Earls Barton Parish Council - Annual General Meetings

Minutes of the Annual Parish Meeting held at St Johns Ambulance HQ 14 April 2008

Present:

Cllrs P Verden (Chair), Mrs Abbott, G Blackwell, M Cahill, Mrs Hadman, M Higham, Mrs Mallard, R Page, Ms Payne, P Wright.  Apologise were received from Cllr M Perkins.

6 members of the public were present

Minutes of the Meeting held Monday 16 April 2007

These were adopted as a correct record

Parish Council Report

Cllr Verden reported that May saw the first Parish Council Election in Earls Barton for 16 years.  As a result, Cllr Chris Selling lost his seat to Cllr Peter Morrall.  Cllr Verden extended his thanks to Chris Selling for all his work as a Parish Councillor.  Plans have been put in place to upgrade some of the play equipment on the Recreation Field, chosen with the help of children from the Infant School, and a grant has been put in to replace the safety surfaces.  Cllr Verden reported that the Parish portion of the Council Tax was again very low, with Band D paying an increase of £1.35 on last year.  EBPC are now coming very close to hitting the ceiling on Precept payments from WBC, and a letter will be sent asking for a review as this ceiling has not changed since the introduction of precepting in 2002/03.  There is a very good and close exchange of communication between the police and the Parish Council.  Earls Barton now has a regular police beat officer who is supported by PCSOs.  The police attend most monthly Parish Council meetings to keep us up to date.  Cllr Verden ended by expressing his wish to continue working with the Parish Councillors, in the hope that further improvements can be made to Earls Barton.

Borough Council Report

Cllr Payne reported that the Borough's housing stock have now been transferred to Wellingborough Homes.  The Waendal Leisure Centre opened and, following initial teething problems, is now running successfully.  WBC continues to support EBPC in our aim to secure permanent and improved sports facilities for Earls Barton.  Thanks was expressed to the WBC officers, particularly Joe Hubbard, Robert Vaughan and Bob Entwistle, who has recently celebrated his retirement from WBC.  There are planning applications in the pipeline for the expansion of Wellingborough Town at Stanton Cross and for land to the North of Wellingborough.  Work is still ongoing on plans to develop the town centre.  We have had the pleasure of the Mayors company at the Carols on the Square event, as well as at a recent Parish Council meeting to present Lee Humberstone with a certificate to celebrate his contribution to a WBC meeting.  The Embankment Splash Area, the Waendal Weekend, the Carnival and the Party in the Park weekend also continued to prove popular.  In addition, an Over 60's Concessionary Travel Scheme has also been introduced.  Interested and eligible parties can obtain further information by contacting WBC.

County Council Report

The Empowering Councillors Scheme was introduced.  Each councillor was given £10,000 to be given in grant form to causes in their area.  Cllr Blackwell was pleased to report that each of the parishes covered by his area were able to benefit from the scheme.  The scheme has also been approved for this financial year.  Footpath maintenance continued to be an issue, although the footpaths on Streeton Way and Grange Close have been resurfaced, and the bottom of Dowthorpe Hill will be tackled in the new financial year.  The Grant for road safety improvements on The Square has not been approved, but Cllr Blackwell will continue to campaign for safety measures.  Atkins have been replaced as the contractor for highway works at NCC.  New Sand and Gravel applications have been approved, with the possibility of Section 106 agreements to benefit Earls Barton.  Both the Infant School and Junior Schools should be congratulated on their successful Ofsted inspections this year, both being graded as Good.  Wollaston School continues to be popular amongst parents considering their options for secondary school education.  Social Services continue to endeavour to provide care for the elderly and infirm in their home.  Cllr Blackwell ended by thanking the Parish Council for their continued support.

Questions & Comments

It was agreed that, in light of the recent serious accident on The Square, Cllr Blackwell would continue to lobby the County Council for road safety improvements in Earls Barton and for a 20mph speed limit in the village centre, particularly outside the schools.  The Parish Council's thoughts go out to those involved in and effected by the accident.

Minutes of the Annual Parish Meeting held at St Johns Ambulance HQ 16 April 2007

Present; Cllrs P Verden (Chair), Mrs Abbott, G Blackwell, Mrs Bond, M Cahill, Mrs Hadman, M Higham, Mrs Mallard, R Page, Ms Payne, M Perkins, C Selling, P Wright.

2 members of the public were in attendance.

Minutes of the Meeting held Monday 10 April 2006

These were adopted as a correct record

Parish Council Report

Cllr Verden reported on the achievements of the Parish Council of the last 4 years in office.  These include improvements to the youth club building car park, supporting the new Doctors Surgery, helping and supporting in the opening of social housing on Blackwell Close, the railings around the play area on the Recreation Field, and improvement and refurbishment works at the Pioneer Sports Field and the War Memorial Gardens.  Over the coming year, the Parish Council will it's hard work to secure permanent sporting facilities for Earls Barton, as well as continuing to improve services to the village to keep it looking it's best.  Cllr Verden reported that a minimal 3% raise on Council Tax was required this financial year, which means that a less than 5% raise has been required over the life of this council.  Cllr Verden finished by expressing his thanks to all of his fellow Councillors for all their hard work over the last 4 years.

Borough Council Report

Cllr Blackwell reported that Wellingborough's new swimming pool is scheduled to open in June 2007.  The transfer of the Borough Council's housing stock to "Wellingborough Homes" has also been completed following consultation. Cllr Blackwell also commended the Borough Council's officers for their support with the Sports Development Project, especially the senior officers Joe Hubbard, Bob Entwhistle and Robert Vaughan, all of whom have been greatly involved and have contributed towards the progress made.  Finally, Cllr Blackwell expressed his regret at Cllr Payne's resignation from Borough Council duties in January, due to personal reasons.

