ORLINGBURY PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of Annual Parish Meeting
Minutes of Annual Parish Meeting
Held in Orlingbury Village Hall
Thursday 2nd April 2009
PRESENT
Cllrs S. Miles (Chairman), B.Rootham (Deputy), P Allen, A.Norton, G Rowlett, P.Waller, SPCO Paul Hurst, Mrs A.McLaven (Clerk), C Cook, B Lewis, N Mulroy, J Norton, P Robinson.
APOLOGIES
Cllr J Bailey (County Council), Cllr G.Timms (Borough), Councillors J.Watts, Mr R and Mrs B Abrams, Dr Ormorod, Mrs Miles, Mrs Rootham and Mrs Walton, sent their apologies, which were accepted.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF 3rd April 2008
These were approved as a true and correct record
It should be noted that neither Councillor Bailey or Councillor Timms had included a report with their apology, but the Clerk read the reports that they had both given to Isham Parish Council at their Annual Parish Meeting. It was disappointing for the meeting not to be able to question either of these Councillors, but both had meetings at the Borough Council, which they felt took priority.
Thursday 2nd April 2009
PRESENT
Cllrs S. Miles (Chairman), B.Rootham (Deputy), P Allen, A.Norton, G Rowlett, P.Waller, SPCO Paul Hurst, Mrs A.McLaven (Clerk), C Cook, B Lewis, N Mulroy, J Norton, P Robinson.
APOLOGIES
Cllr J Bailey (County Council), Cllr G.Timms (Borough), Councillors J.Watts, Mr R and Mrs B Abrams, Dr Ormorod, Mrs Miles, Mrs Rootham and Mrs Walton, sent their apologies, which were accepted.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF 3rd April 2008
These were approved as a true and correct record
It should be noted that neither Councillor Bailey or Councillor Timms had included a report with their apology, but the Clerk read the reports that they had both given to Isham Parish Council at their Annual Parish Meeting. It was disappointing for the meeting not to be able to question either of these Councillors, but both had meetings at the Borough Council, which they felt took priority.
MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES OF 3rd April 2008
BeeBee Homes have not put forward the Pulse Park application and the Upper Redhill application has been refused but they have appealed the decision.
Councillors Allen, Rowlett and Waller have walked the pavements to ascertain repairs and necessary improvements and a report was submitted to the N.C.C. in February 2008. The County Council contacts have now “moved on” and issues have not been resolved. Various improvements were discussed and agreed, and although nothing has yet been done, we are pressing matters and hopefully, outstanding business will have been achieved by next year’s meeting. The hedge outside Orlingbury Hall has been removed, although the area has not yet been tarmaced as requested.
We have submitted a development plan to Highways with our concerns re. the village signs. The Highways Authority said they would act once they had received the report from the Review of Speed Limits which was due in November, but they have not yet received this.
It should be noted that the Police, Highways Authority and Borough Councils had been asked to send representatives to the Annual Parish Meeting, but none had attended. The local police have been sent to cover the G20 summit in London.
BeeBee Homes have not put forward the Pulse Park application and the Upper Redhill application has been refused but they have appealed the decision.
Councillors Allen, Rowlett and Waller have walked the pavements to ascertain repairs and necessary improvements and a report was submitted to the N.C.C. in February 2008. The County Council contacts have now “moved on” and issues have not been resolved. Various improvements were discussed and agreed, and although nothing has yet been done, we are pressing matters and hopefully, outstanding business will have been achieved by next year’s meeting. The hedge outside Orlingbury Hall has been removed, although the area has not yet been tarmaced as requested.
We have submitted a development plan to Highways with our concerns re. the village signs. The Highways Authority said they would act once they had received the report from the Review of Speed Limits which was due in November, but they have not yet received this.
It should be noted that the Police, Highways Authority and Borough Councils had been asked to send representatives to the Annual Parish Meeting, but none had attended. The local police have been sent to cover the G20 summit in London.
REPORT FROM THE COUNTY COUNCIL BY COUNCILLOR BAILEY
The County had increased their share of the rates by 3.9%, which was disappointing as one of the pledges of the Conservatives when winning the election for the County Council was that they would not put the rates up by more than the rate of inflation.
N.B. Councillor Bailey had spent his empowering grant money, £2000 of which was given to Orlingbury Parish Council towards moving the notice board, and providing a new seat and paving. This consisted of two awards of £1000 per year.
Councillor Bailey also apologised for the highways problems as the County had changed agents and were now working with May Gurney. The problem of the grit bins not being filled during the summer caused problems during the previous bad weather; the practice of bins being automatically filled during the summer had been changed so that Parishes needed to inform the County if the bins needed filling. This and a shortage of salt meant that a lot of roads did not get gritted.
