MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF BISHOP'S CASTLE TOWN COUNCIL HELD IN THE TOWN HALL ON TUESDAY 31st MAY 2005 AT 8.OO PM.

PRESENT Councillor J.M. Carroll, Mayor, in the Chair.
Councillors: J. Blundell, M. Davidson - Stanley, R. Evans, J.E. Gaffney,
N. Hird, J.A. Magill, 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 Cllr. Farr, Cllr. Pinches,
Absent Cllr. Morris.

2. DECLARATION OF INTEREST:

a) Declaration of personal interest:
Cllr. Hird declared a personal interest in item 15 as he is a member of the skateboard committee.
Cllr. Hird declared a personal interest in item 16 as he works with Mr Hendley on the Wasteless Society.
Cllr. Magill and Cllr. Blundell declared personal interests in item 21(vi) as they are friends of Mr Lennox.

b) Declaration of prejudicial interest:
Cllr. Davidson - Stanley declared a prejudicial interest in item 6b as she is a personal friend of Mr & Mrs Grieg.
Cllr. Gaffney declared a prejudicial interest in item 6b as he is a personal friend of Mr & Mrs Grieg.
Cllr. Carroll declared a prejudicial interest in item 16 as she has an allotment in Laburnum Alley.
Cllr. Blundell declared a prejudicial interest in items 11 and 21 (v) as he is the street lighting contractor.
Cllr. Davidson-Stanley declared a prejudicial interest in item 10b as she lives adjacent to the Town Hall.

3. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS
a) Minutes of the Council meeting held on Tuesday 3rd May 2005, having been circulated, were proposed as a true record by Cllr. Blundell with the following corrections. Seconded by Cllr. Dr. Penney.
Item 16 should read "The resurfacing of Laburnum Alley between Union Street and Oak Meadow but not the stretch to Welsh Street and the path along the bottom of Oak Meadow was discussed."
Item 20 should read "Cllr. Blundell proposed that two large bins are put in the Auction Yard and the price of CCTV investigated. Seconded by Cllr. Magill and approved" There was no amendment.

b) Minutes of the Annual Council Meeting held on Tuesday 10th May 2005, having been circulated, were proposed as a true record by Cllr. Wright. Seconded by Cllr. Gaffney.

The minutes were approved and signed by the Mayor.

4. MATTERS ARISING
Item 4 (item 12) Letter from Mr. Evans Solicitor stating that Mr Evans is willing for the extinguishment of footpath 22 and for the walked path to be designated a public footpath. Cllr. Dr. Penney proposed that action be taken to implement this. Seconded by Cllr. Gaffney and approved. ACTION TOWN CLERK
Item 17 - Trafalgar Day. Cllr. Hird confirmed that he had booked the Church Barn for 21st October. Cllr. Dr. Penney proposed that Cllr. Hird organize the celebrations on behalf of the Town Council. Seconded by Cllr. Blundell and approved.

5. MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WISHING TO SPEAK:
Mr. Bill Hendley spoke about item 16, Laburnum Alley. He explained the possible problems of flooding in extreme storms and that the wild flowers in the area should be conserved. He agreed that the part by Oak Meadow gets rather muddy and suggested scalpings would improve this area. He said the residents of Laburnum Alley were willing to put down the scalpings.
Cllr. Carroll then gave Mrs Jill Thomas permission to speak. Seconded by Cllr. Dr. Penney and approved. Mrs Thomas said she thought it was a very expensive way of urbanizing a footpath.

6. TOWN AND COUNTRY PLANNING ACT:
a) 1/05/17049/F Planning Permission (Full) Erection of a stage with seating under. The Playing Fields, Kerry Lane. Bishop's Castle Town Council. A letter was read from the Shropshire County Council explaining that footpath 7 runs across where the shelter is to go. This has been passed on to the "Friends"
A letter was read from South Shropshire District Council planning department asking for more information as objections have been received. This has also been passed on to the "Friends".

