Town Councillors present: C. Barnes, R. Bickerton, I.S.E. Huddlestone, M. Williams (Chair).
Others attending: Susan Stevens (Town Clerk).

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Planning Applications
No objections were raised to applications 0079, 0927, 0954.
Regarding the application for installation of electrical generators to utilise landfill gas at Arden Quarry, Cllr Chris Barnes said there was concern about 24hr running, for even low levels of noise can be conspicuous in the quiet contryside at night. Clerk Susan Stevens said that DCC had raised no objections on the issue of noise. Cllr Barnes said that though he has no objection in principle, he felt sorry for people living close by, they already had to contend with lorries, vermin and rubbish blowing about, now they may have to put up with noise. Cllr Marion Williams noted the opinion of the Council to be one of no objection provided noise and air pollution levels are acceptable.

Matters arising from previous minutes
Susan had received replies from Railtrack and Greater Manchester Transport regarding a station for Stepping Hill Hospital. There were various options, including a new station, or a replacement for Woodsmoor Stn, or improvement of Woodsmoor to give better access from Stepping Hill.

No replies have been received from DCC regarding meals. Also there has been no reply on ambulance service provision.

Budget
There is an overspend on the repair budget due to the unexpected expense of work on the clock tower and removal of asbestos. It would be necessary to budget £16,000 (£21,000 minus grants) for maintenance or replacement of the windows and a further £1000 for subsequent internal redecoration.

£320 was budgeted for Sett Valley House repairs. However Cllr Roy Bickerton (just arrived, from HPBC DCC meeting) said there is a problem with the fire exit at SVH, inadequate drainage is causing damage to the door, frame and internal flooring. On this basis the budget for SVH repairs was increased to £1000.

At High Lea Hall, Alf Steele has noted that the windows need repainting. Cllr Bickerton observed that quotes were needed on these various jobs to get proper budget estimates. Susan said that Stephen Lewis is to get estimates. Chris Barnes enquired whether the gardening staff could do some of these small jobs.

Alf Steele is to leave in March 2003, and the question arose as to whether the telephone rental in his High Lea Park flat could be ended. Susan said that if Stephen wanted to go in this flat it would be beneficial as there is a security issue in the park - fireworks were posted through the High Lea Hall letterbox. Chris Barnes felt it needed proper negotiation. In the meantime the phone could be removed when Alf leaves, and could be reinstalled by whoever rents the flat. Councillors need to visit the flat and sort out what is to be done. Roy Bickerton suggested getting the District Auditor to value it.

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At this point Cllr Bickerton asked if items 1-6 had been dealt with, as he felt the meeting was not quorate up to his arrival. He felt that the Council has not been behaving the way it should for some time. Chair Marion Williams said she had been told that 3 is the quorum for the sub-committees.

Regarding Sett Valley House, there are some suggested repairs. New beading is needed on a window of the snooker room. A PIR light is needed at the entrance steps. Roy suggested Stephen Lewis meet Alec Spencer to deal with these matters. The steps need lighting as they cannot be seen in the evening when the building is in use. Brown and Smith would give a quote, which is needed to get an idea of the cost for the budget.

Another matter of concern from SVH is the non-attendance of their committee meetings by nominated councillors. Roy said there are 4 councillors on the committee, but only he himself regularly attends - he has seen no other councillors in the last 2 years.

On the matter of one-way traffic proposed for Godward Road, Cllr Roy Bickerton said that at the stage of outline planning approval for the Heather Falls development, the question had been raised about the safety of school children going up Scaliot Close. He suggested replying to DCC Highways to say the council look favourably on the proposal. Chris Barnes enquired it local residents are happy with this. Roy thought they are. Previously the area was a no-man's land, but the one-way system will make access easier.

Cllr Marion Williams said she had received many complaints about the humps on Bridge St. Double yellow lines have been removed, and the resultant parking has practically turned it into a one-way street. She suggested reinstating the yellow lines. Cllr Bickerton suggested DCC create fewer humps and instead use the materials to fill in pot holes in the roads. Cllr Ian Huddlestone said DCC have said they will review the situation. Roy said he didn't see what speed humps have to do with double yellow lines - DCC should be asked if they intend to put them back. Marion said that at the Spring Bank section the double yellow lines do run over a speed hump. Chris Barnes thought the situation on Bridge St would restrict access for large wagons to the wood mills and be bad for their business.