Jim Aldridge – Chair, Mary Beechey, Andrew Gough, Brian Greenfield, Malcolm Greenwood, Oz Hall, Brian May, Alf Oliver, and Clerk Mavis Bassett

6 parishioners

Apologies: Pat Bingham, Anne Parkinson, Ivan Ould, and Kevin Morrell

a) A parishioner reported that a high hedge was blocking the view as you turned into Ratcliffe Lane from the Main Road. Chair agreed to talk to landowners

b) Ian Papworth gave an update on Sheepy Greens’ activities. Members of the group had attended a Community Buildings Training Day, the aim of which was to improve Energy Efficiency of Buildings. The Chair reported that at the last meeting of the Memorial Hall Committee, they had decided to delay energy saving measures until other large projects were completed.

Ian also said that planned litter picks were being organised in the village. After discussion, the meeting agreed that the village was looking better and that there was a lot less litter.

c) A parishioner asked if there was still a restricton on heavy goods vehicles travelling down Ratcliffe Lane. Andrew Gough responded that this restriction was still in place and the parishioner was advised to make a not of registration numbers and advise the police.

3) Minutes of the last meeting – The minutes were approved as a true and correct record.

a) BT Telephone kiosk at Sibson – Clerk reported that notification had been given to BT and H &BBC and this was being processed. Eventually there will be a disconnection charge for electricity of between £150 and £250.

b) Telephone Kiosk at Sheepy – Andrew Gough reported that the phone and electricity supply had been removed and that the phone box would go in about four weeks.

c) Bosworth Community Forum - Chair reported on proceedings. Sheepy Memorial Hall. Sheepy Scouts and Sheepy Playing Fields were all bidding for share of the money. A decision will be made in December.

d) Sheepy Playing Fields Association – copy of accounts received and it was noted that Public Liability insurance had been paid.

e) No Waiting in Church Lane – The Chair reported that he had received a telephone call from a parishioner, who was upset with the decision made by the Parish Council at the last meeting to abandon the request for double yellow lines in Church Lane.

f) Parish Council Notice boards – Andrew Gough reported that work would start on the notice boards in early December.

g) Dog Bins - H &BBC were now emptying the bins and the Clerk was asked to write to Paul Roberts, explaining that we would no longer require his services.

h) Village Signs – Still awaiting artwork for Sheepy Parva sign. Clerk reminded the meeting that we would need invoices by the end of the calendar year to claim grant.

i) Neighbourhood Watch – Brian May reported that Pat Bingham was still following this up.

5) Report by County Councillor – no report available.

6) Report by Borough Councillor – no report available.

The following was discussed:

H & BBC – Parish & Community Initiative Fund 2010- Clerk to make other organisations aware of this.

Voluntary Action – Rosemary Leeson, Development Officer, to attend December meeting

8) Crime and Safety. – Andrew Gough reported that there had been ten recorded crimes in the Parish of Sheepy within the last 30 days, of which 4 involved the theft of caravans from Home Farm. The figures also included a Land Rover, which had been stolen and a burglary in Sheepy Parva and Sheepy Magna.

He also reported on a Police Surgery, which had been held in the lay by at Sheepy Magna that morning. 6 people had attended and it was anticipated that further surgeries would be held next year.

Councillor Gough also said that there had been an increase in fly tipping, although this had been removed within 24 hours by H &BBC, but the Borough Council have closed circuit TVs available and the meeting was asked to consider if one was needed near Lovetts Bridge. After discussion, it was agreed that the Chair should talk to Kevin Morrell.

A bank reconciliation, as at end September, and proposed budget for 2010/11 had been issued to Councillors prior to meeting. The Clerk ran through the budget and said that most of the budget headings had inflationary price increases. Donations were discussed and it a figure of £3,500 was agreed. It was expected that there would be a request from Sibson Village Hall, Sheepy Memorial Hall and Sheepy PTA. Miscellaneous was set at £2,000 to cover work to headstones and as a contingency. The precept was agreed at £22,000, the same as this year. It was proposed by Brian Greenfield, seconded by Andrew Gough and all in agreement that the Budget should be accepted.

10) Meeting Dates 2010 – The meeting agreed that they should continue to meet the first Tuesday in the month, with no meeting in January or July. It was noted that the meeting in April was Easter Tuesday.

11) Clerk’s Salary Increase - The Chair advised that the 2009/10 National Salary Award for Local Council Clerks has now been agreed. New rates published show an increase of 1% applicable from April 2009. The new rate for scp 22 from 1^ST April 09. will be £10.198p per hour. Car Allowance will also increase to 42.9p (451-999cc) 47.7p (1000-1199cc) 60.1p (1200- 1450cc). Proposed by Alf Oliver, seconded by Malcolm Greenwood and all in agreement that Clerk should be paid the new rate from 1^st April 2009 and that car allowance should be accepted for anyone claiming travel expenses. After discussion, the Chair asked the Clerk if she would log her hours and report back.

The following were presented for payment in November:

P Roberts Dog Bins £110.00

M Bassett Salary/arr/com/tel/windows/postage £638.93

Brian Mee Grasscutting August/September £412.28*

Eon Streetlighting for September £23.85*

Bridge Farm Nursery Plants for tubs £52.00

A Gough Travel expenses £9.62

*includes VAT

The following was noted without comment:

09/00742/FUL Double Garage, Mill Lane, Sheepy Parva

09/00779/FUL Wind Turbine, Greenhill, Twycross Road, Sheepy Magna

a) The following information showing Councillors’ attendance over past twelve months, was circulated prior to meeting.

Jim Aldridge 100% Kevin Morrell 70%

Oz Hall 100% Mary Beechey 60%

Brian May 100% Malcolm Greenwood 60%

Andrew Gough 90% Anne Parkinson 40%

Brian Greenfield 80% Alf Oliver 40%

Pat Bingham 70%

b) Mary Beechey reported that Orton Lane was sinking just past Smiths’ house. Clerk to report to Highways.

c) Andrew Gough read out a section from Neighbourhood Watch newsletter, which said that Sat Navs still emit signals when switched off, so they should not be left in cars.

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