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RAUNDS TOWN COUNCIL

Minutes: 11 October 2016 Time 7.30pm.

PRESENT Cllr H Howell (Town Mayor) (Chair), Cllr N Beck, Cllr D Hughes, Cllr D Jones Cllr B Tirebuck, Cllr R Levell and Cllr R Beattie IN ATTENDANCE Ms Kate Houlihan, Town Clerk (Minutes) Mrs Emma Williams, Assistant to the Clerk.

302.16 To Receive Apologies For Absence. Apologies were received from Cllr S Hughes, Cllr Davidson-Jeffs, Cllr R Jeffs, Cllr Wilkes and Cllr Tyman. RESOLVED to note the apologies

303.16 Notification of requests from members of the public to address

the meeting in compliance with adopted protocol. NONE RECEIVED

304.16 Notification of members questions in compliance with the

council’s standing orders. NONE RECEIVED

305.16 Declarations of Interest.

COUNCILLORS ARE REMINDED THAT IF THEY HAVE EITHER A DISCLOSABLE PECUNIARY INTEREST OR OTHER INTEREST IN ANY ITEM THEN THEY SHOULD DECLARE THE INTEREST AND LEAVE THE MEETING FOR THAT ITEM

NONE RECEIVED

306.16 Minutes: to confirm the minutes of the Council meeting held 13 September 2016.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 13 September 2016 be approved as a true record.

307.16 Committee Report: To receive the reports of the Environment Leisure

and Recreation Committee 21 July and 27 September 2016.

Cllr Howell presented the minutes (forming the report) of the Environment Leisure and Recreation Committee 21 July 2016 which were received, and the resolutions and recommendations duly considered. RESOLVED that the report be approved and the resolutions of the Environment Leisure and Recreation Committee held on 21 July 2016 be agreed. Cllr Howell presented the minutes (forming the report) of the Environment Leisure and Recreation Committee 28 September 2016

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which were received, and the resolutions and recommendations duly considered. A detailed discussion then took place regarding youth provision in Raunds. Following detailed discussion it was…..

RESOLVED that: a) The Town Council appoint Groundworks to carry out a JAM

in the Hood project at a cost of £7,000. b) Service Six be asked to continue to provide sessions for the

younger age group only until 31/03/2016. c) Savings of £8,000 from the CCTV budget be used to fund

additional youth work. d) Service Six provision for older children is re-considered after

the JAM in the Hood project has been completed.

308.16 Committee Report: To receive the report of the Planning Committee 29 September 2016. Cllr Tyman had presented a written report to support the minutes of the Planning Committee 28 July 2016 which were received, and the resolutions and recommendations duly considered. RESOLVED that the report be approved and the resolutions of the Planning Committee held on 29 September 2016 be agreed.

309.16 JAG Report: To receive a report from the Council’s JAG representative. Cllr Howell presented her JAG report

At the last JAG meeting we had Mr Tom Pursglove MPO and PCC Mr Stephen Mold in attendance so we were able to discuss local issues with both of them, the issues |I raised were:

Youth Anti-social behaviour, having dealt with some serious issues in Raunds it has become apparent that a good working relationship between the police, the schools and the town/parish council is key to addressing some of the issues. I would like to see the police supporting local councils and schools to work together to tackle these issues, what are your views?

Nuisance motorbikes, in the rural areas we have a serious problem with bikes riding over public open space, parks, pavements and farmers’ fields etc., I understand the police have a no pursuit policy, this is having a serious effect of local residents, I also understand that there have been some serious incidents where people have been seriously hurt following a collision with these vehicles. I would like to know what can be done and how can the council and residents work closely to ensure these incidents are being taken seriously?

Drug issues, we have a serious issue in certain areas of Raunds, what is being done?

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How can there be a more cohesive way of dealing with issues in our community? There needs to be more communication with the local people and councils, maybe we need to have a have you seen poster up or something similar where the public can get involved.

Why are we not getting updates on issues from our towns? If there are fundamental changes to our policing we need to be notified

My questions were mainly for the police, but it was good for the MP to be aware of the problems.

I will give a verbal report on these due to the confidential nature of some areas.

RESOLVED to note the report.