Cllrs. Davidson-Stanley and Gaffney left the room.
b) 1/05/17064/LB Replace ground floor window on front elevation.
58 Church Street, Bishop's Castle. Mr & Mrs J. Greig.
Cllr. Wright proposed no objection. Seconded by Cllr. Blundell and approved.
Cllrs. Davidson-Stanley and Gaffney returned.

c) Reports of Planning Applications
(i) 1/05/16737/RM Erection of 12 dwellings and garage/port (3.05 - 3.15 & 3.19; 3.18)
The Wintles, Bishop's Castle. Living Villages (BC) Ltd. Planning approved.
(ii) 1/05/16909/TC Fe4lling of 5 no. Fir trees.
New Burial Ground at Bishop's Castle Churchyard. C. Pritchard.
Consent granted.

(iii) 1/05/16735/F Erection of an open-sided store.
Union Street Garage, Union Street, Bishop's Castle. Mr S. J. Owen.
Planning permission granted.
(iv) 1/05/16932/TC Felling of a pear tree.
17 Church Street, Bishop's Castle. C. Pritchard
Consent granted.
(v) 1/05/16911/F and 1/05/16912/CA Demolition and Erection of a dwelling.
3A Bull Street, Mr. J. Charters.
Application withdrawn

7. BOUVARD PAINTING.
The Mayor, Deputy and Clerk visited the archives and found the following entry in the minutes on 3rd October 1944. "Major Sykes and the Hon. Mrs Sykes attended the meeting and presented to the Corporation an oil paining (The Grand Canal at Venice by Bouvard) for hanging in the Mayor's Parlour in memory of the safe return, though wounded, of their eldest son Major A. P. Sykes. The Mayor returned thanks and expressed the pleasure of the Council and Town at his safe return" It was also discovered that Major Sykes contributed to the purchase and laying out of the playing field in 1922 and the purchase of the Old Market Hall in 1934. He was given the Freedom of the Borough in 1935. There is a plaque in the Mayor's Parlour that goes with the painting.

The painting has been given a reserve price of £9, 000. The sale is on 15th June.

8. DRIVERS SPEEDING AROUND THE TOWN.
Concern has been expressed about young drivers collecting in the Auction yard and outside Tuffins and speeding around the Town. General discussion took place about possible solutions to the problem with Sergeant Rees advising. It was generally agreed that the cars may not be exceeding 30 m.p.h but this is too fast for the town. Sergeant Rees said that numbers need to be taken and reported to the Police. The problem is that at night people do not get to the window in time to see the registration. Sergeant Rees explained that Church Stretton is having the same problem. When the Police are in the area they do not do it. The Police have issued some tickets on the poor condition of the cars and this has helped. He explained that the Police do not have the resources or manpower to stop it but they will work with the public if they can provide names or numbers. A visit from the Police usually eases the problem as often the young people do not realise the problems they are causing. If they persist the Police could ultimately, as a last resort confiscate the vehicle. He explained it is better to create an environment that is not conducive to racing. For example speed humps as they damage the cars if raced over. As the drivers gather in the Auction Yard maybe this could be locked or a CCTV camera installed. The environmental health department could be contacted to measure the noise level.
Cllr. Blundell advised that in the past an unmarked car had come and stopped one person. This had a good effect on the others. Cllr. Wright said that Councillors should remember that these are members of the community. We should ask why they do it and could we encourage them to do other things.
Cllr. Davidson-Stanley said we should consider speed bumps. Cllr. Magill reminded Councillors that it was often two young drivers from Clun and their names should be given to the Police. Cllr. Gaffney said he thought a speed bump should be put by the school but the High Street would not be suitable because of the gradient. Cllr. Carroll suggested a bump be put at the Boars Head when the new priority scheme comes into effect. Cllr. Blundell asked if it was possible for the Community to buy a radar gun and take it in turns to use. Sergeant Rees said this was possible Cllr. Wright suggested that a reduced speed limit should be introduced. Cllr. Penney said changes in speed limits and speed bumps would take a long time to put in place. Cllr. Gaffney proposed an article be put in the newsletter asking residents to keep their eyes open and make statements to the Police. Seconded by Cllr. Dr. Penney. Cllr. Dr. Penney said numbers could be passed to the Council if Residents did not wish to approach the Police. It was agreed a decision on a speed limit and speed bumps should be made at the next meeting. NEXT AGENDA

