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

Before the meeting began representatives of National Grid and Network rail gave a presentation on the proposed Substation to be sited along Station Rd, Acton Bridge. Over 100 members of the public attended and many questions were asked. It was felt that the meeting had been very successful in bringing to the attention of National Grid and Network Rail the strength of objections to the building of the substation in Acton Bridge.

The Parish Council meeting began at approx 8.30pm.

Apologies for absence were received from Mr R Gleave and Mr E Connor.

It was suggested and agreed that flowers and best wishes should be sent to Mrs Christine Gleave as she is recovering at home from an operation.

1. Public Matters

No members of the public present.

2. Minutes of the meeting held on 1^st December were accepted with two small corrections.

3. Matters Arising.

a) Cheshire Railings - Cllr Nora Dolphin has very kindly taken up the cause of keeping the railings. She has been in touch with John Oakley on behalf of the Parish Council. The Parish Councillors decided that they do not want the railings to be taken away from Acton Bridge if a temporary wooden fence is erected whilst the railings are being renovated. It was thought that the Smithy, who are prepared to do the work in-situ, would store the railings. The Smithy is to be asked to submit an estimate for the work. The Parish Council is willing to give a donation towards the cost of renovation.
b) Quality clerk - Papers concerning Clerk Portfolio. Copies of papers given to each Councillors for consideration. This to be discussed at the next meeting.
c) Cheshire Farms proposal. Nothing heard yet from VRBC although pink notices have been put up.

4. Planning Applications

None.

5. Planning Decisions

None.

6. Authority for signing cheques

None.

7. District Representatives Report

Cllr A Hooker reported that although the 'Urban Village' proposed at Winnington was turned down on 16 December, the full Council gave it their approval on the 17th December.

8. Reports from other meetings

Town & Parish Council Annual meeting attended by Mr K Worrall.
VRBC put forward their case for 3 way Unitary Authority. They would merge with Crewe and Nantwich becoming Mid Cheshire Council. It would mean 1 rep for every 3000 people. It would cost every individual an extra 30p in Council tax. Deadline for consultation is 23. February. Reps of VRBC are happy to visit any Parish Council if requested. It was stated that the Government is very much in favour of Parish Councils and Alun Michael has been singing their praises. It was said that in an elected regional assembly Quality parish Councils will have a speaking representative.
Quality Parish Councils. At the moment 21 clerks have passed the exam and over 400 have applied.
Tarporley have acquired the services of a Community Support Officer free for 6 months. Afterwards it will cost about £17000 to £18000 per annum for 40 hours.
Homewatch. It was thought that the scheme was generally breaking down due to the fact that there is only one co-ordinator at Northwich Police station.

9. Correspondence

a) Boundary Committee Local Government papers.
b) VRBC Listed building condition database monitoring. List to be requested.
c) CCC offering help getting on to Internet.
d) Web Solutions Company offering Internet services. Costs one off of £600 and then Web host at £100 annually and Web management at £360 annually.
e) Bank signatories. Cheshire Town and Parish Councils Assoc recommending the Co-op Bank as they appear to be the most helpful.
f) VRBC precept requirements
A list of yearly expenses and additional items had been prepared by Mr R Holt for the financial year 2004/05. A copy was given to each of the Councillors and requirements were discussed. Having considered expenses it was decided to ask for £1800 for the year 2004/05. Possible expenditures identified as Cheshire railings and Substation Action Group.

10. Village Matters

The people responsible for the break-in at Milton Rough have been caught.

11. Any other business

None.

12. Next meeting will be held on Monday 2nd February 2004 at 7.30pm.

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