MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF BISHOP'S CASTLE TOWN COUNCIL, HELD IN THE TOWN HALL ON TUESDAY 5TH FEBRUARY 2002 AT 8.00PM

PRESENT: Councillor G.N. St J. Penney, Mayor, in the Chair.
Councillors: S.J.S. Bedell, J.M. Carroll, J.L.V. Blundell, B.P. Jones, C.T.E. Kinmond, K.E.C. Pinches and J.A.J. Whittall.

1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE: Apologies received from Cllrs Lawrence, Magill, Morris and Wright.

2. MINUTES OF COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON 8TH JANUARY 2002:

Minutes of the Council meeting held on Tuesday 5th January, 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:

c) Cllrs Blundell and Whittall declared an interest on item 15.
a), b), d), e) and f) None.

4. MATTERS ARISING:

Item 4.12: Mr Pahl was unable to attend this meeting, but would like to come to the March meeting.

5. MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WISHING TO SPEAK:

Mr N. Hurd, on behalf of the Bishop's Castle Wasteless Society reported that correspondence has been received from the S.S.D.C. requesting the 'Green Trailor' be removed from the Recycling Centre within 28 days because of problems with unlawful materials being put in. Following a meeting with Mr W. Jones, this period has been extended, but this is an extremely disappointing result of several years of fund raising and during the short time it has been at the Centre has been very successful. The Society checks the trailor on a regular basis and has on occasions had to remove materials that should not be there. However, to remove this facility would be a great shame and Mr Hurd asked if the Town Council would support the Society by writing and asking for the Group to be given time to amend the design of the trailor.

Mrs G. Thomas: The closure of the public toilets under the Town Hall would be a great loss the visitors and staff of local businesses. The facilities are well used, and in good condition. People cannot be expected to walk down to the Auction Yard and back up the hill. Mr A. McBarnett: Also feels the condition of the facilities is quite acceptable and they are required by local businesses and visitors. The S.S.D.C. has a duty to encourage tourism to the Town and retain these facilities.

6. TOWN & COUNTRY PLANNING ACT:

1) 1/01/13037/F Planning Permission (full) for Installation of a septic tank. (delegated matter). Plot to the rear of Hall Villa, Bishop's Castle. Mr A.D. Buy. Cllr Blundell proposed no objection, although it would be preferable to connect to the main drains via the new development currently being built in the adjoining field. Seconded by Cllr Whittall and approved.

2) 1/01/13027/F Planning Permission (full) for erection to extension to dwelling. (delegated matter). 15, Castle Green, Bishop's Castle. Ms B. McGlynn. Cllr Blundell proposed no objection, seconded by Cllr Jones and approved.

Since the last meeting the following plans have been received that needed a response before this meeting:

1) 1/01/12956/F and 1/02/12957/LB Planning Permission (full) and Listed Building Consent for change af use of shop A1 to estate agency A2. (delegated matter). 29 High Street, Bishop's Castle. McCartneys. Seen by The Mayor, Deputy and Cllr Jones. No objection.
2) 1/02/12979/F and 1/02/12980/LB Planning Permission (full) and Listed Building Consent for internal and external alterations to dwelling (delegated matter) 54 Church Street, Bishop's Castle. Mr and Mrs P. Needle. Seen by The Mayor, Deputy and Cllr Whittall. No objection.
3) 1/02/12972/F and 1/02/12973/LB Planning Permission (full) and Listed Building Consent for installation of windows and internal alterations to dwelling (delegated matter) The Malt House, Church Street, Bishop's Castle. Mr and Mrs D. Williams. Seen by The Mayor, Deputy and Cllr Whittall. No objection.

Cllr Whittall proposed that the Council approves the action taken regarding these plans, seconded by Cllr Blundell and approved.

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

1) 1/01/12803/CA Conservation Area Consent and 1/01/12802/F Planning Permission granted for erection of an office building on site of existing barn to be demolished. Barn to the rear of 5-7 Castle Green, Bishop's Castle. Living Villages (Bishop's Castle).

2) 1/01/12827/LB Listed Building Consent granted for alterations to dwelling. Unicorn House, Church Street, Bishop's Castle. J. Raney.

