MINUTES OF A MEETING OF AMPTHILL TOWN COUNCIL

held at the Council Offices,66 Dunstable Street, Ampthill on

Wednesday 18^th February 2009 at 7.30pm 

Present:  Councillors: R A D Chappell (Chairman), Cllrs Mrs S A Bacon,  P Duckett, Cllr P A Eversley, R A Holden, G Pascal, M A Smith, R Tebbutt, Mrs M E Wilson and Mrs A M Wright and Dawn Sutherns, Clerk. Also present were P.C. Element, Mr C Hayes, Ampthill Festival and Miss L Walker, Greensand Trust along with 7 members of the public. 

273.       ApologiesThere were apologies from Cllr G Summerfield (work commitment) and Cllr Mrs P Foster (holiday) for this evening’s meeting. In order to allow people to leave if they so wished Cllr Chappell brought forward the following two agenda items: 

274.       To receive a presentation from Mr Chris Hayes, Chairman of Ampthill Festival.Mr Hayes gave a presentation, a copy of which is appended to these minutes (a) A member raised concern over the fireworks that will finish the Proms in the park at 10.00pm on Saturday. The Council discussed this matter at great length with support being given for the fireworks from most other members. 

It was then:  Resolved that Ampthill Town Council accept the plans for the Proms in the Park and Gala Day as presented. 

275.       To receive a presentation from Members of the Dog Walking Group.

Lorna Walker of the Greensand Trust gave a presentation, a copy of which is as appended to these minutes. (b) A request was made from the Dog Walkers Group for the Town Council to fund the provision of two temporary toilets in the sum of £180 for use on the 19^th April whilst the Doggie Day Out is being held.              

Resolved that:i)                    The Town Council will fund the provision of two temporary toilets in the sum of £180 for the event.ii)                  The Doggie Day Out is to be included in the next edition of Around the Pump. 

276.       A Period of Public Participation There were no members of the public wishing to speak.

277.       Report from P.C. Element on behalf of Bedfordshire Police.

P.C Element gave a report containing the following information:§         Anti Social Behaviour incidents have not increased from January.§         There have been two house burglaries, one of which was from the Children’s Home.§         Two thefts from vehicles have occurred, one of which was a steering wheel.§         Of the three assaults, one has been drooped as the complainant does not wish to pursue it.§         Items of criminal damage have occurred with windows being smashed in Dunstable Street and Church Street and the property under construction on Flitwick Road has been flooded. Cars have been dented and windows smashed in Rushbrook Close and there has been graffiti appearing at the Scout Hut.§         Cash has been taken from a till at the Indian Restaurant in Bedford Street.§         A laptop has been stolen from the back seat of a car whilst the DJ was packing up after a performance at the White Hart Hotel.§         Incidents concerning the theft of a mobile phone and a pedal cycle have also occurred. Cllr Chappell invited Cllr Pascal to address P.C Element over problems surrounding the late night opening of the White Hart Hotel. Cllr Pascal advised that over the last two weekends there has been an increase in public nuisance around the time that the White Hart Hotel closes its Night Club. He advised that in the early hours of 7^th February at approximately 2.25pm, the centre of Ampthill was like a war zone with dozens of people screaming and shouting outside the White Hart and in the town square, cars and taxis double parked around the roundabout, Church Street, and Dunstable Street, including a police van and police car.    Cllr Pascal advised that there was so much screaming going on outside his house that his partner went outside and asked the perpetrators to be quiet whereupon the group started  being abusive. Neighbours along Church Street are becoming frightened to leave their homes at night and the quality of life is being affected. This had been advised to the Police, but so far no response has been forthcoming. Another member of the Council advised that the concerns can be endorsed, however the situation is a lot better than it used to be although that does not mean it is acceptable. Standing Orders were suspended at 8.35pm to allow Mr J Plummer Chairman of the Community Safety Group to address the Council. Mr Plummer advised that this has been a matter of concern for at least ten years, but with the    Prince of Wales now being a restaurant this has taken one of the problems out of the equation.Mr Plummer offered to raise this matter at the Community Liaison Forum on Tuesday 24^th March.  He then advised P.C Element that a near neighbour of Richardson Jewellers recognises the culprit who broke the window. Standing Orders were resumed at 8.40pm. P.C Element responded to the concerns raised and advised that he was working with Mr S Malik at the White Hart Hotel to introduce a mini bus service that will pick people up for £1 and take them to Tesco car park in Flitwick, the taxi service was breaking down as people were not paying the drivers at the end of the journeys. He advised that Mr Malik does beyond what he is required to do and to review the licence would require firm evidence that the problems are being caused by the people using the premises. It was then: 

