MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF BISHOP'S CASTLE TOWN COUNCIL, HELD IN THE TOWN HALL ON TUESDAY 12TH NOVEMBER 2002 AT 8.00PM

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

1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE:

Apologies received from Cllrs Lawrence, Kinmond, Morris and Whittall.

2. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST:

Cllr Blundell declared a prejudicial interest on item 18.

3. MINUTES OF COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON 15TH OCTOBER 2002:

Minutes of the Council meeting held on Tuesday 15th October 2002, having been circulated were proposed as a true record by Cllr Blundell, seconded by Cllr Carroll , approved and signed by The Mayor.

4. MATTERS ARISING:

Item 10: Vickie Robson, South Shropshire Youth Forum has asked to attend a meeting to speak about facilities for the youth. Cllr Wright proposed she is invited to the next meeting, seconded by Cllr Dr Penney and approved.

Cllr Dr Penney had suggested at a previous meeting that the two banks are asked to provide a facility to dispose of bank slips by each cash machine. He proposed the Clerk writes to HSBC and Barclays, seconded by Cllr Carroll and approved.
ACTION TOWN CLERK

5. MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WISHING TO SPEAK:

Mrs G. Thomas and Mrs S. Taylor. Both spoke of their concerns about the planning application 6.c. This rare stone building is an attractive feature in the Conservation Area, it is in a very poor state of repair and should be repaired, but retained as a domestic outbuilding. The proposed velux and new larger windows would overlook and invade the privacy of the neighbouring garden.

6. TOWN & COUNTRY PLANNING ACT:

a) 1/02/13883/F Planning Permission (full) for change of use residential C3 to shop A1 (Delegated matter). The Porch House, High Street, Bishop's Castle. Mr J. Lucas. Cllr Dr Penney proposed No Objection, seconded by Cllr Blundell and approved.

b) 1/02/13903/CC County Council Development. Erection of extension and alteration to Bishop's Castle Primary School. Cllr Dr Penney proposed No Objection, seconded by Cllr Carroll and approved.

c) 1/02/13914/F and 1/02/13415/CA Planning Permission (full) and Conservation Area Consent. Part demolition and rebuilding of ancillary domestic outbuilding to form annex to main dwelling (delegated matter). Building to the rear of 19 Welsh Street, Bishop's Castle. N. Sanderson, 71 Margravine Gardens, London. Letters of objection received from Miss S. Gould and Mr A. McBarnett. Following discussion and consideration of the matters raised by owners of neighbouring properties Cllr Dr Penney proposed the Council objects to this application, seconded by Cllr Wright and approved. The grounds for objection being: the loss of an interesting and important historic relic in the Conservation Area, overdevelopment of the site (the yard area between No 19 and the outbuilding is shared by three other properties). Lack of parking, which will give rise to even more vehicles being parked on an already congested street. The proposed velux and larger windows would overlook the neighbouring garden depriving the neighbours of their privacy. The building was formerly used for the storage of logs and coal and it is strongly recommended that it is retained as a domestic outbuilding.

d) No other Planning Applications received.

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

i) 1/02/13760/TP Permission granted for work to trees. Pruning of an Ash Tree at Laburnum Alley, Bishop's Castle. Mr B. Headley and Mr A. Seabourne.

ii) 1/02/13720/F Planning Permission granted for erection of an extension to dwelling at 9 Pound Close, Bishop's Castle. Mr and Mrs C. Pearson.

iii) 1/02/13605/RM Approval of Reserved Matters. Erection of 7 dwellings at The Wintles, Welsh Street, Bishop's Castle. Living Villages (Bishop's Castle) Ltd.

Notification has been received that applications for the erection of an office building at The Wintles is to be considered at the meeting of the S.S.D.C. Development Control Committee tomorrow, 13th November.

7. FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT 2000 - PUBLICATION SCHEMES:

The Model Publication Scheme for local councils has been circulated to all Councillors. The purpose of the scheme is to be a means by which local councils can make a significant amount of information available routinely and is intended to encourage local councils to publish more information and develop a culture of openness and transparency. Councillors felt there would be very little difference as current procedures cover most of the matters in the Scheme. Cllr Dr Penney proposed this Council adopts the model scheme for Parish, Town and Community Councils produced in accordance with section 20 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and will publish information in accordance with that scheme, seconded by Cllr Blundell and unanimously approved.

8. SKATE BOARD AREA - REQUEST FOR FINANCIAL SUPPORT:

Cllr Carroll reported that she had recently attended a meeting of the Skate Boarding Group at the Community College. Matters are progressing and the Licence is being prepared ready for signature between the S.C.C. and the Town Council permitting use of the area between 4.00 pm and 9.30 pm, with longer hours at the week-ends. A great deal of time has been spent considering the details and discussions with the young people, Police and Youth Service and consequently a set of rules for the area have been drawn up. However, there remains considerable doubts regarding the College bearing the additional cost of wear and tear to College property and damage which may occur. Cllr Dr Penney proposed the Council approves a donation of £500 per annum for the next five years towards such costs, seconded by Cllr Wright and approved.

