MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF BISHOP'S CASTLE TOWN COUNCIL, HELD IN THE TOWN HALL ON TUESDAY 10TH DECEMBER 2002 AT 8.00PM

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

1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE:

Apologies received from The Mayor and Cllrs Bedell, Lawrence and Morris.

2. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST:

Cllrs Blundell and Whittall declared a prejudicial interest on items 15.a and item 18.

3. MINUTES OF COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON 12TH NOVEMBER 2002:

Minutes of the Council meeting held on Tuesday 12th November 2002, having been circulated were proposed as a true record by Cllr Blundell, seconded by Cllr Magill, approved and signed by The Deputy Mayor.

4. MATTERS ARISING:

Item 4: Barclays Bank have advised they will be installing a small container as requested.

Item 11: The Building Control Officer has advised that attempts are being made to contact the developer of The Novers who is currently living in Europe, it is hoped that he will agree to undertake his obligations.

Item 14: Request for sign in Union Street has been passed to Mr R. Drummond for consideration.

From a previous meeting: British Telecom has advised that it is not possible to change the kiosk in High Street to a cash and card phone. It was announced in May 2002 that BT Payphones was withdrawing from the pre-paid Phonecard due to a serious decline in usage as a result in the increase in mobile phones. BT do operate payphones which can be used with a credit card, (a minimum charge of 50 pence), but these tend to be only in urban areas, in rural areas they supply cash only phones.

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

6. TOWN & COUNTRY PLANNING ACT:

a) 1/02/13946/RM Approval of Reserved Matter. (Committee Matter). Erection of 14 dwellings, formation of vehicular and pedestrian access and construction of estate roads. The Wintles, Welsh Street, Bishop's Castle. Living Villages (Bishop's Castle), 5 & 7 Castle Green. Concerns were expressed about the height and size of the houses, the drainage from the site and the lack of affordable houses. The Deputy explained that the affordable houses will be in the sheltered accommodation. It was proposed that the Clerk writes to the SSDC to obtain the formal definition of 'Affordable Housing' and this is an Agenda item for a future meeting. Cllr Blundell proposed that the Council objects to this application on the grounds that the houses are large and out of keeping with Bishop's Castle, that the drainage from the site is not adequate and that the houses should not be built until the road has been completed, seconded by Cllr Wright and approved.

b) 1/02/13999/F Planning Permission (full). Erection of 2 domestic garages, 17 High Street, Bishop's Castle. G.R. Rose. Cllr Blundell proposed No Objection providing a Section 106 is attached to ensure that they are not converted into living accommodation.

c) No other Planning Applications have been received, but it was reported that since the last meeting a Planning Application for the Erection of a car port at Fairfield, Woodbatch Road, Bishop's Castle has been made by Mr I. Wall. (Reference 1/02/13944/F) This application was seen by The Mayor, Deputy and Cllr Whittall who proposed No Objection.

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

(i) 1/02/13657/F and 1/02/13658/LB Planning Permission and Listed Building Consent approved for conversion of storage building to a dwelling and garage. The Barn, Chapel Yard, Bishop's Castle, Mr and Mrs Lewis.

(ii) 1/02/13791/F Planning Permission granted for the erection of an office building (revised scheme). Barn to rear of 5-7 Castle Green, Bishop's Castle. The Living Village Trust.

(iii) 1/02/13768/F Planning Permission granted for the erection of a balcony. The Old Clinic, Stone House, Union Street. Mrs W. Jones.

7. SOUTH WEST SHROPSHIRE SPORTS & ARTS CENTRE:

On 28th November a Meeting of the Community Forum was held at the Community College which was very well attended. During the meeting the Plans were presented for the proposed Arts and Sports Centre by Mr A. Penton, Sports Officer, SCC. The project will comprise of a new Fitness Suite, second squash courts, sports hall (2 court), wet/dry/outside changing rooms, 3 tennis courts, artificial grass wicket, 120 seater community drama studio/theatre, reception area, car parking and access road. These will be in additon to the existing facilities. There was great enthusiasm for the project, although a number of people raised concerns about the whether the size of the Theatre would be large enough.

