MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF BISHOP'S CASTLE TOWN COUNCIL HELD IN THE TOWN HALL ON TUESDAY 11th OCTOBER 2005 AT 8.OO PM.

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

Members of the Public in attendance: Harriet Carty, Catherine Farrington, Lynne Farr, Caroline Stephenson, Pippa Halliday, Robert Gwyther, Ian Wall, Fiona Robertson, Peter Bamford.

1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE:
No apologies

2. DECLARATION OF INTEREST:

a) Declaration of personal interest:
Cllr. Magill declared a personal interest in item 6a as her niece lives at the property at times.
Cllr. Farr declared a personal interest in items 7, 8 and 9 as his wife is a member of the "Friends" committee.
Cllrs. Davidson-Stanley, Gaffney and Carroll declared personal interests in item 16 as they are members of the Christmas lights committee.
Cllr. Evans declared a personal interest in item 22 as her children attend the childcare centre.
Cllr. Hird declared a personal interest in item 22 as he is a fund raiser for the childcare centre.

b) Declaration of prejudicial interest:
Cllr. Wright declared a prejudicial interest in item 6a as a close friend owns the adjacent property (4a)
Cllr. Blundell declared a possible prejudicial interest in items 7 & 8 as he has worked on the playing fields and installed the lights.
Cllr. Blundell declared a prejudicial interest in item 10 as he is the advisor for the Town Hall electrics.
Cllr. Davidson-Stanley declared a prejudicial interest in items 10 and 11 as she lives adjacent to the Town Hall.
Cllr. Blundell declared a prejudicial interest in item 15 as he is the street lighting contractor.

3. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS
a) Minutes of the Council meeting held on Tuesday 13TH September 2005, having been circulated, were proposed as a true record by Cllr. Blundell with the following corrections. Seconded by
Cllr. Dr. Penney.
Item 15 should read "Ian Rutherford, Divisional Surveyor, Shropshire County Council."
The minutes were approved and signed by the Mayor.

4. MATTERS ARISING
Item 4 (15) A letter has been received from Chris Fisher, Shropshire County Council re the right of way from Church Street to the Auction Yard. It is not owned by the Kings Head and they are trying to establish who owns it.
Item 18 (v) Reply from Mr Thomas, Shropshire County Council, advising that the Town Hall could not be used as a marriage room as it is not DDA compliant.
Item 10 - Letter from Glyn Shaw, Senior Traffic Engineer, Shropshire County Council re "Slow, children playing" signs. Mr Shaw said that "slow children crossing" signs could only be put in the vicinity of a school or playground. Cllr. Gaffney proposed a letter be sent to Mr Shaw explaining that we said "slow children playing" and asking if the regulations are the same. If they are the same there is a school and play area in Oak Meadow so could signs please be put there. In Brick meadow could they please put "slow" markings on the road. Seconded by Cllr. Davidson-Stanley and approved.

5. MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WISHING TO SPEAK:
a) Robert Gwyther spoke about the Michaelmas fair. He wished to speak after the adverse publicity of the Fair. Most traders had no problem with trade but did have a stressful day. He felt that the people involved in the fair, especially the stall holders had not considered the shop keepers. He felt a lot of work had gone into the fair and the traction engine rally had brought trade and atmosphere to the Town. He wished to congratulate the organizers of the traction engine rally.

b) Harriet Carty spoke on behalf of the "Friends of Bishop's Castle Playing Fields*. - Copy attached (see end of minute)

c) Fiona Robertson spoke about the skateboard Park. She explained that she had applied for a grant from South Shropshire District Council and that she had asked for the bill not to be paid before this grant money came. She also explained that the Skateboard Association were paying Clive Jones to move the bunds back and they would put a small fence round the area. This will hopefully be completed by the end of the month. Prickly bushes will be planted on the bunds.

