1:      The Chairman welcomed WPC Bayes-Griffith to the meeting.

2:      WPC Griffiths outlined the area of her specific responsibility which includes neighbouring villages to the north of Woodford and out towards Brigstock, Benefield and Oundle. These beats had been effective since October 2004.

3:      Crime figures. The WPC outlined the crime figures for Woodford in the financial year to date. These were comparable to last year, and totalled 46, including  5 Burglary, 5 Other burglary, 12 Criminal damage, 12 Motor vehicle related crime,

4:      Access to WMC. Mr Colson mentioned that the Working Men’s Club had spoke to him again of that cars parked on the approach road / pavement to the club prohibited the attendance of service vehicles to the club and recycling centre. The chairman explained a letter had been sent to the Housing Association that owned the relevant properties, but a response had not been received.

5:      Motorbikes. Mention was made of several motorcyclists who flout the law around the village and in fields, riding without helmets, and being under age etc. The WPC said that an off road Police team was now available and could be employed to catch those involved. Mention was also made of the mini motor bikes that have been ridden around the green at numerous times and also up and down pavements in the High Street. Councillors gave an indication as to where they were located.

6:      Motocross Event. The WPC said that following a complaint she had attended this event and requested that the parked cars be removed from Thrapston Road. It was also intended that Police No Parking signs were to be used at any future events to prevent repetition.

8:      Woodford Feast 2005. The Clerk’s letter to Mr Bugg acknowledging a visit of the fair to Woodford this year was read out.

9:      Precept. East Northants had emailed confirming that subject to committee approval the present payment would continue, with a new scheme being phased in by 2007.

10:  Section 106 Agreement. East Northants Council had responded regarding the potential Section 106 agreement stating that such an agreement could only be entered into at Outline and Full planning permission. As the full planning permission was granted on a Reserved Matters application then the opportunity had been missed. Councillors voiced concern that East Northants Council had not been completely open with their reply’s to the Parish Council, and whilst the Parish Council had raised the issue on a number of occasions no one had taken the opportunity to give a straight answer. Consequently it was agreed that the Clerk write to the Local Government Ombudsman outlining the Parish Councils concerns with the way that this matter had been handled.  Copies of correspondence to District Councillor Hughes and Member of Parliament Mr Phil Hope.

11:  Whittlesea Terrace. East Northants had acknowledged the Parish Council’s concerns regarding the high fence opposite the White Horse and the situation would be investigated.

12:  Playground Fence. Mr Sharples said he inspected the fence and felt most of the posts and fences were in good repair. Only the road side of the playground was in major need of repair. However, it was agreed to wait until after the playground inspection report was received before carrying out repairs.

13:  Youth Forum. Mr M Vaughan said he understood that there had been four responses so far to the formation of a Youth forum. He took the opportunity to thank Parish Councillors who had delivered the flyers. Information was also to hand from a County Council Youth Worker. Clerk to pass details to Mr M Vaughan.

14:  Flag at Working Men’s Club. Mr Colson reported that the flag would be replaced as and when sufficient personnel were available to take the flagpole down and fit a new flag.

15:  Footpaths. Mr Sharples said that the footpaths out towards Woodford Grange had still not been cleared – Clerk to follow up with Rights of Way team.

16:  Wicksteed Leisure. The playground inspection order had been acknowledged.

Planning Issues:

18:     Planning Committee Comments

a)         The planning committee had not reviewed any applications.

19:     East Northamptonshire Council Decisions

a)         9 Club Lane – Ground floor rear extension. Approved

b)        84 High Street – Replacement of windows to rear. Approved

c)         5 The moorings – Side Extension. Approved

20:     New Planning Applications

a)         9 cottages in Daventry Farm yard. Councillors expressed concern with the lack of parking within the proposed development and consequently the site was being overdeveloped. Concern was also raised with back entrances onto Pound Lane and the fear that the grassed area between Pound Lane and Church Green would become an unofficial car parking area. The Clerk was asked to object on these grounds. Additionally the Clerk was asked to inform Drayton Estate of the Council’s views and seek their opinion.

b)        Demolition of some farm buildings at Daventry Farm. No objection to the demolition of the old barns. Concern with the new access to Pound Lane (see above).

21:     Parking in Thrapston Road. Mrs Hedley of High Street had written to express concern over the way over fifty vehicles parked in Thrapston Road at the motocross event on 16^th January, effectively turning much of Thrapston Road into a single lane road. The Clerk was asked to respond that the matter had been dealt with by the police and discussed with the Police at this meeting.

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

a)         ENC Draft Rural Strategy,

b)        ENC Councillors Information Circular,

c)         Rockingham Forest Newsletter,

d)        East Northants Minutes,

26:     Right of Way signposts. Mr Sharples asked whether information boards for affixing notices to could be installed adjacent to some of the main footpaths that leave the village.

27:     Footpath nr 20 Church Green.  Mr Bird raised the state of the footpath outside of 20 Church Green which is in very poor state of repair. Clerk to raise with Clarence

28:     Eco lamps. Mr Sharples mentioned some new “Eco friendly lamps” powered by wind and sun light. Clerk to investigate.

29:     Motocross event. Mention was made of the refuse from the motocross event being neatly bagged up and being left on the side of the site. However, this had not been collected by Cory. Clerk to inform East Northants Council.