9. PARKING ON THE PAVEMENTS.
Concern has been expressed regarding the number of people who park on the pavements in Bishop's Castle. This is in areas like Oak Meadow, Corporation Street and Station Street where there is room for traffic to pass if cars park on the road.
Cllr. Davidson-Stanley suggested that there be an article in the newsletter, a press statement and flyers could be considered. Cllr. Dr. Penney proposed a request be made to the Shropshire County Council for hatching marks on the pavement outside Tuffins. Seconded by Cllr. Evans and approved. Cllr. Wright proposed that an article be put in the newsletter requesting that drivers consider whether pedestrians have the ability to pass without obstruction. Also that a letter be sent to the South Shropshire Housing |Association requesting them to write to residents in Oak Meadow explaining that cars should not be parked on the pavement. Seconded by Cllr. Blundell and approved ACTION TOWN CLERK

10. NEW LICENSING LAWS
a) Concern has been expressed as to how the Town Council can give opinions on applications for extended hours, eg. Kings Head. The Clerk advised that under the new laws the Town Council are not notified about licensing applications. They are published in the press and outside the premises in question. If the Town Council see these requests they can send in an objection. Cllr. Dr. Penney agreed as District Councillor to find more information on how the Town Council can find out about applications for the next meeting. Cllr. Dr. Penney proposed that a letter be sent to the District Council asking that the Kings Head should only be able to stay open until 12 midnight. Seconded by Cllr. Wright and approved.
Cllr. Davidson-Stanley left the room.
b) How the licensing laws affect the Town Hall.
Cllr.Dr. Penney proposed that the Town Council apply for an entertainments licence for the Town Hall. It is free for public buildings. Seconded by Cllr. Gaffney and approved. It was noted that an alcoholic license could be applied for by the Clerk when necessary (up to 8 times a year). The cost could be met by the person booking the venue.
Cllr. Davidson-Stanley returned.
Cllr. Gaffney proposed that item 16 Laburnum Alley be brought forward and discussed next. Seconded by Cllr. Dr. Penney and approved.
Cllr. Carroll left the room and Cllr Magill took the Chair.

16. LABURNUM ALLEY
Letters have been received from Mr & Mrs Hendley, Jill Thomas, the Civic Society and a verbal objection from Susie Diggle objecting to the laying of tarmac in Laburnum Alley. A letter was read which has been drafted in reply. There was much discussion with the following points being made.
(i) Tarmac would threaten wild flowers.
(ii) Tarmac caused more water run off.
(iii) A hard surface route is needed from Oak Meadow to the Town to avoid the use of cars.
(iv) The biggest obstacle for walking the path at present is the drain and kissing gate at the Oak Meadow end.
(v) Good access to the Town is important.
Cllr. Blundell proposed that as builders are working on the playing fields at present, they put a small amount of scalpings on the main path and with the assistance of residents they are rolled in. Tenders to be sought to lay a drain and tarmac the area from the kissing gate to Abbey Fields. The Kissing gate to be removed. The situation to be reviewed in six months. Seconded by Cllr. Dr. Penney and approved.
Cllr. Carroll returned and took the Chair.

Cllr. Blundell left the room.
11. STREET LIGHTING - HARLEY JENKINS STREET, UNION STREET.
Tenders have been received for the above.
Central networks - £ 9.200.00 (No cost for design)
V & W Electrics Ltd - £15, 886.97
Pirelli - £8650.11
Cllr. Dr. Penney proposed that Central Networks bid be accepted. Seconded by Cllr. Wright and approved.
Cllr. Blundell returned.