3) 1/01/12832/F Planning Permission granted for alterations to public house. The Six Bells, Church Street, Bishop's Castle. N. Richards.

c) Internally illuminated signs in the Town: Letter from Mr Caird was read which confirms that planning permission for the pole sign exists. It appears that this sign has been internally illuminated since the change of ownership. Cllr Blundell suggested that the Clerk should write to Mr Caird to clarify that the permission approved is for an internally illuminated sign. If so there is the question to be raised as to how this was approved, as the premises are in the Conservation Area where these are not permitted. Seconded by Cllr Kinmond and approved. ACTION TOWN CLERK

7. ACCOUNTS:

In addition to the invoices listed on the Agenda an invoice has been received from South Shropshire Area Committee of the S.A.P.T.C. for the Annual Subscription for £25.00 and Cllr Whittall has completed an expense claim for £16.00, for travelling to the meeting with Mr Caird in Ludlow on 3rd January. Cllr Blundell proposed that all accounts presented are approved for payment, seconded by Cllr Bedell and approved.

8. S.A.P.T.C.:

The Mayor asked the Clerk to confirm the present cost of membership and the publications. The annual subscription for the current year is £224.95, which includes 11 copies of the Parish Pump @ £7.92 and £9.99 for the Local Council Review which is produced every other month. The Mayor proposed that the Council should continue to receive the Parish Pump, but the Local Council Review should be cancelled for the time being, it can be re-ordered in the future if it is felt it would be useful. Seconded by Cllr Blundell and approved.

9. STREET TRADING LICENCING:

Letter read from Mr A. Proctor, who has taken advice and confirms that once controls have been implemented, they remain in force 365 days of the year. However he would like a copy of the Town's Charter and confirmation of the type and location of controls that the Council wishes to implement together with locations of the Michaelmas Fair and Christmas Lights Festival. The Clerk was asked to pass this information to Mr Proctor.

10. THE QUEEN'S GOLDEN JUBILEE:

Cllr Blundell reported that a small number of people had expressed an interest in organising some form of celebrations for the Queen's Golden Jubilee. He is prepared to meet with interested people to discuss ideas and will report back to the next meeting. There may be the possibility of obtaining match funding for this if the Council would be prepared to set aside some money. Cllr Blundell proposed that up to £1,000 is approved on the condition that it is matched, seconded by Cllr Carroll and approved. Cllr Carroll reported that there is an idea being considered for a Concert. Cllr Jones suggested that it would be nice to have a Jubilee Beacon. Cllr Bedell said that he would give consideration to this, but it would depend on DEFRA legislation. AGENDA NEXT MEETING

11. PROPOSED FIREWORK DISPLAY:

Cllr Whittall reported that for a number of years there has been no Bonfire Night Celebrations in the Town. A number of people have raised this with him and some are willing to help organise an event. Mr S. Green would be willing to organise the firework display and the whole thing could be self-financing. Cllr Whittall proposed that in principle the Council approves of re-introducing a celebration and he is prepared to represent the Council on an Organising Committee. Seconded by Cllr Carroll and approved.

12. COMPLAINTS REGARDING OBSTRUCTIONS ON PAVEMENTS:

Letter read from Mr P. Schofield pointing out that the pavement in Church Street is obstructed by large pots which are attached to the wall of Bumble Cottage. It was agreed this must cause a problem for people in invalid chairs and Cllr Whittall proposed that the new residents of the Cottage are contacted, seconded by Cllr Jones and approved.
ACTION TOWN CLERK

13. TOWN HALL:

a) Appointment of Architect: The Mayor reported of the recent meeting Councillors had with Mr Wheatley regarding the repairs and improvements. Mr Newall no longer wishes to be considered. Cllr Whittall proposed that Mr Wheatley is asked to act on our behalf, he certainly appeared to be enthusiastic and very knowledgable about historic buildings. Seconded by Cllr Carroll and approved. ACTION TOWN CLERK

b) Use as venue for music event: The Clerk has been asked if the Town Hall can be hired as a venue for youngsters who are interested in a Samba Band. It was thought this is a good idea, but the Town Hall, particularly if it is to be at the week-ends is not perhaps the most suitable building. Cllr Blundell proposed that the organiser is advised that the Public Hall might be a more suitable venue, seconded by Cllr Whittall and approved. ACTION TOWN CLERK

c) Public Entertainment Licence: The Town Hall does not have an Entertainment Licence and it is felt that this limited its use, it may be beneficial to obtain one. The Clerk has had discussions with Mr Proctor in the past and has been advised that certain events using recorded music do not require a licence. More information would be obtained from Mr Proctor. ACTION TOWN CLERK
14. PUBLIC CONVENIENCES AT THE TOWN HALL:

