Allotments
To download an application form click Allotments application form
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 is working with the Memorial Hall Committee to secure the future of the Memorial Hall. If you would like to see more information about this click here
Documents Available
Please click on the document you wish to see Accounts year end 31/3/10, general, Accounts year end 31/3/10, meadow , Accounts year end 31/3/10, allotments Accounts year end 31/3/10, receipts, Precept 10-11 , Financial Regulations 2010 , 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: June 2010 , May 2010 , April 2010 , March 2010 , February 2010 , January 2010 , December 2009 November 2009 , October 2009 September 22 2009 ,September 2009 , July 2009 , June 2009 , May 2009
MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 16th JUNE 2010
AT THE SHIRE HALL, BROAD STREET, PRESTEIGNE
Present: Cllrs. J. Tennant-Eyles (Mayor), J. Kendall, (Deputy Mayor), Ms. B. Baynham, N. Green, Ms. N. Humphreys, C. Kirkby, H Owens, P. Robinson, J. Wilding.
Apologies: Cllrs. B. Price, Ms. J. Simpson, P. Spawton, 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
Cllr. Ms. N. Humphreys Planning Items - P2010 00561 and P2010 00562.
MIN 2227 DECLARATION OF ACCEPTANCE OFFICE - MAYOR
Cllr. Tennant-Eyles duly completed his formal acceptance of Office which was witnessed by the Clerk.
MIN 2228 FINANCE
(1) Donations:
No donations were made this month.
(2) Payments:
J. Tennant-Eyles (Mayor's Allowance 1st Payment) £500.00
Clearview Cleaning Services (HFD) Ltd £374.65
(cleaning services Wilson Terrace Toilets) (£318.85 plus VAT)
Pump International Ltd £184.25
(allotments) (£156.81 plus VAT)
KFS £42.47
(allotments) (£36.15 plus VAT)
A.G. Hopkins (Meadow Inspections) £18.00
(MEADOW ACCOUNT)
(3) Receipts:
HM Revenue and Customs VAT Refund £1799.56
Powys County Council re. allotments £909.50
(4) Internal Auditor: Members had received the Clerk's separate report on the appointment of a replacement for Mr. Morris. It was agreed that the Clerk make arrangements to meet those interested in taking over as auditor before any decision on an appointment was made.
MIN 2229 APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The Minutes of 19th May were approved without any amendment. The Mayor then duly signed the Minutes.
MIN 2230 MATTERS ARISING / CLERKS REPORT
(1) Clerk's Report - The Clerk's report was noted.
(2) Overgrown Hedge - Cllr. Wilding agreed to remind the owner to trim the hedge.
(3) Killhorse Lane, Norton - The Clerk agreed to contact Powys County Council again to see when this work would be carried out.
(4) Transition Presteigne - Cllr. Tennant-Eyles had attended this meeting but had nothing to report.
(5) Highway Works, Norton - The Clerk had obtained the details from Cllr. Wilding and these had been reported and dealt with by Powys County Council.
(6) Revision of Council Standing Orders - Cllr, Kendall and the Clerk were in the process of writing a report on the new model standing orders from NALC. This report would be circulated prior to the July meeting. Copies of the model orders were issued to each Member for cross reference to the report when issued.
(7) Relationship Building between Community Councils and Unitary Authorities - The Clerk had written to Powys County Council as requested and received a positive reply. Cllr. Tennant-Eyles had also spoken to Powys and reported that Powys was seeking a letter of support for the initiative from the Town Council. It was unanimously agreed that this would be a very useful initiative and that the Clerk write in support as requested.
(8) Missing Part of Footpath - Cllr. Kirkby pointed out that this was at the Old Mill, not St. Mary's Mill.
(9) Litter Bins - Three separate issues were under discussion with Powys County Council, the additional bin on the by pass, extra bins to assist with dog fouling issues and the replacement of the bins in High Street with ones having a recycling facility. The Clerk agreed to press Powys County Council for action on these matters.
(10) Norton Manor, Listed Building Query - No response had been received from Powys County Council to date.
(11) Safe Routes to School - Cllr. Wilding informed Members that a further site visit was due to take place in the next fortnight.
MIN 2231 PLANNING
(1) Planning Applications:
Cllr. Ms. Humphreys left the room for this part of the meeting.
P2010 0562 for householder, formation of new access and erection of double garage at Roseland, Broad Street, Presteigne.
P2010 0561 Full, erection of a detached 3 / 4 bedroom dwelling and new access at Roseland, Broad Street, Presteigne.
