Council Meeting Minutes

Minutes of the meeting of the Parish Council, held at Broughton Village Hall on Wednesday, 21 November 2007, commencing at 7.00pm.

(Please note these minutes are not a definitive record until they are approved, and may be subject to amendment)

Cllrs. R Baxter, Mrs. HJ Bull, P Chaplin, Mrs. PA Cope, Mrs. JL Farenden, Mrs. RA Gresham, Mrs. JR Page, R Shrive, and AJP Stamper.

07/5914 APOLOGIES. Apologies were tendered by Cllrs. Mrs. PA Cope, LA Manning, and County Cllr. J Harker. Cllr. P Chaplin apologised and left the meeting at 7.50pm.

07/5915 MINUTES. The minutes of the meeting of the Parish Council held on 17 October 2007, copies of which had been circulated, were approved by members and signed by the Chairman

07/5916 RIGHT TO SPEAK. No members of the public took advantage of this facility.

07/5917 MATTERS ARISING. Arising in respect of festive lights, members heard that enquiries had been made of the Borough Council, and it had been indicated that although the notice was short, it should be possible to provide a lighting display in a similar manner to last year; the preference being for this rather than for the provision of a tree. Borough Cllr. Perry indicated that there might be some assistance possible with the provision of a tree as well, which would be investigated; the necessary tree size being discussed. There then followed a discussion around the circumstances of the E-ON grant received last year and how this had been accounted for, it being confirmed that the Borough Council had yet to invoice for the works undertaken (despite reminders). This had specifically been raised in the latest approach to the Borough and it had been stressed that any display mounted should be contained within the resources of the grant monies that remained unspent.

Arising from 07/5896, the Chair reported that there had been some dialogue between herself and Pia Bellamy of the Borough Council in connection with the goal posts removed from the High Street recreation ground. Whilst there had been an issue around whether any replacement should be co-ordinated with a planned future revamp of the area generally, it had been agreed that the goals would be replaced in advance given their previous popularity and the lead-time involved for the overall scheme.

Arising from the correspondence and documents placed on circulation with members following each meeting, Cllr. Shrive raised the fact these sometimes appeared to be taking too long to be passed on to the next councillor on the list. On one occasion recently, the pack had been held for 20 days, which prevented proper consideration of the material by others. Accordingly it was agreed that councillors should endeavour to pass the bundle on within 3 days of receipt if at all possible.

Arising from 07/5902, the Chair updated the meeting on the issue of the former Garden of Remembrance, and members heard in particular that a meeting was to occur with the line manager of the St Andrews Court facility in order to consider the way forward.

Arising from 07/5904, in respect of the consultation concerning the proposed Minerals and Waste Development Framework, Cllr. Chaplin proposed and it was duly RESOLVED after a debate and resulting vote of 4 for, 1 against (with 4 abstaining), that the County Council be advised of the Parish Council’s concern that many of the sites identified within the documentation were affected by watercourses with the consequent potential for contamination by leachates.

Arising from 07/5909, the Vice-Chairman enquired after progress and the meeting heard that the Co-operative store manager had been written to in the terms agreed.

Arising from 07/5902, the Vice-Chairman sought confirmation that the artist engaged in connection with the village map project had been contacted as agreed, and it was confirmed the gentleman had indeed been written to.

07/5918 POLICE REPORT. The meeting received a briefing from Inspector Aistrop, who commenced by discussing the statistics for local reported crime during October (as appended), and by explaining the reasons why these were broken down in the given categories. Members head this related to performance indicators imposed by central government.

The meeting was informed that although the general trends revealed by the figures were considered to be positive, there were concerns around the issue of burglaries of outbuildings and the like; there having been some recent local reports. Members were asked to encourage constituents to ensure such buildings were left secure when not attended.

There then followed a discussion concerning vehicle related crime, especially that involving the theft of registration plates and the activities of one believed prolific offender.

The issue of lead thefts from large rural buildings was mentioned, with councillors being asked to be especially vigilant around churches and the like, which were especially vulnerable and typically targeted. Inspector Aistrop described how police attention in respect of this activity was also focusing upon scrap metal dealers in an effort to limit the potential avenues available to offenders for the disposal of stolen material; this was considered to be yielding successful results.

Inspector Aistrop also advised that there was local concern about increasing numbers of distraction burglaries occurring, especially affecting the elderly or vulnerable; there being a need for this to be publicised in any local newsletters and the like.

Councillor Baxter then raised the issue of fast and loud traffic sometimes affecting the village, especially late at night. This was noted for passing on to local officers.

The issue of inconsiderate parking associated with the school, and affecting the area around West Street, was mentioned. Councillors heard that a number of drivers had been warned following visits.

The issue of police coverage for the Tin Can Band gathering was then discussed. Inspector Aistrop explained the policy being applied and noted the gathering might be perceived as a traditional event comparable with others such as the Rothwell Proclamation but, at Broughton, the gathering was rather ad-hoc whereas others were rather more organised or supervised, which made policing a more realistic prospect.

