The verified minutes of the Keysoe and Bolnhurst Parish Council meeting held on 16th January 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 six members of the public. The Clerk Mrs Maddison was in attendance.

2. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE FROM MEETING
Bor. Cllr. Ian Clifton.

3. DECLARATIONS OF MEMBERS PERSONAL OR PREJUDICIAL INTERESTS IN THE BUSINESS TO BE TRANSACTED HEREUNDER
None.

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
- The Chairman reported that the Parish Council had been awarded the Biffa Award Grant to fund the fencing and shrubs to the new playing field, but works could not be started until it has been confirmed in writing.
- Cllr. Mrs Whitmore reported that she attended the Christmas production at Sedgemoor College which was very good.
- Cllr. Mrs Whitmore asked the Clerk and Co. Cllr. Tom Wootton to chase up the new footpath in Bolnhurst which the Highways Partnership agreed to put in.
- Cllr. Mrs Landmann had received comments that the school sign on the B660 is lit up all night and this was thought to be a waste of money, the Clerk will look into.
- One member of the public asked if the DART Bus could be publicised more in the Village Voice as one of the routes has already been dissolved and she feared that if more people didn’t use the one in the village this may be next - Cllr. Mrs Gear will look into.

6. PLANNING APPLICATIONS FOR DISCUSSION
05/02946/FUL – Change of use of land from agriculture to overflow vehicle parking, overnight camping and siting of temporary stabling. Retention of landscaped earth bund at College Equestrian Centre, Church Road, Keysoe – Permission refused. Ian Johnson (chairman of the Eq. Centre Committee) reported that the Committee had met with Simon Bates (College Eq. Centre) regarding his revised plans for the re-submission of this application. The full minutes are in the file.  The Parish Council will look at these prior to their decision when the application is received.  Ian Johnson also reported that it may be worthwhile holding a meeting with the Highways Dept., the Parish Council and the College Eq. Centre regarding issues of traffic flow.  The Clerk will write to Co. Cllr. Tom Wootton to arrange this.
05/01446/LBC and 05/01458/FUL – Conversion of existing barns to form six holiday let dwellings at College Farm, Church Road, Keysoe – this has now changed from an appeal to an enquiry.

7. FINANCE
Cllr. Worth proposed that the following accounts be paid.  This was seconded by Cllr. Mrs Landmann and agreed unanimously.

Clerks Account £331.65 George Beverly (Handyman) £79.32 Bedford Bor. Council (new dog waste bin) £293.75

8. STATE OF REPAIR OF RAILINGS IN BOLNHURST
The Handyman had reported that these railings are in a weak and unsafe condition.  Cllr. Mrs Whitmore has contacted the Highways Dept. and they will look into this.

9. AFFORDABLE HOUSING
Following the recent presentations given by three housing associations/trusts over the past few months, Cllr. Mrs Pope proposed the Parish Council employs The Rural Housing Trust to start this process again with the first step being a needs survey. This was seconded by Cllr. Worth and with all in favour, this was agreed.  The Clerk will liaise with The Rural Housing Trust.

10. PARISH PRECEPT FOR 2006/7
The Clerk had circulated the predicted expenditure for the year 2006/7 prior to the meeting. Cllr. Mrs Browning proposed setting the Precept at £7000.00. This was seconded by Cllr. Burge and with all in favour, was agreed.

11. BEDFORDSHIRE POLICE – TOP THREE PRIORITES OF THE PARISH AND FOLLOW UP MEETING
The Clerk reported that PC Gary Baldwin will be in contact shortly to discuss the three priorities of the parish Council. It was agreed that Cllr. Burge and Cllr. Mrs Landmann would meet with him.

12. OAP BUS PASSES - FREE TRAVEL ONLY AFTER 9:30AM
It had been advertised in the local press that Frank Branston (Mayor) is proposing to stop OAP’S using their bus passes until after 9:30am. It was felt this is a totally unsuitable and unrealistic measure to take.  Many doctors’ surgeries operate an early morning open surgery.  This would mean from the rural areas you would not be able to get into town for any appointments either doctors/hospital or any others until well after 10:15. It was agreed that the Clerk would write to the Mayor to express the concerns of the Parish.

13. REPORT ON VILLAGE HALL LIQUOR and ENTERTAINMENTS LICENCE
Cllr. Mrs Landmann reported that Keysoe Village Hall is one of a few to have achieved a full liquor and entertainments licence.  However, the liquor licence is for in-house sales only and cannot therefore be extended onto the new playing field when events are held.  Mark Lightfoot is currently looking into extending the licence.

14. ELECTION IN MAY AND POSSIBLE PROMOTION TO GENERATE NEW CANDIDATES
It was agreed that Cllr. Mrs Landmann would liaise with Alan Woodward and write an article for the Village Voice to advertise the forthcoming elections in May with the hope of generating an interest of possible new candidates.

15. ANNUAL PARISH MEETING DETAILS TO INCLUDE GUEST SPEAKER AND DATES OF FORTHCOMING MEETINGS
It was agreed that the Clerk would ask Vladek Cirin from Bedfordshire County Council to speak on Emergency Planning.  Cllr. Mrs Browning proposed that the December Meeting be omitted. This was seconded by Cllr.Mrs Landmann and agreed.  The Clerk will print Agendas for the Annual Parish Meeting as in previous years.

16. LETTER ASKING FOR A DONATION FROM SHARNBROOK UPPER SCHOOL
The Clerk had circulated a copy of the letter prior to the meeting.  Sharnbrook Upper School have extended the school day to provide extra curricular activities after school and are therefore asking for a donation to fund transport.  The Clerk will write to the school for further information on how it will benefit the children/students from the Parish.

17. GRASS CUTTING REQUIREMENTS/TENDERS FOR 2006
The Grass cutting contract needs to be renewed this year.  The Clerk, aided by Cllr. Mrs Browning, will send out tenders to Alan Summerfield, John Maddison and Ian Harris for a contract for one year with a possibility of extending it for a further 3 years. (4 years total).  The Clerk will also ask these to tender for cutting of the playing field. Alan Woodward will also ask in the Village Voice if anyone local would like to tender for cutting of the playing field.

18. CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED
- Beds Assoc. Town & Parish Councils – two seminar/workshops for obtaining Quality Status – The Clerk, Cllrs. Mrs Gear, Mrs Whitmore and Cllr. Worth will attend this in February.
- Beds Co. Council – Town & Parish Council Reception will now be held at 7pm on Tuesday 7th March at County Hall – Cllr. Worth and Cllr. Mrs Landmann will attend.
- Beds Co. Council – Quiet Lanes in Bedfordshire – Survey tbc by 20.01.06 – Passed to Cllr. Burge for completion
- Office of Dep. Prime Minister – discussion paper on Standards of Conduct in English Local Government: The future, received.  Clerk to file.
- Bedford Borough Council – Supplementary Planning Document, Bedfordshire Community Safety Design Guide received – Passed to Cllr. Mrs Browning.
- Bedford Borough Council – Core Strategy and Rural Issues Plan – Forthcoming Public Consultation – this will run for 6 weeks from 16.01 to 27.02 – Will be passed around whole Council. Starting with Cllr. Worth.

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