MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF BISHOP'S CASTLE TOWN COUNCIL HELD IN THE TOWN HALL ON TUESDAY 21st June 2005 AT 8.OO PM.

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

1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE:
Apologies were received from Cllr. Blundell,
Cllr. Davidson-Stanley

2. DECLARATION OF INTEREST:
The Mayor explained that Councillors did not have a prejudicial interest in the playing fields due to the ownership by the Town Council as suggested at the last meeting because Councillors do not gain by the improvements any more than any other resident.
a) Declaration of personal interest:

b) Declaration of prejudicial interest:
Cllr. Wright declared a prejudicial interest in item 11 as he is a friend of Prof. Ray Pahl.

3. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS
a) Minutes of the Council meeting held on Tuesday 31st May 2005, having been circulated, were proposed as a true record by Cllr. Wright. Seconded by Cllr. Magill.
The minutes were approved and signed by the Mayor.

4. MATTERS ARISING
Item 7 - The Bouvard painting was sold for £9, 000. The way the money is to be spent will be put on the next Agenda when the exact income from the sale is known.
Item 10 - The Clerk explained that under the new licensing laws good reasons have to be given if an objection is made to a license being issued. These come under the headings of a) The prevention of harm to children, b) to prevent a public nuisance, c) To prevent crime and disorder d) Public safety. Cllr. Wright proposed that an objection be made under the category to prevent a public nuisance. This is because there would be late night noise in a residential area and the premises have been a source of trouble in the past. Seconded by Cllr. Morris and approved. The Clerk explained that Council would not be advised of forthcoming applications. They are posted outside the building and in the press. Cllr. Wright advised that they were to be found in the Shropshire Star.
The Clerk advised that she now has an application form for a public entertainments license. An electrical safety certificate is required. The Clerk will consult with Cllr. Blundell for advice.

Item 13 - The Clerk advised that the bins are now at Enterprise House.

Item18 - The Clerk advised that a meeting has been arranged for 30th June with Ian Rutherford, (SCC) Gareth Parson of the Environment Agency, County Councillor Peter |Phillips, The Three Tuns Brewery and the Three Tuns pub to discuss the drainage problems.

Item 21(vi) - The Clerk reported that she had received a letter from the District Council planning department saying that they were inspecting the property to see if any action need or can be taken.
Matters from the previous meeting.
a) Litter bins - A letter has been received from Mrs Bayliss, Headteacher of the primary school agreeing to a bin being put on the school fence. A letter has been received from the District Council agreeing to a bin in the Auction yard and a letter has been received from the District Council saying they will empty the bins.
b) Crowgate childcare - A letter has been received from the Early Years and Childcare Manager at Shropshire County Council giving support to the move to the primary school. Unfortunately they cannot help with funding.
c) Halls Market Days - A letter was read from Halls regarding the change of market day. They have considered the Council's suggestions and decided that the current arrangements are still preferable. .
e) Pole at the junction of Castle Green/ Wintles development. The Clerk explained that she had been instructed to write to the Health and Safety Executive but this is purely a general advisory body and does not deal with individual cases. Cllr. Morris spoke of the danger to motorcyclists at this junction. Cllr. Morris proposed that letters be sent to Roger Whitehouse of the Shropshire County Council and to the Health and Safety Enforcement Officer at the South Shropshire District Council explaining the dangerous situation at this junction due to the fact the run off area has been built before the pole has been removed or the roundabout built.
Also that the pavements, which were considered so important for safety, have not been completed. Seconded by Cllr. Magill and approved.

5. MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WISHING TO SPEAK: none

6. TOWN AND COUNTRY PLANNING ACT:
a) 1/05/17147/F Planning permission (Full) Erection of a Nitrate Removal Building, a High Lift pump building and a Transformer, construction of estate roads. (delegated matter)
Oakley Farm Pumping Station, Brampton Road, Bishop's Castle. Severn Trent Water.
Cllr. Morris proposed no objection. Seconded by Cllr. Pinches and approved.

b) Notice of Planning Meetings.
There are planning meetings on Wednesday 22/6/05 at 2.00 pm at the Coors Stadium, Ludlow.
(i) 1/05/16874/F Tudor Cottage, 36 Union Street.
(ii) 1/05/17049/F Playing fields, Bishop's Castle.
(iii) 1/05/16992/F Beech Cottage, Bankshead.
(iv) 1/05/16923/LB The Old Brick House, Bishop's Castle.

7. NAIADS WELL
Request to use Old Market Place on Sunday 7th August for Lammas celebrations.
Cllr. Magill proposed no objection. Seconded by Cllr. Farr and approved.

