MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF BISHOP'S CASTLE TOWN COUNCIL, HELD IN THE TOWN HALL ON TUESDAY 5TH MARCH 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, E.A. Lawrence, J.A. Magill, W.J. Morris and R.D. Wright.

1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE: Apologies received from Cllrs Kinmond, Pinches and Whittall.

2. MINUTES OF COUNCIL MEETINGS HELD ON 5TH AND 26TH FEBRUARY 2002:

Minutes of the Council meetings held on 5th and 26th February, 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:

a) Cllrs Blundell declared a possible interest on item 14.
b), c), d), e) and f) None.

4. MATTERS ARISING:

Item 5: Letter from Ruth Richards, SSDC read. The S.S.D.C. recognises the valuable work undertaken by the Wasteless Society, but it has been necessary to contact them about the requirement for improvements to the design of the trailer. The Society is now in contact with the Environment Agency and it is hoped the problem can soon be resolved.

Item 6: A mobile home has been sited at The Cabin for which the Council has not received a planning application. Cllr Jones informed the Council that the person responsible has had planning approval to renovate their house and has contacted SSDC about temporary siting of a mobile home while the work is carried out and were advised that planning permission would not be necessary.

Item 9: Mr Proctor has advised that there should be a separate Market Charter. Cllr Blundell proposed that Mrs Marion Roberts, the Honorary Archivist is contacted to try and locate it, seconded by Cllr Magill and approved. ACTION TOWN CLERK

Item 12: The pots have been removed from the front of Bumble Cottage.

Item 6.c: Internally illuminated signs in the Town: A fax received from SSDC confirms approval was given on 28.7.86 for five years. It was confirmed that it was never illuminated during this period. The Clerk was asked to contact Mr Caird requesting that enforcement action is taken as this permission expired before the current owner purchased the premises. ACTION TOWN CLERK

Item 27: Letter read from Mr Biggs regarding the future of South Shropshire Sport & Leisure Advisory Council. The Council has had to reduce its budget and during the public consultation the majority of respondents were not prepared to pay more Council Tax so as to prevent the Sports and Art budget from being deleted.

From meeting 26th February 2002: It was reported that the hearing regarding the Public Entertainment Licence application for The Crown & Anchor Vaults had taken place on 1st March at the Shirehall and as time had run out, had been adjourned to a date yet to be arranged. The Mayor thanked Cllr Carroll and the Clerk for attending the proceedings and giving evidence, which had been a time consuming and stressful day. It was reported that during the hearing reference had been made to the Film Society wishing to use the proposed new building. The Secretary of the Film Society had contacted the Council that this had been reported as moving to the Crown & Anchor Vaults has never been discussed. Cllr Blundell proposed the Clerk contacts the Clerk of the Court with this information, seconded by Cllr Jones and approved. ACTION TOWN CLERK

5. MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WISHING TO SPEAK:

6. TOWN & COUNTRY PLANNING ACT:

a) A/02/12979/F Planning Permission (full) for erection of a polytunnel (delegated matter). Field adjacent to B4385 Crowgate to Bishop's Castle. A.N. & W.B. Coull, 2 Little Folly, Lydbury North. Cllr Carroll proposed No Objection, seconded by Cllr Bedell and approved.

b) A/02/12979/F and 1/02/12980/LB Planning Permission (full) and Listed Building Consent. Internal and external alterations to dwelling (re-advertised amended plan) (delegated matter). 54, Church Street, Bishop's Caslte. Mr and Mrs P. Needle. Cllr Carroll proposed No Objection, seconded by Cllr Bedell and approved.

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

1/02/12972/F and1/02/12973/LB Planning Permission and Listed Building Consent granted for installation of windows and internal alterations to dwelling. The Malt House, Church Street, Bishop's Castle. Mr and Mrs D. Williams.

e) South Shropshire Local Plan: This has been circulated around some Councillors, but has not yet been seen by every-one. Comments should be with SSDC by 12th April, so it was agreed this should be on the Agenda of the next meeting.
AGENDA NEXT MEETING
7. ACCOUNTS:

In addition to the invoices listed on the Agenda an invoice has been received from Mr A. Wallace for street cleaning during January and February for £32.80. Cllr Blundell proposed that all accounts presented are approved for payment, seconded by Cllr Morris and approved.