No objections were raised to either of these applications although the increase in usage was noted as an issue to take into account.
Cllr. Ms. Humphreys returned to the room for this part of the meeting.
(2) Planning Decisions - Noted.
MIN 2232 HIGHWAYS, HOUSING AND ENVIRONMENT
(1) Affordable Housing - Nothing further to report. The Clerk agreed to contact Martin Rogers at MWHA to press for an update.
(2) Cwm Harry Land Trust Zero Waste Project - Cllr, Kirkby reported that the next meeting of the steering group was to be held on 28th June. The visit from Minister Jane Davidson was to take place on 2nd July.
(3) School Modernisation
John Beddoes Catchment Area Review - Cllr. Kendall gave a detailed update on recent matters. He had attended the first meeting of the catchment area review board on 26th May and due to the absence of three of the four County Councillors he had reminded the Board of the Town Council's request to be represented. The Clerk had also reminded the School Modernisation Manager of this request and as a result this matter was to be re-considered at the meeting of the Learning in the Community Programme Board on 6th July. Detailed surveys were being carried out of all the school building stock as a first step in the process of the review.
Powys Secondary School Review - Cllr. Kendall had attended the two sessions held at the Hay Festival. Powys County Council had issued a policy for consultation on 11th June and this was available on the County Council website. A set of feedback questions had been issued and it was agreed that these be circulated to everyone so that comments could be agreed at the July Meeting.
(4) Policing Matters - Cllr. Kendall circulated his report on the PACT meeting to those who weren't able to be present. Cllr. Tennant-Eyles reported that the number of incidents reported to the police was falling. He added that one resident was experiencing severe problems and that he was willing to meet this person if the Council agreed he should do so. Members were happy to give their agreement. Cllr. Wilding suggested that the Clerk write to the Housing Association to ask for their policy regarding nuisance neighbours but is was felt best to wait until after Cllr. Tennant-Eyles meeting with the resident concerned.
It was also noted that the issues raised at the meetings sometimes extended beyond the specific remit of the police and Cllrs. Kendall and Tennant-Eyles agreed to meet with the police prior to the next meeting to discuss this informally.
It was heard that the 101 non emergency number did not work from mobiles and the Clerk was asked to ask if this was to change in the future.
(5) Youth Matters - Cllr. Tennant-Eyles outlined a number of meetings held over the previous month and on the progress made. It was looking increasingly unlikely that the former Youth Centre building would be available. The use of the Drill Hall was being explored and he was hopeful of a positive outcome. One concern was the need for insurance cover but advice and assistance was being sought from Powys County Council Youth Services. The initial plan was to open for two evenings per week and extend this if/when required.
With regard to the youths currently creating problems a large amount of work was being done with these young people and later in the year a County Council run project was to take place with visits to Staylittle and London for the young people identified. As a result Cllr. Tennant-Eyles announced he would be holding his Mayor's fund raising event on 15th August and that 50% of the proceeds would be given to the Powys project detailed above and 50% to the other youth projects underway.
Reparation work was also being undertaken in the community and Cllr. Tennant-Eyles had met with the Youth Offending Service to discuss possible works that could be undertaken.
Cllr. Kirkby proposed that the Town Council give its full support to the work being undertaken by Cllr. Tennant-Eyles and this was agreed unanimously.
(6) Other Highway Matters - Cllr. Green commented on the amount of work that had been completed on local roads to repair the damage caused by the severe weather. It was noted that some road markings needed repainting and Cllr. Wilding reported that this was now taking place.
MIN 2233 NORTON MATTERS
(1) Traffic Speed Signs - The Clerk read the response from Powys County Council to the meeting. Cllr. Robinson stressed the need for a further site meeting before the signs returned to the village and in particular for the need for the sign on the Knighton side of the village to be placed further out, before the road narrowed. The Clerk was asked to write again to Powys County Council to repeat the request for a further site meeting.
There were no other items of Norton business.
MIN 2234 WENTS MEADOW
(1) Play Inspection Report (ROSPA) - These had now been received but the comments in respect of the skateboard area were unclear. Cllr. Kirkby agreed to contact the inspector and arrange to meet him on site for an explanation. The BMX track had been considered to be satisfactory although a further stone pick was required and it was felt this could be included in the list of reparation work Cllr. Tennant-Eyles was in the process of compiling.
