BRIDGNORTH TOWN COUNCIL · Then the only expense falling on Bridgnorth would be for the haulage and installation costs. ... Queen Elizabeth Project for the Diamond Jubilee A list

Minutes: Bridgnorth Town Council Page 1 of 22 18 October 2011 Signed: ………………………………. Date: ……………………………

BTC/13/1112

BRIDGNORTH TOWN COUNCIL

Minutes of the Meeting of Bridgnorth Town Council held in the Mayor’s Parlour, College House on Tuesday 18 October 2011 at 7.15pm

Present: The Town Mayor, Councillor Mrs C Baines in the Chair,

Councillors D Brown, M Davies, Mrs J Durham, D Gibbons, Mrs V Gill, R Gill, B Jones, C Lea, E Marshall, I Seivewright, E Shirley, A Tacchi and P Tacchi Councillor Mrs J Durham arrived at the meeting at 9.10pm

In Attendance: Locum Town Clerk, Ms A Wilson Guest Speakers Keith Lincoln and David Robinson, Bridgnorth and District Tourist Association

Councillor Les Winwood, Shropshire Council Minutes Secretary and transcribed by Mrs R Williams Three members of the public One member of the press PRAYERS Prayers were led by Rev Simon Cawdell.

The Meeting was opened with an address by the Bridgnorth and District Tourist Association. They began by thanking the Town Council for allowing them to attend the Meeting and also for the grant that had previously been issued to the Association. They wish for tourism to become a part of the budgeting process of the Town Council. They commented that a survey had been carried out in 2007 which had showed that tourism contributed £89,000,000 to the economy of Bridgnorth and supported 2324 local jobs. The Bridgnorth and District Tourist Association has been operational for forty plus years and has one hundred Members. Resources were at one time pooled with Bridgnorth District Council but when the Council was disbanded the Tourist Association lost support both administrative and financial. Following this Shropshire Council allocated £10,000 to the Association in the first year but only £3,000 in the second year. They have recently joined forces with Shropshire Tourism, who collect the subscriptions and Bridgnorth and District Tourist Association collect the advertising revenue. The Association are having to use their reserves to pay their way after this loss of their income. The Locum Town Clerk and the Town Mayor attend all the meetings of the Bridgnorth and District Tourist Association.


David Robinson stated that Bridgnorth is being undersold and is becoming isolated and new methods were needed to sell the town. Questions were asked about whether Much Wenlock, Shifnal, Albrighton, Cosford and Broseley were going to be approached the same as Bridgnorth Town Council and it was confirmed that they were. Have schools been contacted and asked to get involved. The Association commented that they would look into this. The Chairman commented that the Councillors had taken on board the message that had been given by the Bridgnorth and District Tourist Association and understood that tourism was important for the town. The Locum Town Clerk stated that the Town Council were to take photographs of all the shops in the town for use by the Association on their web site. Keith Lincoln and David Robinson were thanked for their presentation and they left the meeting.

0449/1112 FIRE SAFETY ANNOUNCEMENT

The meeting commenced with a fire safety announcement by the Mayor.

0450/1112 RECORDING OF MEETING

The Mayor announced that the open session of the meeting would be recorded and that the confidential session would not.

00451/1112 PUBLIC QUESTION TIME Two questions had been received from Mr M Green.

Question One 1) Can her Majesty the Queen be petitioned by the Mayor of Bridgnorth to donate

and dedicate a replacement cannon from the stock of weapons kept at the Tower of London, Windsor Castle or any other royal palace or from the Museum of Armour in Leeds. Then the only expense falling on Bridgnorth would be for the haulage and installation costs. Failing that donation the Town Council could request a modern artillery piece from COD Donnington which is just up the road in Telford. Failing that the Town Council could commission a cannon sculpture from any of the local engineering works such as AV Birch or RJ Hooper or ask the Museum of Steel Sculpture in Ironbridge. Fundraising and or sponsorship would be required for this, which I would gladly pursue.

The Locum Town Clerk stated that this matter had been raised previously with the Town Council some years ago and research had been carried out regarding


replacing the cannon. There are financial constraints on everyone at the moment but Mr Green had offered to find sponsorship which the Town Council would welcome but would need to know the actual costs first. The Heritage Sites mentioned are very reluctant to part with their weapons as they are part of the national heritage.

2) Has the Council considered glacial erratic boulders (which are scattered all

over town as doorstep ornaments of foundation stones) being assembled following an appeal to farmers or landowners to donate them to the Castle Grounds.