Letter read from Mr Biggs advising that the Council's Executive Committee has resolved that the public conveniences at the Town Hall are to be closed with effect from 1st April 2002. The Committee selected this set to close as they could not be made to comply with the requirements of the Disability Discriminatin Act when it comes into force in 2004. However a motion has been submitted by 14 members which if carried would mean that all the public conveniences across the district would be kept open for another twelve months during which time the review of public conveniences provision and maintenance would be completed. The notice of motion will be discussed by the Council on 7th March. Letters objecting to the closure from Mr Lennox, Miss S. Gould and Mr D. Wilkinson were read. Earlier in the meeting Councillors hear that it is felt very important that these conveniences are retained as they are used by local businesses, their customers and stewards and visitors of the two Museums. Despite reports of their poor condition they have been found to be in good working order and clean. Cllr Blundell proposed a letter is sent to SSDC Councillors strongly objecting to their closure, seconded by Cllr Carroll and approved. ACTION TOWN CLERK

Before leaving this subject it was reported that for several weeks the Auction Yard has been used as an animal collection centre on Wednesdays and to meet regulations it has been closed to the public from midnight the previous night, which effectively closes the toilets to the public. A letter was read from Mr D. Bryan-Jones of Halls advising that owing to a change in legislation it is no long viable to sell fatstock on a Friday and in future sales will take place every Wednesday morning at 9.30 am. Store cattle sales will be held on Thursdays rather than Saturdays. Cllr Whittall proposed Halls are contacted to request that the toilets and bottle banks are not closed to the public and that the area is fenced off in such a way as to maintain access to them. Seconded by Cllr Carroll and approved. ACTION TOWN CLERK

15. STREET LIGHTING:

a) Auction Yard: The Auction Yard is very dark for people parking or walking through at night. Cllr Carroll proposed that the Clerk obtains a price for erecting a light directed over the area attached to the pole of the existing street light and if it is within the budget of the Clerk then approval should be given for the work to go ahead. Seconded by Cllr Pinches and approved. ACTION TOWN CLERK

b Church Bank: Letter from Mr Hunt was read raising his concerns about the inadequate lighting on Brampton Road. On busy evenings at the College there are considerable numbers of people using this road which has only a couple of lights between the College and the Church. Cllr Whittall said that money has been set aside to improve lighting in Kerry Lane and the area where there are most complaints about is between Corricks Rise and Corporation Street and he proposed that prices are obtained to bring this stretch of Kerry Lane up to Highway standard and the rest of the money is put towards bringing Brampton Road, from the crossroads to the Church up to Highway standard. From the Church to Grange Road would be greatly improved if the developers of Bells Court were asked to erect lighting each side of their entrance, which would greatly improve Kerry Lane. Cllr Jones seconded this proposal which was approved. Cllr Jones proposed that the Clerk makes enquiries about preparing a design scheme for Brampton Road, seconded by Cllr Blundell and approved.
ACTION TOWN CLERK

16. VITAL VILLAGES:

Cllr Carroll reported that she, Cllr Lawrence and the Clerk had met a representative from the Community Council of Shropshire to talk about the Vital Villages project. This had been an informative and interesting meeting and Cllr Carroll proposed that the Council proceeds with an 'Expression of Interest'. However she felt that professional help and guidance would be required to complete the application process and a request for this should be included. Seconded by Cllr Blundell and approved. ACTION JC & TOWN CLERK

17. PUBLIC HALL:

Mr Whitefoot, Chairman of the Public Hall Committee was present and the Mayor invited him to speak about the proposed improvements to the Hall, seconded by Cllr Blundell and approved. Mr Whitefoot reported that three applications for Lottery funding have been turned down, one reason being that there is no disabled access to the basement of the building. There has been no change to the proposed renovation plans, but the Committee feel that the kitchen and toilet facilities are in great need of improvement and have taken the decision to phase the work. The total cost of the planned improvements is in the region of £200,000, but this first phase is estimated at approx £56,000. There is currently a survey being carried out seeking the views of the public about the Hall. Cllr Whittall proposed the offer of a grant of £1,000 remains, seconded by Cllr Pinches and approved.

Mr Whitefoot reported that Mr W. Oakley and Mr P. Williams are joint holders of the Public Entertainment Licence, the Alcohol Licence is held by the Boar's Head and the bar manager is Mr T. Herrick. Concern was expressed about the number of bottles and glasses in the Hall at the most recent dance and it was requested that the door stewards at dances are asked to be more vigilant and refuse admission to any-one with a glass or bottle. The bar staff only serve drinks in plastic cups and it is requested that empty bottles are collected regularly throughout the evening. If there are problems in future with glasses or bottles then the Committee should review it's bar policy. ACTION TOWN CLERK