6. TOWN AND COUNTRY PLANNING ACT:
Cllr. Wright left the room
a) a) 1/05/17518/F Planning Permission (full) Refurbishment and conversion of existing two storey building to form annexe.
The Limes, Church Street, Bishop's Castle. Mr. B. Evans
Cllr. Dr. Penney proposed no objection. Seconded by Cllr. Blundell and approved.
Cllr. Wright returned.

b) 1/05/17543/TC Tree works (conservation area) Removal of low boughs from Wellingtonia trees (delegated matter).
Tall Trees, Church Lane, Bishop's Castle. Mr Jones
Cllr. Dr. Penney proposed no objection with the comments from the Tree Warden. "Only the lowest branches to be removed and not flush with the trunk." Seconded by Cllr. Wright and approved.

c) Reports of Planning Applications.
(i) 1/05/17315/F Erection of 20 dwellings and formation of access road and associated works. (No 21 Grange Road to be demolished)
Land adjoining Grange Road, Bishop's Castle. South Shropshire Housing Association.
Planning permission refused on the grounds of the loss of community facility and the additional traffic in Grange Road.

(ii) 1/05/17278/RM Erection of 2 dwellings.
Former RWA Depot, Woodbatch Rd., Bishop's Castle. G.T.Thomas
Planning approval granted.

(iii) 1/05/17279/F Cladding of part of gable with weather boarding.
1 Bull Lane, Bishop's Castle. Miss C. Batson
Planning permission granted

(iv) 1/05/17327/F Erection of a conservatory,
Mynd View, Church Lane, Bishop's Castle. Mr & Mrs I.C.Rowson.
Planning permission granted.

(v) 1/05/17383/TC Reducing height of 4 leylandii to 3.6m (12ft) and reshape crown of flowering cherry.
19 & 21 Church St. Bishop's Castle. Mr C Pritchard.
Consent granted

(vi) 1/05/17309/F & 1/05/17310/LB Erection of an oak framed conservatory with store under existing glazed link corridor to be demolished, and associated internal works. (delegated matter)
Three Tuns, Salop Street, Bishop's Castle. Havana Taverns.
Planning permission and listed building consent granted.

(vii) 1/05/17406/F Use of land for the temporary siting of a caravan.
Former RWA Depot, Woodbatch Road, Bishop's Castle. G. T. Thomas
Planning permission granted.

(viii) 1/05/17390 Siting of a biodiesel tank.
Union St Garage, Union St., Bishop's Castle. Wasteless Society.
Planning permission granted.

((ix) 1/05/17396/F and 1/05/17397/CA Erection of an extension to dwelling and external alterations.
3A Bull St, Bishop's Castle. Mr J Charters.
Planning permission and conservation area consent granted.

(x) 1/05/17282/F Erection of a building for retail warehouse, workshop & offices with toilets, car parking & delivery provisions (existing building to be demolished)
Charles Ransford & Son Ltd.
Planning permission granted.

(xi) Erection of 2 No control kiosks, 1 no chemical dosing kiosk and 1 no. emergency shower unit.
Bishop's Castle Sewage treatment works. Severn Trent Water Ltd.
Planning permission granted.

7. PLAYING FIELDS
Presentation of playing fields accounts.
The Mayor, Cllr. Carroll reminded Councillors of the following points.
(i) They had signed a legal agreement with the "Friends" saying that all accounts would be paid through the Town Council.
(ii) The £10,000 budgeted by the Town Council for the "Friends" was the average normal playing fields expenditure for three years. It was a conservative estimate as money would have had to be spent on the play equipment following the Rospa report.
(iii) The Town Council is prudent with Council money and when it does have a large surplus it purchases High Interest Bonds. This enables the money to earn high interest. The Council only has large surpluses because of the projects in the pipeline. The Town Council is not supposed to be in the business of investing tax payers money and therefore it is perfectly acceptable to cash in bonds to pay legitimate expenses.
(iv) At the time of consultation the public expressed the opinion that they did not want the skateboard park on the playing fields. The Council only agreed for it to go on the playing fields if it did not jeopardise the "Friends" project.
(v) Agendas should show what is to be discussed so that the public can attend if they wish and Councillors have time to consider before making a decision. Therefore, the memo circulated at the end of the last meeting could not properly be discussed.
Cllr. Carroll then read a letter from Alice Coleman saying that she had visited the project and was very impressed with what she saw. The claim for £23 868 will be processed shortly.
Cllr. Hird asked questions relating to the Playing Fields accounts, why so much money had been paid by the Town Council without any grant money being received. Mrs Farr explained that grants could only be claimed on paid invoices and only at certain stages of the project.
Cllr. Wright referred to the issued raised by Mrs Carty, asking her why, when the Friends" who had done such an excellent job there was a problem. Mrs Carty explained that for most of the project there had been a very good relationship with the Town Council but in the last month certain Councillors seemed to want to jeopardise the project. She referred to a memo stating that the Town Council would not pay any more invoices. Cllr. Wright asked what the memo was and where it had come from. Cllr. Farr replied that the document referred to was the memo circulated at the end of the last meeting.
Cllr. Carroll explained that the idea of not paying invoices and other matters on the memo was not discussed at the last meeting, as it was not on the agenda and therefore no decision made.
Peter Bamford explained that he had a great deal of experience with external funding for play areas and congratulated the "Friends" and the Town Council for the work they had done. Empowering the local community to do a project was a positive initiative which had now turned into a negative one. Without the accountable body of the Town Council the project would never have been completed.
Cllr. Gaffney thanked the "Friends" for what they had done. He felt that all the Town Councillors wished to support the community, that's why they were Councillors but it was legitimate and proper to raise questions about finance.
Cllr. Dr. Penney asked when the project would be finished and the £33,000 from Living Spaces paid. Mrs Farr answered that the "Friends" hoped to finish the project in approximately six weeks depending on the weather and a claim could then be put in for the grant..
Cllr. Wright proposed that the Town Council write to each member of the "Friends" congratulating them on their work. Seconded by Cllr. Magill and approved.

