324A.

CARLTON and CHELLINGTON PARISH COUNCIL

MINUTES of ANNUAL PARISH MEETING held 16^th APRIL, 2009.

PRESENT :-          Mr. D JENKINS - in the Chair

                              Cllrs.         V.G. BRANDON                  T. COLES              L. DEMPSEY      

                                                E. DEVINE                           A. GEERTS           J. TUSTING                                                          25 Parishioners.      Mr. R. Sinclair.

Speakers :-            PC.428 Rob Smith.

                                Brian Skittrall and Steve Chambers,  BLOT.

APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE  were received from  Councillor R. Davis.

MINUTES of ANNUAL MEETING, 7^th  APRIL, 2008, were agreed and the Minute Book signed.

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT

David Jenkins welcomed everyone to the Annual Meeting and introduced himself as Chairman following

Les Benson’s resignation as Chair last July.   Les has subsequently resigned from the Parish Council.

In addition, Richard Davis announced recently his resignation from the Council, as of May.   In both

cases this is due to pressure of work.   Both Les and Richard have had a long association with the Parish

Council and have both served as Chairmen in their time.   We will miss their wise counsel and  would like to thank them for all their work.

This will create two vacancies for councillors and anyone who would like to get involved may offer their services.   If more than two people come forward, then there would have to be some kind of selection process.

The Council has also lost two great friends who were also great characters.    Mrs. Phyllis Gershon, our County Councillor,  worked tirelessly for her ward for many years.   It is ironic that her death coincided with the end of the County Council.   We now look forward to working with our new Unitary Authority of North Bedfordshire.

We also lost this year Billy Crammen, our village handyman.   Well loved by many in the village, Billy’s

death leaves a hole in our community and he will be missed.

With my rise to Chair of the Parish Council, Jane Tusting has taken over as Vice Chair.   She too has

immense experience of the Council and I thank her for her support.

Mr. Jenkins read out his report to the meeting and copy  of same is attached to these minutes.

FINANCIAL REPORT for year 1.4.2008. - 31.3.2009.   Presented by  Mrs. Bransgrove-Knight.

Precept maintained at £14,892. for the second year.    Parish received £643. County Council grant towards  village grass-cutting (cost £2,040.)  and the rent from The Barn, amounting to £1,668., helps to pay   for playing field grass-cutting and insurance.   Expenses totalled £16,132.   Bank balances are

current account £6,534.59. and deposit account £18,182.65.   The Parish Council hold reserved funds for the village hall and the Grace Baptist Burial Ground.

PLAYING FIELD REPORT -  prepared by Mrs. Emma Simpson -  was read out  by  the clerk.

PC.428 ROB SMITH was welcomed to the meeting.   He said our P.C.SO. Allan Taylor has left and it will be three months before a new P.C.S.O. starts, to cover the SNT area from Carlton to Riseley.

Any problems should be directed to Riseley.   P.C. Smith explained to the audience about Smart Water and presented updated information regarding nuisance and anti-social behaviour, speed checks and Speed Watch volunteers.   Highways are doing a survey on speed issues around the villages.   Carlton is high up on the scale for assessment.   Police can make recommendations for lowering speeds - school areas in particular.     Rob was thanked for attending meeting and left at 9.05. p.m.

                                                                                - 2 -                                                                         324B.

BLOT PRESENTATION.   Brian Skittrall introduced, and Steve Chambers from Podington.

Npower Nun Wood Planning Application for 12 turbines, - comments can still be made and forms are available at this meeting.   Mr. Chambers outlined who and what BLOT represent and provided various facts and figures.   Apparently the turbines at 425m high are much higher than those at Burton Latimer and can be seen for over  30 km.   Issues raised are still being collated.    Mr. Skittrall was happy  to answer questions from the public and asked if they could please  object to the application.   Presentation finished at 21.34. 

WAR MEMORIAL MONUMENT   Mr. Brandon reminded parishioners that at last year’s meeting it was agreed to set up a committee to discuss this proposal.   They decided Carlton should have a war memorial monument, which could  be located on The Green, and the Parish Council have agreed to this.

The committee will now discuss ideas  regarding type of monument as a suitable tribute.   Mr. Tusting  agreed to look at a type of relief, cast in bronze, a quality item for everyone to see.   This will be a long term project.   There was overall agreement that the committee should proceed.

GENERAL VILLAGE MATTERS

Mrs. J. Street was concerned about the Villager Bus and has the agreement of the Parish Council to attend the A.G.M. on 20^th April.   Mr.   S. Smith asked if the Royal Oak is a listed building - yes it is.

He also said the village needs a noticeboard where Parish Council minutes can  be  displayed and it was agreed this would be considered.   Mrs. I. Allsopp  asked about the  audit of 2007/2008 accounts, had they been available for inspection by parishioners ?   Mr. P. Planterose said dog mess is a real problem in the village.    Smart Water distributed to parishioners.

THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS, The Chairman thanked everyone for attending and the

meeting closed at 10.00.  p.m.