MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF BISHOP'S CASTLE TOWN COUNCIL, HELD IN THE TOWN HALL ON TUESDAY 30TH APRIL 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, C.T.E. Kinmond, E.A. Lawrence, J.A. Magill, K.E.C. Pinches, J.A.J. Whittall and R.D. Wright.

1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE: Apologies received from Cllrs Jones and Morris.

2. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST:

Cllrs Blundell and Whittall both declared a prejudicial interest on item 22.

3. MINUTES OF COUNCIL MEETINGS HELD ON 2ND APRIL 2002:

Minutes of the Council meetings held on 2nd April, having been circulated were proposed as a true record by Cllr Blundell, seconded by Cllr Whittall, approved and signed by The Mayor.

4. MATTERS ARISING:

Item 5.4: The Hearing between S.S.D.C. and Mr R. Sidebottom was continued on 12th April when the case was dismissed, costs were awarded to the S.S.D.C. Cllr Blundell proposed a vote thanks to all who had been involved with this case, seconded by Cllr Whittall and approved.

Item 7.g: The Mayor reported that Stars News Shops had withdrawn their application for a Justices Licence authorising the sale of alcohol. It had been revealed that there was a covenant on the property making certain conditions over items sold, which included alcohol.

Item 8: No response has been received from the District Audit.

Item 17: Letter from Shropshire Tourism was read. Cllr Carroll proposed that a reply is sent advising that the Town has had a Website for the past five years. Although it is realised that space is limited for this "taster" page it was felt that the Town should nevertheless be consulted about the wording. Seconded by Cllr Wright and approved. ACTION TOWN CLERK

Item 28.a: S.S.D.C. are investigating complaints.

Item 28.b: C.C. Phillips noted from the minutes of the last meeting that Cllrs Carroll and Whittall were to attend the meeting on 21st May at 7.00 pm at the Community College, he suggested that the subjects to be discussed were of great interest and that as many Councillors as possible should make every effort to attend.

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

6. TOWN & COUNTRY PLANNING ACT:

a) 1/01//13307/F Planning Permission (full) for erection of a domestic garage. Land to the rear of Hall Villa, Bishop's Castle. Mr A.D. Buy, Idimw, Woodbatch Road, Bishop's Castle. Five letters of objection have been received, all advising that the building is already under construction and objecting on the grounds of the size of the building which is entirely out of scale, it is too high and very close to the neighbouring property with two windows overlooking No 8 Bowling Green Close. Cllr Wright proposed the Council objects to this application on these grounds, seconded by Cllr Carroll and approved.

Two letters were also received pointing out that there appears to be a breach of planning on the dwelling being built on this site, which was previously granted planning permission. The orientation of the house appears to be different to the plan, extra windows have been put in and trees have been removed from the site. Cllr Wright proposed the Planning Officer is asked to make an urgent site visit and stop work whilst the matter is investigated, seconded by Cllr Carroll and approved. ACTION TOWN CLERK

b) 1/02/13315/O Outline Planning Permission and 1/02/13316/CA Conservation Area Consent for demolition of former police station (committee matter). Gorsty Developments, Former Police Station, Kerry Lane, Bishop's Castle. Cllr Blundell proposed objection to this application on the grounds of overdevelopment, the height of which would dwarf the bungalows in Grange Gardens, to the rear of the site. Parking area in not adequate for this number of dwellings. Any Planning Application for this site should not affect any trees and the scale of house should be suitable for the size of the site. Seconded by Cllr Lawrence and approved.

c) 1/02/1331/7/F Planning Permission (full) for erection of extension to dwelling (delegated matter). 26 Grange Road, Bishop's Castle. Mr N.D. Evans. Cllr Blundell proposed no objection, seconded by Cllr Morris and approved.

d) 1/02/13323/F Planning Permission (full) for erection of extension to dwelling. 4, Kerry Lane, Bishop's Castle. P. Allwood. Cllr Wright proposed no objection, seconded by Cllr Whittall and approved.

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

1) 1/02/13204/LB Listed Building Consent and 1/02/13203/F Planning Permission granted for extension and alteration of fenestration to dwelling, and erection of ancillary domestic outbuilding. 58, Church Street, Bishop's Castle. Mr and Mrs J. Greig.

2) 1/02/12980/LB Listed Building Consent and 1/02/12979/F Planning Permission granted for internal and external alterations to dwelling (re-advertised amended plan) 54, Church Street, Bishop's Castle. Mr and Mrs P. Needle.

3) 1/02/13218/TC Permission for works to trees granted for felling of a Scots Pine at St. John the Baptist Church, Bishop's Castle.

