MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF BISHOP'S CASTLE TOWN COUNCIL, HELD IN THE TOWN HALL ON TUESDAY 17TH SEPTEMBER 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, J.A.J. Whittall and R.D. Wright.

1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE: Apologies received from Cllr Lawrence, who is in hospital.

2. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST: None.

3. MINUTES OF COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON 20TH AUGUST 2002:

Minutes of the Council meetings held on Tuesday 20th August 2002, having been circulated were proposed as a true record by Cllr Blundell, with one amendment, to item 10.c - should be proposed by Cllr Whittall not Cllr Wright, seconded by Cllr Dr Penney, approved and signed by The Mayor.

4. MATTERS ARISING:

Item 6.h: SALC advise that decisions made at any Council meeting, including the Annual Meeting can be reconsidered subject to Standing Orders. The proviso in Standing Orders is that no decision can be reconsidered within six months of it being made.

Item 7: Mr Drummond is reluctant to introduce a further black plastic bollard into the High Street pending any initiatives to replace them with timber bollards through the local community and S.S.D.C. Cllr Dr Penney proposed that the black plastic bollards are quite acceptable and as there seems to be no activity about replacements in timber we press ahead for an additional bollard in black plastic, seconded by Cllr Magill and approved. Mr Drummond considers the parking on the corner by 17 Market Square as an enforcement issue rather than traffic management. However Councillors felt that the Police cannot possibly ensure there is no parking on this area at all times and it requires a physical obstruction to prevent vehicles driving on the pavement. Cllr Dr Penney proposed a letter to Mr Drummond and Inspector Payton about this matter, seconded by Cllr Magill and approved. ACTION TOWN CLERK

The Police assure the Clerk that efforts are being made to reduce the problem of excessive speeding in the streets and unmarked Police vehicles will be carrying out speed checks.

Item 10.c: No suggestions have been received for suitable sites for planting Mr and Mrs Hurd's trees. The Clerk has contacted Mrs Daniel, the Tree Warden and she is considering. However, she has pointed out that she cannot agree to maintain them.

Item 16.d: The next Community Forum is likely to be held mid - late November

Item 16.i: The Council has been advised that it has recently been decided that the energy required for street lighting for many years has been underestimated and it is necessary to increase the energy costs for each street light. Cllr Blundell said he would look at the Councils street lights before the next meeting to see how much difference this will make to the Council.

From previous meeting: (1) Mr G. Shaw, S.C.C. has agreed to erect a sign for The Library in High Street and on The Boar's Head crossroads. (2) Mr Drummond, S.C.C. has advised that the County Council are pleased that the Town Council supports the idea of pole mounted planters for the build-outs in High Street, but unfortunately cannot agree to fund them. Cllr Dr Penney reported that several years ago the Town Council had 12 planters, some are still in use, but 4 were given to Stone House. He noted that they had not been planted this year and proposed that Ms P. Cadman at Stone House is contacted to see if they are still needed, if not they could be used in High Street, seconded by Cllr Magill and approved. ACTION TOWN CLERK
(3) Miss D. Humphrey, SSDC has enclosed a copy of the Officers report for The Wintles. There is a legal agreement in place that requires 10% affordable housing for local people, which equates for 4 properties.
(4) Copies of letters of objection received from M. and R. Pettersson and M. Ashwell regarding Planning Application 1/02/13655/O at Hollenbough, Church Lane.

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

6. TOWN & COUNTRY PLANNING ACT:

a) 1/02/13722/LB Listed Building Consent. Internal alterations to flat 1 and 2 (delegated matter). Old Porch House, High Street, Bishop's Castle. Mr J. Lucas. Cllr Dr Penney proposed No Objection, seconded by Cllr Pinches and approved.

b) 1/02/13720/F Planning Permission (full). Erection of an extension to dwelling. (delegated matter). 9 Pound Close, Bishop's Castle. Mr and Mrs C. Pearson. Cllr Dr Penney proposed the Council objects to this proposal on the grounds of the increase in height from 4.5 metres to 6.6 metres, particularly as it is on elevated ground, seconded by Cllr Wright and approved.

c) 1/02/13760/TP Tree Works (TPO) Pruning of an Ash Tree. Laburnum Alley, Bishop's Castle. Mr B. Headly and Mr A. Seabourne. Cllr Dr Penney proposed No Objection, providing it is light pruning carried out under the supervision of Shropshire County Council Tree Officer, seconded by Cllr Carroll and approved.

f) No other Planning Applications received.

