Minutes of the meeting of the Full Council held on Monday 4th January 2010 at 7 pm in the Corn Exchange Complex, Hungerford.

Present:  Cllrs Elizabeth Cardwell, Jenny Booth, Peter Harries, William Acworth, Anthony Buckwell, David Liddiard, Margaret Wilson, Gwynneth Bullock, Rod Desmeules, Richard Hudson, Shelagh Parry; Martin Crane and David Ravenhill;  and District Cllrs David Holtby and Paul Hewer

Before the meeting, PC Clare Drewitt, accompanied by PC Martin  , (speaking in place of Sgt Andy Bone) gave a brief update on Policing in Hungerford.  She was pleased to report that there have been few problems in Hungerford in the last month. Anti Social Behaviour figures are down due to PCSOs patrolling.  The Open Morning went well and it is planned to hold one every six months.  They left at 7.10 pm.

District Councillor’s Report:

Cllr Hewer said that consent has been granted for the affordable homes. Both councillors have noted the amount of objections received regarding the proposal to build at Eddington and off the A4, and the case will go to the Western Area Planning Committee.  Former objectors or supporters must write again to WBC.  The speed limit across the Common is to be 40 mph with repeater signs on posts.  The idea of Hungerford Town Council/CoC taking more responsibility for salting was considered and this will require further discussion.  Action:  Item to be added to next H&T agenda.  Cllr Holtby will look into the legal side of shop-owners clearing the paths in front of their shops.  Re Christmas parking, Cllr Holtby explained that Newbury did receive some free parking this year and this was because free parking has been lost along Park Way.  He will look at the issue again next Christmas.  Cllr Holtby wondered if committee members knew who might be responsible for a rumour circulating that there could be allotments at Ramsbury Drive: he said the Council needs to quash the rumour.  They left at 7.40 pm.

1. Apologies for absence:   Dianne Wynell Sutherland and Denise Gaines (both ill).

2. Declarations of interest:  none

3. Minutes from meeting held on 7th December 2009:  Proposed by Cllr Bullock, seconded by Cllr Booth, 2 abstentions, rest in favour.

4. Matters arising:  Regarding Sustainable Community, Cllr Booth has received a reply from Richard Benyon and will circulate the details to all councillors.

5. Finance:

         (a) Authorisation of payments:  Expenditure of £57,000 includes £50,000 grant money from WBC which has been paid to Monster.  Cllr Bullock proposed the cheque run, seconded by Cllr Hudson, all in favour.

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

(c) Precept 2010/2011:  Cllr Buckwell went through the figures previously circulated to councillors, including a ready reckoner showing impact of various percentage increases.  Discussion was held.

         0% increase was proposed by Cllr Harries, seconded by Cllr Wilson, 2 for, 11 against;

         1.5% increase was proposed by Cllr Bullock, seconded by Cllr Ravenhill, 4 in favour, 9 against;

         1% increase was proposed by Cllr Liddiard, seconded by Cllr Hudson, 8 in favour, 4 against 1 abstention, vote carried.

6. Mayor’s report:  The mayor circulated copies of her report.  Cllr Booth congratulated her on an excellent carol service.  Cllr Wilson said she thought the service sheet should say Hungerford Churches Together, which was omitted this year.

7. Committee reports (no more than 5 minutes per report.

R&A – Cllr Bullock said that the K&A Canal will celebrate 200 years this year,  various events will be held.

E&P – Cllr Booth  said that the Exception site went through.

H&T – Cllr Hudson:  Thanks to Rod for the usual superb Christmas lights display and thanks to councillors who turned up to help with the trees.  Rod mentioned to Ben Blake about keeping trees in place until the baskets went up in the spring, and Ben decided to run a poll.  However, the trees will be taken down this week. 

F&GP – Cllr Buckwell:  £50,000 will be lodged with the South African bank this week, on 90 days notice of withdrawal.

Newsletter – Cllr Parry:  A mock-up has been received from the new printer, which is very similar to the usual style.  Deadline is 27th January.

HEAT – Cllr Acworth:  25 people turned up for the recent Sunday walk.

8. Risk Assessments:  Nothing to report.

The meeting closed at 8.35 pm.