The Town Council
The Town Council consists of thirteen members, nine representing the town of Presteigne and four covering the village of Norton. All members are chosen by ballot every four years, having been proposed and seconded by parishioners. To be eligible for election, a prospective member has to reside in the community or within three miles of the Parish boundary or own property in the parish.
Once elected, the councillors select their own Chairperson for the year (then known as the Mayor) and a deputy. The Mayor presides over all meetings of the Council, which meets once a month.
The Council employs a Town Clerk who attends all meetings, taking minutes and dealing with any correspondence deemed necessary after a meeting.
Among the main concerns of the Council are local planning applications, which are forwarded to us by Powys County Council for any comments or objections, but over which we have no final jurisdiction. We also inform Powys County Council of any problems in maintenance required to roads, street lighting, children’s play areas etc.
Financial responsibilities are limited to paying our clerk, giving donations as we see fit to help run local organisations and maintaining local amenity grounds belonging to the town. Recently, we have taken over responsibility for the running and upkeep of a toilet block, which Powys CC wanted to close.
A place on the Council is an interesting position, enabling local people to help care for their own area and environment.
Contact.
To contact the Town Council please write to our clerk, Tracey Price, Garn Farm, Chaple Lawn, Bucknell, Shropshire, SY7 0BT, or email her at pntc@hotmail.com.
Presteigne Memorial Hall
The Town Council commissioned a report on the future of the Memorial Hall in January 2007. If you would like to see the report which contains a lot of interesting information please click this link - Memorial Hall Report.
If you would like to see the appendices referred to in the report click the appropriate following links Appendix 1, | Appendix 2, Appendix 3, Appendix 4, Appendix 5.
Documents Available
Please click on the document you wish to see.Accounts for year ending 310309 - general , Accounts for year ending 310309 - meadow , Accounts for year ending 310309 - receipts, Assets as at 310308 , Precept 2008-9 final , Financial Regulations , Standing Orders and Chairmanship , Freedom of Information Publication Scheme Notice , Freedom of Information Model Scheme , Freedom of Information Act Information Guide
Most Recent Approved Minutes
If you want to view or download earlier approved minutes please click as appropriate: April 2009 , March 2009 , February 2009 , February 4th 2009 , January 2009 , December 2008 , November 2008 , October 2008 , November 3rd 2008 , September 2008 , August Walk 2008, July 2008 , June 2008 , 4th June 2008 , May 2008
MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 15th APRIL 2009 AT THE SHIRE HALL, BROAD STREET, PRESTEIGNE
Present: Cllrs. C. Kirkby (Mayor), J. Wilding (Deputy Mayor), Ms. B. Baynham, N. Green, Ms. N. Humphreys, J. Kendall, P. Robinson, P. Spawton, J. Tennant-Eyles.
Apologies: H Owens, B. Price, J. Simpson, Ms. A. Wake.
In Attendance: Mrs T. Price, Town Clerk
Declarations of Interest. Members were requested to declare any personal and/or prejudicial interests they may have in matters to be considered at this meeting in accordance with the terms of the Local Authorities (Model Code of Conduct Order) (Wales) Order 2008.
Personal None
Personal and Prejudicial None
MIN 2056 FINANCE
(1) Donations:
Hope House £25
(John Beddoes pupils Aquathon)
Mid Border Arts £500.00 (precepted)
Electric Bike Race (Tour de Presteigne) £250.00 (precepted)
The request from the Powys Carers Service was considered carefully and it was agreed to donate the sum of £200 for this financial year. The Clerk was asked to advise the Service that applications should be made in November of one year so that consideration could be given to including it in the budget for the following year. She was also asked to ask for details on the number of carers helped in the Presteigne and Norton area.
Powys Carers Service £200
Members then considered the application for £200 from the Bobby Van Scheme. Although it was felt by some to be a useful service it was agreed to defer consideration of the request until more information on the help given in the Presteigne area could be obtained.
