MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF BISHOP'S CASTLE TOWN COUNCIL HELD IN THE TOWN HALL ON TUESDAY 31st JANUARY 2006 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, N. Hird, J.A. Magill, W. J. Morris, Dr. G.N.St.J. Penney and R.D. Wright.
In attendance: Mrs. J. Ince, Town Clerk.

1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE: - J. Gaffney

2. DECLARATION OF INTEREST:

a) Declaration of personal interest:
Cllr. Carroll declared a personal interest in item 11 as she is treasurer for the Tourism Group.
Cllr. Carroll declared a personal interest in items 14 and 15 as she is a member of the P3 Group.
Cllr. Hird declared a personal interest in item 7 as he is a fund raiser for the skateboard association.

b) Declaration of prejudicial interest:
None

3. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS
a) Minutes of the Council meetings held on Tuesday 6th December 2005, having been circulated, were proposed as a true record by Cllr. Blundell. Seconded by Cllr. Dr. Penney. Minutes of the Council meetings held on Tuesday 10th January 2006, having been circulated, were proposed as a true record by Cllr. Davidson-Stanley. Seconded by Cllr. Farr.
The minutes were approved and signed by the Mayor.

4. MATTERS ARISING
Item 14 from 6th December. The Clerk advised Council that a Council cannot complain to the Local Government Ombudsman, it has to be an individual or group of individuals.
Cllr. Blundell proposed that the Clerk put an article in the press with this information. Seconded by Cllr. Magill and approved. ACTION TOWN CLERK

The item regarding the youth shelter from a previous meeting was raised by Cllr. Carroll. She informed Council that there would be a meeting on Tuesday 7th February at 6.30 pm at Abbey Fields to discuss with residents where they would like the shelter. The South Shropshire Housing Association will notify residents of the meeting.

5. MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WISHING TO SPEAK:
Jonathan Greig - Item 6c - Plans for 25 High Street. Mr Grieg read two letters of support for the intended work. He explained that the work involved was minimal and reversible. He felt this conversion would bring another residential property to the centre of the Town where it was much needed and would also keep a shop open.

Cllr. Wright proposed that Evelyn Bowles be allowed to speak at item 10. Seconded by
Cllr. Blundell and approved.

6. TOWN AND COUNTRY PLANNING ACT:
a) 1/05/17776/OE Overhead Electricity Supply, Termination of overhead line and
installation of underground cable.
Pumping station at Oakley Borehole, Bishop's Castle. Wayleave Survey.
Cllr. Blundell proposed no objection. Seconded by Cllr. Morris and approved.

b) 1/06/17789/F Planning permission (full) Erection of an extension to dwelling,
Haytor, 8 Lavender Bank, Bishop's Castle.
Cllr. Blundell proposed no objection. Seconded by Cllr. Farr and approved.

c) 1/06/17804/F and 1/06/17805/LB Planning Permission (Full) and Listed
Building Consent. Change of use of shop on ground floor and residential unit on first floor. (delegated matter)
25 High Street, Bishop's Castle. Nick Buy.
Cllr. Wright proposed no objection. Seconded by Cllr. Davidson-Stanley and approved.

d) 1/06/17787/F Planning permission (full) Erection of a dwelling.
Land adjoining Fairfield, Woodbatch Road, Bishop's Castle. Mr R Griffiths.
Cllr. Morris proposed no objection. Seconded by Cllr. Wright and approved.

d (i) 1/06/17820/F Planning permission (full) Erection of an extension to dwelling (delegated matter)
8 Bull Lane, Bishop's Castle. Mr. J Russell.
Cllr. Blundell proposed no objection. Seconded by Cllr. Morris and approved.

d) Reports of Planning Applications.
(i) 1/05/17600/F Erection of 20 dwellings, formation of access road and associated works and alterations to 21 Grange Road to form new community centre.
Land adjoining Grange Road, Bishop's Castle. South Shropshire Housing Ass.
Planning permission granted.
(ii) 1/04/16441/0 Erection of 2 no dwellings.
46 Church Street, Bishop's Castle. Mr & Mrs C Pugh.
Outline planning permission granted.

7. SKATEBOARD PARK
a) Request from the Bishop's Castle Skateboarding Association for the Town
Council to take over the running of the Skatepark project in the medium to long term, once it is fully equipped, or in the short term if the Skatepark committee becomes unviable.
Cllr. Dr. Penney commented that if the skateboard association ceased to function there may be difficulty in getting grants and money may have to be paid back. Cllr. Hird explained that there were three granted applications being processed which could not proceed unless there is a skateboard association. Cllr. Dr. Penney proposed that the skateboard association be encouraged to keep going. Seconded by Cllr. Davidson-Stanley and approved.
b) The Skateboard Association has requested £2000 towards the fundraising effort to purchase and install 3 main ramps for the skate park. Also a grant of £1000 to fund a youth worker to build a team of Skatepark users with whom the Town Council could liase over matters arising in relation to the Skateboard use and maintenance. Councillors earmarked £2000 in December for the skateboard park. How would they like it allocated. Mrs Robertson distributed information at the December meeting on the current situation and future planning of the skateboard park. Cllr. Hird proposed that there should be no decision regarding the money earmarked until the skateboard association has a revived committee and it has had its AGM. Seconded by Cllr. Wright and approved.