The Locum Town Clerk stated that the glacial erratic boulders do not fit in with the long term plans for Castle Grounds and are not appropriate for the location. Mr M Green told the meeting that he had a letter from the MP saying that he would be willing to take up the campaign for the cannon and Mr Green said that he would take it up with him. He said that he thought a letter from the Town Mayor to the Queen asking for a replacement cannon would be good publicity for the town and the Town Council would only have to pay for haulage if the cannon was gifted to the town. Mr M Green left the meeting at this point.

0452/1112 APOLOGIES

Apologies for absence were received from: Councillor N Cottrell (Unwell) Councillor G Bodenham (Prior engagement) 0453/1112 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

(a) Personal Interests: Cllr Mrs C Baines Item 29 – Confidential Minutes Member of Bridgnorth Town Council Item 30 – Matters arising from Confidential Minutes Member of Bridgnorth Town Council

Item 31 – Committee Minutes – Confidential Minutes Member of Bridgnorth Town Council Item 32 – Wallace Crooke Member of Bridgnorth Town Council Item 33 – Verbal report from Councillor B Jones Member of Bridgnorth Town Council Item 34 – Letters to Members Member of Bridgnorth Town Council


Cllr Mrs V Gill Item 21 – Bridgnorth & District Twinning Association Member of Twinning Committee Item 29 – Confidential Minutes Member of Bridgnorth Town Council Item 30 – Matters arising from Confidential Minutes Member of Bridgnorth Town Council

Item 31 – Committee Minutes – Confidential Minutes Member of Bridgnorth Town Council Item 32 – Wallace Crooke Member of Bridgnorth Town Council Item 33 – Verbal report from Councillor B Jones Member of Bridgnorth Town Council Item 34 – Letters to Members Member of Bridgnorth Town Council Item 35 – Staffing Member of Bridgnorth Town Council Cllr R Gill Item 21 – Bridgnorth & District Twinning Association Member of Twinning Committee

Cllr B Jones Item 21 – Bridgnorth & District Twinning Association Member of Twinning Committee Item 29 – Confidential Minutes Member of Bridgnorth Town Council Item 30 – Matters arising from Confidential Minutes Member of Bridgnorth Town Council

Item 31 – Committee Minutes – Confidential Minutes Member of Bridgnorth Town Council Item 32 – Wallace Crooke Member of Bridgnorth Town Council Item 33 – Verbal report from Councillor B Jones Member of Bridgnorth Town Council Item 34 – Letters to Members Member of Bridgnorth Town Council Item 35 – Staffing Member of Bridgnorth Town Council

Cllr C Lea Item 29 – Confidential Minutes Member of Bridgnorth Town Council Item 30 – Matters arising from Confidential Minutes Member of Bridgnorth Town Council

Item 31 – Committee Minutes – Confidential Minutes Member of Bridgnorth Town Council Item 32 – Wallace Crooke Member of Bridgnorth Town Council


Item 33 – Verbal report from Councillor B Jones Member of Bridgnorth Town Council Item 34 – Letters to Members Member of Bridgnorth Town Council Item 35 – Staffing Member of Bridgnorth Town Council Any matter pertaining to Shropshire Council Member of Shropshire Council

Cllr I Seivewright Item 19 ii) – Car Parking in Severn park

Vice President of Bridgnorth Rugby Club Item 36 – Blue Badge Holders Wife is a Blue Badge holder Cllr E Shirley Item 29 – Confidential Minutes Member of Bridgnorth Town Council Item 30 – Matters arising from Confidential Minutes Member of Bridgnorth Town Council

Item 31 – Committee Minutes – Confidential Minutes Member of Bridgnorth Town Council Item 34 – Letters to Members Member of Bridgnorth Town Council Cllr A Tacchi All Items Member of Bridgnorth Town Council Cllr P Tacchi Item 19 – Car Parking in Severn Park Member of Bridgnorth Town Council Item 29 – Confidential Minutes Member of Bridgnorth Town Council Item 30 – Matters arising from Confidential Minutes Member of Bridgnorth Town Council

Item 31 – Committee Minutes – Confidential Minutes Member of Bridgnorth Town Council Item 32 – Wallace Crooke Member of Bridgnorth Town Council Item 33 – Verbal report from Councillor B Jones Member of Bridgnorth Town Council Item 34 – Letters to Members Member of Bridgnorth Town Council Item 35 – Staffing Member of Bridgnorth Town Council (b) Prejudicial Interests:

No Prejudicial Declarations of Interest were received.


