Bishop's Castle Town Council Meetings & Agendas

Minutes 05 April 2005

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF BISHOP'S CASTLE TOWN COUNCIL HELD IN THE TOWN HALL ON TUESDAY 5TH APRIL 2005 AT 8.OO PM.

PRESENT Councillor J.M. Carroll, Mayor, in the Chair.
Councillors: J. Blundell, M. Davidson - Stanley, S.A. Farr, W. J. Morris, Dr. G.N.St.J. Penney and R.D. Wright.
In attendance: Mrs. J. Ince, Town Clerk.

1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE:
Apologies were received from Cllrs. J. E. Gaffney, N. Hird, J. A. Magill, K.E.C.Pinches

2. DECLARATION OF INTEREST:

a) Declaration of personal interest:
Cllr. Farr declared a personal interest in item 11a as his wife is Secretary for the Friends of the Playing Fields.
Cllrs. Davidson-Stanley, Wright, Carroll and Dr. Penney declared interests in item 13 as their properties are adjacent to the surfaces in question.

b) Declaration of prejudicial interest: none

3. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS
a) Minutes of the Council meeting held on Tuesday 8th March 2005, having been circulated, were proposed as a true record Cllr. Wright with the following corrections. Seconded by Cllr. Dr. Penney.
Item 10b. - The section in brackets should read (Storage is free up to a value of £200, the sum given as a donation.)
Item 17 line 2 should read "Cllr. Wright proposed that the Town Council should approach the County Council suggesting the following areas be taken over by the Town Council."
Item 17, end of line 3. Delete "that" and insert "they should"
The minutes were approved and signed by the Mayor.

4. MATTERS ARISING
Item 16 - Letter from Dyanne Humphries explaining the planning situation regarding BCHRC request for sign on Town Hall. Photographs were shown for the suggested position of the sign. Cllr. Wright proposed that provided written confirmation was received from the South Shropshire District Council Planning Dept. there should be no objection to the sign being put on the south facing wall. Councillors thought the eastern side preferable (picture 3) Seconded by Cllr. Blundell and approved. ACTION TOWN CLERK

Item 22 - A letter was read from Central Networks regarding the pole at Castle Green. Central Networks have sent Living Villages Trust the quote and associated terms and conditions for the removal of the pole. No feedback has been received which is why the project has not progressed.
Cllr. Wright proposed that a letters be sent to Living Villages Trust, copies to Roger Whitehouse and Matthew Green M.P. urging the Living Villages Trust to respond to Central Networks urgently. Seconded by Cllr. Blundell and approved. ACTION TOWN CLERK

5. MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WISHING TO SPEAK: none

6. TOWN AND COUNTRY PLANNING ACT:
a) 1/05/16796/TC Tree works (conservation area). Felling of a Hazel and 4 no. trees from rear garden and 1 small tree in front garden. (delegated matter)
9 Copall Paddock, Bishop's Castle. Mr. A Clarke.
Cllr. Dr. Penney proposed no objection. Seconded by Cllr. Blundell and approved.

b) Reports of Planning Applications.
(i) 1/05/16628/LB Alterations to dwelling (detailed in schedule) to include installation of 3 x velux
roof lights: demolition of 2 x chimney stacks: removal of render to expose stone and point: fixboarding to oak frame and renewal and replacement of windows.
27 High Street, Bishop's Castle. Mr and Mrs Wesson.
Listed Building Consent Granted.

(ii) 1/05/16629/TC Pruning/loping of a tree.
Land at Laburnum Alley, Bishop's Castle. W.J.Hendley.
Consent granted.

(iii) 1/05/16626/HR Removal of hedgerow.
Land south of Beech-o-Cwmago, Banks Head, Bishop's Castle. Mr. M. D. Hall.
Not proceeded with.

(iv) 1/05/16578/TC Felling of an Ash tree.
Land between 6 Copall Paddock and Bishop's Castle Playing Fields, Bishop's Castle. C. Pritchard.
Consent granted.

Cllr. Carroll proposed that under section 100A (4) of the Local Government Act 1972 the public be excluded from item 7 on the grounds of confidential nature of the business about to be transacted. Seconded by Cllr. Dr Penney and approved.