8. REVIEW OF MAYOR'S ALLOWANCE:

Currently £275 per annum and £250 last year. Cllr Blundell said a more realistic amount would be 10% of the Precept, as when he was Mayor his telephone bill exceeded the Mayor's Allowance. Following discussion The Mayor proposed £300 for the forthcoming year, seconded by Cllr Jones. Cllr Magill proposed that the Mayor should also be paid telephone and motoring expenses. It was stated that a Travelling Allowance of 42p per mile is already available to Councillors travelling on Council business. Cllr Wright proposed that up to £200 for the year can be claimed if required for telephone expenses, seconded by Cllr Morris and approved. It was thought that telephone expenses could be minimised by the Mayor and Clerk meeting at mutually agreed times.

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

The Mayor read through the personalised Members' Code of Conduct. It was proposed by Cllr Blundell, seconded by Cllr Wright and unanimously resolved that the Council hereby adopts the model Code contained in The Parish Councils (Model Code of Conduct) Order 2001 with effect from this date, 5th March 2002 and that all members be reminded of their obligations to make a formal declaration to observe the code.

Declaration of Acceptance of Office (Form I) were completed and signed by Councillors present. Cllr Blundell proposed that the Clerk purchases the necessary forms and registers for the Notification of Financial and Other Interests from the authorised supplier, Shaw and Sons, seconded by Cllr Wright and approved. ACTION TOWN CLERK

10. THE QUEEN'S GOLDEN JUBILEE:

Cllr Blundell is hoping to meet Sue Cooper in the near future to discuss funding. Cllrs Carroll and Magill both said they were willing to help co-ordinate a meeting to help move things along and will report back to next meeting. AGENDA NEXT MEETING

11. DATES OF ANNUAL MEETINGS:

1. Private meeting of members of the Council: Tuesday 2nd April at 7.30 pm, prior to Council meeting at 8.00 pm
2. Annual Town Meeting: Tuesday 23rd April at 8.00 pm in Town Hall. It was suggested Mr Hunt, Headmaster of the Community College be asked to come along to speak. If he is not available perhaps Mr A. Williams, SCC Chief Librarian would be.
3. Annual Council Meeting: Tuesday 14th May at 8.00 pm in Town Hall.
4. Mayor's Sunday Service: Sunday 2nd June.

12. TOWN HALL:

Market Rent: Rents were increased last year to: Daily hire of Charter Room £30.00. Inquests in Council Chamber £20, Fruit and Veg stall £25 and all other stalls £5. Cllr Blundell proposed that the Town Hall Committee meet to discuss, seconded by Cllr Wright and approved. AGENDA NEXT MEETING

Architect: Mr Wheatley has been asked to act on its behalf in connection with the proposed repairs and improvements to the Town Hall and has verbally accepted to take on the project. It was reported that last Saturday during the Flea Market there was an electrical problem. Cllr Blundell attended and found that a fault had developed which requires the meter and RCD to be replaced, so currently there is no electricity in the downstairs part of the building. It is estimated that parts and time will cost less than £150 and Cllr Blundell was asked to order the materials and put this work in hand as soon as possible.