The SCC has purchased land behind the Community College and over 1/2 million pounds has already been raised, towards an estimated cost of £1.9 million. C.C. Phillips has asked all Councils in the area if they would consider making a donation towards the cost. Cllr Wright proposed this is considered at the next meeting when the Precept is discussed, seconded by Cllr Magill and approved. AGENDA NEXT MEETING

In order to raise awareness of and support the Project the local Sports and Arts Groups are planning an event at The Community College on 28th February and 1st March which will be an Exhibition of the History of Sports and Arts Groups in the area. A meeting is proposed for Monday 13th January at 7.00 pm at the Community College to finalise details.

8. SKATE BOARD AREA:

The Governors of the Community College have delayed making a decision on the Skate Boarding Scheme until the next meeting, which is to be held on 27th January, as there are a number of issues of concern. The young people keen on Skate Boarding have worked hard at putting together a project and Cllr Whittall proposed the Council sends to the Governors a letter of support, seconded by Cllr Dr Penney and approved. ACTION TOWN CLERK

9. VITAL VILLAGES:

The Deputy Mayor reported that a meeting of the Steering Group of the Vital Villages had been held last night where details of how the residents of the Town should be consulted about their ideas for the future of the Town. It is important that everyone has the opportunity to express their views. Consequently a questionnaire has been drawn up and the Town divided into areas with representatives in each area consulting their neighbours.

10. SOUTH SHROPSHIRE YOUTH FORUM:

V. Robson and L. Seymour from the South Shropshire Youth Forum came along to the meeting to show Councillors a video of the work they have undertaken with the Youth in South Shropshire. They work with the 15 - 24 year age group, slightly older than the Shropshire Youth Office, who work with 13 - 19 year olds. There were plans to extend their work more into Bishop's Castle, but unfortunately they were not successful in their recent bid for funding from the Lottery. Without funding they would not have been able to carry on after March 2003, but fortunately the S.S.D.C. has stepped in with money to enable them to continue for a while longer and it is hoped that they will be successful with their next application for funding. Councillors were surprised to hear that the Community College is the only Secondary School in South Shropshire that do not work with the S.S. Youth Forum and it was proposed the Council contacts Mr Hunt, Headmaster of the Community College. ACTION TOWN CLERK

11. NAMING OF NEW DEVELOPMENTS:

(a) New development on Love Lane: SSDC have received a request from the developer to name the new development on Love Lane 'Old Brick Meadow'. It was felt there could be confusion with regard to the Old Brick Guest House, but Cllr Lawrence had confirmed at a previous meeting that this was the name of the field on an old map. Following discussion Cllr Whittall proposed 'Brick Field', seconded by Cllr Dr Penney, Cllr Blundell proposed an amendment 'Old Brick Field' seconded by Cllr Magill. There were 2 votes for the amendment and 4 votes for the proposition, which was put to the Council as the substantive motion and approved. The Clerk was asked to advise SSDC that this Council suggests the name 'Brick Field'. ACTION TOWN CLERK

(b) New dwellings at Oak Meadow/Welsh Street: SSDC have received a request from the developer of phase 3 of Oak Meadow for the provision of a postal address. In considering the lay-out of the 11 dwellings, which have access onto Welsh Street it was felt appropriate to give this development its own name and suggested Victoria Green, Welsh Street or Castle View, Welsh Street. The Mayor had written and suggested two alternative names; Welsh Street Meadow and Jubilee Meadow, Cllr Whittall suggested Meadow View. Following discussion about the various options Cllr Wright proposed the houses are numbered as part of Welsh Street, seconded by Cllr Dr Penney and approved. ACTION TOWN CLERK

12. TWINNING WITH ST. MARCEL:

Cllr Dr Penney reported that a formal constitution has now been agreed and submitted to Brussels for approval. This year marks the fifth year of the twinning between St Marcel and Nudlingen in Bavaria. Celebrations took place in St Marcel over the weekend of 22/24 November attended by about ten from Germany and the same from Italy, where twinning is already signed up. Ten from the Bishop's Castle committee were invited to join in the celebration, although Bishop's Castle will not be signing up until April 2003. The theme of the weekend 'Recycling' was chosen and as a result of this grants will be available from Brussels. This involved a morning a water treatment plant and an evening presentation of about 10 minutes from each delegation.

