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

PRESENT Councillor J.M. Carroll, Mayor, in the Chair.
Councillors: J. Blundell, S.A. Farr, J.E. Gaffney, N. Hird, J.A. Magill,
Dr. G.N.St.J. Penney, K.E.C. Pinches and R.D. Wright.
In attendance: Mrs. J. Ince, Town Clerk.

1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE:
Apologies were received from Cllr. M. Davidson-Stanley, Cllr. J. Morris

2. DECLARATION OF INTEREST:
a) Declaration of personal interest:
Cllr. Hird declared a personal interest in item 9 as he is on the skateboard committee and item 15 as he is a member of the Wasteless Society.
Cllr. Gaffney declared a personal interest in item 15 as he is a Director of the Wasteless Society.

b) Declaration of prejudicial interest:
Cllr. Blundell declared a prejudicial interest in item 16 as he is the Street lighting Contractor.
Cllr. Carroll declared a prejudicial interest in item 6c as the property is next door.

3. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS
a) Minutes of the Council meeting held on Tuesday 11th January 2005, having been circulated, were proposed as a true record by Cllr. Blundell with the following corrections. Seconded by Cllr. Dr. Penney
Item 8 - Precept should read "Cllr. Gaffney proposed that option 3 be adopted giving a rise of
10% or £6 per D band household per year in order to cover the necessary expenditure on the
Town Hall".
b) Minutes of the extraordinary meeting, (closed session) also held on 11th January 2005, having
been circulated, were proposed a true record by Cllr. Blundell, seconded by Cllr. Dr. Penney.
The minutes were approved and signed by the Mayor.

4. MATTERS ARISING
Item 7.- Rearrangement of bank accounts - The Clerk reported that she had closed the two old accounts and opened an additional High Interest bond. The interest made on this bond will be £77 in the first three months. In reply to Cllr. Blundells question the Clerk confirmed that the same signatories are on all the accounts.

Item 14 - F22 footpath - The Clerk read a letter from Paul Crampton, Shropshire County Council explaining the three available options. a)The landowner could look to dedicate the route onto the definitive map by entering into a formal legal agreement. This would cost £1300 - £1500. b)The landowner could enter into a permissive agreement. This is a temporary agreement. c) If the path has been used for over 20 years public rights may have been established. This would leave two footpaths across the field.
Cllr. Dr. Penney proposed that the Mayor discuss the matter with Mr Evans, the landowner. Seconded by Cllr. Wright and approved.

Item 19c - Mrs Furber - resignation - The Clerk read a letter from Mrs Furber confirming her resignation. Cllr. Wright proposed a letter be sent to Mrs Furber thanking her for her work on the Council. Seconded by Cllr. Dr. Penney and approved.
Cllr. Blundell requested that if there were problems of this nature in the future they be brought to Council first.
Item 15 - New Grit bins. - The Clerk explained that Ian Rutherford, Shropshire County Council was happy to replace the grit bins but suggests the Town Hall one be replaced first to see how they stand up to wear and vandalism. He would like it to be slightly bigger than the one at the Heritage Resource Centre so that a standard plastic liner will fit. Colin Richards, South Shropshire District Council would like to see them in a darker colour.
Cllr. Blundell proposed that we ask Mr Rutherford to go ahead with an order for one bin that is slightly bigger and in a darker colour. He suggested the one by the Castle would be a better trial. The Mayor and Clerk will discuss with Mr Rutherford when they meet next week. Seconded by Cllr. Wright and approved.

5. MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WISHING TO SPEAK: Mrs Pauline Thomson
Mrs Thomson spoke on behalf of her neighbour at 6 Coppall Paddock who wishes to fell an ash tree. (Item 6a). She explained that the ash tree causes damage to the trees in the playing fields and the hedgerow and was in fact only a sapling and had not been planted.

6. TOWN AND COUNTRY PLANNING ACT:
a) 1/05/16578/TC Tree works (Conservation Area), Felling of an Ash tree
(delegated matter)
Land between 6 Copall Paddock and Bishop's Castle Playing Field. C. Pritchard.
The Mayor, Cllr. Carroll spoke against the felling of the tree. She explained that when Council
are considering large developments they are usually in favour of mature trees being kept.
These trees often end up in people's gardens. They should not then be felled at a later date.
Cllr. Dr Penney proposed no objection. Seconded by Cllr. Blundell and approved.

b) 1/05/16626?HR Hedgerow removal notice. Removal of hedgerow.
Land south of Beech-O-Cwmago, Banks Head, Bishops Castle, Mr M.D.Hall.
Cllr. Wright proposed no objection. Seconded by Cllr. Hird and approved.