12. PROPOSED AFFORDABLE HOUSING OFF GRANGE ROAD
Feedback from the meeting with Paul Sutton and George Stoyan, South Shropshire Housing Association, Council Members and residents held on 26th May 2005.
The Housing Association are to hold an open day on Thursday 9th June between
3.30 pm and 6.00 pm at the Community Centre.
Cllr. Gaffney said that the residents primary concern was the replacement of the community room. They were not convinced about the hub.
Cllr. Davidson-Stanley said that residents were concerned about the cost of affordable houses. It was suggest that the Clerk ask Cllr. Kidd to advise on the expected prices of these houses. ACTION TOWN CLERK

13. WHEELED BINS
Feedback on the meeting with South Shropshire District Council on 12th May 2005, with regard to the introduction of wheelie bins to the Town. The Mayor reported that two wheelie bins would be available at Enterprise House for residents to look at and wheel.

14. DATES OF COUNCIL MEETINGS.
Suggestion by Cllr. Dr. Penney to change the dates of Council meetings so that they are prior to the planning meetings. Cllr. Dr. Penney proposed that the next Council meeting be Tuesday 21st June and then every four weeks until the January meeting which will be on 10th January 2006 (five weeks), then three weeks to the next meeting on Tuesday 2nd February 2006, then every four weeks. Seconded by Cllr. Blundell and approved.

15. SKATEBOPARD PARK
To discuss tenders for tarmac area.
K. J. Watkins - £14, 056
Rampmetal - £16, 717.87
S.D.Williams - £10,400
Walsh - £15,342.64
David Leopold - £12, 940
Cllr Blundell advised that S. D. Williams was cheaper because he already has plant on the playing fields.
Cllr. Dr. Penney proposed that the bid from S. D. Williams be accepted. Seconded by Cllr. Hird and approved.

17. TOILETS
Information on the employment terms for Andrew Broom, the toilet cleaner is now available but no information has been received from the District Council. To be discussed at next meeting. NEXT AGENDA
18. THREE TUNS INN AND BREWERY - DRAINAGE
Letters have been received from Mrs Pat Morrison and the John Roberts Brewing Co. regarding the drainage from the Three Tuns. Cllr. Carroll proposed a meeting be arranged with the Threes Tuns representatives, Cllr. Phillips, Shropshire County Council and Town Council representatives. Seconded by Cllr. Davidson-Stanley and approved.

Cllr. Wright proposed the meeting be extended for five minutes. Seconded by Cllr. Magill and approved.

19. ACCOUNTS. -
A copy of the Playing Field Accounts 2004/5 is available.
20. REPORTS OF RECENT MEETINGS ATTENDED BY COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES

21. CORRESPONDANCE.
(i) South Shropshire District Council, Planning and Building Control. Reply to letter
regarding affordable housing at the Wintles.
(ii) English Heritage - Refusal of grant for Town Hall roof.
(iii) BT Payphones. Confirmation that the Kerry Lane phone box is to stay for the present.
(iv) BBC - Regarding radio reception.
(v) Peter Phillips with regard to lighting on the Oak Meadow, Corporation Street Footpath.
(vi)Alan Rice re: proposed affordable housing and other problems in Woodbatch Road. Cllr. Wright proposed the District Council be asked to look into the planning matters regarding Mr Lennox. Seconded by Cllr. Davidson-Stanley and approved.
(vii) John Rainey - Copy of letter to the District Council with regards to dog problems.
(viii) Reply from Shropshire County Council with regard to Town Centre Enhancement and support letter from Peter Phillips.
(ix) Letter from Rev. Paul Collins with regard to the surplus money from the Church Tower Fund. He states " I wish to refute most strongly Prof Pahl's suggestion that funds raised in the Save the Church Tower Appeal are or might be used for other purposes, and specifically for our re-ordering and development work on the interior of the building known as Re-Pitching the Tent."
(x) South Shropshire District Council - Allocation of gypsy sites.
(xi) SSDC Road Closures, High Street, Market Square, Welsh Street.
(xii) Tess - Open days to promote 49 Link Service.
(xiii) Shropshire Waste Partnership - Standing Conference 12th July 2005.

(b) Circulation
(i) Information from The Arts Council.

The Mayor declared the meeting closed at 10.15 p.m.

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