8, PRESENTATION OF QUARTERLEY ACCOUNTS
Cllr. Hird queried the fact that the expenditure on the quarterly accounts did not agree with the cheques authorised on the minutes.. The Clerk explained that the playing field accounts, council tax and bank charges were not shown on the minutes. Cllr. Wright proposed the accounts be accepted. Seconded by Cllr. Magill and approved.
Cllr. Hird has requested a meeting with the Clerk and the Internal Auditor. Cllr. Blundell proposed that there be no action before the end of year audit in April. Seconded by Cllr. Magill and approved. (6 votes for, 3 against. Cllr. Dr. Penney voted against.)
Cllr. Hird has requested a review of the Risk Assessment - Finance. Cllr. Wright proposed that the risk assessment presented is accepted. Seconded by Cllr. Davidson-Stanley and approved. Cllr. Magill proposed the programme for the Certificate of Internal Financial Control presented be accepted. Seconded by Cllr. Wright and approved.

9. TOWN HALL RESTORATION
Cllrs Wright and Dr. Penney agreed to sit on the Town Hall Restoration Committee with representatives from other bodies in the Town. (The Mayor to sit as Chairman) The first meeting to be on Tuesday 21st February 2006.

10. ARCHIVES
Mary McKenzie, County Archivist has visited the Town Hall to look at the old papers. She recommends as a first step that:
a) The following go to the County archives:-
(i) Two very old minute books in the deed box.
(ii)The minutes held in the Town Hall before February 1998.
(iii) Old cash books and audit papers.
(iv) List of donations 1996 and 1997
(v) 1972 local government reorganisation papers.
(vi) Town Hall Clock papers.
(vii) Town Hall renovation papers 1980's.
(viii) Millenium celebration papers
(ix) Valuation list - rateable values.
It is suggested that in our Town hall restoration bid we ask for money to microfilm these documents for the BCHRC.
There was some discussion amongst Councillors after which Cllr. Davidson - Stanley proposed the meeting be closed for Evelyn Bowles to speak. Seconded by Cllr. Wright and approved. Ms Bowles explained that she was very surprised that there had been no contact with Mary McKenzie and themselves as they had worked together closely in the past and BCHRC was seen as complementary to the County Archive service. She explained that the BCHRC was open several days a week and could be open at most times on request. The advantage over the County archives was that if papers were stored there they would still be in the ownership of the Town Council whereas if they went to Shrewsbury they would never come back. She also explained that voluntary organisations were the way for the future and used in many areas.
The Mayor restarted the meeting.
Cllr. Blundell proposed the above listed papers stay in Bishop's Castle. Seconded by Cllr. Dr. Penney and approved. Cllr. Wright proposed that the above listed papers are stored in the Bishop's Castle Heritage Resource Centre and if funding becomes available they are microfilmed for the County Archives. Seconded by Cllr. Davidson-Stanley and approved.
b) The following are destroyed:-
(i) Old invoices, cheque book stubs and bank statements over seven years old.
(ii)Old copies of the Society of County Clerk and Local Council Review's
(iii) Typists copies of correspondence prior to 2002 as they will be found under subject correspondence.
(iv) Planning correspondence prior to 2000 as the Planning office should keep archives of these.
Cllr. Blundell proposed most of the above second list of papers are destroyed, keeping a small selection as an example of papers of the time. Seconded by Cllr. Wright and approved.
ACTION TOWN CLERK
The meeting was then adjourned for Jonathan Brown from Land for People.
Mr Brown explained that at present their Powys affordable homes project is working with three communities in Mid Wales on affordable housing schemes. And this is grant aided by various bodies. They are hoping to secure funds to deliver similar projects in Shropshire where they will launch the Bishop's Castle Community Land Trust in spring 2006. He explained the policies of the Land Trust and that they hope to build affordable houses not subject to the rules and regulations of housing associations. Mr Brown explained that they hope to do a housing needs survey in Bishop's Castle later in the year. Cllr. Carroll commented that she thought the Housing Association had already carried out a housing needs survey and suggested they liase. Mr Brown then explained that when they are ready to launch the Land Trust in Bishop's Castle they would like the support of the Council.

The Mayor restarted the meeting.

