Town Councillors present: R.G. Atkins, C Barnes(Chair), S.J. Barrow, D Cooper, L.E. Dowson, I Fletcher , M Huddleston, I.S.E. Huddlestone, T.E.S. Jefcoate, S.E. Rae, M Williams

During Electors Questions, Mr John Ferns put forward the following question: Would you please explain to me why the Council Rate for New Mills is higher than others in the area.

Cllr Ian Huddlestone addressed this as a long-standing issue originating with the formation of the Parish Council in 1974. At the time a decision was taken to look after the parks, which resulted in a double rating system with both Borough and Parish charges. New Mills maintains more parks than Whaley or Chapel Town Councils, while in Buxton and Glossop, since they have no town councils, the parks are looked after by HPBC. Mr Ferns asked why HPBC do not look after New Mills parks. Cllr Huddlestone agreed that it is not fair - when questions have been raised with the Borough about levelling-out the rates, Glossop and Buxton argue against it. However, he was prepared to follow this through again, and suggested contacting all town councils in the High Peak to make a good case. Mr Ferns asked how long this would take, he would give it 6 months and then take it higher, perhaps to the MP. Ian said it would take some time, but he couldn't put a time on it. They were continually frustrated by the attitude of the Borough. He would himself take it higher. The Deputy Prime Minister's Office are producing new models. Chair Chris Barnes said Whaley Council Chair had approached him on this matter. Mr Ferns thought the town is being penalised. Cllr Martin Huddleston said they had been trying to change things for 15 years. The onus is on HPBC to fix the matter.

Addaction Community Outreach Service (ACOS - Freephone 0800 389 4538) Project Co-ordinator Su Benton and Project Worker Paul Fenton made a presentation about their work in New Mills. Su said that they had been in New Mills since 24th Mar at the former JobCentre. They work as part of a National Demonstration Partnership and have previously been based in Matlock, Wirksworth and Chesterfield. At the end of June they move to Derby. While here the team of six have focused on treatment, training and community development. They have done workshops in all the schools - 6 primary and the secondary. These have been successful, with schools keen to follow up. With years 7-10 drop-in and information sessions have been approached by 50 young people. Treatment has been well received. It is a pity their work is only for a short spell, but they are only funded until June 2004 and have a large area to cover. If they stayed longer they would have a vast number on their books. Complimentary treatments have been offered, with 5-6 daily acupuncture sessions. A web kiosk has been established at the Leisure Centre with the ACOS and other health sites on.

Paul Fenton said his area is treatment, for which there has been an excellent market in New Mills, with 20 class A clients, showing that drugs are quite an issue in the town. They had regular contact with all the people arrested in recent raids, undertaken urine screening and hoped to put some on blockers. On Thur 26th June there will be a drug awareness evening at the old JobCentre. In schools there have been sessions to teach counselling skills centred around drugs awareness. While there are 20+ clients at the moment this could expand to 40-60 if they were here for a few more months. Many clients were on substitutes such as Methadone.

Su said they would hand over on 25th June to another drugs team, so that clients continued to receive treatment intervention. Their work here will be independently investigated.

Cllr Sheila Rae said that previous drugs awareness events had a poor response - how could the Council help support their work. Su said they could help to advertise by word of mouth. Sheila asked how they could help in terms of the town and its problems and strategy. Paul said they could help work toward preventative elements. Drugs are now more available - he could walk out of here and buy heroin within half an hour. Su said parents need to get involved and talk openly to children and others around. Sheila asked if they should try to resurrect the interagency group. Su said there was a sort of opinion about that drug users should be shot and just to forget the problem. They need to get the message across that it is everybody's problem. Paul said that a crack habit might cost £200/day or £4000/month; heroin £20/day. This causes much stealing and robbing - perhaps to the extent of £70,000 a year to feed a habit.

Cllr Lance Dowson congratulated the team and thanked them for the work they have done. He was involved in the preparatory work, and the big breakthrough has been to have Addaction there as well as dealing with the crime. Chair Chris Barnes thanked them on behalf of New Mills Town Council - anything to reduce drugs was good for the town and the community.