7. CO-OPTION OF COUNCILLOR
There have been two applicants - Mr. L. T. Heasman, The Rowe Farmhouse,
Colebatch and Rachael Evans, 24 Church Street. Feedback was given by the Clerk and Councillors who had attended the interviews with Mr Heasman and Mrs Evans on Thursday 31st March. It was felt both candidates would make good Councillors. A secret vote was taken, resulting in Rachael Evans being co-opted. The Clerk to write to both Mrs Evans and Mr Heasman. ACTION TOWN CLERK

8. PUBLIC TOILETS
The Auction Yard toilets will be closed from 29th March until 19th July for refurbishment. The South Shropshire District Council has now formally offered the Town Hall toilets to the Town Council with effect from 19th July 2005. Cllr. Davidson-Stanley proposed that the Town Council take over the Town Hall toilets from the South Shropshire District Council on19th July with the following conditions.
a) The District Council ensure the toilets are in a good state of repair.
b) The Town Council will not incur extra business rates.
c) The electric supply to the toilets is joined to the Town Hall supply with one meter.
d) The water and sewerage connections from the toilets are incorporated into the Town Hall
system with one bill.
The costs for c) and d) to be covered by the District Council.
e) An article to be put in the next newsletter explaining that the Town Council have had no choice but to take the toilets over if they are to stay open with the finance coming from the Bishop's Castle precept.
Seconded by Cllr. Blundell and approved. ACTION TOWN CLERK

Cllr. Carroll proposed that the clerk find out more details about the running of the toilets. eg. opening times, employment conditions of cleaner, servicing etc. To put on next agenda. Seconded by Cllr. Dr. Penney and approved. ACTION TOWN CLERK

Cllr. Blundell proposed that the Clerk contact Property Services at the District Council to find out how much they would charge for maintenance of the toilets. Seconded by Cllr. Wright and approved. ACTION TOWN CLERK
9. TOWN ENHANCEMENT - second phase
Cllr. Carroll reported that the first phase would be completed by the end of May. This was the twinning signs with barrels and planted area, the up the pole planters and the hanging baskets.
The suggested second phase is to purchase eight more planters for the poles for winter planting at an approximate cost of £800 and to purchase two Tourist Information boards for the Harley Jenkins St car park and the auction yard at a cost of £400. These amounts would be refunded by the Town enhancement grant. There is approximately £1500 left. Cllr. Dr Penney proposed that these be purchased. Seconded by Cllr. Farr and approved. ACTION TOWN CLERK

10.NEWSLETTER
A grant of £250 has been has been approved by the Bishop's Castle Marches Partnership to cover the cost of the printing of the newsletter for the financial year 2005/06

11. YOUTH SHELTERS
a) Council was shown a plan of the proposed youth shelter in the playing fields. It has been designed by the Green Wood Centre and is to be built in July by the Community College with the help of pupils. John Bryan, South Shropshire District Council has been consulted and he approves the deign providing it is built by a competent builder using the correct materials. The two high poles over 6m would need planning permission. (Anything over 4m) Councillor Farr explained that these poles would be used to hang flags for various events. Cllr Carroll explained that planning permission would also be required for some of the play equipment over 4m high and possibly for some of the skateboard equipment. It was suggested that planning permission be sought for all three at the same time. Cllr. Davidson-Stanley proposed there be no objection providing the Playing Fields working group approves the construction and materials. Seconded by Cllr. Blundell and approved. ACTION TOWN CLERK
b) Cllr Carroll reported that the South Shropshire District Council had offered the Town Council a youth shelter free of charge. It can be stored free of charge until the Town Council decide where to put it. The Mayor and Clerk had accepted the offer on behalf of the Council and chosen the colour of green and yellow. Cllr. Blundell requested a picture of the shelter be brought to the next meeting. ACTION TOWN CLERK
12. FOOTPATH - OLD BRICK MEADOW
Update on situation after discussion with Cllr. Carroll and Mr Evans. Cllr. Carroll reported that Mr Evans would like the path to remain on its present walked position and he would consider allowing it to be covered in tarmac providing the Town Council is willing to pay for the tarmac and maintain it. Cllr. Carroll explained to Mr Evans that it would still leave a right of way across the middle of the field that could be re-opened if people insisted. Cllr. Dr. Penney proposed a letter be sent to Mr Evans stating that the Town Council is willing to tarmac the walked path and to continue to maintain it. Seconded by Cllr. Wright and approved. ACTION TOWN CLERK
13. SCHEME FOR ENHANCEMENTOF TOWN CENTRE TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT AND PAVEMENTS
Cllr. Carroll showed Councillors the design statement drawn up by Joe Roberts, Shropshire County Council. She explained that as there was now no money available it was planned to implement the scheme when routine works were being carried out. Cllr. Wright suggested that changes should be considered starting at the bottom of the Town and working up. Therefore the change in priorities at the Boars Head should be implemented first and the effect monitored before other work was completed. Cllr. Carroll explained that the change of colour of the road surface in the conservation area would be easier to implement. Cllr Wright proposed the order of work considered and completed should be :-
a) The change in priority at the Boars Head to send traffic along Station Street.
b) The change of materials used for pavements from tarmac to concrete slabs.
c) The change of colour in the road surface in the conservation area.
d) The Welsh Street changes.
Seconded by Cllr. Davidson-Stanley and approved.
All Councillors were unhappy about the lack of pavements in Welsh Street.
14. BISHOP'S CASTLE HERITAGE RESOURCE CENTRE
An invitation to Councillors from the BCHRC to a talk by the Curator of Ludlow Museum about the collecting habit on the May 7th. There is an invitation to mount a display on the Town Hall project on this evening. Cllr. Carroll said she was prepared to help with a display. She proposed Council agree to completing a display on the Town Hall project. Seconded by Cllr. Davidson-Stanley and approved. ACTION TOWN CLERK