It was asked if Members needed to declare Personnel and Prejudicial Interests on routine matters of Council. It was confirmed that it was not needed but was a personal decision of each Member whether they declared an interest or not.

0454/1112 REPORT FROM SHROPSHIRE COUNCIL

Councillor L Winwood provided Members with an update from Shropshire Council. Recycling A new door step plastic bottle recycling collection service will be commencing in

Bridgnorth with effect from 31 October 2011. There are to be several road shows held in the town to provide residents with more information. They are as follows: 20/10/2011 - Sainsbury’s 21/10/2011 and 28/10/2011 – Bridgnorth market beneath the Town Hall 22/10/2011 – Co-op at Mill Street 29/10/2011 – Marks and Spencers

Crown Meadow There is to be a public meeting at Innage Lane Youth Centre on Tuesday 1

November 2011 at 7.30pm regarding the park at Crown Meadow following some of the problems that have been experienced. An action team is hoping to be set up with the Locum Town Clerk. The Locum Town Clerk has sent her apologies for the meeting but a representative is hoping to be sent.

Bridgnorth West/Tasley Partnership Bridgnorth Town Council has been heavily involved with the Partnership. Work is

starting the week ending 21 October 2011 on a new car park for twenty eight spaces. Rebuilding work is progressing with the damaged bin storage.

Queen Elizabeth Project for the Diamond Jubilee A list has been produced, although it is not final, of all areas that Shropshire

Council own and Lodge Lane Park is on the list to be a field destination in 2012. All local authorities are being asked if they know of any other land that could be designated for the project.

Relief Road Councillor C Lea is working with Matthew Farmer regarding the relief road and

land ownership. A site visit is being organised.


Pigeon Gel

A few enquiries have been received from members of the public regarding the gel that is to be used to help cure the problem of nesting pigeons. Bridgnorth District Transport Group Bridgnorth District Transport Group have taken possession of a new coach that will enhance bus routes. Hospital Debate A meeting is being held on 15 November 2011at Oldbury Wells School at 7pm. Unfortunately the date clashes with the Bridgnorth Town Council meeting. Parking Permits Letters are being sent out shortly with regards to the permits. The consultation period is twenty one days. Sports Club Forum Meeting A Sports Club Development Forum is being held on 10 November 2011 at Bridgnorth Rugby Club at 7pm. This is an important event for sports clubs as it gives information on how to apply for funding. Tree Preservation Orders Oldbury Village have had a Tree Preservation Order taken out on the village as a whole and the rest of Bridgnorth will be looked at shortly. Community Infrastructure Levy Bridgnorth Town Council and Shropshire Council have been working together regarding the CIL. The Community Infrastructure Levy provides local community benefits for the Town and Parish Councils who work with Shropshire Council. A work shop is being held on 25 November 2011 at the Craven Arms at 1pm. A letter will be coming out to the Town Council shortly regarding the meeting. Resurfacing Works Squirrel Bank is closed on 27 & 28 October 2011 for resurfacing works to be carried out. A question was asked if Shropshire Council had any plans to look at the possibility of abolishing car parking charges for Blue Badge holders. It was stated not at the


present time. It was asked if printed cardboard could still be recycled and it was confirmed that it could. Councillor L Winwood was thanked for his presentation and he left the meeting at this point.

0455/1112 MINUTES

i) The minutes of the Extraordinary Meeting of Bridgnorth Town Council held on Tuesday 13 September 2011 were submitted as previously circulated.

A Point of Order was raised. The Chairman was asked under what authority in the Standing Orders or elsewhere did she have the power to close the meeting because of her unhappiness with Councillors responses to Declarations of Interest. It was confirmed that the Town Mayor has the authority as Chairman of the Council to close the meeting if it’s not in the best interest of the Council to continue that meeting. It was stated that it is the decision of each individual Councillor to decide if they wish to declare an interest on a particular item on an agenda. The Locum Town Clerk asked for this matter to be deferred to the confidential session of the meeting. RESOLVED: that the minutes of the Extraordinary Meeting of Bridgnorth Town Council held on Tuesday 13 September 2011 be signed by the Chairman as a true record. 10 in favour, two abstentions, Cllrs E Shirley and A Tacchi, and one no vote. ii) The minutes of the Extraordinary Meeting of Bridgnorth Town Council held on Tuesday 20 September 2011 were submitted as previously circulated. RESOLVED: that the minutes of the Extraordinary Meeting of Bridgnorth Town Council held on Tuesday 20 September 2011 be signed by the Chairman as a true record. iii) The minutes of the Meeting of Bridgnorth Town Council held on Tuesday 20 September 2011 were submitted as previously circulated. A Point of Order was raised. It was stated that the Schedule of Meetings was not properly proposed, seconded or voted on at the Bridgnorth Town Council Meeting