Cllr. Carroll left the room, Cllr. Magill took the Chair.
c) 1/05/16628/LB Listed Building Consent. 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 C. Wesson.
Cllr. Wright proposed no objection. Seconded by Cllr. Blundell and approved.
Cllr. Carroll returned and took the Chair.

d) 1/05/16638/F Planning permission (Full). Erection of a domestic garage (Revised scheme).
Hall Villa, Brampton Road, Bishop's Castle. R.M.A. & W.H Say.
Cllr. Dr. Penney proposed no objection. Seconded by Cllr. Pinches and approved.

e) Reports of Planning Applications.
(i) 1/04/16455/F Erection of extension to dwelling and alteration to domestic garage.
Aviemore, Union Street, Bishop's Castle. Mr & Mrs R.G.Jones.
Planning permission granted.

(ii) 1/04/16528/TC Felling of an Ash tree.
Llanserth, Kerry Lane, Bishop's Castle. Mr & Mrs A. Burkill.
Consent granted

(iii) 1/04/16352/F Erection of a domestic garage.
Hall Villa, Bramprton Road, Bishop's Castle. Mr & Mrs R.M.& W Say.
Permission refused because the proposal is considered to be detrimental to the amenity of the
area by virtue of its size and siting and as such fails to comply with policy GP2 and HG10 of the
South Shropshire Local Plan.
Also, the proposal is considered to be detrimental to the setting of the adjoining listed building
known as Blunden Hall because of its siting and size, and as such is contrary to policy CN7 of
the South Shropshire Local Plan.

7. AUGUSTE BOUVARD PAINTING
Updates were given on the research into the history of the painting. Cllr. Wright proposed that Christie's be given permission to sell the painting. They are to be asked to make a print of it. The Mayor and Clerk are to take advice from Christie's on a reserve price. Seconded by Cllr. Dr. Penney and approved with Cllr. Blundell voting against. Cllr. Dr. Penney proposed that the decision of a reserve price be brought back to the next Council meeting and that other advice on the reserve price also be sought. Seconded by Cllr. Gaffney and approved.

Cllr. Carroll proposed that item 18 - Town Hall Restoration be brought forward. Seconded by Cllr. Magill and approved.

18. TOWN HALL REFURBISHMENT
The Clerk read a letter from John Wheatley advising that it would be sensible to carry out the work affecting safety matters. He has not completes a detailed specification. Cllr. Dr. Penney proposed that a letter be sent to Mr Wheatley asking how much a detailed specification for the roof, sandstone mouldings and Venetian window would cost. Seconded by Cllr. Blundell and approved. It was suggested a second estimate be sought. Cllr. Blundell suggested the architect used by the Poppy House. It was also suggested advise be sought from Colin Richards, South Shropshire District Council.
The Clerk then reported that it had been decided at the meeting of the working party to approach a structural engineer to ask how much it would cost to investigate the cistern. Also to approach South West Shropshire Historical and Architectural Society to ask if they would be interested in looking into the history of the cistern.
The working party then discussed possible educational uses of the Town Hall as this would have to be shown to obtain heritage lottery funding. A business plan would have to be formed. The Mayor and Clerk are to draw up a list of jobs that need doing to collect the information required.

Cllr Dr. Penney left the meeting.

8 CLOSURE OF TELEPHONE BOXES
A request from Matthew Green M.P. to Town/Parish Councils for a letter of support to keep telephone boxes open was read by the Clerk. Cllr. Gaffney was concerned that writing a letter could be seen as helping with Matthew Green's election campaign. Cllr. Blundell proposed that a copy of the letter sent previously be sent again. This refers only to the two boxes in Bishop's Castle. Seconded by Cllr. Wright and approved.

9. SKATEBOARD PARK IN THE PLAYING FIELD
The Mayor reported that the first meeting had been well supported but there were fewer people at the other two. Concern had been shown by members of the Bowling Club about the safety of their cars while being parked on the playing fields. Mrs Allwood had shown concern over the possible noise level.
The Mayor explained where the preferred position on the playing field would be. It would be a rectangle 27m x 20m to the left of the gate in Kerry Lane. The longer side would be parallel to the road. The tarmac needs to be laid while the path is being laid by the Friends of the Playing Fields. This does not require planning permission. Cllr. Magill proposed that the skateboard park be put in the suggested area. Seconded by Cllr. Hird and approved.

10. REQUEST FOR A DISABLED PARKING BOX
Mrs Gillian Bass is carrying out an access survey of Bishop's Castle and she has requested the Town Council to approached the County Council for a disabled box on the road outside the church. Cllr. Wright proposed a box is requested. Seconded by Cllr. Gaffney and approved.

11. DRAFT WORKS PROGRAMME 2005/06
The Clerk read the Shropshire County Councils proposals for highway maintenance 2005/06.
Cllr. Wright proposed that a letter be sent to the County Council reminding them of the unsuitability of tar and chippings in the Town Centre, also requesting an explanation of the abbreviations. Seconded by Cllr. Gaffney and approved.

