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Notes on the Annual Parish Meeting, 2nd April 2008, 8.30pm
Those present: Norman Pridmore, Derek Lanning, Grace Wilkinson, Sheila Saunders (Chair), Rosemary Roberts, Emma Clarke, Noel Witts, Kate Humphries, County Councillors Barrie Roper and Hugh Rees and 10 members of the public.
Apologies: Alison Last, Carol Harding and Elizabeth Clayton.
Minutes of the Meeting of 5th March 2007 were approved and signed.
Matters Arising – There is still no official Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator.
Chairman’s Report Cllr Saunders thanked everyone for working so well together as a team and thanked each member individually for all the tasks they had undertaken over the last 12 months. She reported that work was now happening that had been put in place by previous councillors – affordable housing being one aspect of this. There had been a presentation to Tony Bowley for his 37 years service as a Parish Councillor. Land registration of all the PC owned land is now almost complete. She pointed out that all Parish Councillors give their time and effort voluntarily without any reimbursement for expenses. This is also true of those who contribute in many other spheres of community life. She thanked those who ran the various other groups in the village. She also reported that a new Gardening Club had been formed this year. Lastly she thanked Grace Wilkinson, the Clerk, for her support, advice, knowledge and efficiency.
Barrowden United Charities It had been another challenging year, but the property in Hammersmith was now fully let. There are 46 regular beneficiaries. Hammersmith United Charities (the joint owners) are no longer involved in the joint management of the property and this is being handed over to an independent London agent. In addition to this the HUC had put pressure on the BUC to sell their half share, but BUC, after much consideration, have decided against this. The BUC are currently reviewing their charity status and the distribution of benefits. They have also effected necessary indemnity cover for all trustees. Revd Angell has begun to attend their meetings in the capacity as consultant. All in all the charity is in good shape.
Village Hall Committee Bookings were steady but with increased costs of utilities the Hall can no longer break even with the present hire charges. An increase to these charges will be discussed at the next meeting. The main hirers have been contacted and asked for their suggestions for improvements to the facilities that the hall offers. The VHC applied for and received a new premises licence to cover additional activities including cinema. To try and simplify payment the VHC are going to introduce a safe deposit system – this will require the hirer to fill in the details on an envelope and retain the receipt supplied, then deposit the envelope with their remittance in the deposit box at the end of their hire. Each booking will be given a reference number, this will allow us to cross reference and identify each payment. For security a lock will be installed on the storeroom door and a key provided to those whose equipment is stored there. The VHC adopted the revised constitution this year. The Hall can only flourish if it continues to be used by the village – money is tight and maybe a long term solution will be to sell the existing plot and resite a new community hall on the recreation ground, and finance this from the village charity. Food for thought.
Neighbourhood Watch In the last year residents of Barrowden made 65 calls to Leicestershire Constabulary; a number of suspicious concerns, three burglaries to dwellings, three burglaries to outhouses, theft from the Church, theft of a mobile phone and three ‘other crimes’ of a confidential nature. There had been a good response to the neighbourhood policing priority feedback forms and Jacquie Reid thanked everyone who completed them. The last survey raised 36 issues in Barrowden, which enabled our police officers to respond well to our local needs. It is hoped the 101 non-emergency number would be reinstated. We were reminded that we are in the Rutland South Beat and our neighbourhood team is: Sgt Chris Wharton (1865), PC Katy Atkinson (4387) and PCSO Diana Freeman (6516) and that the telephone number is 0116 222 2222. She advised us to use the Leicestershire Constabulary website and look for the weekly updates in the Rutland Times and Rutland Mercury. She also encouraged us to join the Barrowden email list (barrowden@googlemail.com) and reminded people to pass on the information to neighbours who do not use a computer.
Community Shop The Shop has planning permission, has agreed a lease, but does not have funding as it was not successful in its application for Lottery funding. The Group asked the community if they wanted a shop and agreed if there was no longer support then they would abandon the project. A leaflet was distributed, which resulted in 90 replies with 76 households in favour and 14 against. A second leaflet was distributed asking for offers of help and so far they have received 30 offers. The shop is still hoping to obtain grants, however the administration side is quite demanding. They also wanted to clarify exactly what a community shop is: the shop will be owned by and run by the community for the benefit of the community. Any surplus finance will be used for the benefit of the community.
Environmental Group Village Pond. The group has achieved their objectives with the village pond; the water inlet has been upgraded, two small reed beds have been installed as well as two duck houses. Frances Traves was thanked for looking after the ducks. The water supply will still be monitored and the fence needs to be repaired and repainted. At this point it was asked if the duck pond could be used for the 20/49 club boat race. The EG felt strongly that as it was now an environmental feature, they did not want the pond used for a boat race, a duck race or for entertainment. Mill Pond and footpath to Wakerley. Area has been transformed and made accessible to all. Plans for the provision of a seat have been drawn up and there will also be an Information Board. BE also agreed to complete the fence. A recent survey was carried out by Storm Geomatics to supply fresh water to the Mill Pond. However, this can only be considered if the EG has the total support of Burghley Estate, Environment Agency, village landowners, and in particular the PC. They have not as yet contacted any landowners and BE have not yet given permission. A grant of £15,000 would be needed but the EG felt they could obtain this, providing they have a written undertaking from the PC to give the EG their unanimous support and agree to long term maintenance and insurance of the pipeline. PC felt they could not agree until they knew the full costs involved.
Environmental Group Mill Pond. Despite promises there has still not been any drainage points along the Mill Lane footpath. The area is regenerating and the path is being used. The mill pond was covered in algae last summer, but it is hoped that the proposed new water flow will rectify this. BE has installed new fencing. The planning and preparation for the proposed Information Board and seat is progressing well. Many Barrowden people have offered help and were thanked for doing so. Much work has gone into obtaining grants for these projects. Arthur Maguire was thanked for his determination to see these projects through to completion, despite failing health. Village Pond. It was decided that there was no need to endorse a second water chamber at present. The ducks are an attractive sight and Frances was thanked for looking after them so well. A donation of £100 from the PC towards duck feed was requested. Trees. The EG has brought the PC’s attention the poor state of the village’s trees and were delighted that the Tree Group had now been formed.
Tree Group There are currently 14 members of the Tree Group. Cllr Humphries is waiting for James Burton to get in touch to know what area is needed for tree nursery. Peter Voller is in charge of the grant application, which will cover the cost of the nursery and Cllr Humphries stated they needed youngsters involved. Alison Last had offered a specimen tree if the walnut tree needs replacing. However, if the walnut tree is staying then it needs to be fenced. Cllr Humphries stated that there will be work carried out to most of the trees in the village over the next four years and stated that maintenance of the trees was the responsibility of the PC and not eligible for a grant. The PC wanted to stress that they have no intention of felling all the trees.
Grass Verges The PC is responsible for all verges within the 30mph signs. It was suggested that verges should be cut just one mower width deep.
Affordable Housing A variety of road names were discussed, but no conclusion reached.
Any other business Dog mess has been found on the play area of the rec. PC to try and find canine culprit. It was agreed to contact the dog warden for an official sign.
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For details of other minutes, please click on the appropriate date |
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2nd April 2008 (APM) |
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