Matters Arising from Minutes:

334 - Current telephone system is not working properly - the phones don't always ring when people phone in and sometimes cut callers off. Quotations have been obtained for a new system. Cllr Dowson said that during the time he spent in the council offices only one of the two lines worked and incoming calls ring around from desk to desk, including the caretakers house. It is not satisfactory. There is no phone in the Town Clerk's office. There have been two quotes, for purchase and rental, some parts can be used from the existing system. Chair Chris Barnes emphasised the importance of having a good system, so that staff can work more efficiently. Ian Huddlestone proposed they should go with the best quote. However Martin Huddleston thought the matter needed discussing - are we happy that we have investigated all the possibilities, is this the phone system we want. Susan Stevens said the existing wiring would be replaced and the second line made available.

School Governors - Susan advised that DALC (Derbyshire Association of Local Councils) have informed them that the way to set up governors is to change - the new councillors (Atkins, Barnes and Jefcoate) must be invited by the school to be appointed. Cllr Atkins said that schools do not yet know about this. Martin Huddleston said the new system should be explained to local schools. Cllr Barnes recommended that they carry on as they are until things change. Martin Huddleston thought they needed to ask schools what they wanted to do. Lance Dowson asked whether the term of the appointment would still be 12 months. Susan said the proposals are sketchy at present.

Town Hall windows - application sent off - not yet received a reply.

Stone Shelter at High Lee Park - Stephen Lewis had searched the records and found no minute on this. There is nothing to stop the shelter being taken down. This would be a good step to reduce drugs. Martin Huddleston said there is a problem with it being next to the children's play area - there has been broken glass in the paddling pool. The shelter is in the wrong place and so has safety concerns. If a better metal shelter could be put in a different position people could congregate there - but this would require money. He said he would like permission to demolish. Lance Dowson said the stone would be used at the top of St Mary's Rd for a walled garden with the plaque, which is appropriate as the donation came from a resident there. Cllr Sheila Rae felt they should actively look to replace the shelter. Stephen and her had looked at possible locations. There are some attractive options, some not too expensive. She would like to make new provision prior to demolition of the old shelter, however, the demolition may need to go ahead. Cllr Dowson moved to demolish the shelter and use the stone to make a memorial walled garden at the top of St Mary's Rd. This was passed. Cllr Barnes said they should also take up Sheila's proposal to provide a new shelter.

Advertising and date of Annual Town Meeting - Susan said this legally only needs to be on the Town Hall notice board. The meeting must be between Mar 1st and June 1st, it does not have to be in May. Martin Huddleston felt they could advertise the meeting. Susan said this would be £200 in the local press, but an article could be done instead. Lance Dowson agreed that they should try to advertise more - on the website and as leaflets for shops. Although they don't have to, they should. Cllr Atkins said they should avoid Easter week or the term break. Chair Chris Barnes said they would fix a date before the next full meeting. Martin Huddleston said there had been some difficulty in advertising as the meetings had lapsed. Last year the interest had come from New Mills Interest Group, but they could not have that level of interest every year. Lance jokingly suggested an item doubling the council tax as a means of raising awareness! Martin Huddleston said they now have an excellent website taking shape which can be used to advertise the meeting. Cllr Marion Williams suggested using the free paper rather than the Buxton Advertiser. Lance said this is the free paper of the Advertiser. They had agreed to having free noticeboards put up and these could be used.

Police questions for next meetings Police Consultation - Cllr Dowson said that the information they have is often from members of the public, it is a good opportunity to put their questions. Cllr Atkins stated that he can deal with questions at other times as a member on the Borough police committee.

Planning Applications:

There were no objections to applications HPK/2003/0426, 0433, 0451, 0461, 0471.