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

i) 1/02/13484/F and 1/02/14385/LB Notice of Withdrawal of Planning Application and Listed Building Consent, The Three Tuns Brewing Company Ltd., Three Tuns, Salop Street.
ii) 1/02/13646/F Planning Permission granted for erection of secure accommodation for 6 motorised scooters for residents. The Abbeyfield Society, Abbeyfield House, Oak Meadow, Bishop's Castle.
iii) 1/02/13576/F Planning Permission granted for conversion of agricultural building to holiday accommodation unit at Watermead, Bishop's Castle. R. Lennox.
iv) 1/02/13467/F Planning permission granted for erection of an extension to dwelling and a domestic garage. Ms J. McGlynn, 15 Castle Green, Bishop's Castle.
v) 1/02/13581/F Planning Permission granted for erection of 6 x 5m high lighting columns, Bishop's Castle Civil Defence Bowling Club, Bishop's Castle.
vi) 1/02/13591/F Planning Permission granted for erection of a conservatory, Highfields, Union Street, Bishop's Castle. Mrs S. Price.
vii) 1/02/13593/TC Permission for works to trees on land adjoining Laburnum Alley. The Bungalow, Union Street, Bishop's Castle. Tree Dimensions.

Planning Application for erection of buildings to form livestock market with associated plant and parking facilities, land adjoining Harry Tuffins Supermarket, Churchstoke. Powys County Council have advised that a public enquiry has been arranged for 15th October into the refusal of planning permission on 7th December 2001. A revised application M2002 0533 for the development was considered at the meeting of the Montgomeryshire Planning Committee on 6th September 2002 and it was resolved that subject to certain conditions permission is granted. In light of this decision it is expected that the appeal may be withdrawn. Letter read from C.C. Phillips expressing his concern that permission has been granted. The Council were advised that S.S.D.C. will be seeking an injunction on the grounds of it's close proximity to Bishop's Castle Market and are currently checking The Charter and preparing a case.

Notification has been received that applications for The Wintles, former Police Station and land to the rear of the Old Brick Guest House are to be considered at the meeting of the Planning Committee tomorrow, 18th September. People who object to planning applications may speak about their concerns.

7. FUNDING TOWARDS BISHOP'S CASTLE SHUTTLE BUS:

Cllr Carroll reported that the Tourism Group are looking to raise £5,000 locally to finance a Shuttle Bus at week-ends between Easter and September from Bishop's Castle in a circular route around Lydbury North, Clunton, Clun, Anchor and Sarn. Dial-a-ride will be used and it will be organised in a similar way to the Longmynd Shuttle bus. All Parish Councils on the route have been contacted regarding making a contribution. Cllr Blundell proposed a contribution of £200, seconded by Cllr Wright and approved.

8. OAK MEADOW - USE OF PRIMARY SCHOOL FIELD:

The number of children in Oak Meadow has increased dramatically over recent years and it was noted that during the Summer Holidays there were large numbers of young children playing in the road and on pavements in Oak Meadow whilst the Primary School field was locked up and not in use. Cllr Dr Penney proposed that the Council looks again at the possibility of somehow using this area outside school hours and proposed a letter is sent to The Chairman of School Governors, with a copy to the Headteacher, to see if some sort of dual use scheme could be worked on, seconded by Cllr Wright and approved. ACTION TOWN CLERK

9. PUBLIC TELEPHONE BOX:

Cllr Dr Penney reported that the Public Telephone Box in High Street is a coin only facility and proposed that British Telecom are requested to install a dual card and coin facility, seconded by Cllr Whittall and approved.
ACTION TOWN CLERK

10. OBSTRUCTION OF PAVEMENTS:

The Clerk had been asked to check the legal position regarding goods for sale being put on pavements. Shropshire County Council had been contacted and confirmed that legally goods are not permitted on the public highway, although in some cases in Bishop's Castle there is an area of ground immediately in front of properties that is privately owned and not part of the public highway. Shropshire County Council Highways Department should be contacted if there are instances where a pavement is regularly being obstructed and they will investigate.

