1:         Mrs Blythe, representing the Dukes Arms expressed concerns that a licence review requested by some local residents could cause loss of the entertainment licence which would be severely detrimental to their business. Over the past five years a regular client base had grown and support for village events was a frequent occurrence. The business provided a safe environment for families and was backed by a good reputation. The representatives withdrew after making their statement.

7:         Overhead cables Rose Terrace. Information was to hand from McAlpine confirming work to remove overhead cables in The Leys (field) and Rose Terrace, and some footpaths may need to be closed.

8:         Village Greens. Drayton Estate had now confirmed by letter that the “waste ground” to the west of the High Street was part of the village green settlement and that the Parish Council could make improvements or direct the use of the ground in accordance with the Tenancy Agreement.

9:         Un-roadworthy cars parked in Newtown. East Northants Council had responded with regard to the Parish Councils query. The cars were technically parked on private ground, but were seeking legal advice as to proceed due to the safety aspect of the vehicles.

10:     High Turnover of PCSO’s. Inspector Kinchin had responded to the Council’s query regarding the high turnover of Police Community Support Officers. This was primarily down to increased numbers in personnel and the redeployment of the more experienced officers to the urban areas.

11:     Grant for Playground Equipment. The Clerk informed the meeting that a grant application was to be made before the end of the month however, it would be useful to have a supporting letter from the Youth Council and also the Playing Fields Association. Mr M Vaughan offered to speak with the youth group and also Spire Homes; Mrs Colson offered to pass the message on to the Playing Fields Representative in order that the Playing Field Association could make their comments known

12:     Planning Committee Comments

a)           The Planning Committee had not commented on any plans since the last meeting.

13:     East Northamptonshire Council Decisions

a)           No further planning decisions had been made.

14:     New Planning Applications

a)           Club Lane and DeCapel Close. EN/07/01761. Construction of Dwelling and footpath. Councillors agreed that the application was basically a resubmission of the previous application for this site (06/02366), except for the addition of a footpath. Councillors agreed that there was little need for a footpath as most pedestrians used nearby Bakers Lane (Vehicles restricted to access only). Pedestrian usage of Club Lane would be greatly improved if the brambles were cut back to the boundary. Councillors asked the Clerk to respond stating that the points upon which the previous application had been rejected, had still not been addressed.

b)           Land adjacent to A14 viaduct. EN/07/01693. Construction of Chandlery Building and boat storage area. This area whilst partially in the Woodford Parish was considered too distant from the village to make reasoned comments, accordingly the council had no views on the development, stating that it was more appropriate for Denford and Thrapston Councils to respond.

15:     Other Planning Matters

a)           Low Cost Houses Highfield / West Street. Mr Sharples raised the number of parking spaces that had been provided (four) stating that he had understood that there were to have been five. (Para 13 Minutes December 06). (Note: Clerk has visited the site and a further (fifth) parking space is situated behind gates)

b)           The Clerk drew attention to the windows presently being installed in the ground floor of the old co-op building. These windows according to the application when it went to appeal were described as being of a sash type which differed from those installed. Councillors asked the Clerk to refer the matter to ENC for their view.

New Correspondence:

16:     Henry Coales Memorial Seat. A letter from the PCC had now been received informing that the seat had now been installed in the Churchyard and was already a favourite spot with visitors. Restoration work had been carried out by Mr Fothergill.

17:    Upkeep of the Churchyard. A letter from the PCC detailed that the upkeep of the village graveyard for 2006 had recorded a deficit of £1,781. All expenditure arose from grass cutting but fees from memorials and burials were greatly reduced. Agenda Item for November. NB as Hon. Examiner of Accounts Mr S Clifton declared a non-prejudicial interest.

18:     Parish Council Community Emergency Planning Self Help Plan. The County Council had written suggesting that the Parish Council might set up an Emergency Group to deal with emergencies prior to the arrival of emergency services and the District Council/ County Council representative. Councillors were not in favour however the chairman asked that the relevant documents be circulated.

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

a)         ENC Monitoring Officer Report

b)        NCC preferred options for mineral and gravel extract – note it appeared that the sites close to Woodford Shrubbery had been discounted.

c)         Emergency Planning Document

d)        ENC Community Safety Forum

e)         NCC minutes

20:     Mrs Colson proposed, Mrs Hayman seconded, and it was unanimously agreed that the above accounts be settled.

22:     Garage – West Street. Mr M Vaughan raised the poor surface in front of the garages in West Street which had been damaged as a result of the building work across the road. Clerk asked to refer matter to Spire Homes.

23:     Hedge 1 Highfield. Mr M Vaughan drew attention to the “overgrown” hedge at 1 Highfield. Clerk to refer to Spire Homes

24:     Street Lamps on in daytime. A number of streetlamps on all day were reported to the Clerk. He responded that ABB would not normally treat these as a call out and deal with them on routine maintenance visits. He would however, refer the matter to them

25:     Dropped kerb Rose Terrace. Mr M Vaughan drew attention to the lack of a dropped kerb at the “top end” of Rose Terrace. The only kerb available was near the entrance to the Shrubberies and this was often obstructed by vehicles. Clerk to enquire of NCC how to proceed.