457 - 14 dwellings at Hague Bar - Cllr Jefcoate expressed concern at the lateness of bringing this before the Council, as he would like to make a site visit. The application has all sorts of implications and they should ask for further time to consider. Cllr Sheila Rae thought there to be traffic problems. Cllr Jefcoate said it would also be highly visible from below. Ian Huddlestone indicated that a turning space has been left on the plans with the potential for use of a further strip of land. Cllr Jefcoate said they should express concerns about the access and visibility. Lance Dowson added the matter of the amount of building development on the plot. Cllr Barnes noted that by-and-large it was desirable to use industrial land. Martin Huddleston seconded the comments of those raising concerns.

Applications for grants had been received from Sean Lally the owner of SkateLand, Jane Forshaw at Providence United Reformed Church, Sue Rodrigues at The Youth Basement and from Sett Valley Community Association.

Cllr Jefcoate said that worthy as these items may be, they have a general lack of information, this relates to the absence of guidance to people who apply for support and funding. With guidance applicants could make a more useful contribution. Susan Stevens said the budget has only £510 remaining for such applications. Martin Huddleston said they used to advertise for applicants and deal with all in one go, but then a worthy application would come in later. Cllr Jefcoate considered they needed to set up criteria for applications. Cllr Marion Williams said some applications came in year after year and they were then asked for accounts as to how the money had been spent.

Cllr Cooper described the SkateLand application as worthy, but not something they could support. Cllr Sheila Rae suggested Community Enterprise support. Susan said he could be put in touch with PDRDF. Cllr Jefcoate thought they could not give enough to make a significant difference, though it is a valuable community project. Sheila Rae felt they could act as facilitators. Cllr Williams said she knew Sean Lally and his wife - he had given up his job to do this, she felt they could give him something to tide him over while he takes advice. Martin Huddleston considered it a difficult area to be propping-up commercial businesses. Trevor Jefcoate thought a small amount would only delay the inevitable. Marion Williams said he needed support and the project takes youngsters off the street. Lance Dowson felt it would not be realistic or fair - £500 would only cover running costs for a short while and would deprive other groups. They could act as facilitator to link to others who can help. He expressed support for what Mr Lally is doing.

Providence URC had requested £50 toward the cost of additional electricity at the church premises following the establishment of the Youth Basement there. Lance Dowson described this as a good cause, but they would not want to commit to £50 yearly. Sheila Rae thought they should support this. Lance added 'subject to annual review'. Martin Huddleston agreed that they could not compromise future councils, they could apply each year. The vote was in favour of donating £50.

New Mills Youth Basement had asked for £500 for a noticeboard. Lance Dowson said they are a very good organisation doing a brilliant job, but the Council cannot do a £500 donation. They could make other suggestions for funding and staff could help, but this is not within the Council budget. Cllr Jefcoate reiterated the need for guidelines. Susan said the applicants had made enquiries by phone and were told there is only £500 for all applications. Martin Huddleston noted that the Council do also support the Volunteer Centre, the One World Festival, the Community Festival, etc. The volunteer sector are not prohibited from coming to the Council. Sheila Rae said they could help in other ways, such as with the design of the noticeboard or with HPBC contacts. Chris Barnes suggested they could use the Town Council noticeboards also. Susan said they had acquired 6 of these free. Lance Dowson said Newton School had one made with doors for just £200. Martin Huddleston had no objection to donating £50 to the Youth Basement. Sheila Rae seconded this and there was a vote to accept. Lance Dowson suggested to inform them of other grants. Trevor Jefcoate suggested they do an outline sheet rather than write individually to everyone.

Sett Valley Community Association had asked for £200 toward a litter-picking day. Sheila Rae suggested a donation of £50. She very much welcomed the setting up of the group. It would be useful in terms of Ollersett Fields. There was a vote to accept this donation.

United Utilities had sent a letter regarding the installation of an electricity supply point in the Torrs. Susan said this was for events, and had been suggested by Sir Martin. UU will install this, but the Council must pay for electricity used and for the housing. Martin Huddleston asked if UU would build it and charge the Council, as it seemed short-sighted not to get it done while they are working there. Chris Barnes said they would need to know the price. Lance Dowson suggested the Chair and the Chair of the Leisure & Parks Committee look into it. Chris Barnes suggested asking UU and then seeing if local builders could better the price.

