Monthly Meeting Monday 8th November 2004 at 19.30hrs 

Present: 

Cllr. L. Benson- in the chair 

Cllr. E Simpson 

Cllr. S. Devine 

Cllr. J. Tusting 

Cllr. J. Goggins 

Cllr. D. Jenkins

Cllr. G. Chapman 7.50 

C.Cllr. Gershon

Miss G Forde – Clerk 

Parishioners: None. 

Apologies for Absence

Apologies received from Cllr. J. Brandon and Cllr. R. Davies. 

Disclosure of Interest

None.

Minutes of Meeting

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

1. Rural Skips 

B.B.C. have written to the Parish Council advising that council tax could increase by 23.6% next year if steps are taken to reduce costs. As a result the rural skip scheme is being reviewed, the views of Parish Councils are being sought to find a more cost effective way. Suggestions put forward by B.B.C. are to have one visit per year, which is longer in duration, or three visits over two years, alternatively Parish Council’s could make a contribution. It was decided that the number of visits (two per year) should not change and a letter be written to find out how much it would cost the Parish Council to retain the current service.

2. Gully Emptying in Carlton & Chellington 

B.C.C. advised that the gullies in the Parish would be cleared out during the month of November and requested residents not to park over road drains during this time. Cllr. Jenkins will post a notice on to the website and posters would be displayed around the village.

County Councillor’s Report

C. Cllr. Gershon inquired if the Parish Council had experienced any problems with the contact centre, switchboard or getting replies to letters. The Parish Council advised that they had not had any problems and the working relationship with Celia Sellers was very good.

Borough Councillor’s Report

None.

School Governor’s Report

Cllr. Simpson advised that the preliminary meeting with OFSTED went very well. They met the governors/teachers prior to the three-day visit, which is due in a couple of week’s time. A short report will be available to all parents.

Correspondence

B.B.C – Parish Councils and Section 106 Agreements.

P3 – Events and Training courses for Autumn 2004. Declined.

The Standards Board for England –Guidance for members.

SLCC- east of England Conference taking place 10th December at Hinchingbrooke House, Huntingdon. Decline.

BRCC – A free workshop to give guidance on the CRB checking process taking place 9th December at the Old School, Cardington. Declined.

The High Sheriff of Bedfordshire – Citizenship Awards 2004/5 all nominations due by 31st December. Declined.

B.B.C. – Stakeholder survey on best value street care review. Cllr. Devine will complete and return.

Office of the Deputy Prime Minister- New ethical framework regulations in force since 4th November, details available on www.hmso.gov.uk.

B.C.C. – Proposed Temporary Road Closure at Park Road, Stevington between the 10th and 14th January 2005 between 9.00-15.30.

B.B.C. – Anti-Social behaviour and Youth discussion taking place 18th November at Bunyan Free Meeting Church, Mill Street, Bedford. Cllr. Tusting will attend.

B.B.C. – Minutes of Rural Affairs Committee held 19th October.

B.C.C.- The HDCLF are repeating the small grants initiative, closing date 14th January 2005. Cllr.Chapman will submit form for notice boards.

B.C.C. – Draft version of the Behaviour Support Plan Action Plan 2004/5.

Wallet

Network Newsletter issue 78, Autumn/Winter 2004

The Playing Fields Newsletter- Autumn 2004

Countryside Voice Autumn 2004 issue

P3 Newsletter Autumn 2004

Financial Report

Five cheques prepared for signature, Miss G Forde £218.50 for salary, Miss G Forde £57.55 for expenses, Mr Crammen £200.00 for handyman duties, Mr. C. Horne £789.06 for grass cutting, CPRE £25.00 membership renewal. Current Account balance £3560.29 and the Capital Reserve Account balance £22,243.05. 

Planning

04/02452/LDP, 11 Carriers Way, single storey rear ext. Planning application not required.

04/02317/FUL, Pear Tree Cottage, demolition of conservatory, erection of two-storey extension and conservatory. Application withdrawn.

B.B.C. Planning Policy Statement 7 –Sustainable Development in Rural Areas

B.B.C. Planning Policy Statement 12 – Local Development Framework

B.B.C. Milton Keynes & South Midlands Sub –Regional Strategy

B.B.C. APP/W0205/A/04/1162444, Glenmore, 2 High Street, appeal against planning application has been made.

Playing Fields Report

Cllr. Simpson advised that they had a meeting last week and it has been confirmed that planning permission is required for the new path and basketball. However, the grant is being reserved while planning permission is sought.

Cllr. Benson advised that Cllr. Brandon believed that leading into the playing field via Beeby Way is belonging to the Parish Council. Cllr. Jenkins will speak to a resident of Beeby Way who has lived there since the estate was built and will also investigate the state of the path/step.

An official letter from the Playing Field Committee regarding who is who has been requested. 

Village Hall Report

None.

General Village Matters

Cllr. Tusting advised that the grass cut is too short and the grass cuttings are left on the road. Cllr. Jenkins recommended a quality audit be carried out on the work done. It was agreed that other quotes would be sought when the contract goes up for tender again.

Cllr. Jenkins advised that Street lightsC25 & 30 are not working, however McAlpine are due out this week to fix them. Also, the streetlight outside the village hall is not working but this is not the property of the Parish Council.

Cllr. Tusting advised that work is starting on the Chellington Project, which is due to open August 2005.

Cllr. Benson advised that the handrails on the bridge are loose. Cllr. Chapman will investigate, Martin Freeman from B.C.C. will deal.

Cllr. Benson advised that a resident wanted a shade put on a streetlight to stop too much light penetrating their house. All agreed that this was not feasible.

Cllr. Jenkins spoke to MR. A. Prigmore regarding the parking at Bridgend. Mr. A. Prigmore will pass this on to the Country Road Safety Office and PC. M. Attard will speak to offenders.

It has been noted that the roads in Rectory Close and Street Close are in very bad condition. It was recommended that Mr. Crammen remove the grass and weeds from these roads so the full extent of the problem can be seen. This will be done when clearing up the leaves has finished.

There being no further business, meeting closed at 20.50 hrs.

Date of next meeting set for Monday 13th December at 9.30.