The verified minutes of the Keysoe and Bolnhurst Parish Council meeting held on 20th February 2006 were;

1. MEMBERS PRESENT
Cllr. Mrs Gear (Chairman), Cllr. Mrs Browning, Cllr. Burge, Cllrs. Mrs Landmann, Mrs Pope, Mrs Whitmore, Cllr. Worth, County Cllr. Tom Wootton and 4 members of the public. The Clerk Mrs Maddison was in attendance.

2. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE FROM MEETING
Borough Cllr. Ian Clifton arrived late due to attending another meeting.

3. DECLARATIONS OF MEMBERS PERSONAL OR PREJUDICIAL INTERESTS IN THE BUSINESS TO BE TRANSACTED HEREUNDER
Cllrs. Mrs Landmann and Mrs Pope declared a prejudicial interest in item no. 14.

4. TO VERIFY THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON MONDAY 12th DECEMBER 2005
These were both signed as a true record.

5. OPEN FORUM FOR MEMBERS AND THE PUBLIC TO SPEAK
Cllr. Mrs Whitmore asked the Clerk to look into the grant for desktop publishing as advertised in the Bugle. Cllr. Mrs Browning reported that the newly erected railings at Bolnhurst looked good.  Cllr. Worth had investigated reports that the Bus Shelter outside of the White Horse was damaged and is a safety hazard to the public.  He reported that some remedial work is necessary and that this should be carried out as soon as possible for safety reasons. It was agreed that he would instruct the handyman to carry out the necessary remedial works to make the shelter safe and that this would be placed onto the next agenda.

6. MATTERS ARISING FROM PREVIOUS MEETINGS ‘INFORMATION ONLY’
- A reply from the Mayor regarding the Concessionary Fares Scheme on service buses had been received. With one exception (the X5 service to Milton Keynes), the Borough Council are able to provide a bus service free for pensioners with a Bedford Borough Council Bus Pass at any time of the day and for any single journey starting from a point within the borders of Bedford Borough.
- Bedford Borough Council – Bedford Development Framework, Core strategy and Rural Issues plan had been read by Cllr. Worth and he gave a synopsis of the plan.  This will be filed with the plan.

7. PLANNING APPLICATIONS FOR DISCUSSION
05/03250/FUL and 05/03251/LBC – Erection of bin/waste compound, resiting of external staircase and installation of external refrigeration unit (development already carried out) at Ye Olde Plough, Kimbolton Road, Bolnhurst – Permission granted.
05/02773/COU – Change of use of agricultural barn to Business B1 and domestic garages at Mount Pleasant Farm, School Lane, Bolnhurst, Beds – Permission granted.

8. FINANCE
Cllr. Mrs Whitmore proposed that the following accounts be paid. This was seconded by Cllr. Mrs Pope and agreed unanimously.

Clerks Account £333.56 British Telecom £57.71 Keysoe Village Hall Rent £135.50

The following cheque had been issued during the month:

NALC - Quality Status Application Fee £29.38

Biffaward have forwarded half the grant which is £2,383.50.


9. CLERKS HOURLY RATES AS FROM 01.04.06 AS PER NALC RECOMMENDATIONS AND NEW/UPDATED CONTRACT OF EMPLOYMENT
The new revised Hourly rates had been received from NALC.  The Chairman informed the Council that NALC had reached a new national agreement on terms and conditions of employment for Clerks. After considerable discussion it was agreed that the Clerk would type out a new Contract of employment and this would be circulated to all Councillors ready for discussion at the next meeting.  It was also agreed unanimously that the Spinal Column Point of pay should be set at 22, and this would take effect as of 1.04.06
 
10. UPDATE OF PLAYING FIELD AND POSSIBILITY OF FORMATION OF COMMITTEE
The Clerk had asked Richard Browning and John Banks to complete their works to the playing field.  Under the planning condition, the field may be used by hirers of the Village Hall; however, they cannot exclude members of the public using the field. Cllr. Mrs Browning reported that as she was booking secretary for the Village Hall, she would inform all hirers of this. After considerable discussions Cllr. Mrs Landmann proposed that a small committee of parish councillors and non parish councillors be formed to oversee the day to day running of the playing field, however without delegated powers.  This was seconded by Cllr. Mrs Pope and agreed unanimously. This will be advertised in the Village Voice and discussed at the next parish council meeting.
 
