Mr P Bird (chair), Mr S Clifton, Mr P Colson, Mr D Sharples, Mr I Vaughan and Mr D Woods.

Mr P T Bird (Clerk)

1:      Chairman. The Chairman thanked the Councillors for their attendance and conduct over the past twelve months commenting that there had been some achievements and it is only through continued pressure that success is gained. He withdrew from the Chair. The Clerk sought nominations for the position of Chair. Mr Clifton proposed, Mr Colson seconded the proposal that Mr Bird continue as chair. There being no other nominations, and Mr Bird being willing, it was unanimously agreed by those present that he take the chair.

8:         Alison Fulcher. The Clerk’s letter of thanks and good wishes to Mrs Fulcher was read out.

9:         Alledge Bridge. WS Atkins had responded confirming that they would install reflector posts adjacent to Alledge Bridge

10:     Woodford Shrubbery. Drayton Estate had not yet responded to the Clerk’s email regarding tree felling and the involvement of an environmental group in maintaining the woodland.

11:     War memorial. The Clerk had responded to the Royal British Legion regarding the War Memorial. Councillors debated the various possibilities that could be employed to keep people off the monument. It was agreed to view other war memorials in the district and revisit the subject in the future.

12:     Boundary Committee. The Boundary Committee acknowledged receipt of the Council’s letter regarding the retention of the present electoral boundaries.

13:     Woodford Working Men’s Club. The Clerk confirmed that from the Council Records still held, there was not sufficient evidence to find out why the grants for the playing fields had ceased. He advised that as the last payment was made by the school then this is where the enquiries should be pursued

14:     Green Waste Collection. East Northants Council had written confirming that a Green Waste Collection scheme would be re-introduced but would be on request and also be chargeable.

15:     Mill Road Development. No official reason was yet known regarding the sudden clearance of the site in Mill Road although it was extremely likely that it was due to ecological reasons. (Note: Planning Permission expires at the end of July.)

16:     Casual vacancy Woodford Parish Council. No request had been made for a election according to correspondence from ENC, consequently the vacancy would be advertised on the village notice-board and also in the “Saints Alive” with a closing date for nominations of noon on 13^th June.

17:     Minerals Local Plan. The County Council had written confirming they proposed to adopt the new Minerals Local Plan at the end of May 2006

18:     Bus Stop signs. The Clerk’s letter requesting the Bus Stop Sign in the High Street be turned around had been acknowledged but not acted upon.

19:     Police Community Support Officer. Phil Hope MP had written confirming that the Police Area Commander had confirmed that Community Support Officers would not be deployed without a Police Officer in attendance.

20:     Planning Committee Comments

a)           1 Whittlesea Terrace. Two storey front extension. The Planning Committee objected to this extension as it would severely reduce the amount of space for parking available in the area. Endorsed by Council.

21:     East Northamptonshire Council Decisions

a)           The Closet. East Northants Council had refused planning permission for the conversion of The Closet into a flat.

b)           26 Church St. ENC had approved plans for  a garage and side extension.

22:     New Planning Applications

a)           Barn Conversion Manor House Farm Conversion of Barns into three properties and new vehicular entrance onto Addington Road. The revised scheme involves the retention of the barns to form single storey dwellings and there were no objection is to this proposal. Councillors were concerned at the distance from these properties that the new

23:     Other Planning Matters

a)           There were no other planning matters

24:     There was no new correspondence for consideration.

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

a)         ENC Councillors Information Circular

b)        Police Newsletter

c)         ENC Community Safety Forum

d)        EMDA News

Pay Review Litter Picker, Groundsman, and Clerk:

27:  Litterpicker. It was agreed that as the salary was payable at present in line with the national minimum wage it would be appropriate to review the payment again in October when the national minimum wage would be increased.

28:  Groundsman. After some discussion Mr Colson proposed, and Mr I Vaughan seconded that the Groundsman’s wage should be increased to £5.50 per hour from June 1^st. This was agreed unanimously. The Clerk was asked to negotiate an hourly rate for the Council’s use of Mr Cullum’s Lawn Mower,

30:     The Clerk said the school had requested use of the village green for “Mayday” towards the end of the month. This was agreed by those present, although the Clerk was asked to mention in his letter that the school should ask parents to respect the War Memorial.