8. X-RAY MACHINE AT BISHOP'S CASTLE COMMUNITY HOSPITAL
Cllr. Wright proposed that a letter of support be sent to the Shropshire County Primary Care Trust asking that an x-ray machine be provided if practicable. Seconded by Cllr. Magill and approved. ACTION TOWN CLERK

9. CIVIC CEREMONY (MAYORS SUNDAY)
The Mayor explained that only five Councillors had been in attendance. There were now very few uniform groups in the Town, therefore there were very few people in the parade. The Mayor suggested an informal meeting be arranged to discuss the best date and format for the future. She would especially like Councillors to attend who do not normally take part in the parade. She felt it would be useful to invite the Rev. Collins as the ceremony involves the church and he has been involved with other civic ceremonies and might have an opinion. Cllr. Wright proposed a formal meeting be called to discuss the next Mayors Sunday. Seconded by Cllr. Magill and approved. ACTION TOWN CLERK

10. PARKING
The Clerk reported that she had compiled an updated data base of the parking tickets and sent it to the Police asking if action could be taken on those drivers with more than two tickets. This involved nine motorists.
A general discussion took place on Councillor participation. Councillors had not been participating because they had very little time to commit. The Mayor explained that if there was a traffic warden they would only work a few hours a week and that if Councillors could place tickets on badly parked cars when they were walking in the Town this would be helpful.
A letter was read from Karen Bavastock regarding the parking opposite their garage by Stone House and a letter was read from Mrs. Jarvis about the problems in Salop Street. Additional parking problems were discussed and Cllr. Magill proposed that the junction of New Street and Church Street be added to the list of places where tickets are placed. Seconded by Cllr. Pinches and approved.
Cllr. Carroll proposed a white line be requested between the two Stone House entrances. Seconded by Cllr. Morris and approved.
Cllr. Morris proposed that a sign for the car park behind the Star shop be requested. Also a white line at the entrance to stop cars parking and hatching on the pavement to warn pedestrians. Seconded by Cllr. Wright and approved. ACTION TOWN CLERK

11. GRASSED AREA IN OAK MEADOW.
The Mayor reported on a meeting she had with Prof. Ray Pahl, Graham Biggs, Chief Executive, John Bryan, Property Services Manager (SSDC) Councillor Heather Kidd.
Cllr. Carroll reported that the District Council has agreed to pay to move the brook to the edge of the land and either culvert it or fence it. The area where it is now will be filled and leveled. The SSDC will tarmac the footpath to the south of the land, which runs from the road to Laburnum Alley and the footpath that runs across the land will be diverted onto the road. The land will then be handed to the Town Council to maintain, receiving an annual sum for grass cutting etc. Prof. Pahl will be allowed a path on the north side to give him access but there will be a charge for this. When this work is completed it is proposed to hold a meeting with residents and the Housing Association to see what they would like to do with piece of land. Cllr. Carroll explained that it was thought that Day's would do this work but the legal agreement was so poor that the District Council could not enforce Days to do the work.
Cllr. Magill proposed that these recommendations be ratified. Seconded by Cllr. Farr and approved. ACTION TOWN CLERK

12. TOWN HALL TOILETS.
The Clerk explained that a meeting has been arranged with John Bryan, Property Services Manager (SSDC) on 27th June to discuss the general running and maintenance of the toilets. At present Biffa have a contract with SSDC to cover the employment of the cleaner and the maintenance. The cleaner is at present employed 11 hours per week to clean and open the Auction Yard and the Town Hall toilets. Cllr. Carroll said she would like Councillors to agree to continue to employ Andrew Broom when the Town Council takes over the running of the toilets at the same rates of pay as the street cleaner. To be discussed at the next meeting. The District Council are now willing to continue running the toilets until the beginning of September.

13. SPEEDING IN THE TOWN
A letter was read from Cllr. Phillips requesting that speed bumps be considered for Bull Street.
There was considerable discussion with some Councillors in favour of speed limits and others against. It was generally felt that speed bumps were expensive and would not solve the problem Cllr. Magill proposed that the Clerk contact the Highways Department to find out the procedure and costs for installing speed limits. Seconded by Cllr. Wright and approved.
ACTION TOWN CLERK
15. YOUTH SHELTER
A picture of a youth shelter similar to that purchased by the South Shropshire District Council. was passed round. Cllr. Carroll explained that she had spoken to Irene Stelfox of the Youth Service who suggested Oak Meadow. She felt the younger children and young Mums and toddlers might like to use it. Cllr. Morris proposed that it is sited on Oak Meadow as soon as the work involving the brook agreed by Graham Biggs is completed. Seconded by
Cllr. Wright and approved. ACTION TOWN CLERK

17.REPORT OF RECENT MEETINGS ATTENDED BY COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES
Cllr. Carroll reported that she had attended a meeting of the Board of Enterprise South West Shropshire. There has been a health check on the Company which is to be circulated. A three year business plan has been drawn up. The company made a slight loss last year but its income has increased this year although it is working hand to mouth. The centre is very dependent on one private tenant and the County Council who award a substantial grant and pay for the library to use the premises.

18. Correspondence.
a)(i) Shropshire County Council - Access for users - dropped curbs to be installed within three months.
(ii) Civic Society - Concern over drink cans left in the street. Cllr. Hird agreed aluminium cans are quite valuable. It was suggested that a container for aluminium cans could be placed outside Whittles. Cllr. Hird will raise the issue with the Wasteless Society.
(iii) Letter from Gavin Watson 19 Castle Street and copies of letters from Mr Watson to Ian Rutherford, SCC, regarding his boundary with the road.

b) For circulation
(i) Shropshire Arts Advisory Council
(ii) Shropshire Hills AONB - News and Views
(iii) Salopian Recorder
(iv) Testing Times
(v) E.S.W.S. Income and expenditure Account.

The Mayor declared the meeting closed at 9.35 p.m.

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