310.16 District Councillors Report

Cllr Greenwood-Smith presented his report including an update on the leisure procurement process and the compulsory purchase of an empty property in the district. The press and public will be excluded from the following part of this agenda item due to the confidential nature of the business under the Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act 1960 Cllr Greenwood-Smith presented his report including confidential information regarding licensing. RESOLVED to note the report.

311.16 County Councillors Report. Cllr D Hughes presented his report including information on school places within the county, the formation of Community Interest Companies to carry out some work on behalf of the county council and the current financial situation for the County. RESOLVED to note the report.

312.16 Town Mayors Announcements. 16th September I attended the Rushden Feast with my consort Cllr Lee Wilkes

17th September I attended RAF Molesworth Blues Night with my consort Cllr Lee Wilkes and Cllr Tirebuck and his wife Linda, a really great night of entertainment, they were fantastic.

18th September the Deputy Mayor attended St Neots civic service on my behalf

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23rd September I judged the drawing competition for our Christmas theme then that evening Cllr Wilkes and I attended the Mayor of Northampton borough’s Barn Dance.

25th September We attended an event at Peterborough cathedral hosted by the Lord Lieutenant to celebrate Northamptonshire.

28th September met with Sarah Barnwell from Highways regarding the traffic issues at Warth Park.

30th September attended Service 6 AGM at Wellingborough.

2nd October attended Rushden Civic Service with Cllr Lee Wilkes

4th October attended Peterborough Bridge Fair with my friend Dawn Merchant as Cllr Wilkes was unable to attend. Thanks to Dawn for stepping in at the last minute.

9th October attended Higham Ferrers Civic Service with Cllr Wilkes

313.16 Annual Town Assembly: To confirm the date of the Annual Town Assembly. RESOLVED that the Annual Town Assembly be held on the 18th April 2016

314.16 Grounds Maintenance Consortium: To receive a report on the Grounds maintenance meeting from the Councils representative. Cllr Tyman had presented a written report shown in Appendix 1 on the Grounds Maintenance Meeting held on 21 September 2016 RESOLVED to note the report.

315.16 Ringstead Grange Liaison Group: To receive a report on the Ringstead Grange Liaison Group meeting from the Council’s representative.

Cllr Tyman had presented a written report shown in Appendix 2 on the Ringstead Grange Liaison Group meeting held on 27 September 2016 RESOLVED to note the report.

316.16 Warth Park Sculpture: To receive an oral report from the informal

meeting with David Shaw Planning and contractors. The Clerk gave information regarding the sculpture for the Warth Park roundabout. A positive meeting was held with the team who will design the sculpture. Input will be sought from the Town Council throughout the project. All associated costs are being met by the developers of Warth Park as had been previously agreed under a s106 agreement. RESOLVED to note the report.

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317.16 TARGET Project (Targeting and Reducing Grooming exploitation and trading of children online): To consider providing a parents information evening in association with Northamptonshire Police Members considered the report of the clerk as shown in Appendix 3 and following discussion it was… RESOLVED that Raunds Town Council invites DS Carole Walton to provide an information evening for parents on the subject and that the Town Council work with local schools to promote the evening.

318.16 Review of Town Council Projects: To receive an update on various Town Council projects.

Members considered the report on Town Council projects as shown in Appendix 4 and the clerk answered member’s questions thereon. RESOLVED that:

a) The submission date for Quality Council Status would be revised to February 2016.

b) The provision of IT equipment for the Council Chamber was a priority.

319.16 Accounts for payment: To receive the payments lists for August

2016.

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Members considered the accounts for payment as shown above. RESOLVED to note the accounts for payment

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320.16 Raunds Neighbourhood Plan: To approve the Raunds Neighbourhood Development Plan for submission to East Northamptonshire Council.

The clerk gave an oral report on the progress of the Neighbourhood Plan.

RESOLVED to note the report.