The plan is for Bishop's Castle and St Marcel to sign up in early April 2003, coinciding with a trip from the Community College enjoying an exchange visit to St Marcel (3rd - 10th April), when the Mayor has expressed an intention to take part.

It will be following by a return visit from St Marcel school to Bishop's Castle (19th to 26th June) and further signing. The idea is for hospitality to be given to the visitors in each country. Both these events will attract a grant from Brussel as they are for signing up purposes, but there will be no more European money without an approved theme each time. Without a project there will be no grant, Brussels is not very quick over these matters. The cost for each person going to St Marcel is £120, which includes visits to Paris and Euro Disney.

It was suggested that after the signing in April that some signs should be erected in the Town, or at the approach to the Town; 'Bishop's Castle twinned with St Marcel'. It was agreed that this should be an Agenda item for a future meeting and in the meantime Cllr Dr Penney will discuss with the Committee.

13. THE COBBLES:

Mr Ian Holten who kindly volunteers to clean and maintain The Cobbles has reported that there are a few of the cobbles loose and need attention. Cllr Dr Penney proposed Mr Rutherford is contacted and asked if they can be inspected and repaired, but request that the correct cement is used, as work done on a previous occasion had to be re-done. ACTION TOWN CLERK

14. PLAYING FIELD - TREES:

Cllrs Blundell and Whittall reported that recent gales which blew down a tree into Mrs Thompson's garden also damaged other trees in the Playing Field. Consequently Mr C. Pritchard was asked to have a look and make recommendations, which were (1) Trim damaged branches and general pruning of a beech and two oak trees by football pitch. (2) Fall wind damaged maple tree by football pitch. (3) Trim damaged branches and general pruning of an oak tree and three beech trees by footpath. He could also arrange to plant the new trees donated by Mr and Mrs Hurd. These details have been passed to Mrs M. Daniel, Tree Warden, who made the following comments: That most of the pruning necessary has already been done (1) The lime tree (not beech) and two oaks only need damaged branches trimming. (2) Suggests leaving the maple tree as it is, it is a good safe climbing tree for the children. (3) No pruning necessary to the young beech near new fence. (4) All other trees along footpath only require damaged branches pruning. It was approved that Mr Pritchard should be asked to carry out pruning work as agreed by Mrs Daniel. Councillors were asked to have a look at the maple tree before the next meeting. ACTION ALL COUNCILLORS

It is understood that the residents of Coppall Paddock would be pleased if the fallen trees along the footpath were not replaced, as trees when grown tend to block out a lot of light. Mrs Daniel to be consulted about suitable sites in the Playing Field for Mr and Mrs Hurds trees to be planted.

15. STREET LIGHTING:

Cllrs Blundell and Whittall declared their interest on item 15 (a) and left the room whilst this was considered.
(a) Repair Contract: The Agreement between the Council and Messrs Blundell and Whittall for repairing street lighting had worked very well and saved the Council money. The Agreement made in September 2001 with them was that the Council will provide the materials in the way of light bulbs, photocells etc. and pay them £10 for each light repaired and £5 for inspection of a light which is found to have another fault other than a defective bulb or photocell. They are required to organise Personal Accident and Public Liability Insurance. Cllr Dr Penney proposed that this Agreement is renewed for a further 12 month period, seconded by Cllr Magill and approved.

