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TOWN
COUNCIL MEETING
MONDAY
14TH JANUARY 2008
Present
: Cllr V. Baker (Chairman),
Cllr P. Allen, Cllr C. Dryden, Cllr J. Godwin,
Cllr
J. Hart, Cllr M. Hornett, Cllr M. Johns, Cllr D. Linney, Cllr C.
Lofts,
Cllr
J. Lynch, Cllr A. Maycock, Cllr C. Stanger, Cllr H. Wright, Cllr
D. Yates
1.
APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Cllr
R. Mills
Cllr
A. Wardle
Cllr
R. Bromwich – NCC
2.
DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
None.
3.
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Mr
Pollock of Belle Baulk referred to the Questionnaire issued by the
TC to all residents of Belle Baulk concerning anti-social behaviour
on the adventure play area. Mr Pollock is encouraged that the views
of residents are being taken into account. He felt that the request
by the Police to have the log cabin removed should be collectively
supported. Children visiting the play area should not be deprived
of a piece of play equipment so the log cabin should be replaced
with an alternative item.
Mrs
Dickinson of Belle Baulk would like action to remove the problem
of anti-social behaviour. Up to 40 youths regularly gather on the
play area with resident's property being vandalised. If the log
cabin has to be removed to alleviate the problem, Mrs Dickinson
would support this request by the Police.
Mrs
Gough of Belle Baulk confirmed that she has taught in Towcester
and is aware of the behaviour that the youths present. Mrs Gough
is concerned that the level of intimidation is becoming dangerous
as residents are very frustrated at the lack of action to remove
the youths from the site. She believes that if the log cabin were
to be removed the youths would not congregate in such large numbers.
4.
TOWN MAYOR'S ITEMS
Cllr
Baker informed the meeting of events she has recently attended:-
11/12/07
Towcester Choral Society Christmas Concert
14/12/07
St Lawrence School Christmas Performance
15/12/07
Towcester Music & Performing Arts Christmas Performance
16/12/07
SNC Nine Lessons and Carols Service at St Lawrence Church
20/12/07
Open Air Carol Concert on the Market Square
31/12/07
Visit to Duncote Hall
5.
REPORT BACK FROM :-
Cllr
R. Bromwich, Northants County Council
Cllr
Bromwich had given her apologies for the meeting. A written report
from Cllr Bromwich was distributed to members of the TC for their
information.
Cllr
D. Dallyn, South Northants Council
Cllr
Dallyn did not have much to report due to the Christmas break. She
confirmed that the Persimmon / Bloor application has now been validated
by the WNDC but the consultation period has not commenced. Cllr
Dallyn referred to previous discussions held by the TC concerning
the lighting of the Skateboard Park and ongoing problems with skateboarders
at SNC offices. Cllr Sandy Smallman has asked for further information
on this issue. The Clerk confirmed that this matter is yet to be
discussed by the Recreation/Leisure Committee and she would report
back to Cllr Dallyn following its next meeting. Cllr Johns confirmed
that the TC had not installed lighting at the skateboard park on
the advice of ROSPA and had also informed residents that it would
be not lit to discourage youths from congregating late into the
evenings.
Cllr
Lofts enquired whether Cllr Dallyn was seeking the TC comments on
the SNC budget proposals and 4.9% increase. He has looked closely
at the proposals and supporting information and is concerned that
some of the decisions increase the risks to the following years'
budget. Cllr Dallyn advised that the SNC proposed budget indicates
a reduction in grants whilst the Council continues to be capped.
The obvious resolution would be to cut services but SNC has set
out to produce a budget which is balanced both in financial terms
and its approach. It may mean more risks but these have been carefully
assessed as to their acceptability. Cllr Johns asked which services
would be at risk. Cllr Dallyn did not have this information as her
expertise is in communication and referred this question to Cllr
Wilby.
Cllr
A. Wilby, Towcester Partnership
Cllr
Wilby referred to the SNC proposed budget and the unhealthy gap
of £1m +. He agreed that the budget represents a medium risk
factor but this does not imply a cut in services. The budget has
been worked at and the risks are now acceptable. Cllr Lofts referred
particularly to the Leisure Trust which was originally granted charitable
status. It now appears the Charity Commission may reverse this decision
resulting in increased costs to run the Towcester Leisure Centre.
