1) Attendance and Apologies

Jim Aldridge – Chair. Pat Bingham, Brian Greenfield, Andrew Gough, Oz Hall, Brian May, Kevin Morrell, Alf Oliver, Ivan Ould

Apologies received from: Mary Beechey, Malcolm Greenwood, and Anne Parkinson

1 Parishioner

2) Parishioners’ Open Forum

Flooding – the Chair reported that Severn Trent are still looking into the non-return valve.

3) Minutes of Last Meeting -It was noted that the telephone number for PC Anderson should be 0116 2486140. The minutes were then approved as a true and correct record.

4) Matters Arising from Minutes

HGV’s – following information from a parishioner, the Clerk had written to Ralph Coleman International requesting that they ask their drivers to use an alternative route.

Sign at Orton Lane – it was reported that this still had not been done. Clerk to contact Sally Crosfield.

Travellers at Higham – Kevin Morrell reported that the application had been refused.

5) Report by County Councillor – Ivan Ould reported on the Leicestershire Sustainable Community Strategy. The priorities included. less HGVs in rural areas, better shops and parking in Market Bosworth, speeding through villages and traffic at schools. He also commented on a new ruling which is due to come into effect concerning Affordable Homes, in the future, these would be available to any one in the Borough.

There was a problem with new staff at the Council taking details of Parish Clerks from the Laplc website and this was not always up to date.

Ivan Ould also reported that he was to have a site meeting with Ian Greerson, the Divisional Engineer for Highways to have a look at the area. A discussion took place concerning the County Council not communicating about the work, which they intended to carry out in the Parish. Clerk to write to Chief Executive.

6) Report by Borough Councillor – Kevin Morrell reported on the Bosworth Community Forum, which was well attended. A Youth Club was discussed at the Forum and funding is being looked at for an Outreach Worker. It was noted that dates should not clash with Scouts and Brownies. The next meeting will be in October when Affordable Homes will be discussed.

7) Correspondence

The following was discussed:

LR alc – Local Council Conference – Glenfield 4^th June 4.30 – 8.00 – information passed to Kevin Morrell, who may attend.

Email from Allan Parsons re rules and regulations that small Parish Councils have to deal with – interested Councillors can sign a petition at http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/Save Councils/ - the Councillors felt that Parish Councils need to pay for a Clerk to cover this work.

H & BBC Parish Forum – 3^rd April – Kevin Morrell, Jim Aldridge and Andrew Gough to attend.

The following was available for information:

Clerks and Councils Direct

Village Voice

Branchline

Leicestershire Rural Strategy

Voluntary Action H & B

8) Crime and Safety - Andrew Gough reported that the Crime and Safety Forum priorities were the same as the Police, i.e. HGVs, speeding through villages and parking by schools It was also suggested by members of the Forum that it may be cheaper to have a Public Liability policy for all parishes, this is being looked into. He also reported on problem with a beam from the light at the Red Lion, which had now been sorted.

Brian Greenfield reported on the fertiliser, which had been stolen, from Harris Bridge Farm and the reaction from the Police. Andrew Gough to take this up at the next Forum. Brian also reported that 4 caravans had been dumped near Wellsborough since Christmas.

9) Risk Assessment – Jim Aldridge reported on a risk assessment, which had been carried out at the Churchyard, and it was noted that work needed to be carried out on eight headstones. A quote of £400 had been received from MG Evans for this work and it was proposed by Kevin Morrell, seconded by Brain Greenfield and all in agreement that MG Evans should go ahead and do this work.

It was reported that the Bus Shelter at Sheepy was in good condition and the Clerk had written to Paul Roberts asking him to advise here of any problems with the dog bins.

10) Accounts and Signing of cheques

At end March

Sheepy Memorial Hall Hire of Hall £300

ABB Streetlight maintenance £83.52*

April cheques

P Roberts Dog Bins £100

M Bassett Salary/com/tel £576.88

Allianz Insurance Insurance £710.78

*Includes VAT

10) Planning

The following applications were noted without comment:

08/00209/FUL Extension to Greenleaves, Pinwall Lane

08/00254/FUL Extension and garage 140 Main Road, Sheepy Magna

The following applications were noted as being approved

08/00035/FUL Extension to Orchard End, Sheepy Road, Sibson

08/00085/FUL Extension to 1 Main Road, Sheepy Magna

08/00054/FUL Erection of Orangery, Wembrook Close, Sheepy

08/00036/CLU Certificate of lawful use of existing dwelling, Spinney Bungalow, Wellsborough

11) Any Other Business

Streetlights at Sibson – Brian May reported that a survey had been carried out of the streetlights in 2001 and, at that time, the Council said that there was not money available to replace them. Following the Conservation consultation at Sibson Village Hall, it was felt that the Council might be able to provide cast iron streetlights. Clerk to write the Conservation Officer.

Footpath on Main Road -Oz Hall reported that the footpath between Park View and the Church on Main Road, Sheepy, was a safety hazard due to the number of leaves on the pavement. The Clerk to contact the Council.

Bulbs - Jim Aldridge reported that the Scouts were willing to plant more bulbs, if the Parish Council would provide them. At the moment a survey is being carried out of where the bulbs are needed. It was suggested that more be put in outlying areas of the Parish such as Upton.