11. LITTER BINS:

It had been raised that there are not sufficient litter bins at the top end of Town, particularly in Market Square. Cllr Whittall pointed out that the litter bin by the bench in Church Street is not big enough. It was approved that the Clerk looks at designs and prices of purchasing four new bins. One between Country Pursuits and The Ganges (permission of owner needs to be confirmed), one at the top of The Cobbles, a replacement outside the Fish and Chip shop and a larger one for Church Street.

12. VITAL VILLAGES:

Cllr Carroll reported that there had been a further meeting of the Vital Villages Steering Group on Tuesday 10th September, where it had been proposed that all residents are consulted by a leaflet requesting comments circulated to all households in the Town. From this the Facilitators will prepare a report. It is proposed the next meeting will be held in November

13. PLAYING FIELD:

a) It is proposed the Firework Event is considered for next year.
b) Cllr Carroll reported she had attended a recent meeting which had been held to form a Steering Group, a similar process to the Vital Villages. Cllr Dr Penney proposed that the Steering Group is offered free use of the Town Hall for 12 meetings over the next twelve months, seconded by Cllr Magill and approved. In view of the fact that the Friends Group had been awarded a grant which has not yet arrived and they have no money, Cllr Dr Penney proposed that the Council lends the Group £200, free of interest until the end of the current financial year, seconded by Cllr Wright and approved.
c) The Mayor, Deputy Mayor and Clerk to liaise over the wording of A4 laminated signs to go at the three entrances to the Playing Field. Sign to include Playing Field is owned by and responsibility of Town Council, no unauthorised motor vehicles, no horses, request to clean up dog mess and dogs should be on a lead, although Cllrs Carroll and Whittall wish their objection to the addition of this last point to be recorded.
d) As one quotation has not yet arrived it was proposed this is dealt with at the next Meeting.

14. TOWN HALL:

It was reported that on 10th September The Mayor, Deputy and Cllr Dr Penney met with Mr Wheatley and Mrs Jackson to discuss the plans and funding for the repair and refurbishment of the Town Hall. Cllr Lawrence prior to being taken ill, had contacted Anthea Addis of the Community Council of Shropshire regarding the possibility of a grant towards the cost of a feasibility study on the Town Hall. Town Clerk to follow up. Cllr Dr Penney advised that the S.S.D.C. offered a grant service and the Clerk was asked to contact Sim Hine for more information. ACTION TOWN CLERK

It is planned that photographs and plans prepared by Wheatley Lines should be on display for the public to see and make comment. Mr Wheatley will let the Town Clerk have photographs and the plans in due course which can be put in the Library and on Friday 11th October in the Mayor's Parlour at the Town Hall. On this date a Coffee Morning is to be held in the Council Chamber from 10 am until noon, organised by The Mayor and Deputy, which is hoped will help raise money and awareness. It was proposed that the Civic Regalia should also be on display.

The Duty Mayor reported that Mr and Mrs Stanley had met the Mayor, Clerk and herself on 5th September to discuss the porch. Mr and Mrs Stanley undertook to contact Mr C. Richards, S.S.D.C. about obtaining Planning Permission and Listed Building Consent. The Deputy Mayor has spoken to Mr Fellows, Solicitor for S.S.D.C. for advice about the wording of an Agreement with Mr and Mrs Stanley and it was proposed that the matter of these permissions be sorted first, seconded by Cllr Blundell and approved.

15. NEW RADIO STATION - THE STORM:

Cllr Wright proposed no action, seconded by Cllr Dr Penney and approved.

16. SEVERN TRENT WATER - PROGRESS REPORT OF DRAINAGE INVESTIGATIONS

Nothing further to report.

17. ACCOUNTS:

Cllr Dr Penney proposed these accounts be paid, with the exception of one invoice from Links Electrical, which is for a lamp which is to be returned, seconded by Cllr Whittall and approved.

ANNUAL AUDIT: The Clerk provided Councillors with copies of the Accounts for the Council for year ending 31st March 2002. The only amendment being proposed to page 4, Supporting Statement, that added to the Civic Regalia should be 1 Beedles staff, The Town Bell and The Charters. From these accounts Section 1, the Statement of Accounts had been completed by the Clerk. The Council resolved that these accounts are approved and signed by The Mayor. Section 2 - Statement of Assurance was read and points 1 - 8 were all unanimously agreed. It was resolved that this Statement of Assurance is approved by the Council and signed by The Mayor. The accounts now need to be examined by an independent person before being forwarded to Winross Hacker, the external auditors appointed by the Audit Commission. Cllr Blundell proposed Sykes & Co are asked to carry out the internal audit on behalf of the Council, seconded by Cllr Carroll and approved. ACTION TOWN CLERK

18. REPORT OF RECENT MEETINGS ATTENDED BY COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES:

The Mayor reported she had today attended a meeting of Trustees of the Trinity Hospital.

