Present: Cllrs Alexander (Chairman), Hayden (Vice Chairman), Hodson, Howden, Giddens, Trolove, County Councillor McGuire, District Cllr Tysoe and clerk

Sue Jarvis attended the meeting to inform the Parish Council of plans to hold an event in the village hall on Saturday 2^nd June for the Jubilee Celebrations.   They would not however be going ahead with their proposal for a Country Fair on the Recreation Ground on 4^th June.

785.12 Apologies for absence were received from District Cllr Tuplin

786.12 Minutes of 20^th December 2011 were agreed and signed

787.12 Matters arising (information only)

788.12 Members declaration of interest for agenda items Cllr Giddens 794.12

789.12 Grass cutting contract 2012- it was noted that the new contractor would start in April.   As there are still funds allocated in 2011 budget for another cut it was agreed to contact the present contractor for a cut in March.

790.12 The Great Gidding Newt Trail update – interpretation boards were in hand but subject to the Lottery Funding allowing an extension of  2 months to allow work to be completed

791.12 Noticeboard refurbishment –only one key could be found for both boards and it was agreed to obtain 2 spare keys for the noticeboards

792.12 Rural Housing Needs Survey – still no update on when this will take place

793.12 Diamond Jubilee – village celebration update.   It was agreed the group organising the event in the village hall on 2^nd June would be allocated £500 to underwrite the event.   A coffee morning to celebrate the Flora and Fauna at the Jubilee Woods was being organised for 3^rd June but no PC funding requested.

794.12 Planning – Tree Preservation Order, 47 Main Street – It was agreed to write and state that the PC await outcome following the 6 month order

795.12 Rural Broadband – Mobile Phone Coverage.   A letter had been received from Shailesh Vara MP who was looking in to this for the parish

796.12 Textile Recycling Bank in the village – the village hall had agreed to have this facility situated in their car park.   (The public house had declined)

797.12 Fields in Trust – Queen Elizabeth II Recreation Ground- a suitable sign would need to be erected during the Jubilee Celebrations

798.12 Litterbin location on Main Street – it was agreed that all Parish Councillors view the location of the present bin with a view to suggestions of where it can be relocated

799.12 Local Minor Highway Improvements Funding – As the CC budget limit was £10,000 it was agreed to consult on costing for a foot way from Main Street to Gains Lane.   If this exceeded the budget then a kerb along this stretch of Chapel End would be applied for.    The PC has to contribute to any improvements with a maximum of £1000.

800.12 Vehicles exceeding speed limit through the village – a request has been made for information on any speedchecks carried out during the past year but no response had been received to date

801.12 Anglia in Bloom – It was agreed that the PC would not be involved in this year but encourage members of the village to take this community activity on  (Clarion)

802.12 Rental agreement for Parish Land – it was agreed that the clerk draw up a draft agreement for discussion at the next meeting

803.12 The date for the Annual Parish Meeting was set for Tuesday 20^th March at 7pm when village organisations would be invited along to give a short report on their activities (5mins)

804.12 Reconciliation of accounts and payment of cheques were agreed

S Dalley (clerk)                                                                  £295.70

Anglian Water (Rec Ground)                                              £87.05

Anglian Water (Allotments)                                                £18.57 (Charity)

805.12 Representatives reports

Rights of Way – Cllr Giddens – it was noted that another Anglian Water drain cover was missing – opposite The Mill

Allotments – Cllr Howden recommended an increase in the annual fee for 2013 – to be agreed at next meeting

Highways & Police – Cllr Hayden – no report

School – Cllr Alexander –

Village Hall & Recreation Ground – Cllr Howden reported that the Hall had seen an increase in bookings

Finance & Charities – Cllr Hodson gave a brief update

Tree Warden – Cllr Trolove had planted 50 trees provided by HDC along Lodge  Road, Hemington.   He has also produced a definitive list of the trees at the Jubilee wood which will be numbered and tagged for easy identification by visitors.

806.12 Correspondence received

North West Hunts Neighbourhood Forum 25^th Jan, Infant School, Sawtry – noted

Peterborough Cycle Club notice of race Monday 4^th June – noted