Newton Parish Council

 

Minutes of Meeting held on 19 October 2004

 

Time and venue:                8:00pm, Newton Manor, Town Street

Present:        Chairman:     Mr Hurrell

                   Councillors:    Ms Evans, Mrs Brander, Mr Gray

                   Clerk:           Mr S Kay (retiring) and Mrs J. Cowling (new postholder)

Public:           2 members of the public

 

Apologies:                         Mr Finch (councillor)

 


Minutes

 

The minutes of the meeting held on 14 September 2004 were read, confirmed and signed by the Chairman.

 

Matters Arising

 

1.     Bus Shelter.  Mr Gray had asked two builders to estimate the price of a basic structure.  The design has not yet been confirmed.

2.     Jointly Funded Minor Improvement Scheme.  The initial stage has been completed.  The installation of a new kerb and posts opposite the Queen’s Head has led to more difficult access to Town Street for wide vehicles, particularly if private cars are parked inconsiderately.  Mr Gray agreed to ask the pub landlord to request that customers do not park close to the junction, and also to progress the next stage of the Scheme with the Highways Department. 

3.     New Parish Clerk.  Mrs Cowling had accepted the post, with effect from 19 October 2004.

4.     Mr Kay confirmed that the malfunctioning street light in Town Street had been reported but no action had resulted.  He would follow this up personally.
 

Correspondence

 

The correspondence that had been received was reviewed.

 

A letter from Cambridgeshire Constabulary concerning the new location for the Sawston Police Station was noted and it was agreed that a copy would be posted on the notice board.

 

Financial

 

The second half of the precept had been received.  It was agreed that the new Clerk should contact the Bank to make the following arrangements in relation to the Bank Account:

 

1.     Mr Finch to be added as an authorised signatory, and that any 2 of the 3 signatories together may sign cheques.  The current signatories are Mr Hurrell and Mr Gray.

2.     The change of Clerk (see item 3 above) to be advised to Barclays Bank and the Bank to be asked to send all correspondence including statements, cheque books and other matters to the new Clerk at her home address.

 

Planning

 

There were no outstanding matters to discuss.  Mr Finch, as Chairman of the Planning sub-committee, had provided a note updating the Council on current applications.

 

The Clerk was asked to ascertain progress on application S/1385/04/F (plus amendment): Bungalow to rear of 22 Town Street and report to members before the next meeting if possible.

 

Any Other Business

 

Mr Hurrell questioned the need for two paper banks.  It was agreed that we do in light of the amount of paper deposited between collections.  There was a discussion on plastic recycling and it was felt that any improvement on the current situation would be welcome.

 

Following the delivery of benches (donated jointly by the Sports and Social Club and the Village Rooms) for the village green, Mr Gray asked for approval to pay for secure fixing of same.  This was agreed.  Mr Gray also asked if the council would pay for the erection of a goal on the green and some planting of bulbs and shrubs along the Cambridge Road boundary.  This was agreed in principle subject to the costs being reasonable.

Mr Gray reported that the village rooms committee (via Mr D Short) will arrange and pay for the current grass cutting contractor to re-instate the turf on the green as soon as practical after the bonfire.

 

Mr Hurrell opened the meeting to questions from the public.  There was a request to create a cricket area on the green in summer.  The meeting felt that it would be impractical to have a high quality strip as the ground is uneven and used for other purposes.  However, the improvements in mowing as seen this summer may result in a playable area.

 

Retirement of Clerk

 

Mr Hurrell expressed the gratitude of the Council for the work that Mr Kay has done in recent years.  The Council recognised the effort that he had made and the support that he had given to the village.  The Chairman, on behalf of the Council, presented a gift to Mr Kay in appreciation of his service.

 

There being no further business the Chairman closed the meeting at 9.05 pm

 

 

Date of next meeting:  To be confirmed and a notice to be placed on the board when known.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Approved by:……………………….               Date:………………………….