9. CONSIDERATION OF APPLICATIONS FOR FINANCIAL SUPPORT:

It was resolved that the following donations are approved under the powers of Section 137:
· Ambulance First Responders: Scheme introduced in Shropshire to provide prompt treatment in areas which cannot be reached quickly by ambulance, using trained local volunteers. Request from Mr M. Pullen, Treasurer of S.A.F.E.R., Bishop's Castle for donations to help meet the cost of equipment. Proposed by Cllr Dr Penney a donation of £100, seconded by Cllr Blundell and approved.
· County Youth Service, South West Rural Project: Last year the Youth Project ran a pre 17 year old driving test. The course was successful and they are planning to run a similar course in 2003. A request from Tim Evans, Youth Worker for a donation to meet some of the cost of this course. Cllr Dr Penney proposed this request is not supported, seconded by Cllr Pinches, Cllr Carroll proposed an amendment that a donation is approved of £200, providing that participants are informed the scheme has been financially supported by the Town Council, seconded by Cllr Blundell. The amendment was approved 4 votes to 3. This was then put to the Council as the substantive motion and approved.
· Crucial Crew: This is a Safety Awareness Day for year 6 children organised by Bridgnorth & District Crime Panel togethr with West Mercia Police, which the Council has supported in recent years. 30 children will qualify to attend from the Primary School and a donation of £3 each is requested. Cllr Carroll proposed a donation of £90, providing the children are informed the scheme has been financially supported by the Town Council, seconded by Cllr Blundell and approved.
· Dial Shropshire: This Disability Advice Centre was established in 1990 by local disabled people to provide a free independent and confidential information and advice service to people with disabilities, their families, carers and healthcare professionals. This is the first request received, Cllr Blundell proposed a donation of £25, seconded by Cllr Wright and approved, with one vote against.
· Shropshire & Mid Wales Hospice: A request for financial assistance to help the Hospice continue to meet the increasing local need to provide care to terminally ill patients, which is dependent upon voluntary contributions to continue the care offered. Cllr Dr Penney proposed this request is not approved, seconded by Cllr Blundell and approved.
· No Panic: Formed 11 years ago to help people who are suffering from anxiety illnesses. Cllr Dr Penney proposed this request is not approved, seconded by Cllr Blundell and approved.
· Dial-a-Ride: The Bishop's Castle & District Community Transport Group is continuing to seek contributions towards the running costs. Cllr Dr Penney proposed a donation of £100, seconded by Cllr Magill and approved.
It was resolved that under the Power of Section 142 the following donation was approved.
· Citizens Advice Bureau: Cllr Wright proposed a donation of £283, the same as approved last year, seconded by Cllr Blundell and approved.

10. BISHOP'S CASTLE PUBLIC HALL ACCOUNTS:

The Public Hall Accounts for year ending 31st March 2002 have been presented. There were a couple of matters that need clarification, but as it was reported that Mr D. Whitefoot, the Chairman, who has signed these accounts, is in hospital and it was proposed by Cllr Dr Penney that this is left for the time being and the points checked with Mr Whitefoot when he has recovered, seconded by Cllr Blundell and approved. The Clerk was asked to send the Council's good wishes to Mr Whitefoot.

11. STREET NAME SIGNS - THE NOVERS:

Mr Marsh, Building Control Officer of S.S.D.C. has written that a request has been received for the provision of a suitable street name sign at the above development. It is normally the developers responsibility to erect a sign initially, however, in this case the developer has emigrated and it is impossible to force him to erect the required signs. The S.S.D.C. maintains signs and replaces them if damaged, but cannot provide them for the first time. It is requested that the Town Council considers providing the appropriate signs, a sign leading to the Novers and one at the entrance. Councillors feel that although the developer, Mr P. Buy has emigrated, he still has business interests in the Town and should be contacted and asked to meet the cost of erecting the two signs. Cllr Dr Penney proposed that S.S.D.C. are requested to make every effort to contact Mr Buy, seconded by Cllr Wright and approved. ACTION TOWN CLERK

12. USE OF PRIMARY SCHOOL FIELD OUTSIDE NORMAL SCHOOL HOURS:

Letter from Chairman of the governing body of the Primary School read. Although sympathetic to the needs of the families in Oak Meadow, the position has not changed since the matter was discussed two years ago. It was felt that one way forward would be for the Town Council to purchase the bottom part of the field as a community area, taking over responsibility for it and leasing it back to the Primary School for use in school hours. Cllr Blundell proposed this suggestion is put to the Local Education Authority, seconded by Cllr Magill and approved. Cllr Wright wished it recorded that he did not vote. ACTION TOWN CLERK

13. PREPARATION OF RISK ASSESSMENT:

No advice has yet been received from the S.A.L.C.