11. TOWN CENTRE FLORAL DECORATIONS
Cllr. Magill proposed that under section 137, £184 be given to the Tourism Group towards the cost of floral decorations for the Town. Seconded by Cllr. Evans and approved.
12. POLICE OPERATIONS IN BISHOP'S CASTLE.
Information on Police Operations carried out in Bishop's Castle on 25th November and 16th December. General update on Policing in Bishop's Castle.
This item to be discussed at the next meeting. NEXT AGENDA

13. ANNUAL TOWN MEETING - MARCH 14TH
Cllr. Blundell proposed the same format as last year. Seconded by Cllr. Hird and approved.

14. FP 22 BOWLING GREEN CLOSE AND FP 24 LOVE LANE INDUSTRIAL ESTATE.
Application for the diversion of these two paths. Cllr. Blundell proposed no objection to the diversion of footpath 22. Seconded by Cllr. Dr. Penney and approved. Cllr. Dr. Penney proposed a diagonal route for FP24 rather than the suggested longer route. (ie. From School House Lane, diagonally to the left hand corner of the field then straight down the side of the bark mill. If this is not done the problem will arise in future with two paths, the designated route and the walked route. Seconded by Cllr. Hird and approved.
.
15. FOOTPATH 46 BY CASTLE HOTEL
Cllr. Carroll summarised a letter from Paul Crampton, Countryside access team, Shropshire County Council explaining the legal implications of this footpath. Cllr. Blundell proposed no action be taken. Seconded by Cllr. Wright and approved.

16. FIRE AND SAFETY
Cllr. Carroll proposed this item be adjourned to the next meeting because of shortage of time. Seconded by Cllr. Wright and approved.
17. STREET LIGHTING CONTRACT.
Tenders have not been received so this item could not be discussed. The Clerk explained there were two types of contract.
Type 1 - All the lamps are changed at the beginning of the contract and then every three years. Lamps are cleaned annually and then all repairs are free expect those caused by vandalism.
Type 2 - Call out charges, manpower and parts are paid for each light repaired.
It was suggested tenders were sought for both types so that comparisons could be made.

18. ARTS ADVISORY COUNCIL
Cllr. Davidson-Stanley offered to attend meetings of the Arts Advisory Council to represent the Town.

19. LOAN OF BENCHES
Maggie Love, Arts Access, has requested the loan of 6 benches and the carved chair from the Council chamber for one week. They will remain on the stage in the Music Hall Shrewsbury for the Shrewsbury Youth Theatre production of The Roses of Eyam.
Cllr Davidson-Stanley proposed no objection provided the proof of insurance has been seen. Seconded by Cllr. Blundell and approved.

20. ACCOUNTS. -
It was proposed by Cllr. Hird that the following accounts are all accepted. Seconded by
Cllr. Wright and approved.

21. REPORT OF RECENT MEETINGS ATTENDED BY COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES.
Cllr. Carroll reported she had been to a meeting of the Bishop's Castle SpArC leisure Group. It has been set up to support and promote the SpArC building which opens on 1st April. The Chairman is Ray Pahl. They have lottery funding for an exhibition of masks and Matthew Evans and Robin Cruise are developing a digital film library.
People can book the SpArC building on line.
Cllr Carroll also reported on a meeting to form a partnership between Enterprise House, The Community College, and SpArC.
Cllr. Magill reported that she had been to the launch of the "Bogus Callers Task Force".

22. CORRESPONDENCE.
a)(i) Shropshire County Council - Changes to the operation of the registration service in South Shropshire.
(ii) Citizens Advice Shropshire. Letter of thanks for the donation.
(iii) Letter from Mr & Mrs Griffiths, , 3 Pound Close requesting a letter from the Town Council confirming they are eligible for affordable property. Cllr. Dr. Penney proposed Council give their support. Seconded by Cllr. Morris and approved.

b) For Circulation
Wasteless Society newsletter.
Local Council Review
Clerks & Councils Direct
Path Times
Regional View
Heart of England - Business Development Programme
Bishop's Castle Redevelopment Steering Group - Briefing paper.

Cllr. Blundell proposed item 16 be discussed. Seconded by Cllr. Wright and approved.

16. FIRE AND SAFETY
At the last meeting Firefighter Tony Barnes mentioned a warden type system to discover houses without smoke alarms etc. This was discussed briefly by Councillors. Cllr. Blundell commented that nothing could be set up at present as there is no money in the budget but proposed that Council agree in principle to a warden system. Seconded by Cllr. Dr. Penney and approved.

23. INVOICES PAID FOR FRIENDS OF BISHOP'S CASTLE PLAYING FIELDS.
Metalmalarky - £105
Lynne Farr - £315
Helen Dawson - £119.40
E.S.W.S. £21.11

The Mayor declared the meeting closed at 9.45 p.m.

[home page] [members]

[links]