3:      Mill Road Development- Local Government Ombudsman. A response from the Local Government Ombudsman was to hand informing the Parish Council that the Ombudsman service only dealt with complaints from members of the public. The Clerk informed the meeting that at the close of the previous meeting Cllr Hughes had offered to pursue the matter with East Northants Council proclaiming his disappointment that the Parish Council would not gain revenue from the development. Consequently a letter from Mr Croucher (Planning Officer ENC) regarding the development had been received explaining that the Parish Council could bid for funding from the developer to fund additional play areas and the maintenance thereof for ten years. Cllr Hughes had spoken to the Clerk suggesting that the Council should be seeking a figure in the region of £500 per dwelling. Following discussion it was agreed to submit a bid of “between £500 and £600 per proposed dwelling” Maintenance costs of the present playground cost approximately £1500 - £2000 per year equating to almost 2/3 of the proposed bid. This was unanimously agreed. Clerk to write to Mr Croucher accordingly.

4:      Police Attendance. A letter to the Wellingborough Police requesting monthly attendance at Parish Council meetings was read out.

5:     Road to Working Men’s Club. A letter from Spire Homes once again reiterated their intention to charge for repairs to the road to the club. Councillors agreed that the Clerk write to Mr Hales again, informing of the Council’s dismay at the conflicting information being received from Spire Homes.

6:      Youth Panel Attendance. Mr Hale acknowledged by letter Mr M Vaughan’s involvement in the Youth Panel and reiterated the need for CRB checks.

7:      Bakers Lane. The Clerk reported that he had emailed East Northants Council about the sweeping of Bakers Lane, requesting a pavement sweeper be used.

8:      A604 Gully. The Clerk reported that he had emailed this problem through to the “street Doctor” but as yet matters had not improved.

10:  Planning Committee Comments

a)         No Planning applications had been discussed since the previous meeting

11:  East Northamptonshire Council Decisions

a)         85 Mill Road. retention first floor extension - permission granted

b)        76 High St. alterations to outbuildings – permission granted

12:  New Planning Applications

13:  Age Concern Village Contact. Age Concern are seeking representatives in the villages to represent them and their services. Clerk to mention in next village news letter.

14:  ACRE Village Survey 2005. This survey is used to provide background information for the work of ACRE. Clerk to complete

15:  Community Safety Forum. The next Community Safety Forum would be held at Rushden hall on Wednesday 18^th May 7.30pm.

16:  Street Doctor. Details of the new “Street Doctor” were to hand. This replaces Clarence as the primary contact point for Road problems in Northamptonshire (0845 6011113).

17:  The Chairman asked that the following items of correspondence be circulated:

a)         East Northants Council Meeting Minutes

b)        ENC Councillor Information Circular

c)         WS Atkins News

d)        CPRE response to Milton Keynes / South Midlands Sub Regional Strategy

19:  Dog Bin Thrapston Road. Mr I Vaughan asked that a Dog Waste Bin be provided in Thrapston Road. Agenda Item next meeting.

20:  Standing Orders. The Clerk mentioned some inaccuracies in the Standing Orders for the Council and agreed to send a copy of existing orders with proposed changes within the following week. Any comments should be returned to the Clerk in order that amended wording can be finalised in readiness for the annual General Meeting.

21:  Wire Fence around the Playground. Clerk asked whether anyone could assist with the removal of the dangerous wire on the playground fence. Mr Whalley volunteered – time to be arranged.

22:  Blackthorn – Thrapston Road. Mention was made once again of the overgrown verges in Thrapston Road. The Clerk was asked to take up with the “Environment Team” at WS Atkins.

23:  West Street. Mr Whalley asked whether anything could be done to widen the road in West Street especially at the junction opposite number 9 in order to reduce the amount of vehicular movement on the verges and to improve parking facilities. Clerk to raise with County Council

24:  Woodford Sign Post – General’s Corner. Mr Woods asked whether the finger post pointing to Woodford could be made to be double sided. At present the name only appears on the side when travelling from the A14. Agreed that the Clerk should request a sign from WS Atkins.

25:  Footpaths. Mrs Hayman drew attention to the state of the footpaths in the region of Woodford Grange, specifically. Mention was also made of the footpath between Addington Road and Church Street. The field which this crosses has been divided into small grazing areas being separated by fencing (possibly electric). Clerk to inform the Rights of Way Officer.