321.16 Planning Matters a. Highways works: Locations of bus stops within Raunds.

Members considered the layout of bus stops at Brick Kiln Road / London Road and it was.. RESOLVED that a lay-by would be preferred for safety reasons due to the narrowing of the road at this point. Members considered the revised layout of bus stops at Wellington Road and it was.. RESOLVED to note the revised layout.

b. Planning Applications for consideration:

16/01845/OUT | Erection of two additional dwellings- All matters reserved. | Crossways 1 Chelveston Road Raunds Wellingborough Northamptonshire NN9 6DA RESOLVED that Raunds Town Council has no objections 16/01881/ADV | Fascia sign and opening times board | 42 Brook Street Raunds Northamptonshire NN9 6LP RESOLVED that Raunds Town Council has no objections 16/01794/REM | Reserved matters :Layout, Scale and Appearance for construction of hotel with access and car parking pursuant to planning permission 11/00700/OUT dated 22.3.12 Demolition of existing buildings and development of employment park with A3/4/5, B1b and c, B8,C1, D1, and D2 uses | Land Off A45 London Road Raunds Northamptonshire NN9 6EG RESOLVED that Raunds Town Council has no objections

322.16 The press and public will be excluded from the following agenda

item due to the confidential nature of the business under the Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act 1960

323.16 St Johns Ambulance Site Raunds: To consider information relating to the sale of the St Johns Ambulance site Raunds and to consider any action the Council may wish to take.

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Members considered the confidential report of the Clerk and following discussion it was… RESOLVED that the clerk would investigate any covenants associated with the site and report these to members of the council. There being no further business the meeting concluded at 9:20pm

Approved: ....…………..………….......………………...……….….. (Town Mayor)

Meeting date: ......…............ 8 November 2016..........................…….(Council) APPENDIX 1

Ground Maintenance Consortium Meeting 21st Sept 2016 We were informed that Turney Ltd Contract Manager, Colin Capp, has major health concerns and may not be able to continue in his role for now. In the future, Turney Ltd may have to reorganise accordingly. Richard Hankins for Turney Ltd , stated that following a difficult period they had now caught up with their grass cutting and hedge trimming , it was also acknowledged that planted beds maintenance had not been so successful. Although now that they have a new full time shrub person this should improve. However it was also stated that he is learning on the job and should improve with time and the only Health and Safety issue Turneys had, was that he does not hold a spraying licence, and this needs to be addressed . CIIr Tyman asked if staffing levels remained the same as stated in the last minutes ,Richard Hankins assured him although there had been changes they were. On reviewing Complaints and compliments Records 2016 There was 13 complaints 3 compliments - 3 complaints and 1 compliment coming from Raunds Expenditure. Although our monthly invoices have been higher over the last few months these are the busiest periods ,and will reduce, and should finish up near to Turneys tenderd annual price. David Turney confirmed there was only 6 weeks left of the contract. CIIr Tyman asked if it was possible to provide a works schedule for Raunds prior to the work commencing. Explaining this would be helpful in fielding enquiries and complaints received by RTC, also as the residents of Raunds pay for this, the contract will need to be monitored to offer transparency It was explained this would be difficult to offer dates, although time scales are available, for example grass cutting twice monthly all grass cut same period over 3/4 days . Beds, hedges and verges once per month, these could be monitored. Cllr Tyman enquired, Spire Homes pulling out of the contract seems to have created problems, would the committee consider an approach to establish if they would consider re-joining the contract.

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It was felt that this was very unlikely, and if this was to happen a price review would be required with them and this would become very complex. To conclude, Assistant to our clerk, Joanne, raised concerns stating the footpath opposite side to the original St John Ambulance rooms and also path to the left of Manor St are overgrown and are unpassable, and also queried whether the Manor street sign had been cleared of vegetation. Richard Hankins confirmed the sign was now clear, would look at paths, thought they may need referring to Street Doctor It is with regret that I have to inform you , that the above mentioned Mr Colin Capp has since passed away.

APPENDIX 2

Ringstead Grange Quarry Liaison Group Meeting Report. Ringstead Village Hall 27th September. Mineral extraction operations continue across site within initial phase 1, 2 and 3. Restoration areas that have been re-contoured have been seeded and hedgerows planted. There have been no noise or dust complaints since last meeting, these are still to be monitored. No other complaints from residents have been received. There were some concerns raised to the processing of material brought on site by drivers. It was explained that the relocation of this material was determined by the management and not the driver. Planning Officer and the Environmental Agency Comments. Both of these departments monitor the site on several occasions during the year, an internal report is held at Planning and a published report by Environment Agency at a cost to Mick George Ltd. Neither bodies have highlighted any problems, and when pressed whether there were any advisories to consider, both parties agreed there was not Further to the application mentioned in my last report, to increase the height of contours at the crown of the site. This application as not been implemented. I also referred to the Mick George Ltd desire to reline a pathway on site. They have decided to reinstate the pathway in its original location. Night time Tipping continues, asked whether vehicle movement was still within stipulated limits, we were assured this was the case. An issue was raised at last meeting in regards to mud traces on Raunds Rd footpath, Mick George Ltd have kept this clear and will continue to sweep when necessary. The concrete plant site has not been installed at present and will be bought to site if required. Site Inspection Report. The trommel machine the subject of noise complaints has been located at the sites lowest level , although not being user at present. The wheel- bath and wheel-wash was in full use at time of visit, My over view is that although the site has developed greatly since my last visit it appears to be operating in very responsible manner.