18. PLAYING FIELD:

a) Gate: Cllrs Carroll, Blundell and Whittall met recently with Mr Whitefoot and the Clerk to finalise details for the new gate. However, after consideration Mr Whitefoot had expressed his concern about the proposed size of the gate, the consequent stress on the gate posts and the difficulty he envisages making a gate of this dimension. Cllr Whittall proposed that in view of this the size of the gate should be reduced and proposed one 10' and one 4' gate, seconded by Cllr Carroll and approved. The wood will be purchased from Powys Estate.

b) Correspondence from C. Murphy: Letter read advising that the 'Friends of the Playing Field' group have expressed a wish to consider opportunities available for the development of the playing field as a space serving the wide range of needs in the Town. Cllr Carroll proposed that we advise the group we are pleased to hear this information and confirm ownership of the field, seconded by Cllr Whittall and approved. ACTION TOWN CLERK

c) Grass cutting contract for 2002: Cllr Jones proposed the Clerk seeks tenders for this Contract for consideration at the next meeting, seconded by Cllr Blundell and approved.

d) Playground Inspection Training: The latest Report from the SPFA contains a report from Rospa that there are indications that where there has been a professional, independent annual inspection of play equipment indicating no major faults and where regular inspections are carried out and an inspection regime is in place, insurance companies are less likely to take up a case of an accident claim. A series of Inspection Training has been organised in various locations at a cost of £10 per person. Cllrs Blundell and Whittall expressed an interest in attending one of these courses. Cllr Carroll proposed that the Council meets the cost for both to attend, seconded by Cllr Jones and approved.

19. MAY FAIR:

Mr and Mrs Wynn have written to request the use of the Playing Field from Tuesday 7th May until Saturday 11th May, holding the fair on Friday 10th and Saturday 11th. The Clerk advised that the Agreement drawn up ran out last year so a new Agreement needs to be drawn up. Cllr Whittall proposed a new Five Year Agreement is drawn up with a rent of £525 for this year, increasing by £25 each year, seconded by Cllr Blundell and approved. The only complaints received about the Fair have been regarding the dismantling of equipment after the closure on the Saturday night. The Agreement should include a request that nothing is dismantled between midnight and 8.00 am on the Sunday morning. In view of the damage to the Bowling Club fence last year it was also agreed to incorporate that there should be no access to the Bowling Green for electric or water until a representative of the Club or a Councillor provides the key. ACTION TOWN CLERK

20. DRAINAGE PROBLEMS:

Cllr Kinmond reported that a large number of drains at the top part of the Town are blocked, particularly Castle Green, Castle Street, Welsh Street and the top of High Street. The Clerk was asked to contact S.C.C. Highways Department.

Letters regarding the flooding problem at the Six Bells were read from the Environment Agency, Severn Trent Water and Matthew Green M.P. A site meeting had been suggested by the M.P. which was thought to be a good idea, particularly if Severn Trent can be persuaded to sent a representative. MEETING TO BE ARRANGED

21. SOUTH SHROPSHIRE HOUSING ASSOCIATION:

Cllr Carroll reported that the footpath around 'The Green' in Corporation Street is extremely rutted and muddy. It is unacceptable that Residents are expected to walk on paths of this standards to get to and from their homes. Also, being very rutted the question of a possibility of a fall and injury has to be raised with the Housing Association. The Clerk has received a number of complaints about the two cherry trees in Corporation overhanging the pavement as they are at face height. Cllr Carroll proposed a letter is sent to the Housing Association advising them there is a danger of being sued and asking for the trees to be carefully trimmed back. Seconded by Cllr Blundell and approved. ACTION TOWN CLERK

22. SOUTH SHROPSHIRE COMMUNITY STRATEGY AND THE COUNTY STRATEGY:

Document in circulation, due to the time constraint it was proposed this is carried over to the next meeting.

23. CIVIC AWARDS:

It was reported that a Committee, comprising The Mayor with Councillors Blundell and Whittall should meet to discuss the details of introducing Civic Awards and will report back to the next meeting.
ACTION MAYOR, CLLRS BLUNDELL & WHITTALL
24. FARMERS MARKET:

The Mayor reported that a very striking poster had been received giving dates for the year of the Local Produce Markets in Castle Square, Ludlow. The Mayor felt that by calling ours a 'Farmers Market' we were perhaps limiting interest and that Local Produce should be the aim. Cllr Carroll proposed that on future advertising the wording 'Local Produce and Farmers Market' should be used, seconded by Cllr Whittall and approved.

The time being 10.00 pm, Cllr Carroll proposed a ten minute extension to the meeting, seconded by Cllr Blundell.