Illuminated Sign: Letter read from Mr P.G. Clasby, Planning Department, SSDC. However, this did not answer the question raised and Cllr Blundell proposed a reply is sent to Mr Clasby asking for an answer, seconded by Cllr Pinches and approved.
ACTION TOWN CLERK

Entertainment Licence: Application for a public entertainment licence from Mr A. Lewins of the Kings Head, Church Street. There had been complaints regarding noise from these premises when a previous landlord had live music. It was proposed by the Mayor that the Council objects to this application on the grounds of potential noise and nuisance to neighbours and the frequency of events. An application of 6 - 10 events during the current year would have been more favourably considered. Seconded by Cllr Carroll and approved. ACTION TOWN CLERK

Proposed restriction of number of days for Fairs, Festivals etc. A news cutting had been passed to the Council regarding proposed changes in the planning system. The Clerk had contacted S.S.D.C. to ask for further information, but they were not aware of the details. A copy had now been sent to the M.P. asking if he is aware of the proposals. The Clerk will report back at a future meeting with more details.

6. STREET TRADING:

Letter read from Mr Proctor regarding street trading. The Market Charter makes provision for an annual fair on 23rd, 24th and 25th June and the implementation of any control of trading in the form of a consent / licence or prohibition would remain in force for the remaining 352 days of the year. The Michaelmas Fair and Christmas Lights Festival would not be exempt. If the decision is made to implement a consent / licence these would be administered by the S.S.D.C. and any fees paid to them.
Cllr Carroll proposed that the Council should not consider any further the introduction of licensing and Mr Proctor is asked for advice about the street traders that come on a Friday, seconded by Cllr Blundell and approved. ACTION TOWN CLERK

7. APPOINTMENT OF NEW TOWN CRIER:

There being no further applications Cllr Carroll proposed that Mr Shanahan is invited to the the Town Crier for the forthcoming twelve months, seconded by Cllr Magill and approved. The question of expenses will need to be considered.
AGENDA NEXT MEETING
8. THE QUEEN'S GOLDEN JUBILEE:

There are 340 school children in Bishop's Castle and the Committee proposed to present each with a gold plated medallion engraved with the Town Crest. These will cost in the region of £1.50 each. The alternative was to present each child with a Jubilee mug, at a cost of £1.80 each. When put to the vote, 5 votes were for the medallions and 3 votes for the mugs. Decision needs to be made when to present these. J.C. TO ORDER

Various events are being arranged and Cllr Magill has offered to prepare a leaflet setting out details. It was agreed that following the Mayor's Sunday Service the procession will go to the Playing Field for the opening of the new Jubilee gate. By kind permission of the Bedell Family it is proposed to light a beacon at The Wintles in the evening of Monday 3rd June. Other events being arranged include a celebration of gardens, fireworks, ringing of the Church bells and the band playing.

There have been only two applications for funding for Jubilee Events. 1) Residents of The Ridge are organising a Barbeque for Tuesday 4th June to raise money for the Church, which will be open to everyone. 2) Mrs Kim Evans is in the early stages of organising a tea party at the Public Hall. The Mayor proposed that up to £150 is given to each, providing it is match funded, seconded by Cllr Blundell and approved.

Sue Cooper has advised that we are too late to apply for funding for the Jubilee gate as the project is already underway and grants cannot be awarded retrospectively and projects cannot start until grant approval has been obtained. Suitable projects need a minimum of 3 months lead in time to the project from the date of application.

Cllr Blundell suggested that consideration is given to building a 'Jubilee Hut' in the Playing Field. He has in mind a brick structure to house the facilities for the field. Sue Cooper may be able to give advice about this suggestion. The bus shelters discussed at a previous meeting might be suitable projects.

9. TOWN HALL:

a) Market Traders: The Mayor read letters from Mrs Latchford and Mr and Mrs L. Stanley regarding the area of land to the east of the Town Hall. It was felt that there is no doubt the entrance belongs to the Town Hall, but it was appreciated that since the cellar of the building adjacent has been opened up there needs to be access. The Clerk was asked to contact Mr and Mrs Stanley and inform them that they have pedestrian access only to their door, and if they believe otherwise the Council should have sight of their deeds. In the meantime they should ensure that the tenant is not harassed. ACTION TOWN CLERK

b) Staircase: Some paint was chipped off the wall during the Christmas Lights Festival and The Mayor asked if it could be repainted before Mayor Making.

c) The Cobbles: Mr Stanley has asked if Andrew Wallace could be asked to sweep The Cobbles, since the Takeaway has opened there appears to be more rubbish here. The Mayor reported that Mr Ian Holten had for some time kept The Cobbles clean on an entirely voluntary basis, but found it very discouraging that both staff and customers from the takeaway flick their cigarette ends onto the ground.