The County had increased their share of the rates by 3.9%, which was disappointing as one of the pledges of the Conservatives when winning the election for the County Council was that they would not put the rates up by more than the rate of inflation.
N.B. Councillor Bailey had spent his empowering grant money, £2000 of which was given to Orlingbury Parish Council towards moving the notice board, and providing a new seat and paving. This consisted of two awards of £1000 per year.
Councillor Bailey also apologised for the highways problems as the County had changed agents and were now working with May Gurney. The problem of the grit bins not being filled during the summer caused problems during the previous bad weather; the practice of bins being automatically filled during the summer had been changed so that Parishes needed to inform the County if the bins needed filling. This and a shortage of salt meant that a lot of roads did not get gritted.
REPORT ON THE BOROUGH COUNCIL FROM COUNCILLOR TIMMS
The Borough was able to freeze their portion of the rates. The other good news being that Councillors in Wellingborough have been given £1600 over 2 years which can be used for things not covered through the Parish rate, although it may not be used to fund revenue or be used for a project that carries on year after year. Little Harrowden are planning a pocket park and play area, which may require some of the money.
It was agreed to ask Councillor Timms if the money could be used to buy more grit bins for the village. Councillor Timms had concerns about BeeBee Developments plans for the North of Wellingborough. The Council has rejected this, but there may be an appeal. He was horrified to learn that the plans discussed at the appeal are not necessarily the ones that were rejected.
It was agreed to ask Councillor Timms if the money could be used to buy more grit bins for the village. Councillor Timms had concerns about BeeBee Developments plans for the North of Wellingborough. The Council has rejected this, but there may be an appeal. He was horrified to learn that the plans discussed at the appeal are not necessarily the ones that were rejected.
REPORT ON THE PARISH COUNCIL BY COUNCILLOR MILES
We still have a full contingent of Councillors, and continue to meet bi-monthly with members of the public regularly attending the meetings. The minutes are now available on the village blog, which has been set up by Rod Derry. There is also a village website under construction by Andy Gosling, but his other commitments mean it is not yet available for use. When the site is fully functional we will then pay the set up costs.
It was agreed to put copies of draft minutes on the Notice Board.
The Parish Council have been working very hard on projects associated with the paths, roads and speeding restriction but the authorities are slow to respond to our requirements. The section 106 funding is progressing, but the Borough have not yet collected any monies from the developer even though the triggers have been met. Our planned projects have been detailed in the village newsletter and no comments have been received, either for or against, so the Parish Council will progress with these.
The emergency plan is completed and a training programme for the Emergency Group and volunteers is planned for May. The emergency plan will be available on the website blog, as will the updated welcome pack.
We have obtained a grit bin for outside the village hall, and have requested 3 further bins, for the top of Rectory Lane, Northampton Road, and Harrowden Road, as these fit the criteria of being on a slope or at a junction.
It was agreed to ask the Stagecoach bus company whether the Isham Road is now a bus route as a double decker has been seen going along the road quite regularly. Confirmation would allow the PC to progress with demands for an additional grit bin for the Isham Road.
The Allotments have been redesigned to accommodate more allotment holders and new contracts for the 12 plots drawn up and signed. These are to be renewable annually, and if the allotments not cultivated properly the council have the power to ask tenants to leave. A waiting list is being drawn up should any plot become vacant.
REPORTS WERE RECEIVED FROM THE FOLLOWING ORGANISATIONS
Brownies, Drama Group, Neighbourhood Watch, Orlingbury Wold Charity, Over sixties, The Green Team, Orlingbury and Isham Short Mat Bowls Club, PCC, Village Fete Committee, Flag group, Village Hall Committee, Young Church.
The reports are available from the clerk. It should be noted that Orlingbury Wold Charity has applied to the Charity Commission to change its name to the Manning Charity, after the gentleman that founded the Charity originally to give bread to the poor at Christmas.
SECTION 106 MONIES
Councillor Allen gave a synopsis of the section 106 monies, how we obtained it and how it will be spent. We have had previous schemes, which needed land which was unobtainable. New schemes to improve the safety and well-being of the villagers, and to enhance to the village environment were drawn up. Approved proposals stemmed mainly from the traffic survey and from the strongly supported petition.
The main schemes at the moment include, new gateways with integral village/speed signs and planters, traffic restriction procedures and a centre of village sign, new seats on the village green, edging posts to the green, re- locating the notice board, and parking and signage opposite the church. This has all been costed at £36,000 to £43,000 including maintenance.