12. TOWN ENHANCEMENT IN THE OLD MARKET PLACE
The Mayor explained that there was some funding available for visitor interpretation in the Old Market Place. Cllr. Wright explained that Bishop's Castle was a working town and any tourist interpretation should be minimal. He proposed a plaque be attached to existing stonework. Seconded by Cllr. Blundell and approved. Cllr. Carroll proposed a working group including Cllr. Wright. Anyone wishing to be involved should see the Clerk at the end of the meeting. Seconded by Cllr. Pinches and approved. Cllrs Carroll and Magill to be part of the working party.

13. KERRY RIDGEWAY TOURIST INFORMATION PANEL AT THE CHURCH
Cllr. Pinches proposed that a request be made for a Tourist Information Panel to be placed on the church boundary wall. Seconded by Cllr. Hird and approved.

14. PARKING NOTICES
The Clerk reported that 55 slips had been completed. Five cars had received two slips, all the others just one. Four Councillors had completed slips but it was mainly two Councillors. Cllr. Gaffney felt the scheme was working well. The Mayor asked why only a few Councillors were completing slips. Cllr. Blundell explained that often he did not have slips with him and it was easier to speak to the motorist explaining the problem. He said that he was concerned there was no provision for loading and unloading. Other Councillors agreed that the slips were not always available.

15. CARDBOARD COLLECTION
Cllr. Hird reported that the Wasteless Society had not drawn the £250 donated by the Town Council because the South Shropshire District Council has two commercial bids to collect cardboard in South Shropshire from Shropshire Highland Seeds and Parry and Evans, Welshpool. No decision will be made until 17th February 2005.

Cllr. Blundell left the room
16. STREET LIGHTING.
A Resident has suggested that Shropshire County Council should be approached for street lights to be installed at the Kennels Crossroads and the College cross roads. The problems at these junctions were discussed and Cllr. Wright proposed that a letter be sent to Shropshire County Council asking them to consider means of making these crossroads safer with the use of different road markings or street lighting. Seconded by Cllr. Magill and approved.
Cllr. Blundell returned

17. RISK ASSESSMENT POLICY.
It was agreed by the Clerk and Councillors to move this to the next Agenda so that more work could be done on the Policy.

18. HISTORY OF TOWN REGALIA.
The Clerk advised that she has a sheet showing the history of Bishop's Castle Town regalia.(Written 1949). If anyone would like a copy please ask the Clerk. The Mayor suggested the information should be put in the Council Chamber and on the web site.

20. ACCOUNTS
In addition to the Accounts listed on the Agenda the following invoices have been received.
A. Wallace - £22.00
Zurich Municipal (Painting insurance) £36.75
It was proposed by Cllr Gaffney that the Accounts are all accepted. Seconded by Cllr Magill and approved.

21 REPORT OF RECENT MEETINGS ATTENDED BY COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES
Cllr Carroll reported from the meeting of Representatives of six Market Towns. She explained that only five towns are attending the meetings. The relationship with area partnerships had been discussed and it had been agreed that a letter be sent from the group to the SSDC expressing the concerns over the contents of the article in the Shropshire Star on this matter.
Some of the other matters discussed were:-
(a) The toilets in Church Stretton - A budget of £4Kis to be set for the
maintenance of the toilets.
(b) The problems over the continual funding for reprints of maps/brochures.
(c) The idea of the opening up of the Bishop's Castle - Craven Arms railway
track as a bridle way. Craven Arms Council is very supportive.
Cllr Magill reported from a Friends of the Library meeting where various fund raisers were discussed. Seating for toddlers and the elderly are to be put in the Library.
Cllr. Hird reported from a meeting of the Partnership of the Heritage Resource Centre. They have asked for a list of the archives kept in the chest. They are forming a management committee and would like someone from the Council to sit on it.

21. CORRESPONDANCE.
a) (i) Mrs Greenwood to Colin Richards SSDC regarding the removal of a four-windowed dormer
at the Three Tuns. (a grade two listed building) Cllr. Blundell proposed a letter from the Town Council also be sent to Mr Richards. Seconded by Cllr. Pinches and approved.
(ii) Letter from Abbi Hemmings requesting use of the Town Square on three occasions.
Cllr. Wright proposed that permission for use on the 1st May be given and that separate applications be made for the other two dates nearer the time. Seconded by Cllr. Blundell and approved.
(iii) SCC - Hugh Danat - update on the situation on twinning signs, width advise in New
Street and box at Three Tuns. Cllr. Blundell proposed a letter be sent to Hugh Danant
explaining that the "Keep Clear" box had been painted on the wrong side of the road. Seconded by Cllr. Magill and approved.
(iv) A letter from Roger Marston of 5 Bull Street was read giving his agreement to the Town Council installing a handrail on his wall adjacent to the footpath on condition the Council maintain the handrail and any damage caused by it to the wall. He also suggested steps would be better on this footpath.
b) For circulation
(i) Clerk and Council, (ii) Switch on Shropshire (iii) The Playing Field
The Mayor declared the meeting closed at 9.55 p.m.

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