This is a great worry for the town. Cllr Wilby confirmed that he
has spoken directly with the Chairman of the Leisure Trust and he
is satisfied with the current situation.
SNC
is under reorganisation to shape the Council for the future. The
last plan put together was for a rural area and did not include
the Growth Plan. It is hoped that this will not result in a loss
of many skilled employees. A net increase of £0.5m has been
budgeted for the reorganisation and this sum is incorporated into
the proposed increase of 4.9%.
The
Persimmon / Bloor application was validated by the on 24th December
by the WNDC who will determine the start date of the 21 day consultation
period. Cllr Wilby confirmed there is some technical difficulties
to overcome, i.e. residents who may be affected by the plans need
to be consulted. SNC is responsible for decided who and this will
be a major undertaking as many people in the town will be affected
by a development of this scale.
The
Towcester Partnership will be organising a public meeting involving
partner groups during the consultation period on the Persimmon /
Bloor application. Referring to the regeneration of Moat Lane ,
Cllr Wilby confirmed that the Partnership's Economic Development
Team has identified a number of potential partners interested in
developing certain parts of site. These details will be forwarded
to SNC. Cllr Wilby stressed the importance of injecting some pace
into the project and confirmed that remedial works to Bury Mount
will commence this year.
nspector
Stuart Hitchin, Towcester Police
Inspector
Hitchin confirmed that the results of the Police survey to identify
priorities for the Police in Towcester have been collated. The primary
concern of residents is anti-social behaviour and the Police will
be arranging a meeting of the joint action group to discuss how
this issue and others arising from the survey can be resolved. Inspector
Hitchin confirmed that most complaints received were regarding anti-social
behaviour on Belle Baulk. In the last fortnight 31 reports were
received in connection with this site with a further 20 calls regarding
skateboarding activities on Waitrose car park. The problems at Belle
Baulk stem from underage drinking resulting in anti-social behaviour
and low level vandalism. The Police have requested the removal of
the log cabin on the play area as they consider this will prevent
youths congregating in such large numbers. Inspector Hitchin confirmed
that Officers have been seizing alcohol from under age drinkers
and automatically sending a letter to their parents; repeat offenders
will have a visit to their home. Trading Standards will be used
to determine how the alcohol is being obtained, although in many
cases it is being purchased legitimately and passed on.
The
Clerk referred to the questionnaire by the TC to all 160 residences
in Belle Baulk. 37 responses were received, as follows:-
13/37
residents confirmed that their children use the play equipment.
25/37
residents did not support removal of the play equipment. Comments
were
that the issue of anti-social behaviour should be resolved
without removing
facilities legitimately used
by younger children.
35/37
resident supported an alcohol ban on this area by the Police.
As
a result of the returned questionnaire forms, the TC has increased
litter picking on this area.
Inspector
Hitchin confirmed that the Police had carried out its own survey
on the 8 residents closest to the play area and they support the
removal of the log cabin. Cllr Allen referred to the Dispersal Order
implemented on the St Lawrence Churchyard which was successful in
resolving this problem. Inspector Hitchin confirmed that this option
could be considered although there could be an element of displacement.
He felt that the situation at Belle Baulk could not be ignored for
fear or driving the problem elsewhere in the town. Cllr Lofts confirmed
he had listened to the discussion with interest, himself being a
resident of Belle Baulk and having discussed this issue with neighbours.
He has witnessed the Police trying to apprehend youths who flee
to the unlit embankment only to return as soon as they have left.
Cllr Lofts would now support temporary removal of the log cabin
to see its effect. Cllr Baker stressed the need to take into consideration
the view of all residents of Belle Baulk and confirmed that a decision
would be made by the Recreation/Leisure Committee at its next meeting
on 21st January.
6.