Councillors Miles and Allen had been to the Borough Council and met with Joe Hubbard, the Assistant Chief Executive in October who gave his support to the proposed scheme. In November this went to the Borough Solicitor who researched and endorsed the plans. In January the developer said they had no objections to the scheme proposed , but due to financial problems and housing costs falling they wanted to reduce the amount to be paid. The Borough did not agree to this.
The first project of moving the notice board is going ahead following the receipt of Councillor Bailey’s grant money.
ANY OTHER BUSINESS
The Waendel walk will again be going through the village and the church group will be hosting refreshments on the green. Councillor Rootham is hoping to notify all villagers so that they are aware of this and the inherent dangers of cars, cyclists and walkers all using the same road.
Charlotte Cook advised that next year is the 100th Anniversary of the Guides and as part of their commitment to make the community better, they might be able to sponsor one of the village planters.
There being no further business the meeting closed at 9.10pm with thanks to all attending.
We still have a full contingent of Councillors, and continue to meet bi-monthly with members of the public regularly attending the meetings. The minutes are now available on the village blog, which has been set up by Rod Derry. There is also a village website under construction by Andy Gosling, but his other commitments mean it is not yet available for use. When the site is fully functional we will then pay the set up costs.
It was agreed to put copies of draft minutes on the Notice Board.
The Parish Council have been working very hard on projects associated with the paths, roads and speeding restriction but the authorities are slow to respond to our requirements. The section 106 funding is progressing, but the Borough have not yet collected any monies from the developer even though the triggers have been met. Our planned projects have been detailed in the village newsletter and no comments have been received, either for or against, so the Parish Council will progress with these.
The emergency plan is completed and a training programme for the Emergency Group and volunteers is planned for May. The emergency plan will be available on the website blog, as will the updated welcome pack.
We have obtained a grit bin for outside the village hall, and have requested 3 further bins, for the top of Rectory Lane, Northampton Road, and Harrowden Road, as these fit the criteria of being on a slope or at a junction.
It was agreed to ask the Stagecoach bus company whether the Isham Road is now a bus route as a double decker has been seen going along the road quite regularly. Confirmation would allow the PC to progress with demands for an additional grit bin for the Isham Road.
The Allotments have been redesigned to accommodate more allotment holders and new contracts for the 12 plots drawn up and signed. These are to be renewable annually, and if the allotments not cultivated properly the council have the power to ask tenants to leave. A waiting list is being drawn up should any plot become vacant.
REPORTS WERE RECEIVED FROM THE FOLLOWING ORGANISATIONS
Brownies, Drama Group, Neighbourhood Watch, Orlingbury Wold Charity, Over sixties, The Green Team, Orlingbury and Isham Short Mat Bowls Club, PCC, Village Fete Committee, Flag group, Village Hall Committee, Young Church.
The reports are available from the clerk. It should be noted that Orlingbury Wold Charity has applied to the Charity Commission to change its name to the Manning Charity, after the gentleman that founded the Charity originally to give bread to the poor at Christmas.
SECTION 106 MONIES
Councillor Allen gave a synopsis of the section 106 monies, how we obtained it and how it will be spent. We have had previous schemes, which needed land which was unobtainable. New schemes to improve the safety and well-being of the villagers, and to enhance to the village environment were drawn up. Approved proposals stemmed mainly from the traffic survey and from the strongly supported petition.
The main schemes at the moment include, new gateways with integral village/speed signs and planters, traffic restriction procedures and a centre of village sign, new seats on the village green, edging posts to the green, re- locating the notice board, and parking and signage opposite the church. This has all been costed at £36,000 to £43,000 including maintenance.
Councillors Miles and Allen had been to the Borough Council and met with Joe Hubbard, the Assistant Chief Executive in October who gave his support to the proposed scheme. In November this went to the Borough Solicitor who researched and endorsed the plans. In January the developer said they had no objections to the scheme proposed , but due to financial problems and housing costs falling they wanted to reduce the amount to be paid. The Borough did not agree to this.
The first project of moving the notice board is going ahead following the receipt of Councillor Bailey’s grant money.
ANY OTHER BUSINESS
The Waendel walk will again be going through the village and the church group will be hosting refreshments on the green. Councillor Rootham is hoping to notify all villagers so that they are aware of this and the inherent dangers of cars, cyclists and walkers all using the same road.
Charlotte Cook advised that next year is the 100th Anniversary of the Guides and as part of their commitment to make the community better, they might be able to sponsor one of the village planters.
There being no further business the meeting closed at 9.10pm with thanks to all attending.