Resolved that the Town Council request a copy of the town centre CCTV recordings for the past two Friday nights/Saturday mornings. 

Councillor Duckett left the meeting at 8.40pm 

278.       To receive and record declarations of interest, whether personal or prejudicial.Cllrs M Smith and R Tebbutt declared an interest in the agenda item concerning the Ampthill Festival as they are both members of the Festival Committee. 

279.       Town Mayor’s Announcements.This item fell as the Mayor was not in attendance. 

280.       To confirm and sign as a true record the minutes of the Council meeting held on 21^st January 2009 pages 70 to 80 The minutes having been circulated prior to this meeting were taken and read; The minutes were then signed as a true copy. To consider matters arising from previous Town Council minutes  

281.       Donations: Full House Theatre Company (see minute 250)A letter has been received to advise that unfortunately the Awards for All Grant was not awarded, the production in the Park will therefore not take place this year. Thanks are given to the Town Council for the decision to donate £1,000, but this will not now be required. 

282.       Mid Beds Citizens Advice Bureau (see minute no 250)A letter of thanks for the £1,000 grant has been received from Jenny Hedges, Bureau Manager. 

283.       County and District Councillor Communication. (see minute 259)The letter has been sent to Central Beds Shadow Council to suggest that to enhance the economy in the town and bring disused buildings back into productive use; negotiations are entered into with the Developers. A letter has been received from Jaki Salisbury Chief Executive, to advise that the Town Council’s suggestions will be taken into account when the Asset Review is undertaken for Central Bedfordshire.  

284.       Suggestion from a local resident to provide a shuttle service from the Town Centre to Flitwick railway station. ( see minute no 264) The letter has been sent to the resident as per the Council’s instructions.  

285.       Pedestrian Crossings  (see minute no 265) After making the request to County Council to investigate the matter of urgently installing the flashing beacons on posts with the “white” rings illuminated to better highlight the existence of these much used crossings, an email response has been received to advise this has been passed onto the Lighting Team at County Council to deal with.

286.       Fly posting (see minute no 265)Gez has been instructed to remove any fly posters around the poles in the Town Centre.  Penny Francis advises that she removes posters from the Market Square once the Farmers Market has closed. 

287.       ECO TOWNS Cllr Pascal advised members that the Developers have withdrawn their application for an eco town.  

288.       To receive a report from Mr Chris Garrand, Project Manager of the Katherine’s Cross restoration.

Mr Chris Garrand was unable to attend as he is on a residential course all week. Members were provided with a copy of his report as appended to these minutes (c) Members agreed that the standard of work was superb and that no one could have envisaged the problems that arose. 

Resolved that:

i)        the final cost of £91,270.40 is accepted with the proviso that any additional grants are paid back into the Treasury Deposit.

ii)      An article is to be placed in Around the Pump charting the progress of the project.

iii)    A display is to be on show at the next Aragon Day. 

289.       Treasurers Report

Budget Comparison     January 2009             

Current Balances         January 2009 

Resolved that the reports be noted. 

290.       To consider the payment of all monies on the list of aged creditors to the 17^th February 2009        

Resolved that all monies on the reports be paid with the exception of the £150 to MK Distribution as the Council are not happy with the delivery of Around the Pump, many roads are being missed. 