19. CORRESPONDENCE:.

a) It is planned to hold the first meeting of the Market Towns Initiative on Monday 14th October in the Methodist Hall. Councillors will be receiving an invitation and further details within the next few days.

b) Information Commissioner: Freedom of Information Act 2000 - Publication Schemes: This Act applies to all bodies identified as "public authorities", the Town Council is one of the public authorities listed in Part II of Schedule 1 to the Act. Section 19 of the Act requires every public authority to adopt and maintain a publication scheme which has been approved by the Information Commissioner. The implementation timetable requires a scheme to be approved by the Commissioner and in place by 28th February 2003. To meet this deadline we are required to submit a scheme to the Commissioner by 31st December 2002. It was suggested that this should be circulated and an Agenda item for the next meeting. CIRCULATE

c) S. Anderton, Citizens Advice Bureau would like to come to a meeting to talk about the work of the Bureau and receive any questions that Councillors may have. It was proposed that Ms Anderton should be invited to the Annual Town Meeting next April.

d) DEFRA: Parish and Town Councils to retain role in Planning. The Planning Green Paper, published in December 2001 included proposals to streamline the bureaucracy and change the role of statutory consultees, which caused much concern that the role of parish councils could be diminished to the detriment of local communities. The list of consultees has been built up over a long period and it makes sense to review the approach, however this will not affect the role of parish and town councils as it has been decided in advance of consultation that parish and town councils should not lose their current rights. CIRCULATE

e) D. Johnson, Rural Transport Officer, S.C.C.: Having recently joined S.C.C. will be working with local communities across Shropshire to improve access to transport for people in rural areas. As part of this role Ms Johnson will be seeking to develop the network of volunteer Bus Contacts and supporting and developing Community Car schemes across the county. In these areas she will liaise with Cllr Wright and Mr A. Varcoe.

f) S. Hill, Cultural Strategy Development Officer, S.C.C.: Draft Cultural Strategy for Shropshire. CIRCULATE

g) Mr J. Goldsworthy, West Shropshire Talking Newspaper: Request for financial support. PRECEPT MEETING

h) S.S.D.C. Report of The Joint Policy Panel Inquiry into Employment Land etc. Council Meeting 12th September 2002. CIRCULATE

i) Commission for Racial Equality: The non-statutory Ethnic Monitoring - 'A guide for public authorities' summarises the outcomes public authorities should be working towards, and the arrangements they should have in place to meet the duty to promote race equality. CIRCULATE

j) Mrs J.Rowson and Mrs K. Price: Residents of Church Lane complaining that visibility on the junction of Church Lane with Kerry Lane is regularly obstructed by parked vehicles outside the Church and up Kerry Lane. Councillors felt that if the Planning Application for the development of 8 dwellings at The Grange is approved the amount of traffic on this junction will increase and the problem will be even worse. The Clerk was asked to contact Mr Caird, S.S.D.C. to advise him of these complaints. Cllr Pinches proposed The Police are contacted and asked to monitor the parking on this junction, seconded by Cllr Carroll and approved. ACTION TOWN CLERK

k) Mrs R. Morris, Pound Close: Concern about Road Closures for Festivals preventing residents taking vehicles to and from their homes. It was felt that whilst there is sympathy for residents in affected roads, these events can only go ahead with the good will and co-operation of residents and for public safety vehicles cannot be permitted to drive through unaccompanied. Road Closure Orders are always advertised well in advance and are required for the safety of the public, but emergency vehicles are always able to get through. Cllr Blundell proposed that the Clerk passes this information to Mrs Morris, seconded by Cllr Carroll and approved. ACTION TOWN CLERK

l) Shropshire Association of Parish and Town Councils: South Shropshire Area Committee, minutes of meeting held on 8th July and Agenda for meeting arranged for 14th October. CIRCULATE

m) Local Environment Focus: CIRCULATE

n) The Mayor has received a request for two of the pictures of Bishop's Castle from the Mayor's Parlour to be used at the Church Exhibition over Michealmas Weekend. Cllr Blundell proposed No Objection, seconded by Cllr Carroll and approved.

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