(2) Payments: The following payments were approved:
Powys County Council £57.50
(Playground Inspections ROSPA) MEADOW ACCOUNT
Npower (electricity supply Barn) £33.52
MEADOW ACCOUNT
KFS (materials for Meadow/Barn tidy up) £92.51
MEADOW ACCOUNT
SLCC Annual Membership for Clerk £105.00
SLCC Working with Your Council Course £150.00
Petty Cash £75.00
It was agreed not to re-join One Voice Wales at this time.
(3) Annual Accounts - Members had received a full copy of the accounts and bank reconciliation for 2008/09. Members all agreed to approve the annual accounts.
(4) VAT Return 2008/09 - The Clerk reported that the annual VAT return had been completed.
MIN 2057 APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The Minutes of 18th March were approved with no amendments. The Mayor then duly signed the Minutes.
MIN 2058 MATTERS ARISING
(1) Clerks Salary - Cllr. Kirkby confirmed that he had asked the Clerk to keep a record of the number of hours worked as this would help Members review the number of hours paid in future years.
(2) Presteigne Bowling Club - Members heard that no response had been received and it was agreed that the Clerk make no further efforts to obtain the accounts.
(3) Footpath Matters - A site meeting was to be arranged with Carlton Parry of Powys County Council to look at the Kissing Gates on Wents Meadow.
(4) Shoppers Car Park - Cllr. Kirkby confirmed that the money for the work had been protected and would now be carried out as soon as possible in this financial year.
(5) Planning - Cllr. Kirkby expressed disappointment at the tone of the recent letters in the Mid Wales Journal regarding a recent planning decision.
(6) School Modernisation Programme - The Clerk confirmed that Gareth Jones of Powys County Council had agreed to speak at the July Meeting. Cllr. Kirkby explained that there were no Community/Town Councillors on the present panel for School Modernisation in Ystradgynlais (other than those who were also County Councillors/School Governors) but that Gareth Jones had indicated he would be happy to include Town Council Member(s) on a work stream for the Presteigne catchment area.
(7) Re-Cycling - Cllr. Kirkby informed Members that a copy of the Adopt-a-Site Agreement had now been received and that some queries had been raised with Powys County Council. He agreed to report back to the May meeting.
(8) Road Issues - The Clerk confirmed that the information sign in Station Road had been looked at by Gwyneth Mills of Powys County Council and that details had been passed on to the appropriate Officer. Cllr. Ms. Baynham confirmed that the potholes in Station Road were being attended to at the moment. Cllr. Kirkby confirmed that he had been to look at the spot where a vehicle was regularly parking and obstructing the car park exit. He agreed to informally ask the police to keep an eye on the area.
(9) Trees, Norton Manor - The Clerk confirmed that Powys County Council would be writing to the land owners involved asking them to take action.
(10) Trees, Clatterbrook - The Clerk confirmed that Carlton Parry of Powys County Council had managed to contact the residents concerned and advise them on the situation.
(11) Castle Dyche Footpath - Cllr. Kirkby had been to look at the wall and confirmed that the work was very poor. The Clerk was asked to write to Powys County Council to ask why no action had been taken.
(12) Youth Centre - The Clerk had reported the Council's concerns and it was agreed that the situation be monitored.
MIN 2059 PLANNING
(1) The following applications were considered -
P2009 0371 Listed Building Consent, insertion of French doors in south east elevation at Godwyn House, Broad Street, Presteigne - No objections were raised to this application.
P2009 0375 Renewal, outline, erection of a dwelling at Harford House, Hereford Street, Presteigne - No objections were raised to this application.
P2009 0366 Change of Use from B1, B2 and B8 to retail, wholesale, storage and distribution and/or B1, B2 and B8 at Unit 6, Morgan Building, Industrial Estate, Presteigne - Members discussed the issue of allowing retail activities on an industrial site but on consideration agreed that it would not be appropriate to object as there were existing retail operations already in place. They did ask however that the Clerk recommend that adequate parking be provided for the use of customers.