It was accepted that there was something of a split in opinion around this but without community ownership, the police could only respond to incidents rather than deal with proactively. This being the case, any reported incidents would be graded and have to compete with others for attention by Instant Response teams or Traffic officers as might be available (or not).

In response to a query by Cllr. Shrive, around when it had been decided not to attend (there having been a history of local officer presence until recent years), Inspector Aistrop explained that this most likely was not a deliberate decision but a consequence of changing police structures, funding, and imposed priorities.

After some discussion, the meeting heard that there was scope for police support if more owned by the Parish Council (or some other formal organiser), and this might only need to extend to the attendance of some marshals and the devising of a defined route. If steps of this nature could occur, members were informed there would be scope for PCSO attendance at the Council’s cost, perhaps £20 per hour per officer.

During the debate of this offer, the point was made that public attendance was very variable with as many as 80 attending, or as few as 10. Borough Cllr. Perry expressed the view that more organisation would encourage family group attendance that, in turn, should serve to moderate offensive behaviour.

Cllr. Chaplin apologised and left the meeting at this point.

Cllr. Shrive cautioned that publicity might not be beneficial in that attendance might be encouraged by those just looking for an excuse to misbehave, although the route being mapped did seem a good idea if agreement of that route could be achieved.

There then being a consensus that the Parish Council should attempt to encourage a more structured event, it was agreed to return to this subject later in order to agree details.

Finally, there followed a brief discussion of the proposed occasional police presence (using the facility of a ‘toughbook’ mobile office) at the Village Hall, with it being confirmed that there was much local support for this.

Inspector Aistrop left the meeting at 7.55pm.

07/5919 CORRESPONDENCE. The following items of correspondence were reported and action, as detailed, was agreed to be taken, with other general items being placed on circulation:-

a) A letter from Inspector Aistrop of Northamptonshire Police, concerning the priorities of the Rural Safer Community Team for the next three months, and seeking representation at the forthcoming meeting of the Community panel, scheduled for 18 December at Kettering Police Station Social Club, from 7.30pm. Members heard seasonal refreshments would be provided and it was agreed the Council would be represented by Cllrs. Mrs. Bull, Mrs. Page, and Shrive.

b) A communication from the County Council, publicising the Strategic Funding Programme for 2008/09, with bids being invited from 1 November until 13 December. This notification was placed on circulation.

c) Notification received from the Borough Council concerning the rollout of the ‘Kettering Futures’ development initiative, with events scheduled for 27 November and 7 December, being the launch and a design workshop respectively. Following a debate around the likely consequence of the initiative in terms of the potential for chain stores being attracted to the town at the cost of loss of independent traders, it was agreed the Council would be represented by the Chair and by Cllr. Mrs Farenden.

d) A letter received from the Chief Constable, Peter Maddison, responding to the recent concerns expressed by the Parish Council in relation to reports of proposals to cut policing levels.

e) An approach received from local resident, Ms. Siobhan Currie, proposing to organise a youth work party to help clean up the Pocket Park and seeking consent; which members heard had been given subject to suitable insurance arrangements being in place.

f) A copy of the latest edition of the ‘Pocketeer’ newsletter of the County Council.

g) Material published by the Northamptonshire Waste Partnership, concerning the launch of a consultation around the proposed Northamptonshire Waste Management Strategy; this being placed on deposit.

The Chair reported upon a ‘walkaround’ meeting with Mr. Andrew Leighton of the County Council, attended by herself and Cllr. Mrs. Gresham.

The Cransley Hill approach to the village had first been considered, with the recent suggestions made by the Council discussed. Of these, the ‘dragons teeth’ paint markings and gateway structure were the most favoured, given the physical constraints of the road in this location; Mr. Leighton to feed back in due course.

The safety railings near the school entrance were noted to be in need of repair, and this would be arranged.

The problems with the High Street crossing were then considered, and it was agreed relocation was not an option due to cost. Upon hearing this, members agreed that as an alternative measure, representations might be made to the Co-op store seeking some revision of the store delivery timetable so as to avoid HGV unloading activity at peak times, which did exacerbate difficulties there. This was qualified, however, provided any revision did not compromise viability of the store, which was a valued village facility.

The pavements at Northampton Road were then considered, and these were acknowledged to be in a poor state, especially where recent excavations had been done. The contractor concerned would be advised of the need to properly reinstate.

The meeting then looked at the two A43 junctions and whilst there was no scope for changes at the roundabout off Northampton Road, there were possible improvements to be made at the Kettering Road junction, which would be considered further.

Finally, the walkway barriers requested at various locations off Baker Avenue were considered and Mr. Leighton had agreed to consider this further with a need existing although the form of barriers did need careful selection.

Cllr. Mrs. Farenden then reported upon her attendance at the last meeting of the Village Hall Committee, where business included a recent theft of roofing lead, the review of charges, the continuing improvement programme (including to the committee room), the installation of time switches on the heaters, the forthcoming auction event (12 January), changes to the field gate to prevent unauthorised motorcycle access, corrosion on a lighting column, possible procurement of new cleaning equipment, a bulb-planting work party, and the police mini-office initiative. The minutes of the October meeting were placed on circulation.

