Minutes of the Town Council Meeting held on Monday 3rd December 2007 in the Town Hall, Hungerford
Present: Cllrs Harries, Thompson, Hudson, Bullock, Cardwell, Liddiard, Acworth, Wilson, Scorey, Booth, Pope, Werrell and Buckwell.
6.30 Finance & General Purposes
Open Forum:
- Mr C Ticehurst questioned Inspector Roberts re vandalism and recent crime incidents in the town.
- Cllr Harries mentioned other problems re youth behaviour in co-op and an incident reported to him last night by a Cherry Grove resident.
- Cllr Scorey requested more information to be made available for release in Town Council Newsletter via Hungerford NAG.
- Mr J Brown spoke regarding the staff turn around figures at Hungerford Police Station.
Presentation given by Inspector Roberts:
Overall crime recording has increased by 4% compared with last year = 32 more offences. Within this, violent crime has increased by 93.
Operation Folk – 4 week ? on alcohol related violent crimes. Launch of Country Watch on 26/1/08 – like neighbourhood watch.
There will be a neighbourhood policing team day in February 2008 to say ‘thank you’.
Cllr Harries thanked Inspector Roberts for attending.
District Councillor’s Report – made by Cllr David Holtby
- He thanked the Councillors for meeting on 12th November.
- He had attended park openings, Christmas lights switch on and party afterwards.
- Wind turbine – further meeting in Newbury Council Chamber on 11th December.
- Library – on schedule.
- Arts Centre – both District Councillors very keen to support.
- Terminal control South West – now with Civil Aviation Authority. A decision to be made in January.
- Hungerford parking strategy – received well, but some teething problems eg Prospect Road, Atherton Crescent, The Croft, Park Street. Vehicle in Park Street took 2 weeks to solve.
- Pavement in Marsh Lane discussed and cutting of border.
Town Council Meeting:
Present: Cllrs Harries, Thompson, Hudson, Bullock, Cardwell, Liddiard, Acworth, Wilson, Desmeules, Scorey, Booth, Pope, Werrell and Buckwell.
1. Apologies for absence
There were no apologies.
2. Declaration of Interests
There were no declarations of interest.
3. Minutes of the Meetings held on 5th November.
5iii) amend 12 to several. Proposed: Cllr Bullock. Seconded: Cllr Hudson. 12 in favour, 1 abstention.
Minutes of the Meeting held on 13th November
4) add only applies if Rugby Club ceases to trade. Proposed Cllr Bullock, Seconded: Cllr Liddiard. 10 in favour, 3 abstentions.
4. Finance
Cllr Bullock presented accounts explaining that cheque 101678 would be withheld until monies received via WBC re lottery grant. Full VAT amount would be paid by HTC. Proposed: Cllr Cardwell; Seconded: Cllr Wilson. Accepted unanimously.
5. Mayor’s Report
The report was presented.
6. Vandalism
HTC has a history of not prosecuting vandals. Cllr Thompson proposed that if civil damage is carried out against Town Council property we would actively support the police in prosecuting them.
7. Appointment of RFO
Cllr Hudson reported that 2 applicants were interviewed on Friday 30th November. Both candidates are to be invited to come in for half a day’s paid employment. The interview committee consisted of Cllrs Hudson, Thompson, Bullock, Cardwell. Cllr Harries had stood down due to Mayoral duties and Cllr Thompson had taken over. It was proposed that the post of Responsible Finance Officer (RFO) be offered to the preferred candidate subject to standard employment checks. 12 in favour. 1 against.
8. Baydon Wind Turbine Planning Application
HEAT approached Hungerford Town Council re support of wind turbine in July 2007. Cllr Scorey advised Councillors to look at relevant paperwork provided and advised that HTC has only endorsed the document submitted by HEAT. No objections at that stage had been received by E&P so happy to support action team. Proposed: Cllr Thompson; Seconded: Cllr Harries to suspend S/O – all in favour.
Mr Jones, who has an aeroplane and glider repair business, has permission for 20 flights per day. He was about to put in a new planning application for a runway, but then heard about the application for a wind turbine after having put forward a financial contribution. The turbine would cause a hazard for taking off and landing and stop the business. The airfield is owned by 3 companies: Angus Fleming (employs 19); Southern Sailplanes (employs 9) and the company developing the wind turbine. Councillors then discussed the matter and a suggestion was made to look for alternative sites for the turbine to be situated. Proposed: Cllr Liddiard; Seconded: Cllr Booth. All in favour to reinstate S/O. E&P not consulted on this application so no information provided. It was not a planning application within this Ward. E&P supported HEAT to look for a site for a wind turbine to help reduce the carbon footprint in this area. Support principal of this turbine, but not aware of affect re. locality of airfield. Return to WBC. Whilst we support the wind turbine in principal, the full facts are not available at this time. Proposed: Cllr Thompson. Cllr Scorey proposed an amendment. That we support the application as per the letter. However, this may have detrimental affect on local businesses. We must ensure businesses are not affected by this proposal. Seconded: Cllr Acworth. 9 in favour, 4 abstentions.
9. Committee Reports
R&A
i) Project for coming year – St Saviour’s. YOT to paint gate posts.
ii) Swimming pool house. Cllrs Harries and Cardwell to view.
iii) Budget proposed £15,000 increase for man with a van to do maintenance work. Proposed Cllr Harries; Seconded: Cllr Cardwell.
iv) Cllr Scorey reported vandalism of skate park – she declared an interest. Need to arrange bands to stop usage. Cllr Liddiard offered services.
E&P
Met with Bromford Housing Association. All housing associations submitting bids. Sovereign have to approach us. Cllr Scorey wants a representative for Shaw House meeting on 10/12/07.
H&T
Xmas lights fantastic – new public toilets open. Speed limit on common best at 30 mph.
Triangle Field
Rugby Club extension – secure building – using recommended windows and doors. Lights had been stolen – possible trench to prevent motorised theft.
Playgrounds
Cllr Cardwell opened both playgrounds officially on Saturday 1st December 2007. The Council wanted thanks to her minuted for her hard work.
Newsletter
Open Door 8 by 1.2.08. Cllr Buckwell reported Town Guide proceeding.
10. Library – Lease and Move (working party)
Cllr Thompson proposed that the lease be signed as seen. Cllr Hudson seconded. 9 in favour, 4 abstained.
Tenancy proposed Cllr Liddiard; Seconded Cllr Wilson. 10 in favour, 3 abstentions. Library working party – up and running from 18th December and opening on 4 January 2008. Need help to move files 28/12/07.
Cllrs Harries and Thompson have got list of requirements £4,650 top end prices. Cllr Thompson proposed £3,500 to finance move to library; seconded Cllr Hudson. 12 in favour, 1 abstention.
11. Auditor Quotes.
To be taken before F&GP and quotes from 3 auditors.
12. Advertise for new councillor to fill vacancy.
Two letters of interest received. Applicants to be interviewed by Council at January meeting.
Signed: ……………………………………..