10. BUSES AND 11. TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT:

It has been reported by Minsterley Motors that the buses have been held up again in Station Street on a couple of occasions. Each time this happens the buses run late at every stop to Shrewsbury and the S.C.C. consider this to be unacceptable. The problems are caused by parking both sides of Station Street and there are a number of places where this makes the road too narrow for larger vehicles. Mr Willcock from Halls has advised that on Store Cattle Sale Days due to Defra requirements for disinfecting vehicles they do have difficulty with the flow of traffic in Station Station. However, they will try to ensure that there is an orderly queue into the the Market so that traffic can pass up and down Station Street. Mr G. Shaw, S.C.C. has responded to the Council's request for parking signs in Station Street. He has arranged to order advisory signs (white writing on blue) requesting no parking opposite another vehicle. If this does not work he suggests the Council give consideration to introducing parking restrictions. Cllr Whittall proposed that the Clerk contacts the Police for advice and see whether putting out bollards at the narrower points on sale days might help, seconded by Cllr Magill and approved. ACTION TOWN CLERK

12. HIGHWAYS:

S.C.C. Local Plan Southern Division has been received, identifying works for the 2002/03 programme. Under the Drainage Programme the only works listed For the Bishop's Castle area is a culvert at Upper Broughton to B4385. Under the Footway Renewal Programme is Church Bank - Station Street and Welsh Street. FOR CIRCULATION

Cllr Bedell advised that the final development in Oak Meadow has begun and the hedge in Welsh Street has been removed. The grass verge has grown approx 18" over the road and he proposed that S.C.C. are contacted and asked to ensure the road is not made narrower through this. Seconded by Cllr Carroll and approved. ACTION TOWN CLERK

Cllr Bedell also pointed out that a considerable amount of water runs down Welsh Street from Banks Head and there will need to be adequate drainage in Oak Meadow to cope with this. Cllr Wright proposed S.S.D.C.and/or The Environment Agency are advised that this needs attention in order to avoid problems in the future.

13. JOY RIDERS:

Councillors have received numerous complaints over recent weeks about the group of vehicles racing dangerously around the streets in the evenings. These vehicles gather in various parts of the Town, the Auction Yard, the Industrial Estate and by the Recycling Centre and are a danger to other road users and themselves. Calls have been made to the Police reporting registration numbers, but no action appears to have been taken. Cllr Carroll proposed that a letter with the car registration numbers is sent to the Inspector of Police, seconded by Cllr Kinmond and approved. ACTION TOWN CLERK

14. CONSIDERATION OF LICENCE FOR SKATE BOARD AREA:

The draft Licence prepared by the Shropshire County Council for the Town Council to have use of the area for skate boarding out of normal school hours was read to the Council. Cllr Carroll proposed that between the hours of 5pm - 10pm and week-ends was quite reasonable and the Council approves progressing the Licence. Seconded by Cllr Blundell and approved. Town Clerk to contact Mr C. Proctor, Community College. ACTION TOWN CLERK

15. PLAYING FIELD:

1. Bike Track: Cllr Magill reported that she had received further complaints from people living near the bike track about bad behaviour and swearing from children using the track. Cllr Carroll proposed that these complaints have continued for a long time and people should be able to enjoy their gardens without having to listen to this sort of behaviour. The area is far from suitable and it would be much better if a piece of land could be made available where there are not people living nearby. Cllr Carroll proposed that this area is demolished and the S.S.D.C. are contacted regarding using the Industrial Estate as an alternative, seconded by Cllr Whittall and approved. Mr Bryan Evans should be contacted if the track is removed as he put the soil there when it was built. ACTION TOWN CLERK

2. Hedges: Councillors had been asked to look at the hedge running along Kerry Lane prior to the meeting. Because of the difficulty of getting to this hedge, over the years the hedge cuttings have built up and it is believed they are a fire hazard. It was felt that all the rubbish and scrub should be removed and a hedge planted along the fence. However, it was felt that the 'Friends of the Playing Field' are currently in contact with the Countryside Unit regarding improvements to the field and this hedge could already be under consideration. The Playing Field Committee to meet the 'Friends' to discuss.

Mrs Morris has contacted Cllr Whittall regarding the hedge at the back of her property. Councillors suggested that ownership of the hedge is established and the Clerk was asked to contact Mrs Morris. ACTION TOWN CLERK

3. May Fair: The Agreement drawn up for use of the Playing Field for this year and the next four has been signed by Mr and Mrs Wynn and The Mayor signed on behalf of the Town Council. The May Fair will take place on Friday and Saturday 10th and 11th May.