TREE2009 0001 - Works to tree, complete removal of T1 cypress (leylandi) and replant another tree at Near Caravan west of Manor House, Norton Manor Park, Norton - Members were concerned at the continued removal of mature trees on the site generally which had resulted in the park homes becoming increasingly visible. They felt that this implication was not being considered when individual applications were submitted. The Clerk was asked to make these comments and to suggest that trimming/pruning of the tree be given full consideration as an alternative to complete removal.
(2) Information Reports -
Planning Application, Feed Mill on Countrywide Site - The Clerk reported that the planning application would be before the Planning Committee on 12th May at the earliest. Cllr. Tennant-Eyles gave details of the meeting between himself, Cllr. Kirkby and Mr. John Westmacott of Land Energy. He confirmed that the company remained committed to the project and was agreeable to the principle of community benefit, although preferring to supply this in kind (pellets/heat) rather than cash. Members debated the possibility of using planning gain to formalise the suggested community benefit and agreed that Cllr. Kirkby have further discussions with Mr. Westmacott before proceeding any further. The Clerk agreed to circulate Cllr. Tennant-Eyles' full report to all Members.
With regard to community benefits on renewable energy generally the Clerk was asked to contact Powys County Council to see how the Community Benefits Scheme was progressing.
Local Development Plan - Powys County Council had replied to the Town Council's comments indicating that they would try to eliminate unnecessary jargon in future documents.
MIN 2060 HIGHWAYS HOUSING & ENVIRONMENT
(1) Allotments - Cllr. Kirkby read out parts of the various replies from Powys County Council, Roger Williams and Kirsty Williams. It was noted that a map detailing the land owned by Powys County Council was still awaited. Members were pleased that Powys County Council had agreed to meet in Presteigne to look at possible sites although no date had been set as yet.
Cllr. Ms. Baynham had worked with the Allotment Association to identify the possible sites and draw up a list of contacts. Letters had now been sent by the Clerk to all those on the list with land still available and letters had also been sent to all those who had indicated an initial interest in having an allotment asking for confirmation of their interest and the size of plot required. Cllr. Tennant-Eyles and the Clerk had visited one site and met with the current tenant and Cllr. Kirkby had also been approached by another land owner.
Cllr. Spawton asked if the Association would consider a split site and Cllr. Kirkby replied that he was sure this would be considered although one site would, he believed, be preferred.
The Clerk was asked to investigate the grant options available to further the project and also to obtain details of the rules regarding Council borrowing.
Cllr. Wilding asked if there was any possibility that a site could be operational for this years planting and Cllr. Kirkby replied that this was extremely unlikely.
(2) Affordable Housing -. Cllr. Tennant-Eyles confirmed that he and Cllr. Owens had visited two of the land owners and that both had confirmed they might be interested. He was to meet Terry Flynn of Powys County Council in the next few days to pass on the details. Powys County Council would then take matters further.
(3) Local Dentist - Cllr. Kirkby informed Members that the Clerk had now written to Kirsty Williams to ask for her help in obtaining funding.
(4) Street Lighting - The change requested at the last meeting had now been carried out.
(5) School Funding in Powys and John Beddoes - A reply had now been received from the Welsh Assembly Government. It was agreed that no further comment was needed. Cllr. Kendall informed Members that a rescue package for schools had been put together by Powys County Council and that this would be voted upon on 30th April.
(6) Proposed Amendments to Traffic Restrictions, High Street - Cllr. Kirkby informed Members that due to funding restrictions the Highways Section were unable to issue the necessary traffic orders and so the yellow lines proposed would not, for the time being, be placed.
(7) 20 MPH Zone - Powys County Council had replied indicating that this would not be possible at present.
(8) Transition Presteigne - Cllr. Tennant-Eyles informed Members of two forthcoming events and also gave details of the website for the group - www.transitionpresteigne.wikispaces.com. This could also be accessed via the Presteigne town website.
(9) Rockbridge Footpath - Cllr. Kirkby confirmed that Carlton Parry of Powys County Council had now spoken to the land agent and that he was still hopeful that matters would be concluded satisfactorily.
(10) Safe Routes to School - The Clerk had received confirmation that funding had been obtained for the feasibility study and that this was due to start in May.