25. PROGRESS REPORT ON ARTS AND SPORTS CENTRE:

Cllr Carroll reported that plans appear to be progressing well.

26. INTRODUCTION OF THE NEW ETHICAL FRAMEWORK - PART III LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT 2000:

The Mayor, Deputy and Clerk attended a meeting at the Community College on 30th January. Mr Richard Thomas gave information about Part III of the Local Government Act 200. The need for the Council to adopt the Model Code of Conduct and the implications for Councillors arising from this. All Councils must adopt the model Code of Conduct by 5th May 2002 and within two months each Councillor must sign The Form of Undertaking. There will need to be available for inspection Registers of Declaration of Acceptance of Office, Register of Interests and Register of Gift and Hospitality, which Councils are being asked to maintain locally. Each Councillor had received with the Agenda for tonights meeting, a copy of the Guidance Note on Part III of the Local Government Act 2000; 'The New Ethical Framework' issued by S.S.D.C.

A letter from Mr Thomas was read and a questionnaire was completed. Cllr Carroll proposed that this is on the Agenda for the next meeting and in the meantime the Clerk returns the form to Mr Thomas, seconded by the Mayor and approved. AGENDA NEXT MEETING

27. REPORT OF RECENT MEETINGS ATTENDED BY COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES:

Cllr Whittall attended a meeting of the Leisure Centre Advisory Group on 23rd January. He reported the swimming pool is closing in the middle of February for major refubishment and will be re-opening at the end of May. There is a threat to the funding of the South Shropshire Sport and Leisure Advisory Group, which in recent years has approved a number of small grants for sports clubs and many clubs in Bishop's Castle have benefited from it. These small grants have in some cases opened up the opportunity to larger grants and Cllr Whittall proposed a letter is written to Mr G. Biggs saying what a great pity it would be if S.S.D.C. did not continue with these grants, seconded by Cllr Carroll and approved.
ACTION TOWN CLERK
Cllr Jones reported there had been a meeting of the Community Advisory Group today at the Community College, which unfortunately she had been unable to attend. She would pass the Minutes to the Clerk to circulate when they are received.
Cllr Carroll reported that she and Julie Davies of the Chamber of Trade had attended a meeting on 24th January in Ludlow about Town Branding. There are likely to be a number of meetings about this in the future.

28. CORRESPONDENCE:.

a) Rev K. Collins: Permission to use Market Square for two events this year, Sunday 24th March as an assembly point for the Palm Sunday Procession and Friday 29th March for a short service. It is suggested that Mayor's Sunday is held on 2nd June this year to combine this annual service with something special for the Queen's Golden Jubilee. Cllr Carroll proposed no objection to this request, seconded by Cllr Bedell and approved. ACTION TOWN CLERK

b) Mrs J. Palmer: Application for street closure orders Sunday 24th March for Palm Sunday Procession from 10.40 am to 11.00 am, Market Square, High Street and Church Street. Also on Sunday 23rd June from 10.30 am to 11.00 am and 12 noon to 12.30 pm for the Midsummer Rejoicing procession in Union Street, Market Square, High Street, Church Street and Salop Street. Cllr Carroll proposed no objection to this application, seconded by Cllr Whittall and approved.
ACTION TOWN CLERK
c) C.C. Peter Phillips: A number of news cuttings, one in particular Cllr Phillips asked if the Council would request SSDC to re-instate the grants to arts and leisure. The Clerk was asked to circulate this. CIRCULATE

d) Julie Davies, Chair of B.C. and District Chamber of Trade: Thanking the Council for use of the Town Hall and the Mayor for turning on the Christmas lights.

e) South Shropshire Access Group: Established in 1993 to raise awareness of the access needs of people with disabilities and work with local authorities and providers to meet those needs. CIRCULATE

f) Bishop's Caslt Walking Festival: 11th - 13th June 2002 - A guided three day Walking Event. Also a copy of a report collated by Catherine Murphy of the Walking Festival held in October 2001. CIRCULATE

g) Local Environment Focus: CIRCULATE

h) The Wasteless Society: Newsletter CIRCULATE

i) S.A.P.T.C.: A Special General Meeting was held on 2nd February at The Shirehall to adopt a new constitution reflecting the way that Councils must now operate.

j) CIC News: Zurich Municipal newsletter. CIRCULATE

Cllr Carroll proposed a letter is sent to Mr Biggs regarding the 'Green Skip' that Mr Hurd came along to talk about earlier in the meeting, seconded by Cllr Blundell and approved. ACTION TOWN CLERK

The Mayor declared the meeting closed at 10.15 p.m.