11. APPLICATION FROM KYMBROOK AFTER SCHOOL CLUB FOR A RURAL GRANT FROM BEDFORD BOROUGH COUNCIL
A grant application had been received for the amount of £1494.02 to purchase trikes and other outdoor toys.  It was agreed unanimously to support this application.

12. OPENING OF THE GRASS CUTTING TENDERS FOR 2006 AND CONTRACT DETAILS
The Clerk opened the tenders and they were as follows: - Alan Summerfield £500 plus VAT per cut and £60.00 plus Vat per cut of the playing field.  RW & JR Maddison £532.00 plus VAT per cut and £65.00 plus VAT per cut of the playing field.  AI Topham & Son £480.85 plus VAT per cut. They are unable to tender for cutting of the playing field.  Cllr. Worth proposed that both contracts be awarded to Alan Summerfield.  This was seconded by Cllr. Mrs Landmann and agreed unanimously.

13. REPORT FROM THE NORTH EAST BEDS COMMUNITY LIAISON FORUM
This was attended by Cllr. Mrs Landmann who gave the following synopsis of the meeting:  Helen Dow gave a brief talk on the Highways – Ring 01234 228661 if you have any problems. Considerable concerns were voiced regarding the response times of Ambulances to Dean and Shelton. Bob Durbin on behalf of the Ambulance service reported that response times were difficult for the outlying areas.  He suggested that people wait outside with a torch or put your car on the road with the hazard lights on to help the ambulance find the address.  Sgt. Gail Mulvaney was delighted to announce that the police had arrested a person who was responsible for at least 20 crimes in Ravensden and Renhold. Police Constable Support Officers are being introduced.  These are being 75% government funded and 25% funded by Parish Councils. 

14. OFFER FROM VILLAGE SHOW AT KEYSOE TO FUND A NEW SEAT FOR THE PLAYING FIELD
The Village Show Committee has chosen a seat which matches the one outside of the Village Hall which they would like to make a donation towards for the new playing field. The Village Show Committee has a team of persons willing to cement the seat in, in an agreed position.  The Village Show suggested that the parish Council purchase the seat and the Village Show will make a donation to cover the cost. This was proposed by Cllr Mrs Whitmore and seconded by Cllr. Worth and was agreed unanimously.

15. UPDATE ON AFFORDABLE HOUSING
Cllrs. Mrs Gear, Mrs Landmann and Cllr. Worth had visited a site in Buckingham where the Rural Housing Trust was erecting some houses.  Cllr. Worth reported that they were very impressive and were being built to a very good standard.  A lot of thought had gone into the design of them.  The Rural Housing Trust is sending some designs through to the Clerk.

16. HIGHWAYS REPORT
Cllr. Mrs Whitmore reported that the railings around the Pond had been replaced. The new footpath outside of Pegasus in Bolnhurst has now been marked out. A meeting will take place on 21.02.06 between Mr David Richardson and Mr Brian Franklin to discuss the possibility of widening Church Road and also replacing some white posts outside of two properties.

17. FINAL DETAILS OF ANNUAL PARISH MEETING INCLDUING REFRESHMENT DETAILS
The Chairman asked if all the Parish Councillors could be at the Village Hall by 7pm.  She has asked Mrs Worth and Mrs Burge to serve the refreshments which will be provided by the Cllrs. – Clerk to notify them.

18. CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED
- Bedford Borough Council – Scrutiny and Policy Review and Development Committee’s Work Programmes – Are there any items that the Parish Council would like them to investigate?  The Clerk will ask them to investigate any proposed Wind Turbines.
- Review of School Structures in Bedfordshire Consultation Project – Would anyone like to attend a workshop on 16.03.06? Or electronic response available. – No one available.
- Bedfordshire County Council Church Service will be held on Sunday 2nd April 2006 at St. Paul’s, Bedford – RSVP by 10.03.06 – No one available
- Safer Communities Network Forum will be held on Monday 1st March at 2pm at Bedford Corn Exchange – RSVP 20.02.06 – No one available
- Bedford Borough Council – Planning Briefings received – Development and Flood Risk, Code for Sustainable Homes, Planning Gain Supplement, New Planning Policy Statement 3 (Housing) – Clerk to file

19. CLOSE OF BUSINESS
There being no other business, the Chairman closed the meeting at 21:00 hours