Minutes of the Full Council held on Monday 7th December 2009 at 7 pm in the Corn Exchange Complex, Hungerford.

Present: Cllrs Cardwell, Booth, Harries, Acworth, Buckwell, Bullock, Desmeules, Hudson, Wynnell Sutherland, Gaines, Parry; Crane and Ravenhill; District Cllr Holtby

Before the meeting began, there were two presentations: Sue Edgar introduced 3 members of the Save our Skatepark committee: Drew, Ben and Jessie. They gave a presentation on how the old skatepark at Bulpit Lane failed a safety inspection, due to rotten timber, and was closed down in the summer. They sought and achieved 100% funding for the new Skatepark. They chose a metal one this time because it will last longer. They displayed the board which will be erected at the entrance to the site.

PC Clare Drewitt (standing in for Sgt Andy Bone) spoke on Policing in Hungerford. Hare coursing is a priority and 2 arrests have been made; burglary has risen by 100% over the last year across the area including Kintbury and Inkpen. Someone is now in custody and the burglaries have stopped. Sgt Bone has suggested that, if a large crowd is expected again next year at the Lights’ Switch-on, barriers on pavements might be considered. Sticky-back warning triangles showing 30 mph are to be available for sticking onto dustbins. The Police Station is open Monday to Friday 9 am to 1 pm, and an open day is being held on Thursday.

District Councillor’s Report

Cllr Holtby gave apologies on behalf of Cllr Hewer. He said the Christmas lights were great. 21 comments had been received after the Canal Footbridge display in the library. There will now be a Detailed Design Brief at the end of January, a Structural Brief at end of February. The detailed Design Ideas will then be displayed in the library by end of March for a month, with a planning application in mid-May. No further public meetings are planned. 2010 will be the 200 year anniversary of the K&A Canal. Church Way/Parsonage Lane: Work on the Church Way ‘service road’ is to be done in March 2010. Speed limit on the Common: the DoT will not agree to road speed limit markings, but are happy to have a 30 mph restriction, with appropriate repeater signs. A meeting is to be held on 16th December. The subject of sign clutter was mentioned. Brown signs have his full support. He will look into the turning off over night of street lights. Cllr Gaines asked why Newbury is being allowed free parking up to Christmas when Hungerford had been refused – Cllr Holtby said he is fighting this on HTC's behalf. Action: Cllr Gaines to send follow up letter to WBC, cc Cllr Holtby.

1. Apologies for absence: Cllrs Liddiard and Wilson (both ill) and Cllr Hewer (work)

2. Declarations of interest: none

3. Minutes from meeting held on 2nd November 2009: Item 5 Finance, change ‘an African bank’ to read ‘a South African bank’. With this change the minutes were proposed by Cllr Booth, seconded by Cllr Acworth, all in favour.

4. Matters arising: none

5. Finance:

(a) Authorisation of payments

(b) Year to date accounts (presented at every Council meeting)

6. Emergency measures and procedures (AB)

7. Sustainable Communities Act Amendment Bill (re email from unlockdemocracy.org.uk)

8. Allotments (PH)

9. Triangle Field (PH)

10. Mayor’s report

11. Committee reports (no more than 5 minutes per report)