Monthly Meeting Monday 12th January 2003 19.40hrs       

Present:

Cllr. J Tusting - in the chair

Cllr. R Davis

Mr R Davis

Cllr. S Devine                                                           

Cllr. L Benson                                                           

Cllr. E Simpson

Cllr. D Jenkins

Cllr. J Goggins

C. Cllr. P Gershon –apologies, had to leave before meeting commenced. Miss G Forde - Clerk

Parishioners: None.                                                                                                                     

Apologies for Absence

B. Cllr. Brandon, Cllr. Chapman

Disclosure of Interest

None.

Minutes of Meeting

Minutes of meeting for December 8th were agreed and signed as a true record.

1. Highways Maintenance Partnership

a) Footpath repairs in The Moor/The Causeway - Order No: RCSN03183 work to be completed within 4 weeks.

b) Carriageway repairs The Moor/Rectory Close/High Street - Order No: RCSN3184, emergency work to be completed within 7 days.

c) Failed trench in The Moor - after discussion with the contractor it was decided that the old tarmac layer in the trench needs to be replaced. Raynesway are just deciding the most effective way to do this. Meanwhile the worst areas will be repaired under the above numbered order. The more extensive work will be carried out within the next 4/6 weeks.

d) The broken manhole cover in High Street opposite Street Close. This is in fact a foul water drain. C Sellers has been in touch with Anglian Water & asked them to replace it as a matter of urgency. Their works order no: 22540055.

e) C Sellers faxed Anglian Water and asked them to arrange urgent repair of the leak at Spring Close Farm. This has now been repaired.

f) C Sellers referred the matter of white lines to Alan Trill, he is adding this to his lest of sites to look at, but nothing will be done until March ’04 as the budget as been used up for this kind of work which is non urgent.g) Bedford Borough Council will deal with the Marsh road sign that is missing.

h) C Sellers will view the pothole repairs that are required on Pavenham Hill. Areas have already been marked for repair.

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Cllr. Devine will advise B.B.C OF Eden’s Hill road sign that is missing, and liase with Mr A Prigmore regarding the widening of the footpath. It was decided that the bollards at the Turvey entrance to the village would remain as it was deemed it increased road safety.

2. Changes to Stagecoach Service.

There are still problems being experienced with the Stagecoach Bus Service. It was agreed that a letter be written to Stagecoach advising of the parish’s discontent and requesting clarification on their policy about stopping. Also a poster will be displayed around the village-requesting parishioners to advise the Parish Council of any problems they have experienced. 

3.Replacment of Notice Boards

Further to a report made by Cllrs. Benson and Chapman, the following was agreed. A new board with legs for the school, new boards at the entrance to The Fox on the High Street and the bus shelter. Repair of the board at the Royal Oak.

4. Street Lights

Lights at C09 Rectory Close and C03 The Moor are now both working. The newly installed light at the Gannick is still out of order. Clerk to liase with the maintainer regarding repair.

5. Handyman Position

Two applicants applied for the position of Handyman. Cllr. Tusting will speak to both applicants.

6. Precept

It was agreed that the Parish Council would submit a precept of £12,500.00. Included in the Precept are allowance for the hire of the Skate Ramp £150.00, £2,000.00 towards the Village Hall renovations, £500.00 additional street light on The Causeway, £300.00 mini bus hire to take youth to events in local towns, £1,500.00 for repair and replacement of the notice boards, £650.00 for a new seat on Carlton/Harrold road.

County Councillor’s ReportNone

Borough Councillor’s ReportNone

School Governor’s ReportCllr. Simpson advised that the IT Block has been finished and the official opening will be soon.

Correspondence

Bedfordshire Police-Rural Skate volunteers required to help erect ramp.

Bedfordshire Police- speed activity suspended until April 2004.

BRTA- Bedford-Sandy Rail Link progress update

DERFA- Details of equine interests in England.

The Villager- Minutes of Annual General Meeting held 10th November 2003, and proposal of a new route to Cambridge (once a month) depending on demand.

CPRE- To secure changes needed on planning. Letter written to the Rt. Hon Keith Hill MP urging him to support amendments to the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Bill.

Powergen- Advising of their purchase of TXU

HDCLF- Letter advising that meetings are now taking place at the Odell Village Hall

HDCLF- Minutes of meeting held 6th November 2003.

CPRE- Summary points and actions resulting from a meeting in November 2003 regarding Night Blight/Light Pollution.

Bedfordshire Police- Improving Prospects. Free Training Courses available to anyone who is currently not in full employment.

B.C.C.- P3 Annual Review 2002/3

B.B.C. – Letter regarding Sustainable Development in Rural Areas                                                                                                                                                                                

Financial Report

Seven cheques prepared for signature, B J Wood & Partners £76.37 for fixing litter bin outside the Royal Oak, BATPC £72.32 membership fee for 2004/5, Mr C Horne £541.97 for grass cutting, CPRE £25.00 for membership fee, Miss G Forde £218.50 for salary, Miss G Forde £63.48 for expenses, Lubbock Fine £141.00 for audit.

Balances are current acc. £2,342.23 and capital reserve acc. £22,056.17.

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Planning

Appl. 03/02785/FUL. Reach Out Project, St Nicholas Church. Construction of overspill car park. Application withdrawn.

Appl. 02/03082/FUL, Lady Hanbury’s Settlement for Daniels Children, denied 17/11/03. 

Playing Fields Report

Cllr. Benson will get a builder to check the safety surfaces. Cllr. Simpson is meeting with rep from Wickstead, litterbin has not been emptied.

Village Hall Report

None.

Items of an urgent nature

Cllr. Benson reported that The Barn had been broken into again resulting in some damage and theft. Cllr. Tusting will speak to Mr C Horne.

Cllr. Jenkins reported that two cars and a house in Beeby Way had been broken into recently.

There being no further business, meeting closed at 21.40 hrs.