Present :
		R Holt, Chairman S Pardoe, Vice Chairman E Connor R Gleave N Tappin K Worrall M Hodgson H Leigh Cllr A Hooker

Before the meeting began Mr R Heaton gave a report on the Homewatch scheme.
Mr R Heaton took over the Homewatch scheme 4 years ago. At the moment there are 13 co-ordinators but ideally one coordinator for every 10 households in the village is required to make the scheme active. Co-ordinators should make themselves known to every household in their area. The scheme would be improved if other villages were to become involved. A special newsletter to be circulated listing all coordinators and their areas. A Homewatch meeting to be held in the New Year, B Heaton to inform. Mr Heaton was thanked for his work.

1. Minutes of the last meeting held on 3^rd November were accepted and signed as a correct record.

2. Public Matters

No members of the public present.

3. Matters Arising.

a) Playing field has now been refurbished. Letter of thanks to be sent to VRBC.
b) N Tappin, K Worrall met John Oakley of VRBC and he accepted that work was required in the village but as always shortage of money was blamed. The pavements have been attended to but not very satisfactory. J Oakley said that he will replace the Cheshire railings with a wooden fence. The Parish Council are not in favour of this as they wish to retain the railings. A price is to be sought for the repair of the railings and then a letter to be sent to J Oakley. A copy of letter to be sent Cllr N Dolphin.
c) Daffodil bulbs, many have been collected.
d) Quality clerk Paperwork concerning Clerk Portfolio - Copies of paperwork given to each Councillor for consideration.
e) Mr E Connor returned the gift as he is no longer moving. Mr E Connor left the meeting whilst it was decided what to do with the item. It was decided to keep it for use at a special occasion.
f) Substation - The public meeting held in the Parish Rooms was very well attended. Over 120 feedback forms were completed and many e-mails have been received. The meeting held in Weaverham was not nearly as well attended.
g) Jeanette Jackson, National Grid has contacted ABPC stating that representatives of National Grid and Network Rail would like to come to speak to the Councillors at the next Parish Council Meeting. They also hope to have a Public Information Event in Acton Bridge. Plans are expected to go into VR in the next week or so. It was decided to invite National Grid and Network Rail to the next meeting and to tell them that a public meeting is essential. It was agreed to start the next meeting at 7.00pm to accommodate National Grid and Network Rail. S Pardoe to contact them.
Mr R Holt thanked Mr S Pardoe for all his work in connection with the sub-station.

4. Planning Applications

Cheshire farms The report compiled by S Pardoe has been sent to C Williams at VRBC after it had been returned by the Planning Inspectorate. Cllr A Hooker to speak to C Williams.
a) The Gables Station Rd - Proposed alterations to roof of existing dormer bungalow & single storey rear extn. Objections are as the previous application, they are to the windows being inserted creating living areas.
b) 57 Hill Top Rd - Two storey rear extn. After consultation with neighbours no objection to this application was raised.

5. Planning Decisions

None.

6. Authority for signing cheques

None.

7. District Representatives Report

Cllr A Hooker reported that she has just come back from Prague which is 'twinning' with Vale Royal. She found that the people were very family orientated. The area is very much like Cheshire and she thought that we have a lot to learn from them. VRBC would like a referendum on the proposal for regional assemblies.

8. Reports from other meetings

Weaverham, Acton Bridge Trust (inc Milner Trust). Mr R Gleave attended a meeting of the Trust. 20 children have been helped with a donation of £50 each, WI Acton Bridge has been given £100 towards old peoples party, and a donation of £200 has been sent to St Lukes Hospice.

9. Correspondence

a) C Community Council invitation to next meeting, 15 Dec.
b) CCC Annual meeting 21 Jan. N Tappin may be able to attend. Paper passed to N Tappin.
c) CCC Local Government Review paper.
d) CCC Consultation paper on Draft Planning Charter.
e) VRBC Risk assessment for Childrens play areas meeting 30 Jan 2004.
f) Invitation to Police Community Carol service.
g) VRBC Info on free water butts for allotment holders.
h) CCC Rights of way improvement plan-progress update.
i) Newsletter - Assoc Of Town & Parish Councils.
j) Campaign to Protect Rural England. Quiet Lanes.
k) Request for information on Village signs.

10. Village Matters

a) It is proposed that rubbish collections will be fortnightly and everyone is to receive a brown bin (for garden rubbish) and receptacles for waste paper and bottles.
b) Standards for Councillors. Copy given to each Councillor.
c) There has been a break-in at Milton Rough..

11. Any other business

Cllr A Hooker will resume her surgeries very soon.

12. Next meeting will be held on Monday 5. January 2004 at 7.00 pm

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