CARLTON AND CHELLINGTON PARISH COUNCIL 317

Minutes of the meeting held 12th January 2009 at Carlton Village Hall – 7.30pm

Present: Cllr D. Jenkins (Chairman), Cllrs. T. Coles, E. Devine, R. Davis (8.10 pm), A. Geerts, Jane Tusting.

In attendance: Helen Jago (Emmaus)

1. Apologies for absence: Cllrs. L Dempsey, L. Benson, Jim (V) Brandon, C. Cllr Mrs P Gershon.

2. Disclosure of interest: None (other than financial information regarding Playing Fields and Village Hall Committees – with reference to the Budget for 2009/10).

3. Minutes of meeting held 8th December 2009: confirmed as a true record of the meeting.

4. Emmaus report: Helen reported that there are currently 25 companions – who are all very settled at the moment. The Bistro work has started; it will take approx. 4/5 months to complete. Cllr Tusting enquired about the current recycling projects – all are doing well and making a profit. Possibility of one of the companions doing odd jobs around the village (no financial payment), Helen will talk to the individual concerned and report back to the Parish Council. The Chairman thanked Helen for attending the meeting and she left at 7.45pm.

5. Police report: police report circulated to all Councillors present, apologies from PCSO Allan Taylor as he was unable to attend tonight’s meeting. Police are doing regular speed checks – there is a possibility of the joint purchase of a new Speed Gun (Wymington Parish Council are obtaining information), Clerk will advise Council when this information is available and further discussion will take place on the feasibility of joint ownership.

6. Matters arising from December meeting: (1) Awaiting SUS consultation over minibus provision for teenagers. (2) Railing/ditch – Bridgend area – Clerk to write to John Shortland requesting the long term plans for this problem. (3) Speeding in the village – still awaiting further response from Nick Chapman. (4) Village Handyman – advertisement in Carlton Post Office and also in The Bridge – closing date for application 13th February 2009. Billy Crammen (retired village handyman – Council agreed to make a one off thank you gesture in respect of Billy’s service to the village over the past years). (5) Order trees/hedging plants for Carlton Lower School (Clerk) and Cllr Tusting to collect when ready from the Clophill depot. (6) War Memorial – awaiting Cllr Brandon to set a date for the next meeting of the Committee.

7. County Councillor’s report: Mrs Gershon is very ill in hospital, we wish her a speedy recovery.

8. Borough Councillor’s report: None.

9. Highways report: Crossroads at village centre – wet patch still on surface of road – Clerk to report again. Street Close – Clerk to ask again when this road is scheduled for repairs.

10. Village Handyman: closing date for applicants is 13th February.

11. Neighbourhood Watch: first meeting is scheduled for Thursday 22nd January – 7.30pm at the Village Hall. Cllr Coles is organising this event.

12. Youth: still awaiting consultation with SUS Sixth Form regarding subsidised transport back from Bedford. Clerk has prices from AGS taxis for one way trips back from Bedford on a Friday or Saturday night (8 or 16 seat minibus). Further discussion at next meeting. Rave bus – will look at this possibility at a later date.

8.40 pm – Cllr Devine gave her apologies as she had to leave the meeting.

13. Finance report: Three cheques drawn for payment – BATPC (affiliation fee) £166.00, W Crammen (goodwill gesture payment), Mrs N Bransgrove-Knight (wages and expenses). Current A/C - £1,911.57 Deposit A/C - £23,084.38. Budget for 2009/10 finalised – with no overall increase over the 2008/09 precept. Clerk advised Council that Harrold Parish Council have agreed to provide an office for her Clerk’s duties, which will incur office rental. Request: are Carlton & Chellington are prepared to pay towards the office rental? Council resolved to pay 30% of the office rental (ie. 30% of £125. per month).

14. Planning applications: None received.

15. Correspondence – list circulated to Councillors prior to meeting – refer to apex (i) attached to these minutes for list and actions.

16. School Governor’s report: None.

17. Playing Field report: None – the next meeting of the playing field committee is scheduled for Wednesday 14th January.

18. Village Hall report: work in hand for a new window and decorating jobs.

19. Village matters: litter bins not always emptied – Clerk to contact DSD. Two bags of rubbish (from Community clean up day?) on village green – Clerk to request clearance from DSD. Surface water reported on Turvey Road, near to St. Mary’s Church – Clerk has already reported this problem. Harrold Area Liaison Meeting – 19th January 2009 – Cllr Jenkins will attend this meeting.

20. Date of next meeting: Monday 9th February 2009 – 7.30pm Village Hall.

There being no further business, this meeting finished at 9.35pm.