8. EXCESS LIGHTING ON THE PLAYING FIELDS
Cllr. Dr. Penney reported that he had received complaints from Miss Shackleton at 9 Copall Paddock regarding the bright lights in the playing fields. Cllr. Blundell advised that the lights will be hooded to keep the light onto the ground. He advised that three of the culprits who had vandalised the lights had been caught and were paying for the repairs. Cllr. Pinches asked why the lights were on all night and was advised that it was because they were photocell.

9. LETTERS FROM RESIDENTS REGARDING NOISE/VANDALISM/LITTER ON PLAYING FIELDS
Letters were read from Mrs Burkill and Mrs Allwood regarding the problems on the playing fields. The problem was discussed and the following suggestions made.
a) Fencing should be put round the skateboard park.
b) Andrew Wallace could be paid extra hours to pick up litter. To be investigated.
c) Letters could be sent to the Community College and Primary School making them aware of the problem.
d) A sign could be put in the playing field saying no cars, pick up litter, no drinking of alcohol etc. To be discussed with Friends.
Cllr. Gaffney commented that the problem was not the improved playing fields. This is just the theatre, The problem is a small minority of not well socialised young people.
Cllr. Dr. Penney proposed a letter be sent to Mrs Allwood and Mrs Burkill saying the problem is being looked into and to contact us again if there is no improvement. Also letters to be sent to the Primary School and Community College making them aware of the problem. Seconded by Cllr. Gaffney and approved.
ACTION TOWN CLERK
Cllr. Davidson - Stanley left the room.
10. TOWN HALL
The need to bring Town Hall up to Health and Safety standards. The Council were advised that for emergency lit exit directions and smoke alarms the following were required.
7 emergency lights
4 smoke alarms
9 RCD sockets.
The cost would be in the region of £1000. Cllr. Wright proposed it goes out to tender. Seconded by Cllr. Farr and approved. ACTION TOWN CLERK
Cllr. Davidson - Stanley returned

11. CISTERN IN THE TOWN HALL
A report from Mr Williams the structural engineer was read. He advised that approx 485m x 305m of space is suitable for use.

12. LABURNUM ALLEY
Consideration of quotes for tarmac on section at the rear of Oak Meadow.
Andy Mellor - £2465
Simon Williams - £3910
Ken Watkins - £1735
Cllr. Dr Penney proposed that the quote of £1735 be accepted. Seconded by Cllr. Gaffney. An amendment was proposed by Cllr. Blundell that Simon Williams quote be accepted as he had much experience tarmac work in Bishop's Castle and had shown a high standard of work on the playing fields. Seconded by Cllr. Davidson-Stanley. The amendment was carried (6 votes for, 5 votes against) and put to the Council as the substantive motion and approved. (Cllr. Magill abstained) ACTION TOWN CLERK

