement being removed and alterations to the corner of Union Street/Billingsley Close. S.C.C. were also asked to investigate taking away some pavement in Church Street, to enable buses to pull in off the road and make this corner safer.

At this meeting Mr Jones advised of the difficulties the buses have getting up Station Street when cars are double parked, although there is room if they are parked close to the pavement. Cllr Carroll proposed that Highways are contacted about signage, seconded by Cllr Pinches and approved. ACTION TOWN CLERK

16. MAYOR'S REPORT ON TWINNING WITH ST. MARCEL:

The Mayor has just returned from the student exchange visit to St. Marcel over the twinning process. Whilst there he signed a 'letter of intent', and a copy was distributed to each Councillor. A return visit will be made my the French School and accompanying adults, starting on the 18th June.

17. SHROPSHIRE TOURISM WEBSITE:

Shropshire Tourism is supposed to promote tourism to the area and websites are a very important part of this. Cllr Carroll report that the promotional information about Bishop's Castle would certainly not encourage people to visit our Town and it would have been preferable to discuss what is being proposed with the local Tourism Group before putting information about the Town on the web. Cllr Carroll proposed a letter is written to the Chairman of the Board of Shropshire Tourism with a copy to S.C.C., seconded by Cllr Wright and approved. ACTION TOWN CLERK

18. PLAYING FIELD GATE:

The wood has been collected from Powis Estates and Mr Whitefoot is making good progress with making the gates. The top bar has been sent to be carved. The Earl of Powis has approved a 50% discount on the cost of the wood, a gesture very much appreciated. The Clerk was asked to write a letter of appreciation to the Earl. ACTION TOWN CLERK

19. SOUTH SHROPSHIRE PARTNERSHIP- APPOINT REPRESENTATIVE:

The Chamber of Trade have been contacted to appoint a representative from the business sector and will put it on the Agenda for their next meeting. Cllr Lawrence agreed to represent the Town Council.

20. SEVERN TRENT WATER - PROGRESS REPORT OF DRAINAGE INVESTIGATIONS:

It was reported that the promised monthly report from Severn Trent has not arrived and the Clerk has advised the M.P. as suggested at the meeting in February.

21. DOG FOULING:

Letter from Ms Richards, Team Leader, Waste Services, SSDC read advising that dog wardens double as a pest control operative throughout South Shropshire and his duties regarding dogs are restricted to picking up onstained strays on instruction. Therefore it is not possible for the Town Council to hire the dog warden service as requested. Should any member of the public witness a person in charge of a dog, allowing it to foul and not clean up after it, be willing to act as a witness, the DC would be prepared to take a prosecution for an offence against relevant Bye-Laws if appropriate. A letter from Sue Cooper was also read making a number of suggestions about how this problem might be tackled. It appears that fouling mainly occurs in the early morning when owners' loose dogs out after a night indoors. One suggestion being that some-one should be employed for a couple of hours during the early morning to walk around the town and photograph those dogs without owners and trace the dogs back to the owners. This was felt to be an excellent idea, but would need some-one willing to give evidence in Court if necessary. Cllr Blundell to discuss this with the Dog Warden for the adjoining District and will report back to the next meeting.
AGENDA NEXT MEETING

22. MICHAELMAS FAIR:

1) Use of Playing Field: Mrs P. Dakin, on behalf of the Michaelmas Fair Committee has requested permission to use the Playing Field for the annual event, as in previous years and asked about the organisation of the Town Crier's competition, which has been very successful in the previous two years. Cllr Blundell proposed there is no objection to the use of the field for this week-end, on the same condition as previous years, that the Committee organise appropriate insurance and any damage to the field, hedges, trees, fences, etc. is made good, seconded by Cllr Whittall and approved.

2) Town Criers Competition: In previous years the M.F. Committee have organised the Town Criers Competition on behalf of the Town Council, which takes place over the Michaelmas Week-end. It was felt that when the new Town Crier is appointed he may wish to be involved in the organisation of the Competition. The Clerk to contact Mrs Dakin after the appointment of a new Town Crier. ACTION TOWN CLERK

23. SALARY REVIEW:

Cleaner: The salary for this post if currently £930 per annum, for 4 hours per week. It was proposed by Cllr Wright that this is increased to £988 per annum, seconded by Cllr Whittall and approved.