although the minutes stated that the Members Resolved to adopt the schedule. Minute Number 0362/1112. The following motion was put to the Meeting: That this Council adopts the Schedule of Meetings as circulated in the Agenda papers for the 20 September 2011 Council Meeting and gives retrospective approval for any meetings on that Schedule that have already been held prior to the adoption of this motion. RESOLVED: that the above motion be accepted. Councillor E Shirley abstained and there was a no vote from Councillor I Seivewright. RESOLVED: that the minutes of the Meeting of Bridgnorth Town Council held on Tuesday 20 September 2011 be signed by the Chairman as a true record.

0456/1112 MATTERS ARISING

i) Extraordinary Meeting of Bridgnorth Town Council – 13 September 2011

There were no matters arising.

ii) Extraordinary Meeting of Bridgnorth Town Council – 20 September 2011


iii) Meeting of Bridgnorth Town Council – 20 September 2011

There were no matters arising. 0457/1112 MATTERS TO REPORT FROM THE TOWN MAYOR

The Mayor informed Members of the following events/meetings she had attended: St John’s Primary School 23 September 2011 Stanton Ralph Accountants 23 September 2011 Choral Society 24 September 2011 St Mary’s Church Fete 24 September 2011 Mayors and Town Clerks Meeting at Shrewsbury 27 September 2011 Public Meeting at Town Hall 29 September 2011 McMillan Coffee Morning 30 September 2011 Local Democracy Week at Town Hall 12 October 2011 The Town Mayor informed Members that it had been suggested at the meeting for Local Democracy Week that maybe Members of the Youth Council could attend a Town Council Meeting to see how the meetings are run.


0458/1112 MEMBERS QUESTION TIME

No questions had been received.

0459/1112 MINUTES OF COMMITTEES

i) The minutes of the Planning Committee meeting held on 19 September 2011 were submitted as circulated.

RESOLVED: that the minutes of the Planning Committee meeting held on 19 September 2011 be received and adopted.

ii) The minutes of the Administration and Civic Committee meeting held on 27 September 2011 were submitted as circulated.

The Chairman of the Administration and Civic Committee informed Members that the Task and Finish Groups had met and the Committee Structure and Scrutiny Groups will report to the next Administration and Civic Committee Meeting with the proposals. The Asset Register and Insurance Task and Finish Group was more prolonged but progress had been made. With regards to the Analysis of Budget, the Finance Committee had identified answers from the up to date figures and can compare with the budget and the issues are hoping to be resolved next month. This will then be reported to the Administration and Civic Committee and then The Town Council. RESOLVED: that the minutes of the Administration and Civic Committee meeting held on 27 September 2011 be received and adopted.

iii) The minutes of the Planning Committee meeting held on 3 October

2011 were submitted as circulated.

Members were informed that the Planning Committee had noted the Shropshire Tree Preservation Order, discussed the Draft National Planning Policy Framework and are in favour and had sent recommendations to the Town Council regarding the planning application for a new thirty three bed hotel in the old Newmarket Buildings in Listley Street. Members were told that the Planning Committee have looked at this application in great detail.

RESOLVED: that the minutes of the Planning Committee meeting held on 3 October 2011 be received and adopted.


iv) The minutes of the Property and Grounds Committee meeting held on 4 October 2011 were submitted as circulated.

RESOLVED: that the minutes of the Property and Grounds Committee meeting held on 4 October 2011 be received and adopted.

v) The minutes of the Procurement Committee meeting held on 11 October 2011 were submitted as circulated. A question was asked that if a Member did not agree with the recommendations of a Committee, could they vote against the adoption of the minutes. It was confirmed that they could.

RESOLVED: that the minutes of the Procurement Committee held on 11 October 2011 be received and adopted. Councillor Tacchi stated that he had sent some amendments to the Locum Town Clerk but these had not been included in these minutes. The Locum Town Clerk confirmed that she had not received the e mail and if Cllr. Tacchi could send it again she would look at the amendments proposed in time for the minutes being agreed at the parent committee meeting. Councillors A Tacchi and D Gibbons abstained. There was no vote by Councillor M Davies.

0460/1112 MATTERS ARISING FROM COMMITTEE MINUTES

(a) Planning Committee – 19 September 2011 There were no matters arising.

