MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL PARISH MEETING OF GRIMSTON, SAXELBYE AND SHOBY PARISH COUNCIL 

HELD ON WEDNESDAY 26^TH APRIL 2006 AT GRIMSTON

PRESENT

Mr. J. Davies (Chairman)

Mrs. M. Sleath

Mr. R. Easom

Mr. E. Morris

Mr. A. Lomas

Mrs. M. Fenton (Clerk)

Cllr. N. Angrave

Cllr. J. Orson

Mrs. L. Aisbett (Chief Executive of Melton Borough Council)

14 Members of the Public

APOLOGIES -  Mr. Chapman

The Chairman welcomed everyone to the Meeting.  He introduced Cllrs. Angrave, Orson and Mrs. Lynn Aisbett, Chief Executive of Melton Borough Council.

Mrs. Aisbett then gave a Talk on her role as Chief Executive.  She stated she was a lawyer and the interface between Senior Officers and Members of the Council.  Her role is to provide advice, guidance and deliver priorities.  She reported on her role of policy development and focusing on the 7 priorities of the Council.  She reported in detail on Town Centre Development, Affordable Housing, Youth Development and Waste Management.

She then asked the Parish Council and members of the public for any questions or comments.

Richard Cowdell thanked the Council for their Grant for replacement windows in the Village Hall.  He commented on the unfair decision that Melton Borough Council are now charging for the removal of waste at the Village Hall when recycling Bins are provided on site free of charge.

Concern was also raised regarding disposal of plastic bags, tyre dumping. road sign clutter, proposed Wind Farm, N.E.M.A. and the licensing of the Cattle Market Function Room.

The Chairman thanked Mrs.Aisbett for her interesting Talk and she then left the Meeting.

MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING

The Minutes of the Meeting held on 21^st April 2005 were read and signed as a true record by Mr. Davies.

MATTERS ARISING

Erosion of Grass Verges  -  Mrs. Easom commented the grass verges in Grimston had not been re-instated since the increase in traffic due to the closure of the A6006 last year. Clerk reported Mike Sheldrake of Leics. Highways had replied to letter stating grass verge damage appeared to be limited and would allow for “self recovery”.  Cllr. Orson stated all villages in his area have same problem and the County Council prioritise due to limited funding available.   Concern was also raised regarding state of grass verges due to building work.  Cllr. Orson suggested Clerk contacts Mike Sheldrake for more information regarding building contractors repairing damage to grass verges.  Chairman commented Parish Council had agreed to carry out Survey of condition of roads, verges etc. in the Parish and would then inform Leics. Highways of any problems.

Neighbourhood Watch  - Clerk reported Dave Cowell is new Community Co-ordinator for Neighbourhood Watch and circulated information pack.  Volunteers required for Grimston, Saxelbye and Shoby.  No volunteers.  Decided would invite Community Co-ordinator to Parish Council Meeting later in year.

ADOPTION OF ACCOUNTS

The Accounts having been circulated, their adoption was proposed by Mr. Cowdell and seconded by Mrs. Easom.                      

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT

Mr. Davies began by reporting there had been 11 Parish Council Meetings over the last year.  The Village Envelope Consultation had taken up an enormous amount of time and had now been completed.  There had also been a review of the Conservation Areas in the Parish.  He stated the Shoby Bends and Crossroads improvements are now in place.  The extension to the speed limit at both ends of Grimston is now going ahead and should be in place very soon.  The website is proving to be very popular and successful.  P.C. Martin Taylor, Local Beat Officer attends Parish Council Meetings when convenient and all local crimes are reported on the Parish Website.  The Chairman stated over the last year the Parish Council had also been consulted on Changes to NEMA and the proposed Wind Farm at Asfordby.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

Mrs. Stansbie suggested that the Minutes should be printed for members of the public to read at the Annual Parish Meeting rather than read out by the Clerk.  Decided next year copies would be provided with the Agenda and Accounts.

Play Area  -  Comments were made the Play Area boards do not look attractive and not safe.  The Play Area surface was discussed.  It was agreed the Parish Council would look into replacing.

Trees  -  Mrs. Gibbons suggested a Tree should be planted to commemorate the Queen’s 80^th Birthday.  Decided a native tree would be planted on the Green by the Stocks. 

Mrs. Sleath reported on the site visit of Richard Spooner, Conservation Officer and his suggestions.  She asked for views on the removal of the Oak Tree on the Green.  Decided the tree would not be removed.

Red Telephone Boxes - Chairman reported on Alan Duncan’s letter asking for opinion on retention of red telephone boxes.  Agreed the Parish support the retention of red telephone boxes and the Clerk to inform Alan Duncan.

Windy Ridge, Shoby Lane, Grimston  -  Comments were made on the size of the new house and the use of the garage.  Chairman reported a Condition of the Approval of Planning Permission was the use of the garage as a temporary residence shall cease immediately on occupation of the new dwelling and be reverted back to use as a garage.  The Chairman assured the public the building work is being closely monitored by Melton Borough Council and the Parish Council.

GPO Box in Grimston  -  The Chairman commented on the size of the Post Box in Grimston.  The Parish decided this did not seem to be a problem.  Larger items should be handed to the Postman or posted in an alternative box nearby.

Mrs. Stansbie thanked Mrs. Gibbons for collecting rubbish on the side of the roads.  Agreed the vote of thanks should be recorded.

Mr. Davies thanked everyone for attending and then declared the Meeting closed.