It was agreed that Susan Stevens and Ian Huddlestone would attend DALC training on what Council's can and cannot resolve and what they should or should not discuss. Lance Dowson proposed that copies of the 'Good Councillor's Guide 2003' be purchased for all councillors. It was also agreed to buy two copies of the book 'Our Common Land: the laws and history of common and village greens'.

Regarding the HPBC Best Value review of its regeneration services, Martin Huddleston thought it would be useful to make an input. There is the issue of rating and the difficulties of entering into serious dialogue. Chair Chris Barnes read out the main aims of the review, which he felt to be all very valid points and he would like to support it. Cllr Dowson said it had been going on for some years and now was aimed at a more local level. Matters of the effectiveness of partnership working and comparison of services with other providers had arisen from local level. It is essential the the Borough Councillors go to feed information in, it is too good an opportunity to miss. Sheila Rae indicated that the other councillors could feed comments to those who are going. Lance said he would go. Ray Atkins said he has to go and may be involved in chairing. Cllr Susan Barrow noted the consideration of town and village centres links with the Health Check and indicated that the rug is to be pulled from under this as funding ends shortly and there is not time to do the required survey.

Any Other Business

Cllr Dowson said that when knocking on doors during the election campaign he been asked to look at the matter of Torrs litter and at the extension of the 30mph zone on Hague Bar Rd. He felt the Town Council could support a 30mph limit all along the road and a review of speed restriction measures, to DCC. Martin Huddleston said that writing to DCC would start the debate. Cllr Jefcoate thought that 20mph limits were needed in some areas. Chris Barnes recommended writing to DCC regarding the 30mph extension and speed restricting measures.

Cllr Marion Williams asked if there had been any reply on the matter of the Bridge St traffic calming, about which there had been a lot of complaints, as the double parking had not improved matters. Susan said there had been no reply but she understood there would be a review to determine if the traffic calming was successful. Trevor Jefcoate described the whole area at the bottom of Mellor Rd as very difficult. Cllr Williams said people park on top of the speed humps, it would cause more accidents than it prevented. Martin Huddleston recollected that the matter had been addressed by Martin Doughty at the Town Meeting. Chair Chris Barnes said they should write again to DCC. Lance Dowson wondered who is complaining, as many residents feel safer. He noted that there was to be a review of the A6 traffic calming, but that period has long gone. Cllr Jefcoate felt there to be a number of traffic calming issues in New Mills. Chris Barnes indicated that since being de-trunked the A6 now has 17% more traffic.

Sheila Rae asked about developments at Arden Quarry. Cllr Sue Barrow said the planning application had been refused on Mon 9th June. The reasons for refusal had been very strong, including planning officers recommendations that the quarry could now be restored without filling with waste. Cllr Jefcoate said there had been problems with a severe infestation of insects affecting lots of local residents. This was unhealthy and unhygienic. Sue Barrow said that fly infestations had occurred elsewhere in the country. There were various rumours, but the Environmental Agency have not mentioned bad management. The problem may have been due to storage over a Bank Holiday. Cllr Jefcoate understood there to be funding available to deal with the infestation. Cllr Barrow said this was merely for fly papers.

Cllr Ian Huddlestone brought up the matter of the wall knocked down at Alsfeld way playground. They did not know who owns this wall. It is not the Town Council or HPBC and the residents say it is not them. Cllr Ian Fletcher thought it was owned by the occupant of the adjoining house. Ian said the Land Registry has no ownership details. Martin Huddleston felt it needed chasing up regarding the way HPBC went about it as the mending of the wall was in hand by the Town Council. Chair Cllr Barnes said they would be looking for recompense to reinstate the wall. Lance Dowson suggested that they should try to support the resident if it is their wall. Martin Huddleston said that HPBC are aware of the matter, the issue to address is how they went about it.

---

At this point the public were asked to leave while the Council discussed financially sensitive matters.