County Council Report

Cllr Blackwell advised that Northamptonshire County Council are to extend an Empowering Councillor Pilot Scheme in 2007/08, where County Councillors will receive £10,000 to spend in their own ward.  As yet, there is no confirmation as to which Councillors will be invited to join the Pilot Scheme.  The Bus Service Concessionary Scheme has also been extended.  There is now a bus through Earls Barton every 15 minutes and access for the disabled at bus stops has been improved.  A National Free Public Transport Scheme for over 60's is also planned.  The Earls Barton West Sand & Gravel Extraction is predicted to be before Council in June 2007.  The Square Enhancement Scheme also needs to be pushed forward this year, including a 20mph speed limit in the village centre with associated speed enforcement.  Education, Social Services and the Fire Service in Earls Barton also continue with their good work.  Cllr Blackwell ended by thanks the Chair, Parish Councillors and Clerk for their support.

Questions & Comments

Cllr Verden made assurances that the Parish Council are keen to see the centre of the village developed, and that although deferments due to holidays have occurred, a representative from NCC is to attend the May 2007 Parish Council meeting.

Minutes of the Annual Parish Meeting held at St Johns Ambulance HQ 10 April 2006

Present: Cllrs P Verden (Chair), Mrs Abbott, G Blackwell, Mrs Bond, Mrs Hadman, Mrs Mallard, Ms Payne, M Perkins, C Selling, P Wright.  Apologies were received from Cllrs M Cahill, R Page and M Streeton.

No members of the public attended.

Minutes fo the Meeting held Monday 11 April 2005

These were adopted as a correct record

Parish Council Report

Cllr Verden reported that there was almost no increase to the Parish Council's Council Tax portion again this year.  The social housing project was completed last year, and the name of Blackwell Close is a fitting tribute to Cllr George Blackwell for his many years service to the people of Earls Barton.  The play area in the Rec has been made safer for children with the erection of new railing making it totally enclosed.  Cllr Verden thanked the Councillors who made the Pioneer Sports Field a safer place, through their work last summer.  This year, the works on the Memorial Gardens will continue with the laying of new paving.  The Sports & Leisure Development Committee continue to work hard to secure sporting facilities for our future generations, for which we thank them.  Cllr Verden completed his report by thanking his fellow Councillors for all their work and support during the last 12 months.

Borough Council Report

Cllrs Blackwell and Payne reported that work has started on the construction of the new Wellingborough Swimming Pool.  A Joint Planning Committe has been set up for North Northamptonshire.  If has been voted to transfer the WBC housing stock to a housing association, and balloting the tenants will be the next step.  WBC also continues to support EBPC in their endeavour to secure permanent sporting facilities for Earls Barton.

County Council Report

A concessionary fare has been introduced to the bus service throughout Northants.  Those over 60 and the disabled can now travel anywhere in Northants for £1 single fare.  The is also free travel withing the Borough of Wellingborough for over 60's and the disabled (in conjunction with WBC) and an increased bus service.  Cllr Blackwell thanked EBPC for their support against the closure of youth services and services for the disabled, and also for the support in getting The Little Green Car Park and the footpath from The Square down to Broad Street resurfaced.  The sand and gravel extraction for Earls Barton West has been agreed by cabinet, although planning permission is still to be sought.  Cllr Blackwell also paid tribute to Earls Barton Infant and Junior schools, the social care and health services, and the Fire and Rescue services, particularly those based in Earls Barton.

Questions and Comments

None were forthcoming.

Minutes of the Annual Parish Meeting held at St Johns Ambulance HQ 5 April 2004

Present: Cllrs P Verden, Mrs Abbott, G Blackwell, M Cahill, Mrs Hadman, Mrs Mallard, R Page, P Wright. Apologies were received from Cllrs Mrs Bond, R Cotter and Ms Payne.

No members of the public attended

Minutes of the meeting held Monday 14 April 2003

These were adopted as a correct record

Parish Council Report

The May 2003 elections saw Cllrs Mrs Bond and P Wright join the council. Cllr Lee was forced to retire in December 2003 and John Wight retired as Clerk to the Council. Both were thanked for their many years service to Earls Barton. Cllr Payne was co-opted on to replace Cllr Lee and Rosie Smart was appointed Clerk. This year the Parish Council has kept the council’s precept figure below that of last year, with no loss of services. The Parish Council is conscious of costs within the parish and intends to give the village value for money. It is hoped that the new doctor’s surgery will be complete by the end of the year, and work is ongoing to secure playing fields for the village. The Chair thanked the members of the council for their continued support.

Borough Report

Work has started on building 24 social houses in the centre of the village. WBC received an award after being recognised as the 2 nd best council in the country. Cllr Blackwell thanked Cllrs Cotter and Cahill for their services to the borough over recent years, and also Cllr Lee and John Wight for their support. Thanks were also expressed to the officers of WBC and the Chair for their continued support and advice in the sports field acquisition. The campaign for public toilets in Earls Barton will also continue.

County Council Report

Cllr Blackwell reported that both of the schools in Earls Barton are performing well. The “Safer Routes to School” scheme has resulted in an additional pedestrian crossing being agreed for Doddington Road and path and road re-alignment. The schools have made a good effort to promote the “Walking Bus to School” and safe parking. The village is well served by secondary schools in Wellingborough and Wollaston. The library has recently been refurbished and reopened. Social services continue to do a very important job in caring for residents in their homes. 4 new units are currently being built to free up hospital beds for those who are not well enough to go home. Speeding is still an issue. The county council’s portion of the council tax bill was the lowest for the 2 nd year running. The minerals plan states that no more permission will be given for mineral works around the village until 2016.

Questions and Comments

Cllr Cahill asked whether permission already granted for mineral works would go ahead. Cllr Blackwell confirmed that it would.