Minutes of the Annual Parish Meeting held on Monday 8th May 2006, in the Reading Room, Stoke Goldington at 7pm.

Present: Cllr Warren, Cllr Trett, Cllr Freeman, Cllr Boustred, Cllr Roy.

1. Apologies: Cllr Pat Seymour.

2. Minutes of the Annual Meeting May 2005: These were signed as a true record at the June 2005 meeting of the Parish Council.

3. Matters Arising: There were no matters arising.

4. Chairmans Report: Cllr Warren reported that the Housing Needs survey had identified a need, however we have been unable to find suitable land for the project. The village had obtained a Certificate of Merit in the Best Kept Village Competition, thanks to those who helped with the litter pick. An Archaeological dig had taken place in the Recreation Ground and the new 40mph speed limit from Church Lane to Springbank had become operational.

The items identified last year as “need to do”, had all been completed. The Village Sign had been repainted (thanks to Kay & Terry for their help), likewise the exterior of the Reading Room. The Ascot Fencing and bollard had been installed at the Recreation Ground, which had stopped the cars accessing the grassed area. The Post Office had unfortunately closed, although efforts had been made to find alternative premises. The ongoing vandalism, anti social behaviour etc in the village continues, with the bus shelter, seat in recreation ground, tennis courts, equipment all being damaged. Money earmarked by the Village Hall Committee for new equipment, will now need to be used for repairs and security measures. There had been a Councillor resignation during the year as Paul Taylor had moved from the village, and Roland Joy had now been co-opted to fill the vacancy. Cllr Warren thanked his fellow Councillors and the Clerk for their assistance during the year.

5. Reports from Village Organisation: Mr G Bacchus reported that the Town End Tenants Association had now been in force for twelve months and through their participation in the MK Forum had manager to obtain a grant for the planting of new trees. They were also in the process of obtaining an update to the communal television aerial and the cleaning up of the garage area. Some empty garages had been rented from MKC at a peppercorn rent and are to be used for storage for those living in the small bungalows. There has been agreement with MKC to annually sweep the chimneys of those who have retained the parkray fires, an inspection to make sure that the insulation is up to date, and the batteries in the smoke alarms. It is proposed to change the name of the group to Town End Crescent Residents Association, in order that all residents (private or council) may belong.

6. Parishioners Questions:

1) Vandalism in Recreation Ground: The problem is ongoing and causing great distress to those living close by. Police are being phoned on a regular basis, because of noise, however the problem remains. Cllr Warren advised that the Village Hall Committee were now thinking of installing Ascot Fencing and gates or bollards to stop entry during the nightime. Although it will mean that someone will have to lock and unlock, the benefits will be that the vehicles will be unable to access the site. They are also proposing that a CCTV system be purchased

2) Anglian Water Repairs: Mr J Coll reported that there has been a water leak in front of his property for many months, which had not been rectified (although Anglian Water contractors had attended). The verge in front of 9 Malting Close had been dug up due to a leak, but the verge had not been re-seeded. Parish Clerk will contact Anglian Water.

3) Water: Resident of Malting Close felt that the quality of the water was not of a good standard (cloudy, bubbly and caused stomach problems). It was agreed that Cllr Warren would put an article in the Gate and ask residents with similar problems to contact the Parish Council.

There being no further business, the meeting closed at 7.45pm