(b) Administration and Civic Committee – 27 September 2011

The Locum Town Clerk informed Members that the new Bookings Package had been installed. It will be used for the Cemetery and Internments and the invoicing for the Town Council buildings.

(c) Planning Committee – 3 October 2011


(d) Property and Grounds Committee – 4 October 2011

There is to be a meeting between the Direct Labour Force and Committee


Members. This meeting will take place during the day due to personal commitments of the DLF and not at the next Property and Grounds Committee Meeting as was resolved at the Meeting held on 4 October 2011. Comments were made about the description on minute no. 0414/1112 of the Car Park Working Party and that they need to be defined. It was stated that the description of the Working Party is insufficient for its purpose and needs to be defined and have proper terms of reference of what it is going to do.

(e) Procurement Committee – 11 October 2011

The Locum Town Clerk informed Members that there were concerns about Company A due to the large difference between the two quotes received although the second quote was not being considered. It was suggested by the Locum Town Clerk that the contract only be awarded subject to a meeting between the Locum Town Clerk and Councillor E Shirley for them to confirm that Company A are capable of carrying out the works satisfactorily and references are obtained. Members RESOLVED that Members agreed with this suggestion and that the successful company would be appointed subject to the outcome of this meeting. It was asked if Councillor E Shirley opened the tenders. It was confirmed that the tenders were opened on the 28 September 2011 by a Councillor and the Deputy Town Clerk. One tender was in an enclosed envelope and one tender arrived by e mail. The second one was dismissed due to the nature of its arrival at the office. It was highlighted that it states in Financial Regulations and Standing Orders that the only person who should open a tender is the Proper Officer with the company of a Member of Council. It was clarified that it may also be a delegated Deputy to the Proper Officer. It was confirmed that the Deputy Town Clerk opened the tenders. A comment was made relating to a paragraph of minute no. 0428/1112, which stated that Councillor A Tacchi had an ulterior motive and a hidden agenda. It was felt that this was a very serious accusation and if that was true it needed to be investigated as Councillor A Tacchi would have brought the Council into disrepute. It was asked if evidence of the allegation could be provided to the Committee. It was stated that explanations should not need to be provided. It was stated that the comment regarding Councillor A Tacchi having an ulterior motive was unjust and had put the Town Mayor and the Town Council in a difficult position as the comment was libellous. Councillor P Tacchi wished that it be minuted that he felt that Councillor Mrs C Baines had brought the Council into disrepute with her comments.


Councillor Mrs C Baines stated that she also wished it to be minuted that she refuted that comment. Councillor A Tacchi asked Councillor Mrs C Baines if she would apologise for her comments. Councillor Mrs C Baines told Councillor A Tacchi that she would speak with him in private. Councillor A Tacchi informed Councillor Mrs C Baines that he would be reporting her to the Standards Board for her conduct towards him.

0461/1112 SEALING OF DOCUMENTS

RESOLVED: that the Common Seal be affixed to the following documents: Chestnut Grove 16 and 17 Oak Grove 124A

Oak Grove Cremation Plot 24 0462/1112 FINANCE

i) Members were asked to authorise the signing of invoices for payment and those paid in between meetings, amounting to £177,867.00

Members RESOLVED: that the accounts amounting to £177,867.00 be approved for payment.

ii) Members were asked to note and accept that the Deputy Mayor’s Allowance of £340.00 has not been paid or accepted by Councillor N Cottrell.

It was confirmed to Members that Councillor N Cottrell feels proud that he has never accepted any allowances from the Town Council and therefore has never taken any money from the rate payers and wishes to maintain that record. Councillor A Tacchi wanted it minuted that he wished to congratulate Councillor N Cottrell on his stance and that it is a generous offer from his part that he will not accept the Deputy Mayor’s Allowance. Members noted and accepted that the Deputy Mayor’s Allowance of £340.00 had not been paid or accepted by Councillor N Cottrell.

0463/1112 INCOME AND EXPENDITURE REPORT Members noted the Income and Expenditure Report.

0464/1112 PLANNING COMMITTEE

Members of Town Council were asked to peruse the following planning applications and to agree or add to the recommendations made by the Planning Committee at their meeting held on 3 October 2011.


11/01743/FUL Conversion to 33 bed hotel to include formation of

internal car parking area including 2-tier mechanical racking system; formation of coffee shop; restaurant and insertion of lift; formation of second floor accommodation and four floors of accommodation within tower – Newmarket Buildings, Listley Street, Bridgnorth, Shropshire, WV16 4AW

Recommend approval but concerns were expressed over access and egress to internal car parking area from Listley Street. Concerns were also raised about problems associated with coaches dropping off and picking up.