291.       To consider the Clerk , the Chairman and another Councillor to attend the Special one day conference of the Bedfordshire Branch of the Society of Local Clerks to be held at the Rufus Centre on Monday 9^th March 2009. The cost of this will be £30 for the Clerk and £40 for each additional Councillor attending.

As the face of our local government is changing with the introduction of the Unitary Council on 1^st April this will be a chance to find out more about how this will affect the Towns and Parishes in Bedfordshire, key note speakers will include the Mayor of Bedford Frank Branston.  Expert Speakers will include the Chief Executive of the Society of Local Council Clerks- Nick Randle and Adviser of Standards Issues, Society of Local Council Clerks- Richard Walden. The conference will commence at 9.00am, refreshments, including a hot fork buffet are included in the delegate price. The Clerk advised that there is a sum of £1,093.20 remaining in personnel training budget which would allow attendance at this Conference. 

Resolved that the Clerk and Cllrs Summerfield and Chappell will attend the conference on 9^th March.           

To approve and adopt the Committee reports 

292.       Parks, Open Spaces and Burial Ground meeting of 4^th February 2009.

Councillor R Chappell presented the report of the meeting to Members of the Council and asked for their adoption 

Resolved: that the report be approved and signed as a true copy. 

293.       County and District Councillor Communication.District Councillor Smith advised that the planning application for 1-13 Oliver Street had been refused. The Secretary of State has given permission for the footpath diversion on the Centre Parcs application. 

294.       To consider the draft submission for grant funding from the Greensand Ridge Local Action Group for equipping the Visitors Centre.

Cllr Tebbutt had provided members with a copy of the amended submission as appended to these minutes.

(d) Resolved that the submission be sent to Bedfordshire Rural Community Charity for consideration. 

295.       To receive an update on resident’s responses from the Pride in Ampthill idea-Cllr Smith.

A letter of support for the scheme had been received from the Chamber of Trade and Business. 

Cllr Smith had provided members with an update report as appended to these minutes. (e) 

296.       To consider inviting a guest speaker to the Annual Town Meeting on 8^th April 2009.

This matter was discussed and it was felt that last year people had been encouraged to attend by having a guest speaker. It was therefore: 

Resolved that Mr Chris Garrand be invited to give a presentation to the Annual Town Meeting on the Katherine Cross Project. 

297.       To receive information on the parking problems in Church Avenue and to look at the way forward.

Cllr Summerfield requested that this item be placed on the agenda and it was therefore deferred until next month.  

298.       To consider the problem of non gritting of roads and pavements in Ampthill over the spate of bad weather.Members were advised that under the current legislation and under advise from Insurance Companies the conditions were caused by an Act of God and if no action is taken no one is liable, however if an area is cleared of ice and snow the person clearing the area is liable is anyone injures themselves. As the Town Council do not own the highways and pavements they are unable to clear them.When Central Bedfordshire is in place the duty to clear pavements of snow and ice may be able to be devolved to the Town Council. A question was raised as to whether there are enough salt bins around. It was felt that a survey should be carried out later in the year to ascertain where there are salt bins and where any new ones could be placed. 

299.       To consider matters relating to the late night opening of the White Hart Hotel. Cllr Pascal 

Cllr Pascal was invited to expand on this matter if he felt he had any more to add to the information given earlier in the meeting. Cllr Pascal advised that he felt that no more action could be taken until the information on the CCTV recordings is obtained. 

300.       Written Meeting Debriefings:  

§ Report of the Joint meeting between Ampthill Town Council and neighbouring Councils held on 22^nd January 2009.

§ Report of the meeting with the Angling Club held on 28^th January 2009§ Report on items arising at the Councillors Surgery on 31^st January 2009

Following the Councillors Surgery, Cllrs Holden, Mrs Wilson and Pascal met with the store manager to set the dates for the rest of the year. Four dates have been set; May, September and November.