13. IMPROVEMENTS TO HIGHWAYS AND PAVEMENTS SCHEME ORIGINALLY DEVISED BY JOE ROBERTS.
a) Cllr. Dr. Penney proposed that a letter be sent to Penny Spencer, Corporate Director, Economy and Environment, Shropshire County Council expressing concern over the time being taken to implement the scheme. Seconded by Cllr. Wright and approved. A letter has been received from County Councillor Phillips supporting this action. ACTION TOWN CLERK
b) Cllr Gaffney proposed the following improvements in Chapel Yard.
(i) The tarmac path leading from the High St to Bishop's Castle Heritage Resource Centre should be improved and increased in size to accommodate wheelchair users.
(ii) The area of tarmac under the arch at the High St end should be improved.
(iii) Scalping should be put on the road area.
Seconded by Cllr. Dr. Penney and approved. ACTION TOWN CLERK

14. SHROPSHIRE FIRE AND RESCUE
The Consultation Questionnaire on the draft IRMP Action Plan 2006/7 was completed. Proposed by Cllr. Blundell, seconded by Cllr. Farr and approved.

Cllr. Blundell left the room
15. RENEWAL OF STREET LIGHTING CONTRACT
Cllr. Dr. Penney proposed that the street lighting contract with Jeremy Blundell and Justin Whittall be renewed for another twelve months with the additional clause that records of repair to lights should be passed to the Clerk within one month of the repair. Seconded by Cllr. Pinches and approved. Cllr. Magill proposed an additional clause be added giving a time span for the completion routine repairs. The period of time written into the contract to be agreed between the Clerk and Cllr. Blundell. Seconded by Cllr. Wright at approved.
Cllr. Blundell returned ACTION TOWN CLERK

16. REQUEST FOR £400 FOR CHRISTMAS LIGHTS
The Christmas Lights Festival Committee wishes to make a special feature of the Town Hall with lighted Christmas trees on all sides. Cllr. Magill proposed a donation of £400 be given. Seconded by Cllr. Evans and approved.

17. WORKING PARTY REQUIRED TO CLEAR THE CUPBOARD UNDER THE STAIRS.
It is proposed to clear all the rubbish out from under the stairs, put down floor covering and store chairs in it. A new padlock will be put on the door.
Cllrs Carroll, Magill, Davidson-Stanley, Gaffney and Blundell agreed to help if they are available. A date to be set by the Clerk. ACTION TOWN CLERK

18. OLD MARKET PLACE
Cllr. Wright explained that local residents had requested that the planted areas on the east and south sides of the Old Market Place be tidied up. Cllr. Wright proposed that someone be employed to do this work. Seconded by Cllr. Davidson-Stanley and approved. The Clerk will arrange for a groundsman to liase with Cllr. Wright to discuss the work required. ACTION TOWN CLERK
19. ANNUAL MEETINGS
Following the recent meeting to discuss Mayors Sunday the following dates are suggest for 2006.
Annual Town Meeting - 14th March 2006
Private meeting of Councillors - Before the Council meeting on Tuesday 25th April.
Annual Council Meeting - Tuesday 9th May
Mayors Sunday - Sunday 21st May
Cllr. Carroll proposed that these dates are accepted. Seconded by Cllr. Dr. Penney and approved.

20. COMMERCIAL VEHICLES IN OAK MEADOW.
There was a discussion about the way commercial vehicles are parked in Oak Meadow.
Cllr. Magill proposed that a letter be sent to the Housing Association asking what their policy is on the parking of commercial vehicles in Oak Meadow. Seconded by Cllr. Dr. Penney and approved
ACTION TOWN CLERK

21. SIGN FOR WELSH STREET GARDENS.
There have been problems reported with post for Welsh Street going to Welsh Street Gardens. Cllr. Dr. Penney suggested a sign saying Welsh St Gardens with an arrow be put under the Welsh Street sign. Cllr. Carroll proposed a site visit by the Mayor, Clerk and Cllr. Dr. Penney to find the most appropriate position. Seconded by Cllr. Dr. Penney and approved.

Cllr. Magill proposed the meeting be extended by ten minutes. Seconded by Cllr. Blundell and
approved.