11/01744/LBC Works to include the formation of second floor accommodation and four floors of accommodation within tower; insertion of facilities and insertion of windows, doors and rooflights all to facilitate the conversion of building to 33 bed hotel accommodation – Newmarket Buildings, Listley Street, Bridgnorth, Shropshire, WV16 4AW Recommend approval but concerns were expressed over access and egress to internal car parking area from Listley Street. Concerns were also raised about problems associated with coaches dropping off and picking up. Members also request that any external alterations should be in matching brickwork to the existing.

Members discussed the above planning applications and decided that it was an exciting proposal and would be tremendous for the town although it was important that the Italian architecture was maintained.

Members RESOLVED: to accept the recommendations of the Planning Committee.

0465/1112 DAMAGE TO SWINGS ON SEVERN PARK

Members were informed that due to the vigilance of Andrew Ryder, a Direct Labour Force member, a young person was caught in the act of vandalising and attempting to set fire to the swings in Severn Park. The Town Council has received a written apology and a cheque to cover the damage to the swings from the young person. Members asked if a letter of thanks could be forwarded to Andrew Ryder. Members RESOLVED: that a thank you letter be sent to Andrew Ryder.

0466/1112 HEART OF ENGLAND IN BLOOM

Members were asked to note the comments from the Heart of England in Bloom judges on Bridgnorth Town Council’s recent entry into the competition.

Members noted the report.


0467/1112 CAR PARKING IN SEVERN PARK

i) The Locum Town Clerk gave Members an update on the current situation with regard to the new car parking system in Severn Park. She stated that she was embarrassed with the situation and the image it is giving of the Town Council. Creative Car Parking has not lived up to the expectations of the Town Council. It appears that they have a chequered history as documented on the internet. Between the dates the 26 August to 22 September 2011 a total of 170 plus parking fines were issued even though they were aware that a problem existed with the machines on the weekend of 27 to 28 August 2011 and fines were issued for those dates. The following problems have been encountered: light not working to indicate that the machines were out of tickets, keyboards not working properly, the cameras not distinguishing between D and O, keypads getting stuck although some human error is to blame. It was felt that both companies involved, Creative Car Parking and Civil Enforcements Ltd., had proved to be unhelpful and uncooperative. The Locum Town Clerk recommended that the system be closed down until all matters and issues have been resolved. Members wished to apologise to the people of Bridgnorth and surrounding areas and visitors who have received parking fines when they have legitimately paid. Concerns were raised regarding the contract and whether Bridgnorth Town Council would be in breach of the contract if the system was closed down. It was stated that Bridgnorth Town Council should not deal with any complaints from customers who had received fines. The Locum Town Clerk informed the Members that the Town Council had had to get involved because of how the people had been dealt with by the company who had issued the fines. It was asked if we could revert to the old system of collecting money manually on entry to the car park until all problems had been resolved. Members RESOLVED: to turn off the systems until the Town Council are confident that the system is working 100% and to look at the historical data for car parking revenue on Severn Park and if worthwhile, revert to the old system of collecting money manually on entry to the car park. Councillors R Gill and D Brown abstained from voting.


ii) Members were asked to consider the following request from Bridgnorth Rugby Club: ‘I write to you on behalf of Bridgnorth Rugby Club (BRFC) representing over 200 children,40 youth ladies and senior ladies and over 90 seniors rugby players. We run training sessions on Severn Park four nights a week from 6.00pm in the summer and 7.00pm in the winter, and we play rugby Saturday afternoons and Sunday mornings.

Historically BRFC has enjoyed a healthy working relationship with the Town Council in respect to parking. I would kindly request that you consider not charging members for parking after 6.00 at night, and restore the £12 season ticket pass for those members that attend on Sundays to watch, coach or play.

I have personally coached the children of Bridgnorth for 15 years and have played at pretty much every club in the Midlands on away matches. I can categorically state that I have never had to pay parking charges at any of these clubs.

BRFC is continually growing year on year attracting many travelling parents and supporters to the town. We provide qualified coaches and first aiders for every age group from 7 – 17. We believe that the children’s health improves from the association with community sport and also their positive worth in society is benefited with the respect that is instilled through rugby. It would be a tragic shame should we lose even a single participant through a monetary consideration of parking.