(b) Brampton Road: The plan produced by M.E.B. Contracting for new lighting between the Church and Community College crossroads has been forwarded to Mr D'Alezio, S.C.C. to advise if it meets the criteria of highway lighting, therefore qualifying for the 25% grant and when completed would be suitable for adoption by S.C.C. It was proposed by Cllr Dr Penney that when confirmation is received from S.C.C. that the scheme is satisfactory the Clerk puts the work out for tender, seconded by Cllr Magill and approved. ACTION TOWN CLERK

(c) Market Square: A damaged light in Market Square has been replaced with a modern lamp which is felt to be unsuitable by the owners of the building to which it is attached. However, it is thought the owners have been in contact with S.C.C. and a more suitable lamp is being organised. Report back to next meeting.

It was reported that the lamp attached to Ivy Cottage, Welsh Street is reported to be past repair and requires a new lamp. However as this part of Welsh Street is very dark it was wondered if a temporary lamp could be organised whilst the cost of purchasing a suitable replacement could be investigated. Also reported were: light on Montgomery Road not working and one in Kerry Lane on all day.

Cllrs Blundell and Whittall returned to the room to find that items 15 (b) and (c) had been discussed in their absence, having left the room while item 15 (a) was considered. They wished it to be recorded that they were not happy that items relating to street lighting were discussed in their absence when information they knew would have been helpful to the discussion. The Deputy Mayor reported on the matters, they agreed with the action approved and it was decided it was not necessary to discuss any further.

16. TOWN HALL:

The Mayor, Deputy and Town Clerk recently met with Mrs A.M. Jackson regarding funding for development work. The preparation of a Business Plan will be necessary, for which the Council needs to consider uses for the Town Hall. The Board with pictures and suggestions for the Town Hall has now been in the Library, Enterprise House, The Town Hall and Church and the comments received have been analysed by the Deputy Mayor, which will be circulated to Councillors. It is felt the next step would be to meet the Architect to discuss the comments made and it was suggested that the Clerk could try and arrange a meeting on Friday 10th January. ACTION TOWN CLERK

Mr L. Stanley has sent to the Council a copy of a letter received from Mr C. Richards, Conservation Officer, S.S.D.C. The letter advises Mr Stanley that it would be prudent to await the outcome of the analysis of various refurbishment/redevelopment proposals currently being investigated before deciding to regularise the canopy from a planning perspective, or remove it from the building. If is it decided that the canopy and the redevelopment proposals can co-exist quite comfortably then the submission of an application for listed building consent should be submitted.

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

A letter from Mr P. Gelder, Sewerage Network Manager for Severn Trent advises that Severn Trent should receive a report on the findings of the Consultants before Christmas. The Town Council will be advised of the conclusions of the investigations in early January, when they will be in a position to know the scope of work required to alleviate the flooding problem.

Cllr Whittall advised that a drain at the entrance to the Auction Yard in Station Street is blocked. Cllr Wright proposed that a letter is sent to S.C.C., seconded by Cllr Blundell and approved. ACTION TOWN CLERK

18. ACCOUNTS:

The Clerk advised that the invoice from J. Whittall for £220.00 for lighting repairs was an error as this was approved for payment at the last meeting.
In addition to the accounts listed on the Agenda invoice had been received from:
Enterprise South West Shropshire - Centre Usage July and November - £63.42
Cllr Blundell proposed these accounts be paid in full, with the exception of the £200 for lighting repairs, seconded by Cllr Dr Penney and approved.