(2) Community Orchard - Cllr. Ms. Humphreys reported that a number of the trees had suffered damage from the mowing equipment. It was agreed that Powys County Council were, as usual, doing an excellent job and that the damage had arisen through their efforts to mow tidily in the orchard area. The Clerk was asked to write informing Powys that the Town Council had no objection to a small area being left around the base of each tree to prevent any further damage.
(3) Withy Beds - Cllr. Kirkby reported that some damage had been done in this area and suggested this could also be put on the list of reparation works. Given that the Wildlife Trust was responsible for this area and would have to provide the materials, the Clerk was asked to contact them to see if they were willing for this to happen.
MIN 2235 MEMORIAL HALL
Nothing further to report. It was agreed to remove the item from the Agenda for the time being.
MIN 2236 ALLOTMENTS
(1) Risk Assessment - Members had received a copy of the risk assessment drawn up by the Clerk and Cllr. Tennant-Eyles. Following a discussion on the various elements it was agreed that the assessment be approved and it was duly signed by Cllr. Tennant-Eyles.
(2) General Update - It was reported that some work remained to be done to complete the water supply.
Cllr. Kirkby drew attention to a small area adjacent to the site which could usefully be stoned and asked that this be considered as part of the final works agreed with Powys County Council once the Warden ground was sold.
(3) PNAA Event for National Allotment Week - A request had been received from the PNAA to use the overflow car park area on 14th August. A number of events were planned and Members agreed to give permission. The PNAA had requested that the area be mowed prior to the event and this would be done in conjunction with the main car parking field if possible but if this did not happen in time the PNAA had agreed to cut the area themselves.
MIN 2237 PUBLIC CONVENIENCES
(1) Automatic Flush, Gents Toilet - This was reported to still not be working and the Cleaner was rinsing the urinals with disinfectant regularly. This seemed to be a more than adequate alternative and would cut out the cost of a service contract to the firm concerned. All agreed that the present arrangement continue.
(2) Disabled Toilet Lock - Cllr. Tennant-Eyles reminded Members that he had adjusted this so that it was less easy to access without the correct key.
(3) Lighting - Cllr. Tennant-Eyles advised Members of the electricians report on the lighting - there being several lights not working. Members considered that the outside lights were not necessary due to the light at the tennis courts. Replacement of the others would be considered further when the locations of the working lights had been checked.
MIN 2238 CORRESPONDENCE
(1) Code of Conduct Refresher Training - Cllrs. Tennant-Eyles and Kendall together with the Clerk would be attending the training on the 30th June.
(2) Presteigne and Norton Community Support AGM - Cllr. Tennant-Eyles and the Clerk agreed to attend on behalf of the Town Council.
(3) Presteigne St. Andrews Football Club Annual Bonfire and Fireworks Display - Members heard that the Club had written to inform the Council that Welsh Water had withdrawn their permission for the Club to use the Water Board ground and that efforts to find another site had so far been unsuccessful. Members agreed that the Clerk write to the Water Board supporting the Club's request that the matter be re-considered.
(4) PCC East Radnor Mobile Youth Project Opening - Members were invited to attend this event at the Memorial Hall on 4pm on 2nd July.
(5) Powys County Council Letter inviting inspection of their accounts - Noted. The Clerk was asked to find out if the accounts were available on the County Council website.
(6) One Voice Wales Conference and AGM - Noted.
(7) Mid and West Wales Fire Authority Draft Annual Action Plan Consultation - No comment to make.
(8) Replacement of Council Printer - This replacement of the printer used by the Clerk was agreed subject to a maximum budget of £150-£170.
(9) Junior Council - Cllr. Green reported on a number of meetings that had been attended by himself, Cllr. Tennant-Eyles and the Clerk. It was agreed that the matter be considered further at a later meeting.
(10) East Radnorshire Day Care Centre AGM - Cllr. Wilding had attended the AGM which had been held on the same evening as the PACT meeting. Copies of the report and accounts were available for information.
(11) East Radnorshire Leisure Centre Management Committee Meeting 17th June - Cllr. Green indicated that he wished to stand down from acting as Town Council representative due to his involvement with the youth projects. He agreed to attend the meeting the following evening and Cllr. Ms. Baynham agreed to attend as Town Council representative at future meetings.
(12) Play Area Survey, Presteigne - Cllr. Ms. Baynham agreed to complete this.
MIN 2239 INFORMATION ITEMS
The items for information were noted.
MIN 2240 URGENT INFORMATION
It was agreed to commence the July meeting at 7pm.
There being no further business to discuss, the meeting closed at 10.00 pm.