13. PUBLIC CONVENIENCES AT THE TOWN HALL:

A number of District Councillors have replied to the Council request to reconsider the proposed closure of the public conveniences at the Town Hall. Mr Biggs has notified the Council that there is a notice of motion being considered by the Council on 7th March relating to the proposed closure, however if the Council continues to maintain its present policy position, it remains open for the Town Council to take over the running of the conveniences. Water is leaking from the Ladies, which is a potential hazard during icy weather. Cllr Carroll proposed that SSDC are informed of this, seconded by Cllr Morris and approved. ACTION TOWN CLERK

14. STREET LIGHTING:

It was reported that there is a bent street light on Castle Green. Unfortunately it cannot be repaired until a large white van has been moved. A letter from GPU regarding a safety matter involving a Pole Top street lighting fitting has been seen by Cllrs Blundell and Whittall, who have advised the Clerk that these fittings are not used in Bishop's Castle. A letter from Mrs A. Owen was read complaining that the new light in the Harley Jenkins Street car park is very bright and shines directly into their house. Cllr Blundell suggested that the lamp is exchanged with the one recently erected in the Auction Yard, which is not quite so bright. ACTION CLLRS BLUNDELL AND WHITTALL
16. VITAL VILLAGES:

Having registered the Council's interest Cllr Carroll proposed the next stage is to arrange a meeting of the voluntary bodies in the Town to discuss the overall view of future plans for the Town. It should be stressed to these groups there is no intention to 'take over' the various projects, merely pool ideas and formulate a plan. Mrs Oakes of Shropshire Community Council has confirmed she will be willing to attend such a meeting and suggested mid April. Cllr Carroll and the Clerk agreed to liaise and organise a meeting.
ACTION CLLR CARROLL AND TOWN CLERK
17. MAYFAIR CONTRACT:

Letter from Mr and Mrs Wynn, accepting point raised about dismantling overnight, but requested a 7.00 am start on Sunday rather than 8.00 am. Cllr Blundell proposed this is acceptable. The Mayor and Clerk to liaise over drawing up Agreement and Clerk to contact Mr and Mrs Wynn regarding to collecting key, connecting to services and removing rubbish.

18. PLAYING FIELD:

Grass Cutting Contract: Three Tenders have been requested, one has been received, another has telephoned to say they are interested but have not yet been able to prepare a tender and no response received from the third. Cllr Morris proposed that when the second tender is received the Mayor and Clerk have permission to act and offer the contract to the cheapest, seconded by Cllr Jones and approved. ACTION MAYOR AND CLERK

19. SOUTH SHROPSHIRE PARTNERSHIP:

Letter read from J. Owen, South Shropshire Partnership. This Partnership is made up of representatives from the voluntary, community and statutory sectors who meet approximateley 4 times a year. The Board Group wishes to extend its representation to the market towns of South Shropshire, with one representative from the community and one from the business sector. Cllr Lawrence thought she had more information about this and would contact the Clerk. The Clerk to send a copy to the Chamber of Trade asking if they would nominate a representative from the business sector. ACTION TOWN CLERK

20. FLOODING/DRAINAGE PROBLEMS:

Mr Rutherford confirmed that instructions for re-cleaning of the gullies have been issued. A site meeting by the Six Bells was held on 26th February attended by The Mayor, Mr W. Jones, SSDC, M. Green MP, County Councillor P. Phillips and representatives from Severn Trent Water. Severn Trent agreed to investigate the problem and provide the Town Council with a progress report every 4 weeks. The Clerk was asked to put this on the Agenda for future meetings.

21. DOG FOULING:

A number of letters have been received from pupils of the Primary School, complaining about dog mess on the pavements. It was agreed that although the grass on the Playing Field is much better there is still a problem on a number of pavements. Posters do seem to have some effect for a time. It is felt that the majority of dog owners are responsible and clean up any mess, but unfortunately a number are not. Purchasing a dog bin for Harley Jenkins Street was considered and Cllr Blundell proposed that the Clerk enquires about the cost of employing the services of a dog warden for half a day. Seconded by Cllr Wright and approved. ACTION TOWN CLERK

22. MR R. PAHL, COMMUNITY FORUM:

Mr Pahl, Chairman of Bishop's Castle and District Community Forum came along to suggest that the Forum and the Town Council could be more effective if they were to work more closely together in the future. All authorities have a requirement to consult the public at various times and the Forum is a useful resource for people to come together when there is an issue to discuss.

