NEWNHAM PARISH COUNCIL

Minutes of meeting held on 6^th April 2009 in the Village Hall

PRESENT:             Chairman            Mr D Messenger

                                Councillors         Mr D Cooke

                                                                Mr H Ferguson [from 8p.m.]

                                                                Mr J Lawrence [left at 8.50.p.m]

                                                                Mr W Nunneley

                                                                Mr T Regan

Clerk                     Mrs M R Money

One member of the public was also present.

The Chairman welcomed Mr T Regan following his absence due to family problems.

1006.09 TO RECEIVE AND APPROVE APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Cllr A Wade

1007.09 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST FOR ITEMS ON THE AGENDA

No interests were declared.

1008.09 TO SIGN AND APPROVE MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 2^ND MARCH 2009

On a proprosal by Cllr J Lawrence it was RESOLVED that the Minutes be approved and signed as a true record.

1009.09 PUBLIC TIME

No issues were raised.

1010.09 NEWNHAM VILLAGE HALL

It was reported that the Chairman of the Management Committee has met with the Surveyor and discussions are now being held with the Conservation Officer at Daventry District Council.  The estimated cost of repairs is between £9,000 and £10,000.

1011.09 NEWNHAM AMENITY ASSOCIATION

Mrs P Alexander, Chairman, reported that the whole Committee intend to stand down at the next AGM and no-one has exprssed any interest in taking over.  The Association should have 4 trustees one of whom should represent the Parish Council.  Mrs Alexander said she intended to propose at the AGM that the Committee be re-elected on a temporary short-term basis so that Jazz on the Green could be held at the end of June.  After discussion it was the general feeling that the Association should be wound up and the Village Hall Management Committee asked to take over running Jazz on the Green as one of their fundraising events towards the cost of Village Hall repairs and future maintenance.

Cllr H Ferguson joined the meeting at 8.00.p.m.

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1012.09 ROYAL MAIL COLLECTION BOX

The Clerk reported that all the forms and documentation have been completed and sent off for the installation which should be in about 6 weeks.

1013.09 ROMER ARMS

The Clerk advised that she had received a verbal request for re-instatment of the benches.  It was RESOLVED that the request be approved subject to confirmation from the landlord that adequate insurance cover is in place. (This has now been inspected and is satisfactory)

1014.09 WNDC ENQUIRY

Cllr H Ferguson reported that the Newnham submission had been made, as submitted to the Parish Council at the last meeting.  Mr B Price had made a personal submission to the Enquiry traffic issues impacting on the village.  Cllrs H Ferguson and D Messenger asked that the Council’s thanks be recorded to Mr Price for his contribution to the Enquiry.  The Chairman thanked Cllr H Ferguson for all the time and effort had had put in on behalf of the village.  Daventry Villages Together had also made a lengthy submission about a wide range of issues.  The Enquriy was adjourned on 4^th March and will reconvene at the end of June for a further 3 to 5 weeks when the Highways Agency evidence should be available.

1015.09 DAVENTRY VILLAGES TOGETHER

The Chairman reported on recent meetings of Daventry Villages Together and the issues the group were concerned about at the Enquiry.  Daventry Villages Together AGM is scheduled for 13^th May at Weedon Village Hall. 

1016.09 NCC PARISH COUNCILS SPRING CONFERENCE

Cllr H Ferguson reported that this had been very useful and information and highlighted some of the main points including Partnership Working; Fit for Purpose – Quality Status; Charter for Local Councils – consultation on devolution to Parish Councils.  The Parish Council is gradually working towards meeting the various requirements which will be necessary in the future.

Cllr J Lawrence left the meeting at 8.50.p.m.

1017.09 VILLAGE DESIGN STATEMENT

There was nothing to report.

1018.09 CORRESPONDENCE

a)  Rubble in the Churchyard – Mr Cox had contacted the Clerk to express thanks for the action taken.

b)  PCSO Norman Bareham – It was reported that he had been awarded the Dennis Baker Memorial Trophy for his work over the last year.

c)  Request for headstone Donald D Wright – The application from A J Mills, Stone Mason, was approved.

d)  NCC Amenity Weight Restriction County Awareness Campaign – The Clerk reported that this had been signed up to and notices would be received during the summer.

1019.09 NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH

No report was available.

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1020.09 PLANNING

a)       DA/2009/0034 – Ivy Lodge - This application has been refused.

b)      DA/2009/0074 – Work to trees, Hilltop – The application has been granted.

General – The Clerk has ascertained there is no legal requirement for houses to be named or numbered.  In addition there is no action which can be taken regarding uncompleted building projects.

1021.09 HEALTH & SAFETY

Tree Survey and Report – The recommendation is for the medium priority work to trees on the Green to be carried out.  The Clerk will progress and seek the necessary Planning Permission.

1022.09 HIGHWAY MATTERS

Gully Cleaning - Despite numerous requests the Clerk had been unable to ascertain any dates, only that the work would be carried out in March.  She was requested to find out what action can be taken to clear the badly blocked drains.

Street Doctor – Newnham Hill – Again despite many requests no further communication has been received since 27^th October.  The Clerk will report this again.

Flower Tubs - One has been replaced and Cllr Wade was looking into the possibility of getting another one.

1023.09 PARKING ON THE GREEN

Three quotes had been obtained.  Cllr Cooke proposed that this item be deferred to the next meeting.

1024.09 WAR MEMORIAL

The Clerk has now taken responsibility for progressing this.

1025.09 ALLOTMENTS

The Clerk reported that Daventry and District Housing are currently reviewing the use of all its land holdings and is unable to commit to offering the land for lease at present.

1026.09 FINANCIAL

a)      Accounts for Payment

On a proposal by the Chairman it was RESOLVED that the following accounts be paid.

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b)       Financial Statement - The bank statement and back re-conciliation statement were available for inspection at the meeting.

c)       Monies Received - £50 from A J Mills, stone mason, re headstone for Donald D Wright and £145 from John White, Funeral Director, re funeral of Mr Francis Gale.

d)      Internal Audit – This will take place on 21^st April 2009.

1027.09 TITLE DEEDS

It was confirmed that the Chairman holds the deeds with the exception of the original Trust Deed for the Village Hall which is held by Cllr D Cooke.

1028.09 BURIAL GROUND

The Clerk reported on new regulations affecting the burial ground and further information is to be obtained.  Approval was given for the appropriate CD to be purchased from SLCC at a cost of £27.

1029.09 ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION AT NEXT MEETING

Committee and Sub-Committees.

Policies Review.

1030.09 DATE OF NEXT MEETING

Monday 18^th May 2009 at 7.30.p.m.

The meeting closed at 9.40.p.m.