I am sure that car parking charges associated with sport in the community is not within the spirit or intention of the Town Council. I would kindly request that you embrace sport in the community and wave what is viewed as a tax on membership to BRFC.’ The Locum Town Clerk confirmed to Members that managers, first aiders, coaches and trainers of the Rugby Club have been given ‘white listed’ authority for car parking at Severn Park. In previous years although not recently, the members of the Rugby Club could display a sticker in their car so they did not have to pay on the car park if they paid £1.00 to the Rugby Club. The Town Council knew nothing of this. There has also been a £12.00 season ticket, valid for six months, available to Rugby Club members for some time. It was felt that the Town Council should be mindful of the fact that the Town Council pay for the use of Severn Park and therefore have to receive some revenue from it. It was asked if organisations that use Severn Park could buy a parking permit for six months for £15.00. Worries were raised about


people causing problems parking in inappropriate places. Councillor I Seivewright declared a personal interest as he is Vice Chairman of the Rugby club. He suggested that the six months parking permit be reduced to £10.00 to encourage people to park appropriately. It was proposed that organisations that use Severn Park have a six months parking permit at a cost of £15.00. This was seconded. An amendment was then proposed that members of the Rugby Club have a six months parking permit at a cost of £12.00 A second amendment was then proposed that a parking permit for six months at a cost of £15.00 be available for members of the Rugby club and residents. The original proposal was then withdrawn and the amendment became the proposal. The amendment was seconded, voted on but it was lost. The substantive motion of a £12.00 six months parking permit for members of the Rugby Club only was then seconded and voted on. The motion was carried. There were five votes against. Members RESOLVED: that a parking permit for six months at a cost of £12.00 be made available to members of the Rugby Club for parking at Severn Park.

Councillor P Tacchi wished for his comments to be minuted that he believed there were more people in Bridgnorth than just a Rugby Club.

Councillor E Shirley wished for his comments to be minuted that he believed the only reason it was not sustainable was that he believed it was not a valid amendment under the laws and rules of amendment.

0468/1112 LOCAL BUS SERVICE TENDERS

Members were asked to give their comments on a letter from Shropshire Council, regarding the re-tendering of local bus services subsidised by Shropshire Council for the financial year 2012/13. Members RESOLVED: to write to Shropshire Council and register the disappointment regarding the cessation of the 436 bus route on a Sunday and ask if the new contractor could be asked about seriously considering running a Sunday Service.


0469/1112 BRIDGNORTH AND DISTRICT TWINNING ASSOCIATION Members were given a verbal report from Councillor B Jones regarding the AGM

of the Bridgnorth and District Twinning Association which was held on 29 September 2011. The following officers were elected for the ensuing year 2011/2012: President – Peter Marshall Chair Person – Jenny Leeman Vice Chair Person – Ray Gill Hon Treasurer – Karen Hunt Hon Secretary – Val Gill Committee Members – June Adams Carol Griffin Brian Jones Lindy McDonald Mark Hughes The outgoing Chairman Mrs Wendy Moore readout her report on the last year

highlighting the recent Twinning Festival in Bridgnorth which was a huge success. She went on to mention the visit to the Severn Valley Railway, Blists Hill Museum, Saturday evening dinner and Sunday evening skittles match which were all enjoyed by the visitors from Thiers and Schrobenhausen. The main event of the weekend was the naming of the two roundabouts on the bypass after our twin towns by the respective Mayors and our own Town Mayor.

The President then congratulated the outgoing Chairman on her many years hard work as Chairman culminating in the recent Twinning Festival in Bridgnorth. She was wished a long and happy retirement. These sentiments were also echoed by the immediate past President, which was myself.

A vote of thanks was also made to Bridgnorth Town Council and Shropshire Council’s LJC without whose grants the whole event would not have been possible.

0470/1112 2012 OLYMPICS SPORTS AND CULTURAL OLYMPIAD ENTERTAINMENT Members were asked to consider an email that had been previously circulated

regarding proposals for special events for the 2012 Olympics. Members commented that the email they had sited was nothing more than an advertisement from a company and as such should be dismissed.

It was mentioned that during Local Democracy Week the Locum Town Clerk and

Town Mayor had been made aware by the school children who attended that they


would like a special sports event to celebrate the Olympics. An event that would be organised by the Town Council.

It was suggested that local sports clubs could be contacted and asked if they

would like to participate. This was proposed and seconded. It was suggested that the less able bodied athletes could also be invited. Members RESOLVED: to look into organising a sporting event to celebrate the

Olympics and contact sports clubs and sports organisations.

0471/1112 NALC LARGER COUNCILS CONFERENCE AND EXHIBITION Members were asked to consider an invitation for the NALC Larger Councils

Conference and Exhibition: Neighbouring Places being held on 30 November 2011 in London.