MINUTES OF MEETINGS
Resources/Planning Committee 10th December 2007
Town
Council
10th December 2007
Town
Council
07th January 2008
Page
07/12/219 was corrected to read.....NCC Cabinet will meet on 12th
December ...Cllr Bromwich will be attending an
NCC meeting on 14th December .
Proposal
Cllr
Linney proposed that the minutes by signed by the Chairman as a
true record; seconded by Cllr Maycock, All in favour.
7.
MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES
No
matters arising.
8.
REPORT BACK FROM THE CHAIRMAN OF THE :-
Resources/Planning
Committee
Cllr
Stanger had nothing to report
Town
Hall Chairman
Cllr
Hart confirmed that Anglian Water is carrying out investigations
into the source of flooding in the Town Hall basement, which occurred
sometime between Christmas and the New Year. Samples of the water
have been taken for analysis and any information will be reported
back to the Town Hall Committee on 21st January. The schedule of
Town Hall maintenance works is due to commence on 28th January.
The contractor has allowed until 5th May for completion of the works.
The
3 leasehold agreements and lease memorandum for the take over of
Office 2/3 of the Town Hall have been prepared. The rent increase
to £8,500.00 per annum has been agreed with effect from 1st
January 2008 .
Proposal
Cllr
Johns proposed the 3 leasehold agreements and lease memorandum be
signed by the Chairman, Cllr Baker, and Vice
Chairman,
Cllr Stanger; seconded by Cllr Linney, All in favour.
Recreation/Leisure
Committee
Cllr
Dryden confirmed that the basket swing has now been relocated to
the Recreation Ground and 2 items of play equipment have been installed
in its place on Sandyhome Road . The contractor will be back on
site to check one of the replacement items as it appears too stiff
and the safety grass beneath the basket swing. Cllr Dryden suggested
the Clerk withhold payment until these issues have been resolved.
Cemetery
Committee
The
Chairman, Cllr Mills, had given his apologies for the meeting. The
Clerk had nothing to report.
Allotment
Working Group
Cllr
Maycock confirmed his attendance of the Allotment Society AGM on
9th January where it was decided to reappoint the Chairman, Secretary
and Treasurer for the next year. The Produce Show has been scheduled
for Bank Holiday Monday 25th
August.
9.
PRECEPT 2008/09
The
TC has received the request from SNC for notification of its annual
budget requirement.
Proposal
Cllr
Lofts proposed that the TC serve the precept of £251,867 to
South Northants Council for the 2008/09 financial year; seconded
by
Cllr Allen, All in favour.
10.
REPORT BACK FROM LOCAL BODIES
Cllr
Hornett referred to the problem of anti-social behaviour on Belle
Baulk and was pleased that residents are reporting incidents to
the Police. He thanked the TC for its donation to the Neighbourhood
Watch Scheme which has been used to purchase 50 new
signs.
Cllr
Linney confirmed that the Towcester Youth Coffee Shop is continuing
in its efforts for funding and is looking for additional
volunteers.
Cllr Linney will be attending the NALC Committee Meeting on Saturday
19th January.
11.
SOUTH NORTHANTS COUNCIL
a)
Town & Country Planning (Trees) Regulations
1999.
Correspondence
from SNC confirms that a Tree Preservation Order (No. 03/2007) has
been served on Mr T. Jackson-Stops relating
to
a number of trees within Burcote Road , Burcote Fields and London
Road , Towcester.
b)
South Northants Housing Stakeholder Event 2008
Correspondence
confirms that the South Northants Housing Stakeholder Event will
take place on Wednesday 23rd January at Towcester Racecourse. Cllr
Allen volunteered to attend.
12.
NORTHANTS COUNTY COUNCIL
Correspondence
from NCC confirms that its draft budget can be viewed on-line at
www.northamptonshire.gov.uk.
13.
CORRESPONDENCE
a)
Victim Support
A copy of the Victim Support & Witness Service Financial
Report 2006/07 is available from the Clerk.
b)
SNVB
i) A copy of the December issue
of SNVB Link Up is available from the Clerk.
ii) A copy of the SNVB Newsletter
concerning its Pension Information
Project is available from the Clerk.
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