Useful discussion followed and it was pointed out that there is a danger that the Town Council could be side lined by the Forum. It was agreed that the Town Council will suggest items for the Agenda and pass to the Steering Committee. Representatives will be sought from the parishes for the Steering Committee and it was suggested that the forum should go back to moving around the District for their meetings.

23. BUSES:

1. Timetable: The case outside the Town Hall leaks and the wet has ruined the timetable. Clerk to contact S.C.C.
2. Parking: It was noted that buses are still parking on the Boar's Head crossroads, which is so dangerous for other road users.
Clerk to raise with S.C.C.
3. Bus Shelter: Mr Gallop, S.C.C. and Mr Jones, Minsterley Motors are coming to discuss the buses going around to Stone House on Thursday 14th March at 10.30 at Billingsley Close. Would any Councillor available join the meeting. There are currently grants available of up to 75% of the cost of a bus shelter and the Clerk was asked to obtain some designs and prices for the next meeting.
ACTION TOWN CLERK

24. TOWN CRIER:

Letter read from Andrew Evans offering his resignation as Town Crier. Councillors were disappointed, but understood his reasons. Cllr Bedell reported that the ex Town Crier, Mr Higgs had offered to stand-in for any events. Clerk to contact Mr Evans to arrange for the bell and uniform to be returned. Action to be decided at a later date. ACTION TOWN CLERK

25. FOOTPATHS: AGENDA NEXT MEETING

26. REPORT OF RECENT MEETINGS ATTENDED BY COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES:

27. CORRESPONDENCE:.

A) Use of Old Market Place: The local Morris Dancers are hosting an event on Sunday 21st April and have asked for the use of the Old Market Place for a short time for dancing at some point during the day. Cllr Wright proposed no objection provided they are advised that they are responsible for their own insurance, seconded by Cllr Morris and approved.

B) Morgan's Solicitors: Notice of Application for the transfer of the Justices' Licence into the sole name of one of the co-licensees, Mr Gardiner. Noted.

C) Concessionary Travel Scheme: Officers of S.S.D.C. will be issuing the District Travel Card and have supplied a poster giving details of venues, dates and times. NOTICE BOARD

D) Major A.H. Coles, Chairman, S.C.C.: In order to avoid invitations clashing the Chairman is setting up a "Civic Diary of Shropshire Events", with which we may consult before arranging our respective events, to ensure, where possible they fall on a "free date". Noted.

E) Cllrs Mrs S. Murrell and P. Neal: Following a recent District Council Social Policy Committee Meeting they have been asked to find out what level of interest there is for Green Burial and what the views of the council are on this matter. Councillors understand the law allows this type of burial as it stands and felt that it should be recommended that such burials should be subject to planning permission.

F) County Councillor P. Phillips: Quality Town and Parish Councils: A survey of work going on in various counties. CIRCULATE

G) Youth Offenders Panel: Panels are a new way of dealing with young people who commit crimes. Local people will take the lead in challenging young offenders to take responsibility for their actions and helping them to change their behaviour for good. Panel Members are currently being recruited. NOTICE BOARD

H) South Shropshire Housing Association: To ensure a prompt response to queries notes have been prepared together with a list of staff and their responsibilities. A Guide to the Formal Complaints Procedure was also enclosed which the Clerk was asked to circulate. CIRCULATE

I) W.G. Batten Esq: Invitation to a charity concert by Shrewsbury Male Voice Choir at Shrewsbury Abbey on 10th May. The proceeds will be donated to The Richard Willis Blind School in Nepal and an information sheet giving the background of the school was enclosed. Any-one who would like to attend contact the Clerk.

J) C.P.R.E. The Government recently launched a major review of the planning system with the publication of its Green Paper 'Planning: delivering a fundamental change'. While there are some welcome reforms proposed the CPRE feels that the overall effect of the proposals would be to undermine the role of good planning in protecting the environment and countryside by tipping the balance in favour of the developers. It was felt this should be circulated and discussed at the next meeting. CIRCULATE AND AGENDA

K) Shell Interactive: CIRCULATE

The Mayor declared the meeting closed at 10.00 p.m.