The Clerk is to send an e-mail to request that two other available dates are given for March and July.  The e-mail is also to raise the matter of the Car Park signage, the wording WAITROSE AND TOWN CENTRE CAR PARK is acceptable, but will not be funded by Waitrose.A further matter was discussed on moving the site of the Charter Market and it was requested that a formal request for this to be considered was sent to Mr Martin. 

§ Report of the Friends of Ampthill Christmas Lights meeting on 12^th February 2009.

§ Report of the REVAMP meeting held on 8^th February 2009. 

Resolved that the reports as appended to these minutes are noted. 

301.       To consider the recommendations from the Friends of Ampthill Christmas Lights.

§         Subject to a satisfactory outcome of the bracket situation it is RECOMMENDED to the Town Council that Lamps and Tubes be used again for this year’s installation.

§         RECOMMENDED to the Town Council that prices for a new festoon and/or brighter bulbs be investigated by the Lights Committee. 

It was then             

Resolved that the recommendations be accepted. 

302.       To review the public opening  hours of the Town Council OfficesThe opening hours are currently as per Council policy: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 10.00am to 3.00pm, and Wednesday 10.00am to 6.30pm. Cllr Eversley had requested that this matter be placed on the agenda and suggested that the office should be open from 9.30am to 4.00pm to provide a better service. Members discussed this matter and felt that the main forms of modern communications are telephone and e-mail and these are available from the hours of 8.45am to 5.15pm. Those people wishing to visit the Town Council offices after 3pm have this opportunity on Wednesdays when the office is open until 6.30pm or can make an appointment to come in after 3pm on other days.  

It was then:                          

Resolved that the office opening hours remain as currently set. 

303.       To provide suggestions for the High Sheriff of Bedfordshire’s Unsung Heroes awards.

Members discussed this matter before it was:

Resolved that Mrs Doreen Stoddart be nominated, this lady has done so much for the town and the community, but has not been recognised for her work.

 304.       Correspondence

a)   Direct Information Service Issue nos 700.        

b)       Mid Beds Horizon February 2009. 

c)    Mark Sayward, Saturday trading on Market Square   

A letter has been received from Mr Sayward to advise that he will be unable to continue to trade every Saturday, but is able to trade every other Saturday. Members discussed this matter and felt that although it was not ideal alternate Saturdays was better than an empty Market Square. 

It was therefore: Resolved that the offer of alternate Saturdays be accepted for an interim period of six months. 

Members voiced that it would be nice to have another stall or the Farmers Market on the Market Square.                 

 It was therefore: Resolved that this idea be placed before the Farmers Market Working Group, the planning permission already held is to examined and the information given to the Working Group.    

d) BEAR Project

An invitation has been received for two Councillors to attend a visit to a waste treatment facility in Essex; the waste treatment is called Mechanical Biological Treatment.

Two optional dates have been provided Friday 13th March and Wednesday 18^th March.

 The coach will leave County Hall at 08.30am and attendees are asked to arrive by 08.15am, it is expected that the coach will return by 4.00pm.Names of those attending must be given before 2^nd March.        

Resolved that Cllrs Mrs Wright and Holden will attend. 

305.       Press Releases

A press release could be drawn up on the completion of Katherine’s Cross Restoration. 

306.       Cllr passed the following motion to exclude the press and public from the remainder of the meeting. 

“That in view of the confidential nature of the business about to be transacted relating to staff matters, it is advisable in the public interest that the public and press be temporarily excluded and that they are instructed to withdraw” 

307.       To approve the confidential minutes of the Town Council meeting held on 21^st January 2009 page 80

This minute is appended for Members only. 

308.       To approve the confidential minutes of the Park, Open Spaces and Burial Ground Committee held on 4^th February 2008.

This minute is appended for Members only.  There being no further business the meeting closed at   

CHAIRMAN                                                                  DATED