Councillor Mrs J Durham entered the meeting at this point.

Members RESOLVED: for the Locum Town Clerk and Councillor R Gill to attend the NALC Conference and the Town Council pay their fees and expenses. Councillors P Tacchi and E Marshall abstained from voting.

0472/1112 ALC AGM AND CONFERENCE Members were asked to give their consideration to the invitation to attend the ALC

AGM and Conference on 5 November 2011 at Shirehall at a cost of £20.00 per person.

Members RESOLVED: for the Locum Town Clerk and the Town Mayor to attend

the ALC AGM. 0473/1112 THE SHROPSHIRE HOUSING ALLIANCE Members were asked to note the invitation from the Shropshire Housing Alliance

for the AGM on 27 October 2011. Members noted the invitation. 0474/1112 BOUNDARY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND Members were asked to note the correspondence from the Boundary Commission

for England and respond accordingly.


Members noted the report but expressed concerns. It was decided that this item be brought back to a subsequent meeting for further discussion.

0475/1112 CONFERENCE/MEETING UPDATES

Reports from the Locum Town Clerk:

i) NALC – Communities in Action. Members noted the report.

ii) National Association of British Market Authorities Conference

Members noted the report. Members thanked the Locum Town Clerk for her reports.

0476/1112 BLUE BADGE HOLDERS

Members were asked to discuss the charging policy review for blue badge holders from Shropshire Council. It was believed that there was abuse of the blue badge system. This was refuted. Following a discussion it was proposed that Shropshire Council be notified that Bridgnorth Town Council supports the proposals within the review and wait for the outcome. Members RESOLVED: to notify Shropshire Council and inform them that Bridgnorth Town Council support the proposals within the review and await the outcome. There were two votes against and three abstentions.

0477/1112 PUBLIC BODIES (ADMISSION TO MEETINGS) ACT 1960

RESOLVED: in terms of Schedule 12A, Local Government Act 1972, the following items will be likely to disclose exempt information relating to establishment and contractual matters and it is, therefore, RESOLVED that pursuant to the provisions of the Public Bodies (Admissions to Meetings) Act 1960 the public and press be excluded.

0478/1112 CONFIDENTIAL MINUTES

i) The confidential minutes of the Extraordinary Meeting of Bridgnorth Town Council held on Tuesday 20 September 2011 were submitted as circulated.


RESOLVED: that the confidential minutes of the Extraordinary Meeting of Bridgnorth Town Council held on 20 September 2011 be signed by the Chairman as a true record.

ii) The confidential minutes of the Meeting of Bridgnorth Town Council held on

Tuesday 20 September 2011 were submitted as circulated.

RESOLVED: that the confidential minutes of the Meeting of Bridgnorth Town Council held on 20 September 2011 be signed by the Chairman as a true record.

0479/1112 MATTERS ARISING FROM CONFIDENTIAL MINUTES There were no matters arising. 0480/1112 COMMITTEE MINUTES - CONFIDENTIAL MINUTES

i) The confidential minutes of the Administration and Civic Committee held on 27 September 2011 were submitted as circulated.

RESOLVED: that the confidential minutes of the Administration and Civic Committee held on 27 September 2011 be received and adopted.

ii) The confidential minutes of the Property and Grounds Committee held on 4 October 2011 were submitted as circulated

RESOLVED: that the confidential minutes of the Property and Grounds Committee held on 4 October 2011 be received and adopted.

0481/1112 WALLACE CROOKE

Members considered a verbal report from the Locum Town Clerk.

0482/1112 VERBAL REPORT FROM CLLR B JONES Members were given a verbal report from Councillor B Jones. 0483/1112 LETTERS TO MEMBERS Members discussed the previously circulated letters. 0484/1112 STAFFING Members discussed the proposals relating to staffing.


0485/1112 Bridgnorth General Municipal Charity (BGMC) The Charity Commission have advised the BGMC that to amend the Governing Scheme to reflect the changes imposed upon them by the Council severing the links between them and the Town Council that the Town Council should no longer be nominating Councillors to the trustee body of the BGMC and that the Mayor should no longer be an Ex Officio trustee. RESOLVED that the Town Council will no longer be nominating Councillors to the trustee body of the BGMC and that the Mayor will no longer be an Ex Officio trustee. The meeting closed at 10.55pm.

.

Documents

BRIDGNORTH TOWN COUNCIL · Then the only expense falling on Bridgnorth would be for the haulage and installation costs. ... Queen Elizabeth Project for the Diamond Jubilee A list