The May meeting of the parish council was attended by Marshall Ferguson chairman, Tim Fox, Terri Meechan, Ailsa Dempster, Matthew Moore, John Hindle clerk, police community support officer (PCSO) Phil Beckett and one member of the public.

Apologies from Mark Thomson, Phil Bromhall BC, Stan Heggs CC, Andy Royle and Paul Seaton.

The activities of the tree surgeon in the Pocket Park are nearing completion. A new seat has been constructed from a felled tree and villagers have been able to purchase excess wood.

Repair of the bus shelter was raised and the clerk was asked to assemble quotes from village contractors.

Report from county councillor: In the absence of Stan Heggs, the clerk reported that the planning application for a recycling plant on Gretton Brook Road had been approved. Stan had also been satisfied by the space allotted to vehicles turning on site. Also, the consent document referred to the disallowing of heavy vehicles from the site to cut through Gretton on the way to and from the main roads. The expectation is that this consent will help to establish the need for weight restriction notices on the village approaches which council have campaigned for over a considerable time.

PCSO Beckett reported strong police targeting of  burglaries and peddler activity in the district. A new batch of yellow sheets are now available to be attached to front doors to deter casual salesmen. Parking on Kirby Road remains under police review with specific reference to the school.

Report from borough councillor: Terri Meechan informed the meeting that Corby swimming pool was now closed pending the opening of the new complex in July. The travellers camps are due for completion in June.

Correspondence: Information from Cllr Bob Rutt informing council of rustling of cattle, sheep and pigs as well as garden ornaments as the recession deepens. E-mail from Suzanne Preston asking for support for the Cancer Charity Walk event on Wednesday June 3, at Rockingham Motor Speedway, at 8pm. Participants and sponsorship are sought.

The telephone kiosk has been acquired from BT and will be used to advertise all organisations in the village. It is thought that the post office and other notice boards around the village are sufficient for events promotion. Details are being finalised and will appear in the next newsletter.

Village Plan: As part of the monthly consideration of aspects of the Parish Plan, Tim Fox introduced the section on sport, education and village hall. He reported that the Friends of Gretton Recreation Ground had been formed to oversee its development. A spring clean is being considered. The improvement of the pavilion is under review by FGRG with regard to available grants. The multi-use games area (MUGA) will be reconsidered in the light of comments from Corby BC. The small children's play area may attract a grant which can be used for improvements. The Youth Club has been established meeting fortnightly in the Sports Club. Funding is being sourced and help is always needed.
The current refurbishment of the village hall will make the building more accessible to smaller groups. Facilities are also available in the Baptist Church school room and occasionally in school. A Facebook page for the village hall is being considered to promote facilities and gauge requirements for activities.

The next meeting of council will consider the sections on Democracy and Village Community and Services and Transport.

Planning: 09/00133/DPA and LBC, revision of planning permission to install plain tiles instead of glazed between house and outbuilding at 1, High Street. No observations.

09/00165/DPA, erection of livestock building to replace one damaged by fire at Woodlane Farmhouse, Corby Road. No observations.

09/00163/DPA, replace existing conservatory with stone extension to kitchen and bedroom above. Redesign roof of outhouse at 31, High Street. No objections save the impact on surrounding neighbours.

09/00156/CLE,  09/00150/OUT, legalise position on use of land and application for outline planning permission for two bungalows and one detached dwelling on land behind 38, High Street.

Council have no observations on the application to legalise change of use. However, the proposed buildings are close to existing properties and must be constructed with materials sympathetic to their surrounds including the conservation area and nearby listed buildings. As the plans are in outline no details are available on the size of the properties and their impact on neighbours particularly with regard to overlooking windows. The development would have access on to Kirby Road which is already very busy at peak times and attracts heavy parking. Road safety is a big issue in the village and must receive due consideration with regard to this application

Land Assessed for Building: The local press has recently included a Land Availability Assessment by Northants CC. It showed areas which had been considered for planning in recent years. Land in the village mentioned were two areas with a possible five to 10 year future development – land behind Harringworth Road and land between Arnhill Road and Hatton Lane. Areas with a future development in excess of 10 years hence were Stafford Road to Corby Road (Avenue Farm) and behind Southfield Road.

The accounts for 2008/9 have been internally audited. Council signed them off prior to their availability to local scrutiny by villagers and
submission for external audit.

Any Other Business: The Southfield Road sign is unreadable. Corby BC to be informed. There is a large structure in the garden of Old School House by the churchyard wall. This was granted planning consent. Checks required to verify dimensions. As the British Legion Men's section is now wound up enquiries to be made regarding the future of the Remembrance Day Parade.

The future of the Pick Playing field is under review with the allocation of allotments a possibility. Clerk to check for covenants etc. The wall on Job Stone to be rebuilt. An offer has been received. Apologies for non-attendance at meetings should be reasonable. Agenda item for June.

Date of next meeting is Monday June 8 in the Baptist Church school room.
 

Village Hall

The Bazaar at the village hall was well attended with lots of variety on sale, the funds raised were in the region of £500. The next monthly lunch will be on Tuesday at 12.30pm, only £3.50 for home cooked food, a raffle will also be held.
 

Church Services

This Sunday, the St James service will be at St Mary's in Cottingham for the Benefice Pentecost at 10.30am. The Baptist Chapel has a morning service at 10.45am and an evening service at 6pm.
Gretton Fellowship meet at the Village Hall at 5pm.
 

Darts

The Sports and Social Club B Team finished the season in style with Darren Baines and Kay Heggarty winning the D'Arcy League mixed doubles. The village summer league will start on June 19.
 

Super Trip

There were 30 people onboard the coach for the evening trip organised by Jessie Wheatley. They had a visit to the garden centre in Poddington before their stop at the Old Friar, in Twywell, for a superb meal with some songs from Keith Wheatley and a raffle to round the evening off. Look out for the next trip. 
 

Lunch time

The next monthly lunch is taking place in the village hall on Tuesday June 2 at 12.30pm. Come and enjoy freshly prepared lunch for only £3.50. All proceeds to the village hall rebuilding fund. Everyone welcome. More details on 01536 770995 or 770478.