19. REPORT OF RECENT MEETINGS ATTENDED BY COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES:

Two meetings have been held recently regarding the Market Towns Initiative. The first held at the Methodist Hall on 2nd December and notes made by the Consultants 'Insight 02' have been received. The second meeting was held at the Community College earlier today which was well attended. CIRCULATE NOTES

20. CORRESPONDENCE:

a) C. Murphy, Playing Field Group: The Group would like information about the Playing Field in time for discussion at the next meeting on 9th January. The Clerk was asked to provide information regarding the budget spent during the last three years. The Clerk will obtain a plan of the field and Cllrs Blundell and Whittall would assist with details of underground services. A model of the Playing Field will be placed in several sites during December to gather more evidence of peoples ideas for the area, which will be brought together at the meeting on the 9th. Cllr Whittall and/or Cllr Blundell agreed to attend this meeting.

b) Mr P. Norton, Chairman, M.Fair Committee: Acknowledging the comments regarding Street Closures in the Town. The Committee had agreed to take a questionnaire to all traders in the Town, but then realised the Chamber of Trade were doing the same thing. Following discussions it was resolved that the Chamber of Trade would carry out the survey, sharing the results with the M.F. Committee and discuss appropriate action when the results are known.

c) Mr L. Stanley: (a) Copy of a letter from Mrs S. Bagley, Customer Relations Operational Complaints Team, Severn Trent Water regarding complaints about maintenance of storm drains in Market Square. The complaint is being investigated and it was proposed that it is not necessary to take any further action at present. (b) Mr M. Ashwell, E.S.W.S. has been trying to obtain broadband access in Bishop's Castle. Whilst providing it for the library and the Community College, at the behest of the government, British Telecom are refusing to extend this facility to the Town. Enterprise House is being denied access to broadband even though they share the same building with the library. Cllr Wright proposed this is an Agenda item for the next meeting, seconded by Cllr Dr Penney and approved.
AGENDA NEXT MEETING
d) S.C.C. Questionnaire regarding the provision of Christmas Lighting: Cllr Blundell offered to complete the form.

e) S.S.D.C. 2002/03 Register of Electors, published 1st December 2002. The list must be used strictly in accordance with the Representation of the People (England and Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2002, which has made it a criminal offence for anyone entitled to receive the Register, i.e. Parish/Town Councils and their elected Members, to supply copies or part of the information contained in it to anyone else. The information must only be used to undertake the statutory function of the Council relating to security, law enforcement and crime prevention or for statistical purposes. An updated Register, incorporating the changes implemented by the District Boundary Review, together with additions, amendments and deletions will be published in February/March.

f) S.S.D.C. Mr D. Hinves, Sports & Leisure Development Officer: Agenda for meeting of the South Shropshire Sport & Leisure Advisory Council being held tonight, together with minutes of the meeting on 17th September. Apologies had been sent from this Council and Mr Hinves had apologised that the last two meetings had coincided with this Councils meeting. Dates are arranged for the year at the A.G.M. and the next two meetings in March and June will not clash.

g) Mr R. Drummond, Principal Traffic Engineer, S.C.C.: Two additional Traffic Team members have been appointed and there has been a re-appraisal of areas of responsibility. Details of names, geographic areas and telephone numbers were included for information.

h) Independent Consultation Project Board: Proposed Merger of the Princess Royal Hospital NHS Trust and Royal Shrewsbury Hospitals NHS Trust. A leaflet outlining the proposal for the establishment of a new Trust on 1st October 2003, based on the experience of joint working between the two hospitals for a considerable period. Consultation commences on 2nd December and runs for a three month period until 1st March 2003. CIRCULATE

i) South Shropshire Access Group: Agenda for the A.G.M. held in Ludlow on 19th November together with minutes of the previous meeting held on 20th November. CIRCULATE

j) Regionalism White Paper: At a meeting between Chief Executives and leaders/chairman of Shropshire County Council, District Councils and Shropshire Association of Local Councils a statement was agreed in response to the Government White Paper concerning Regionalism. CIRCULATE

k) S.A.L.C. Annual Report and Accounts 2001 - 2002 and N.A.L.C. Annual Reports and Accounts 2001 - 2002. CIRCULATE

l) West Midlands Regional Assembly - Publication 'Speaking Out' issue 1. CIRCULATE

Before the meeting closed the Deputy Mayor congratulated Cllrs Blundell and Whittall who, with help from a small number of helpers had made a splendid display of Christmas Lights in the Town.

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