Cllr. Shrive then reported that there had still been nothing heard from the Friends of Broughton Cemetery and it was agreed the group should be requested to keep the Parish Council informed of its business, assuming it was still active.

58 High Street Extension and new garage Mr Hill
Gables Farm Details for dwelling (ARM) Polpark Ltd
The Rectory (rear of) Single dwelling (plot 2) Mr Kirby
The Rectory (rear of) Single dwelling (plot 3) Mr Fisher

The following application was considered and it was agreed that the Council would not object provided occupation was tied to only being ancillary to the main dwelling and was not brought into use as a separate residence:-

46 High Street Convert outbuilding to annex Mr Hughes

Planning Decisions reported:-
The following decisions, being Approvals with conditions, were reported:-

9 High Street (rear of) Two flats to replace outbuildings J Martin
70 Northampton Road Cattery including reception building Mrs James
25 Donaldson Ave Replace roof to conservatory Mr Flecknor

Borough Cllr. Ms Perry apologised and left the meeting at this point, at 9.05pm.

Income			£
None was reported	at this meeting.
Expenditure			£
GA Duthie	Salary and WP	(101266 )	330.50
HM Inland Revenue	Income tax	(101267 )	82.28
GA Duthie	Electric and telephone exps	(101268 )	49.69
BDO Stoy Hayward	Audit fee 06/07	(101269 )	193.88
RBL Poppy Appeal	Wreath – Armistice Day	(101270 )	16.50
M Rust	Reimburse trumpeter gratuity	(101271 )	15.00

07/5923 BROUGHTON VILLAGE WEBSITE. It was agreed that for the moment, preferred contact details should be provided to the Webmaster, and matters of style could be addressed once the Parish Council content started to build. Agendas and minutes were now being provided in addition.

07/5924 KETTERING ROAD BUND. Given the continuing difficulties with maintenance of this area, which was again looking neglected and overgrown, it was agreed representations would now be made to the Borough and County Councils through available communication channels at member level in order to promote some resolution.

07/5925 TIN CAN BAND. Following the discussion that ensued during the police report item, which touched upon this issue, it was RESOLVED to form a committee comprising the following councillors, with a meeting to be held at 7.00pm on 28 November at the Village Hall, for purposes of considering how best to facilitate a more organised gathering:

Subject to arriving at a proposal in these terms, it was also RESOLVED to fund the cost of attendance by a PCSO in line with the earlier suggestion of Inspector Aistrop; Cllr. Mrs. Bull agreeing to liaise with the Inspector.

07/5926 ARMISTICE DAY. The meeting heard that the remembrance event at the War Memorial had been attended by in excess of 100 locally connected people and given this increasing number, it was becoming apparent that a more powerful public address system was needed than that kindly made available by Mr Clarke, which had sufficed since the event first occurred.

Members agreed that a gratuity be offered in the form of book/record vouchers or similar to the young person who played the trumpet, in the sum of £15.00, and expenses of £16.50 arose in respect of the poppy wreath laid on behalf of the Council as a mark of respect.

It was then proposed and agreed that the Borough Council team responsible for tidying the memorial be formally thanked as the work had been very thoroughly done at just the right time.

The Chair then raised the issue of whether the memorial should be subject to annual safety inspection, and this was agreed to be prudent. The Vice-Chairman agreed to carry this out.

07/5927 FESTIVE LIGHTS/TREE. This had been dealt with under matters arising.

07/5928 GENERAL INTEREST ITEMS. The meeting heard that the former rector of St Andrews Church, Reverend Giles, had passed away during October and a thanksgiving service for his life was to be held on 1 December.
Cllr. Mrs. Farenden agreed to act as the Parish Council’s representative at this.

Cllr. Mrs. Farenden reported that the weight restriction sign outside 42 High Street was again obscured by overgrown vegetation from that property.

Cllr. Mrs. Bull reported that there also remained the obscured direction sign at Kettering Road.

Cllr. Mrs. Bull also advised that one of the planters at Wellingborough Road had suffered damage and was in need of rebuilding; it was presumed by a tractor although it had not been possible to identify the driver.

The Vice-Chairman sought guidance on whether a further edition of Broughton News should be produced and this was unanimously agreed; the Vice-Chair being asked (and agreeing) to edit the publication. Print quotations to be obtained and reported.
The Vice-Chairman also reminded the meeting that the December meeting agenda should contain the customary time-capsule countdown item.

The Chair then raised the issue of emergency planning and proposed that, in line with exhortations from the County Council, consideration be given to how local contingencies should be provided. It was agreed this should taken forward as was possible.

07/5929 DATE OF NEXT MEETING. It was reported that the next meeting of the Parish Council would be on Wednesday 19 December 2007, at 7:00pm in the Village Hall.

07/5930 URGENT ITEMS ADMITTED BY THE CHAIR. The following items were admitted for discussion by the Chair:-