Town Clerk: The Clerk left the Council Chamber whilst this was discussed. The current salary for this post is £5,280. It was proposed by The Mayor that this is increased to £5,550, seconded by Cllr Wright and approved.

24. FOOTPATHS:

25. CIVIC AWARDS:

Councillors have met and discussed this idea. It is proposed that three young people are presented with an award at Mayor Making in May.

26. STREET LIGHTING:

Cllr Blundell has agreed to provide a specification for a lighting scheme on Church Bank for consideration at the next meeting. It was reported that a light has been damaged on Castle Green and a replacement, which will be erected on the existing pole, has been ordered.
27. REPORT OF RECENT MEETINGS ATTENDED BY COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES:

Cllr Carroll gave a report of the meeting of the South Shropshire Sport & Leisure Advisory Council she had attended on 19th March at which a grant of £700 was approved to the Civil Defence Bowling Club. All funds have now been exhausted, but the Committee will remain in existence in the event that further finance becomes available.

28. CORRESPONDENCE:.

a) Miss S. Gould: Prior to the opening of the takaway at 13 Market Square she had been advised that waste would be stored in the basement, however it is being stored at the rear of the property, right outside her house. In connection with this property the following matters were reported: the Biffa bin in place is not adequate as rubbish bags were all around it. Rubbish is also being thrown through a window onto The Cobbles below. The doors and windows are open so cooking smells are escaping rather than the extractor fan removing them. Opening hours are 5.00pm to 11.30 pm including Sunday which was thought to be contrary to the planning approval. Cllr Carroll proposed the Clerk should write to Mr W. Jones, SSDC requesting a copy of the conditions attached when the planning appeal succeeded and to investigate the complaints received. Seconded by Cllr Blundell, who requested a copy be sent to Mr R. Lennox, owner of the property. ACTION TOWN CLERK

b) Enterprise South West Shropshire: Notice of a meeting on 21st May at 7.00pm at the Community College to consider Objective 2 projects (European Funds), Arts and Sports Project and Waste Recycling Company. Cllrs Carroll and Whittall agreed to attend, and will require an Agenda.

d) South Shropshire Women's Aid: Confirmed that they have not been successful in gaining charitable status due to being managed by South Shropshire Housing Association, a not for profit organisation.

e) Dial Shropshire: A Disability Advice Centre establised in 1990 requesting financial support to ensure that people experiencing disabilities receive advice, information and benefits. PRECEPT MEETING

f) Citizens Advice Bureau: Letter thanking Council for donation of £283.00.

g) Axis Counselling: Letter thanking Council for donation of £25.00

h) South Shropshire Furniture Scheme: Letter thanking Council for donation of £100. They are pleased to report this scheme is extremely successful, it has been able to help 19 families and individuals living in Bishop's Castle and 45 people from this area have donated household items. Since March last year this scheme has diverted more than 270 tonnes of household waste that might well have gone to landfill sites.

i) SSDC: Amenity Waste Service for the disposal of household and garden waste, dates for manned service at Crowgate Recycling Centre. NOTICE BOARD

j) Community Recycling in South Shropshire: Event organised by South Shropshire Furniture Scheme, The Wasteless Society and the Community Council of Shropsire, to be held on Wednesday 24th April from 2pm - 6pm at Craven Arms Community Centre. There being no other volunteer the Mayor agreed to attend

k) DEFRA: a) Regarding article in The Times on 29th December "Dibley Villages". CIRCULATE

l) Details of 'The Campaign against the Illegal Poisoning of Wildlife' CIRCULATE

m) Mr I. Ridgeway, SCC: Emergency Planning briefing for Town and Parish Councils: Annual update to be held at 7.15 pm on 10th April at Shirehall. There will be a review of this year's emergencies, a brief analysis of the Foot and Mouth Disease outbreak and general discussion on how urgent information can be more accurately and effectively passed on at a time of disaster.

n) Post Office: Notification that despite efforts the Wentnor branch of the Post Office will close on Thursday 28th March. However this is hoped to be only a temporary measure.

Cllr Wright proposed that less items of correspondence are circulated for Councillors to read, seconded by Cllr Magill and approved.

The Mayor declared the meeting closed.