16. LIGHTS IN WELSH STREET
Roger Whitehouse, Shropshire County Council, has written a letter to Days Construction requesting them to replace the lighting columns that were removed during construction of the Welsh Street Gardens development. Cllr. Dr. Penney proposed letters be sent to Roger Whitehouse with a copy to Days requesting that lights be installed in Welsh Street in accordance with County Council standards. Seconded by Cllr. Morris and approved.
ACTION TOWN CLERK

17. ACCOUNTS
In addition to the Accounts listed on the Agenda the following invoices have been received.
Ali Fox (April salary) - £104
J. Ince - expenses - £36.43
J. Ince - Newsletter - £61.82
Zurich Municipal - £1979.25
It was proposed by Cllr Blundell that the Accounts are all accepted. Seconded by Cllr Dr. Penney and approved.
The Clerk explained to Cllr. Blundell that the invoices for Mr. Fix it and BCBS were for the handrail on the footpath in Bull Street.

18. REPORT OF RECENT MEETINGS ATTENDED BY COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES
Cllr. Carroll reported that she had attended a meeting of the Housing Association Vulnerable Adults project. She reported there was now a lot of help for vulnerable adults with a weekly surgery at Enterprise House which is advertised at the Community College. Cllr. Davidson-Stanley suggested an article be put in the newsletter.

19. Correspondence.
a)(i) Two letters were read from Geraldine Burkill regarding the skateboard park. Mrs Burkill and Mrs Allwood would now like the skateboard park following the roadline (Kerry Lane), buffered at both ends by a landscaped raised area. Cllr. Carroll proposed the site be moved back to this position. Seconded by Cllr. Dr. Penney and approved. ACTION TOWN CLERK
(ii) Community Council of Shropshire - Rural life 2020 annual conference 14th April at the Shropshire Wildlife Trust Building, Shrewsbury.
(iii) Wasteless Society - Invitation to a talk about their forthcoming activities on 18th April 7.30 pm at the Three Tuns.
(iv) Reply from Ofcom regarding closure of telephone boxes reporting all comments will be considered.
(v) Letter from Mr Freeman about the poor state of the footpath from Woodbatch Road to Grange Road. Cllr. Carroll reported that there had been problems for the P3 group due to the ill health of Phillip Giles. Tom Bason has now come forward as being willing to take on the footpath work. With regard to the footpath from The Grange Nursing Home to Church Lane Cllr. Dr. Penney proposed a letter be sent to the Developer of the Old Police Station, with a copy to the planning office asking for the trees to be trimmed. Seconded by Cllr. Blundell and approved.
ACTION TOWN CLERK
(vi) Public Transport news - Bus service 745 now operated by Whittles.
(vii) Invitation to an information evening _ Craven Arms Parish Plan on 20TH April.
Cllr. Carroll reported that the Bishop's Castle Parish Plan was now being published.
(viii) S.W.Shropshire Community Forum - Shrop Doc - Your Questions answered and The Wasteless Society. Meeting on 12th April at the Community College.

b) For circulation
(i) Standards Committee, Agenda 5th April 2005 and Minutes 8th February 2005.
(ii) Salopian recorder.
The Mayor declared the meeting closed at 9.50 p.m.

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