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APPENDIX 3

Summary: A report on: TARGET Project

Attachments: Presentation from DS Carole Walton made at the Service Six AGM

1.0 2.0

Overview

Members of the council recently attended the Service Six AGM. One of the topics raised was the TARGET project. (Targeting and Reducing Grooming, Exploitation and Trading of Children Online)

Subsequent to this the Chief Executive of Service Six has contacted attendees with the following email:

Dear Northamptonshire Mayors,

Thank you for attending our recent AGM, we hope you found the event informative and helpful in highlighting the current needs of local vulnerable children and what we can do to improve their lives. Based on the very positive feedback from the day regarding our TARGET project I wondered if you would be willing to do one or more of the following please to support our critical work Targeting and Reducing Grooming, Exploitation and Trading of Children Online;

· Officially sign up to our TARGET project ambitions so we can add your name to our existing 47 partner agencies and individuals – we just need your consent to do this please

· Attend a meeting we’re arranging on Friday 11th November from 10-11am in central Northampton to bring together partners across the county to discuss TARGET and how we can best use collective energy and resources to challenge the current and increasing risks children face online

· Consider fundraising towards establishing the TARGET project as part of your charitable undertakings

· As suggested by the Mayor of Daventry, request that DS Carole Walton and I are invited to present at full Council Meetings to share the current local data, risks and actions required

· We would welcome any other suggestions and support you have please

Recommendation

That Raunds Town Council invites DS Carole Walton to provide an information evening for parents on the subject and that the Town Council work with local schools to promote the evening.

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APPENDIX 4

Full Town Council: Project Update September 2016 Summary a report on main actions and achievements since January 2016 (Previous project update was presented to council in July 2016)

Description By whom Notes

Neighbourhood Plan Council See agenda item

Community Speedwatch Council Not enough volunteers have come forward: Proceed Yes/No Final training date set for 30th July, this takes place in Stanwick.

Use of Town Hall as wedding venue Council

Completed 2 weddings now booked. Numbers of enquiries are increasing

Annual report Council Annual Report completed June 2016 - Delivered to every household

BELMONT GARDENS Council Sales of land completed / Monies completed!

CCTV Council see agenda item

Creation of Dog Park ELR Will be completed by end of August 2016. Site meeting with contractor held 8th July 2016

Play Areas ELR Webb Road to be completed in July 2016

Defibrilator? ELR

Youth Work ELR On agenda

Youth Building ELR Architects drawings received. To be reviewed by ELR

Saxon Hall Gardens ELR Additional works have been carried bulb plant / sealing

Financial regulations Finance Reviewed October 15. Revised version now issued by NALC, incorporating new EU procurement rules

Review of Internal Audit Finance Finance committee to review internal audit

Alterations to Saxon Hall Finance Finance Committee to review

Annual Accounts Finance Annual Return and Annual Accounts completed June 2016 / See auditors report

Local Council Award Scheme P&R Portfolio of evidence to be prepared by October 2016

Business Plan P&R Completed

Communications strategy P&R Completed

Register of council land P&R Register prepared P&R still assessing various pockets of land

Case study effect of SI 596 P&R Completed NCALC adopted a resolution at AGM October 2015 - progress?

Formation of a community interest company P&R Awaiting information from LGSS

Council objectives P&R Council objectives agreed for 2016/17

Website P&R New website launched!! Part of communications strategy - Additions being made

Benchmarking P&R Report completed -Further analysis to be done?

Apprentice Personnel Apprentice is now half way through her apprenticeship!

Pensions Personnel Clerk is handling auto-enrolment

Policies Personnel Personnel carrying out review of all policies. Ellis Whittam have been asked to review and comment

Lamp Red Row