22. REQUEST FOR A GRANT OF £195 FOR THE CROWGATE CHILD CENTRE
This is to assist with the move to the Primary School site.
Cllr. Blundell proposed a donation of £195 be given. Seconded by Cllr. Morris and approved. ACTION TOWN CLERK

21. CONSULTATION ON THE NEW PLANNING POLICY SYSTEM
To be circulated.

22. SHROPSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL CHILDREN'S INFORMATION SERVICE
Do Councillors know of any community groups that may be being missed by the Children's Information Service. NEXT AGENDA

23. Accounts. -
Presentation of half year accounts for Town Council. The accounts were discussed. Cllr. Hird queried the adequacy of the balance held. The Clerk responded that grant income for the playing fields was expected in the near future and the balances already in hand were more than adequate to cover expected expenditure.

17. Report of recent meetings attended by Council representatives.
a) Cllr. Carroll reported on a meeting of the board of E.S.W.S. The board of E.S.W.S. has agreed to investigate the possibility of taking over responsibility for an integral operation involving SpArC, the community operation at the Community College and ESWS. It has been agreed that an independent body such as a trust could run SpArC more cheaply than the County Council. It is important that it will be open for use by the community and not just the Education Services. The SSDC has put £100.000 into the scheme for community use. All three bodies are dependent on local authority funding which is to some extent uncertain and there could be major advantages in having one body responsible for all of them.
b) Cllrs Carroll, Dr. Penney and Magill had attended a meeting at Stone House. Coverage Care is to make improvements at Stone House to give improved services. Cllr. Dr. Penney advised that there is no chance of saving Stone House as a hospital. The beds in the building will be owned by Coverage Care.

18. Correspondence.
(i) R. Williams - re Michaelmas Fair.
(ii) A. Hemmings, L. Heasman - Michaelmas Fair.
These two letters will be circulated to all Councillors and the Michaelmas Fair put on the Agenda and discussed at the next meeting. Town Clerk to acknowledge letters.

b) For circulation
(i) South Shropshire Sport and Leisure Advisory Council
(ii) Village Halls and Community Venues News
(iii) Wasteless Society newsletter
(iv) South Shropshire District Council Consultation on the new planning policy system

The Mayor declared the meeting closed at 9.25 p.m.

Statement by Harriet Carty (Chair of Friends of Bishop's Castle Playing Fields)

I should like to take this opportunity to relate to the Town Council our experience of involving ourselves with the Playing Fields. This project has been going on for a long time now; we first discussed it about 4 years ago and have been actively busy on it for about 2 years now.

This project has been very hard work, mainly good fun. We have enjoyed working together and have been delighted with how many people have become involved with the field or stopped to talk about the playing field in the street etc. In particular we have been delighted with the sound and sight of children playing on the new path and play area. Families were picnicking there in the summer holidays; at least one child's birthday party took place there. Wheel chair users have been able to enjoy the new path.

Certainly the Countryside Agency are delighted with the project as is shown in the recent letter received by the town clerk. They are happy both with the work on the ground and also with the way we are allocating the funds.

We have, of course needed to have a working relationship with the town council throughout this project and have worked with Jane, Jeremy, Janet and Julie has been to a couple of meetings - all the J's. This has been an excellent relationship and we have felt really supported and able to discuss any problems, which may have arisen on either side. There have been problems but these have been resolved either at our weekly meetings or by phone or on site. We are now in the last few months of this project and felt that, by and large, this has been a success and that the people of Bishops Castle are pleased with the changes we have made and that the project has really reflected all aspects of the public consultation carried out.

Throughout this project we have welcomed all volunteer contributions and been happy to explain what was going on to anyone who showed an interest. With the exception of the town councillors mentioned, we have had a surprising lack of interest from other councillors. None of you have been to our volunteer days or our meetings or even stopped for a chat in the street. This puzzled us from the start as this is, after all your main (or only?) piece of land.

For about 6 weeks now councillors Hird and Penny have taken a belated interest in the project.

Since then we have felt that we are being accused of misusing public funds and jeopardising the town councils financial base. The easy, constructive relationship of open discussion when problems arise seems to have been replaced by one of grumpy memos and plans to scupper our project by refusing to pay invoices. The Countryside Agency are frankly puzzled by your approach at this stage in the project.

This has totally altered our experience of volunteering for the town. We now feel under attack, angry and that our valuable time and effort is completely un-appreciated. Of course all councillors have the right to gain information about our project, its finances and aims. We are happy to supply this. We would have been happy to have had your involvement from the start of the project. You do not appear to wish to help with this project, rather to hinder and we are left at a loss as to what your motive for this could be.

Certainly we are all very unlikely to become involved with a community project, which involves the town council again.

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