2:      Dukes Arms Entertainment Licence. The Clerk’s letter responding to this consultation pointing out that there were no objections to the granting of a licence for the internal areas of the property, but there appeared to be insufficient details covering those planned for the marquee was read out. An invitation to the committee meeting to take part in the discussion was to hand. Clerk to respond that no one could attend and that the Council had nothing further to add to previous correspondence.

3:      Road to Working Men’s Club. The Clerk’s letter to Spire homes was read out; requesting that Spire Homes refer to previous correspondence which quoted that East Northamptonshire Housing (Spire Homes) would take full responsibility for the road. A copy had also been sent to Mr Hale Housing Services Director. The Clerk had also written to Mr Perkins (Working Men’s Club) outlining the latest situation.

4:      The Ford – Alledge Brook. The Clerk had written to the Environment Agency regarding the washing of Motor Cycles following Motocross events in the brook. No Response.

5:      Planning – Mill Road. The Clerk’s letter to the ombudsman, regarding the way East Northants Council had handled the Mill Road was read out. No response. Cllr Hughes commented that he found it unbelievable that the Parish Council would not have some financial gain from the development and would also investigate further.

6:      Parish Grass Mowing. The contract had now been signed by East Northants Council and the mowing would take place towards the end of each month this year as opposed to the beginning of each month (Schedule revised due to snow / winter conditions at the beginning of March) – Eight cuts starting end of March.

7:      Weedkilling Footpaths. ENC had confirmed that the footpaths requested (Top Pound Lane, “The Jitty” (between Bakers Lane and Club Lane), “The Righta” (Rose Terrace to High Street) and Constable Walk) could be sprayed four times per year at a cost of £28 per visit. Proposed by Mrs Godden and seconded by Mr I Vaughan, and unanimously agreed that this be carried out. Clerk to write to East Northants Council to request contract be prepared.

8:      Playground Repairs. Wicksteed Leisure had acknowledged receipt of the Council’s order for repairs to the playground

9:      Footpath PE 18. The Rights of Way team had responded that the collapsed haystack would be followed up with the land owner. The provision of noticeboards on the footpaths leaving the village was not encouraged.

10:  Street Lighting. Mr Whalley produced a list of dark areas in the village and street lamps which were poor. It was agreed that the Clerk obtain quotes for the replacement / upgrading of lamps. Mr Sharples asked that the list of lamps be circulated.

11:  Planning Committee Comments

a)         3 Rose Paddock Alterations to roof to accommodate living accommodation and dormer windows. No objections. However, comments that developments on this site were restricted to single dwelling under outline permission. (This has been contravened once).

12:  East Northamptonshire Council Decisions

a)         4A Thrapston Road Planning Permission for garage granted.

b)        Daventry Farm. Housing development withdrawn. Cllr Hughes informed the meeting that the District Council had reservations over parking and access amongst other things.

13:  New Planning Applications

a)         No further plans were to hand.

14:  Freedom of Information Act. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister had now confirmed that the Parish Clerk was the Primary Authorised Person and the Chairman as the Secondary Authorised Person 9in absence of the Primary) to decide whether the release of information should be exempt (i.e. not released) under the Freedom of Information Act. (Conditions Apply).

15:  Police Attendance. The Police had written asking how often the Council would like a Police Officer in attendance at a Parish Council Meeting. The general consensus was monthly attendance but failing that as often as possible with monthly contact with the Clerk.

16:  Rural Transport. The Rural Transport Partnership Officer had written outlining the services of the scheme and offering to attend a Parish Council Meeting should there be any ideas for the introduction of a new transport scheme.

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

a)            Draft Regional Freight Strategy

b)           Draft Regional Waste Strategy

c)            Changes to the Code of Conduct

d)           ENC Resources Committee Minutes

e)            ENC Planning Committee Report

f)             Welland Sub-Region Initiatives

g)            ENC Councillor Information Circular

h)            Rural Riders Newsletter

i)              ENC Standards Board Reports

j)             Village Viewpoint Magazine

k)           NCC East Northants Area Committee Agenda and Report

20:     Whittlesea Terrace. The issue of Parking in Whittlesea Terrace – frequently on the pavement was raised. Clerk to inform Police

21:     Baker’s Lane. Mrs Hayman raised the state of Bakers Lane and the fact that it is rarely swept. Clerk to ask local authority to request that if the road is too narrow for the sweeper lorry, then the pavement version should be used.

22:     Old Kettering Road. Mr Colson raised the state of the old A604 and the fact that it frequently floods just west of Woodwell, due to blocked gulleys. The Clerk confirmed that this had previously been referred to Clarence but he would refer again.

23:      Addington Road. Mr I Vaughan mentioned that the footpath to the bungalow in Addington Road had still not been laid. Clerk to follow up with Atkins.

24:     Footpath Thrapston Road. Mr Colson drew attention to the increased length in the footpath in Thrapston Road, and asked whether it was likely to be further extended to reach the farm as per the planning conditions. The Clerk was asked to pursue the matter.

25:     Village Green. Mr Sharples mentioned that the Village green had been damaged by a large vehicle near the War Memorial. It was unanimously agreed to install a bollard at the northern end of the main green. Date and time to be agreed.