(11) Bike Racks - Anthea Jones had confirmed that she had no funding available in her budget at present but that the provision of racks might be included in the above feasibility study. It was agreed that no further action be taken.
MIN 2061 NORTON MATTERS
(1) Norton Manor - Members discussed the entertainment events at the Manor and the problems which had been reported. Powys County Council were continuing to monitor events. Concerns were raised over the age of many of the youngsters attending. It was felt that extreme care needed to be taken to prevent under age drinking. Cllr. Green agreed to visit the Manor and talk to the proprietor.
(2) Traffic Monitoring/Site Meeting - Cllr. Spawton reported on a very positive site meeting with Gwyneth Mills of Powys County Council and outlined the actions agreed upon. These were - police enforcement as requested by both the Town Council and Powys County Council and temporary 30mph Speed Activated Signs - periodically installed at the sites discussed.
MIN 2062 WENTS MEADOW
(1) Spring Tidy Up - Cllr. Kirkby reported on recent damage at the barn and on the recent tidy up on the Meadow generally. The Clerk confirmed she had asked Powys County Council for a padlock to use on the gates.
(2) Present Inspections - Members were informed that Mr. Cross who had diligently inspected the Meadow for many years had decided to retire. The Clerk had written to thank him for all his hard and conscientious work. Cllr. Kirkby agreed to visit to thank him personally on behalf of the Council and to present him with a small gift.
(3) Future Arrangements - It was agreed that Mr. Hopkins be asked to undertake the inspections in future and Cllr. Tennant-Eyles had drawn up a check sheet to be completed at each visit. Visits to be twice weekly and to commence as soon as possible. A three month trial period to be undertaken initially.
(4) Play Area Inspections - Although a verbal report had been received the written reports had not yet arrived and it was agreed to defer this item until such time as they were received.
MIN 2063 MEMORIAL HALL
Cllr. Tennant-Eyles reported that both the grant application had been submitted and that the first panel met on 20th April.
He was also able to confirm that the Hall Committee had agreed to pay half the cost of the additional hours worked by the Clerk on the project.
MIN 2064 PUBLIC CONVENIENCES
These had been successfully opened and a number of jobs carried out, including the completion of the painting and the repair of a burst pipe.
Cllr. Tennant-Eyles reported that a new electrical certificate would be needed from mid May and that on initial inspection the electrician had identified a number of matters that needed attention. The estimated cost was between £150 to £200 for the work and around £100 for the parts. Members were happy to authorise this expenditure although Cllr. Tennant-Eyles agreed to check the lease to confirm that the Town Council was liable to pay for this work.
MIN 2065 CORRESPONDENCE
(1)` County Service of Commitment to World Peace and Remembrance - The invitation was passed to the Mayor.
(2) Trees over Clatterbrook - See matters arising.
(3) Invitation to visit National Assembly Senedd Building - No one wished a visit to be arranged.
(4) Bunting, Presteigne - The usual confirmation of support was noted.
(5) Presteigne Underpass (Letter re. cycling/blind entrance) - Members asked the Clerk to confirm that a barrier was needed primarily at the top end of the underpass.
(6) Planning Training Session with Planning Aid Wales - Members were informed that the Town Council was unsuccessful in the draw to win a free training session.
(7) Broadaxe Business Park, Presteigne (Map confirming areas in WAG ownership) - This information was noted.
(8) Animal Aid Compassionate Charter (Letter re. adoption of this Charter) - Cllr. Kirkby took this information.
MIN 2066 INFORMATION ONLY/ON THE TABLE
The items for information were noted.
MIN 2067 OTHER MATTERS
Cllr. Kirkby drew Members attention to the recent article on Silia Wood.
It was confirmed that no one had been able to attend the recent East Radnor and the Borders Health Focus Group meeting.
Honorary Citizen - The possibility of using this provision in special cases was raised and Cllr. Kirkby agreed to bring the matter back to the May meeting for further comment.
There being no further business to discuss, the meeting closed at 9.30 pm.