14. TRAFFIC:

The yellow hatching in Church Lane requested by this Council has been painted recently, but unfortunately is taken into the area by the Church Barn. This has given rise to a number of complaints as this is the only area in which it is safe to park. Cllr Penney proposed that S.C.C. are asked to correct this mistake, seconded by Cllr Carroll and approved. ACTION TOWN CLERK

Cllr Penney asked if S.C.C. could be asked to erect a sign at the exit from Stone House advising no left turn, as large vehicles going up Union Street cannot get through and have to reverse back down, seconded by Cllr Carroll and approved. ACTION TOWN CLERK

There are a number of other traffic matters that have been raised in recent months with Mr Drummond and Mr Rutherford, S.C.C. which we are still awaiting a response. Cllr Carroll proposed that Mr Drummond is invited to meet the Mayor and Council Representatives to discuss these matters one afternoon, 4.30 - 5.00 pm would be a suitable time, seconded by Cllr Dr Penney and approved. ACTION TOWN CLERK

15. STREET LIGHTING - BRAMPTON ROAD:

A design scheme for Brampton Road is expected from M.E.B. Contracting very shortly. It was proposed that when it arrives the Clerk forwards it to Mr D'Alezio at S.C.C. to ensure that it meets the necessary standard for Highway lighting and will be suitable for adoption by S.C.C. ACTION TOWN CLERK

It was brought to the Council's attention that the street light in Welsh Street near the new development has been removed, presumably by the developers. It is assumed that it has only been removed whilst the work is taking place and will be re-erected in due course.

16. TOWN HALL:

The recent high winds have blown off some ridge tiles which damaged tiles and guttering as they fell. The Clerk has contacted the Insurance Company about this damage. Cllr Dr Penney proposed that agreement will be needed from the Insurance Company that the repairs can be delayed and carried out at the same time as the other repairs are done to the roof, seconded by Cllr Carroll and approved.

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

Nothing further to report.

18. ACCOUNTS:

Cllr Blundell left the room whilst this matter was considered.
In addition to the accounts listed on the Agenda invoice had been received from:
Sykes and Co - Annual Audit - £235.00
Links Electrical - Light fittings - £129.25
D. Palliser - from Vital Villages grant - £54.39
Cllr Dr Penney proposed these accounts be paid in full, seconded by Cllr Wright and approved.

19. REPORT OF RECENT MEETINGS ATTENDED BY COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES:

Minutes of the Board Meeting of Bishop's Castle & District Lifeline Company held on 24th October have been received. CIRCULATE

20. CORRESPONDENCE:

a) County Councillor P. Phillips: South West Shropshire Arts and Sports Project - S.C.C. have purchased land behind the Community College and the Architects have produced a set of plans (copy enclosed) and there is over £1/2 million in the kitty. The Plans are also in the Library and at the Community College for the public to examine. All schools and local councils in South West Shropshire are being contacted to ask if they will consider making a donation of £500 or £1,000 and although cheques are not required for perhaps another 3 years, if every school and council did this it would be a significant help and a strong demonstration of public support. A Presentation of the plans will be given by Alan Penton, County Sports Officer on Thursday 28th November at 7.30 pm in the Fletcher Room at the Community College. It was proposed this is on the Agenda for the next meeting, which will take place after the public meeting. AGENDA NEXT MEETING

b) S.S.D.C. Skip Service: The manned skip service will be available at the Crowgate Recycling Centre between 12 noon and 4.00 pm every other week from Thursday 7th November. NOTICE BOARD

c) S.C.C. Winter Opening Hours 2002/2003 for the Household Waste and recycling centre from 27th October 2002 to 29th March 2003. NOTICE BOARD

d) S.S.D.C. Changes to the office opening hours at South Shropshire District Council. Offices, excluding the Environment and Development Department, will not open until 9.30 am Tuesday mornings to allow for staff training. NOTICE BOARD

e) Bishop's Castle & District Community Forum: Notes of Public Meeting held on Thursday 11th July and Minutes of Steering Group meeting held on 22nd October. CIRCULATE

f) Community Council of Shropshire: Development Project Shropshire's Rural Community Development. - Consultation on preliminary review of research. CIRCULATE

g) S.S.D.C. Standards Committee: Agenda for meeting 12th November and minutes of previous meeting held on 20th August. CIRCULATE

h) Shropshire Playing Fields Association: Notice of A.G.M. on 31st October together with Annual Report and Accounts for 2001-2002. CIRCULATE

i) Shell Interactive: CIRCULATE

j) S.C.C. Community & Environment Services: Shropshire's Local Transport Plan - Stakeholders Seminar - 28th November at The Shirehall. Any Councillor wishing to attend please contact the Clerk for further information. Annual Progress Report 2002 for information. CIRCULATE

k) Home Zones: County Councillor P. Phillips had given The Mayor information regarding Home Zones, which it was felt Councillors may be interested to read. CIRCULATE

l) The Countryside Agency: Doorstep Greens Framework Agreement for Partnership and A17 Specialist Organisations to help with trees. To be retained on file.

The Mayor declared the meeting closed at 9.30 p.m.