DRAFT - MINUTES OF THE PUBLIC MEETING HELD ON THURSDAY 22 MARCH 2007 AT 1910 hrs IN THE CORN EXCHANGE HUNGERFORD

PRESENT: Electors [the Clerk note a head count showed 72], 12 Town Councillors & Two district Councillors

APOLOGIES: - Mr Bright;

The Minutes of the Meeting of the held on the 23 March 2006 were circulated by the Clerk at the Meeting with a Summary of the Accounts.

1	The Chairman Council Bullock welcome everyone
2	Minutes - It was proposed by Cllrs Liddiard and Seconded by Mr Smalley that the Minutes of the Annual Meeting held on the 23^rd March 2006 at 7.00 pm be signed as a true and accurate record.   There were no material matters arising
3	PC Blowfield gave a short presentation on the Neighbourhood Action Group, when a Police Officer went into an area to advice that a meeting would take place shortly, to enable residents in a “road/area” to raise matters with the Beat Officers.   One lady asked if more notice could be given, the Officer responded that they were working to proven national guidelines.   The Officer was questioned about opening times of the Police Station and he responded that it depended on the volunteers available.  Pc Blowfield also advised that a PCSO would be starting in the Town the following day; the Town Mayor said that she would introduce him to shop keepers.    It was noted that there was no Traffic Warden but the PCSO would be able to deal with traffic issues.
4	Town Plan - A presentation was given by Chris Scorey who was Chair of 2010. He advised that the Action Plan booklet had been a great success and contains 110 action items of which 24 had been completed.  Monitoring was still on going on some.    2010 would seek funding of £4250 for the New Library Wild Life garden. BBC Breeding Places were being prepared for the new Library building.  He mentioned about the Craft Field Heritage Group.  The Meeting was told that the new Art Centre was not viable in the earlier envisaged form but discussions continued with WBC to improve the Centre.  He mentioned about the work of the Cochrane Community Group and that a lot of signage had been initiated through the Town Plan
5	Paul Cable spoke about the work of the Town Twinning Association [Twinned with Ligueil in the Loire Valley] and its importance in maintaining links by visits from which all benefited.   New Members were always welcome
6	Climate Change - following an input from Cllrs Bill Acworth the first stages of a Climate Action Group was sown.   Members of the Public were invited to leave their names at the signing table if they were interest in participating.    Mrs Fellows, Cllr Hudson, Mrs Furr, and Mr Bosom contributed to the discussion.    Seemingly the most important immediate issue to arise was concerning domestic and commercial recycling.   Domestic paper and card is recycle yet commercial waste was sent to land fill.   The District Councillors said that they were trying to rectify this.   The terms Carbon foot print was used to portray carbon uses in different areas.
7	Town Mayors Report - The Mayor mentioned the high standard of Christmas lighting has won the Town some accolades.  She explained about a new and evolving Civic link with Marlborough.   The Mayor touched on the work of the Councillors and the blend of ages and experiences with in the Town Council, as well as the History especially in relation to Meetings.  To give an example of the Mayor being associated with the work of the Town she explained that she had attended eighteen functions so far this month. The Mayor wished the Town Clerk a speedy recovery
8.1	Work of Council Committee - Cllr Small gave a short presentation on the finances of the e Council and spoke about the financial spread sheet and Council Assets.   Mr North thanked Cllr small for the information Mr Bosom asked if the actual of reserves could be provided in future.   Cllr Small explained that the total budget was approx the same as last year.
8.2?	Cllr Rebecca Scorey spoke about the work of the Planning Committee and the fact that Members had attended a course on the Code of Conduct which the Committee was following.  The Committee comments on Plans submitted by the Planning Authority and sends its comments back to West Berks Planning.
8.3?	Cllr Cardwell spoke about the work of the Recreation and Amenities Committee and about the effort to secure alcohol free areas.   Fencing of Play grounds was mentioned and the fact that a Lottery grant had been obtain with the help of the  West Berks Council to refurbish  the two playgrounds   She mention that the :- Fire Service had helped in supporting the Council on specialist works.
8.4	Cllr Hudson informed the Meeting about the work of the Planning and Transportation Committee.  He highlighted the following :- the success of the Christmas lighting;  servicing of the public conveniences; lowering of high steps, the rubbish pick by Members and thanked the Committee for their efforts
8.5	Cllr Harries spoke about the work of the Triangle Field Sub Committee indicating: - a May 2007 start for the work, repairs of fences and kissing gate; delay in constructing the storage area so as not to have two constructors on site at the same time.   He mentioned that the site was host to Tag Rugby with 6 schools and 260 children participating; the cess pit still had yet to empty. Before work commences. An elector asked about planning restrictions on use.  The Meeting as advised that plans of the site were in the office
8.6	Cllr Roger Thompson - spoke about the success of OPEN DOOR - the news letter and although a few people did not receive it others confirmed it worth while.   He said that feed back and article contributions were needed from the public.   It was noted that Open Door cost only fifteen hundred pounds per quarter.
9	West Berkshire Council - Councillors Denise Gaines and Mole gave very useful joint presentations on the work of the Council in the Area.  One lady wheel chair users complained about the path over the Bridge and Cllr Gaines said that she would accompany her to see the problem.  A member of the public complained bout the Zebra Crossing and the Council advised the work was to be done imminently.    Mr Wilson asked about speed signs  and he was advise that not all previously nominate sites met the provision criteria for the signs Council had tabled a report
	An Elector asked about a single point of contact for queries and was advise to contact Ward Councillors or the Town Office
	There being no other questions the Town Mayor closed the Meeting  and reminded the Public about standing for election The Council was a non-political and hoped that there would be an election in May
	The meeting  finished at 2055