4. Entrance: Mr Whitefoot has nearly completed making the gates and the carved plaque has been fitted in. The cost of wood for a post and rail fence from the gate to the road will be in the region of £300 from J. Ransford, who will give the bark for the bank free of charge. Cllr Carroll proposed the Council approves this as the fence needs to be in keeping with the gate and that Cllr Whittall and Blundell should be given permission to go ahead with the fence so that it can all be finished before the Jubilee Bank Holiday, seconded by Cllr Lawrence and approved.

16. VITAL VILLAGES:

Cllr Carroll reported that the first meeting of the Vital Villages had taken place on 16th April. It was well attended by various Organisations and Committees in the Town, and details of the various projects and plans were gathered together. Mrs C. Oakes from the Community Council was in attendance to offer assistance and advice. The next stage will be to raise awareness in the Community with a second, more public meeting, before producing a Report and Action Plan. This is to be held in June, with the date yet to be arranged.

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

Letter read from Severn Trent. The closed circuit television survey of the sewer has been completed which shows a number of minor obstructions impeding the flow within the sewer. Arrangements have been made for these to be removed and this work should be completed within the next two weeks. Though this will not alleviate flooding from the foul sewer it will increase the capacity and help to minimise future flooding incidents. With regard to research into a long term solution to the problem, they advise that it is not possible to complete such detailed investigations in a short time span as such problems require extensive research before a project can be designed which will confidently alleviate the flooding.

18. PLAY AREA - OAK MEADOW:

Letter read from residents of 47 Oak Meadow, whose garden joins the Play Area in Oak Meadow, requesting a high fence between their property and the Play Area. Since the new development has been completed there is a large amount of children using this area and children are jumping over the dividing wall onto the flower bed, balls and stones arrive in their garden and they fear that the car will be damaged. Their dog has already been frightened by children throwing stones at him whilst he was shut in the passage at the side of the house. Councillors sympathised with these problems and felt it is a reasonable request. Cllr Whittall proposes the Clerk contact S.S.D.C., seconded by Cllr Bedell and approved. ACTION TOWN CLERK

19. DOG FOULING:

The Town Clerk has contacted the Dog Warden at Welshpool. He advised that Dog Fouling needs tackling in a number of ways to be successful. They have a policy of education/talks/publicity and prosecution. The have voluntary Estate Wardens on a number of larger estates and persistent owners are prosecuted. Over the last seven months there have been 23 cases taken to court and a lot of pubilicity has been given to the results of these cases.

This is on the Agenda for discussion at the Community Forum on 9th May and it was agreed to wait for the outcome of this meeting before taking any further action.

20. ACCOUNTS:

In addition to the Accounts presented on the Agenda an invoice for £20 had been received from Mr Bishop for repairing the bench at the end of Grange Road. Notification has been received from S.S.D.C. for the Non-Domestic rates for the Town Hall, £1,071.49 for the year, payable by Direct Debit. The first payment paid on the 1st April was £108.49 and will be followed by 9 monthly payments of £107.00. The Clerk advised that a cheque for £16,000 had been received from S.S.D.C., being the first half of this years precept. Cllr Blundell proposed these accounts are paid in full, seconded by Cllr Whittall and approved.

21. FOOTPATHS:

22. STREET LIGHTING:

Cllrs Whittall and Blundell left the room whilst this was considered. The damaged light on Castle Green has been removed and the cost of a replacement investigated. A modern light fitting would cost in the region of £120, a decorative metal replacement approximately £220. Cllr Magill proposed that in view of the position of this light a decorative metal one should be used in keeping with the others in Bull Lane, seconded by Cllr Kinmond and approved. It was reported that tenders for erecting new lights in Kerry Lane between Corporation Street and Corricks Rise should be available for consideration at the next Council meeting. AGENDA NEXT MEETING

23. REPORT OF RECENT MEETINGS ATTENDED BY COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES:

24. CORRESPONDENCE:.

a) Notice of the Bishop's Castle & District Community Forum 'Spring Meeting' to be held on Thursday 9th May at 7.30 pm in the Fletcher Room, The Community College. Current issues include: Update on the High Street Road Scheme, Facilities for Teenagers, dog fouling, improvement to Cycle facilities, update on the Arts & Sports Centre plans.

b) Bishop's Castle Public Hall Committee: Requesting use of the Playing Field on Sunday 7th July for the Carnival. The Clerk was asked to advise there was no objection to this request, usual arrangements regarding insurance should be made.

The Mayor declared the meeting closed at 10.10 p.m.