Present:Cllrs. P.A. Wise (Chairman), J. Booth, P. Burnham, D. Carless, W. Evans J.S. Flanders, V. Leivers- Millership and R. Milliken. Borough Councillor J. McCauley, two members of the public and a member of the press were also in attendance.

Apologies for absence: PC Andy Vale.

Declarations of interest:There were no declarations of interests.

Approval of the Minutes of the meeting held on 3rd January 2007.
The Minutes of the Parish Council meeting were approved and were signed by the Chairman.

Matters arising from the Minutes.

The event for the opening of the skate park had not yet taken place. This is still pending and could be for some time.

A new gate to the skate park has been installed, but there are still concerns over the back exit which is being used by bikers to access the park. The crossing of the main road is dangerous. Gedling BC is liaising with the Forestry Commission over access to the woods opposite the park. This remains ongoing.

The report from Nick Crouch of Notts CC on Hopping Hill has now been received. Cllr Carless is seeking funding for Hopping Hill. There is a problem of Japanese Knotweed close to the Cemetery car park despite the efforts of the Parish Council. Quotes would be sort from specialist companies by Cllr Carless.

The roadside between the former chapel and Hazelford Way is becoming narrower because of overgrown vegetation. The Clerk has contacted Gedling BC. This remains ongoing.

Cllr Carless informed the Council that a funding application had been made for the Hopping Hill site. Information is awaited.

Both bus shelters on Hucknall Road are damaged. Highways would be contacted again.

The containers which have been used by contractors during the window replacement programme have been moved from the Mosaic to parking bays behind Tilford Road. Cllr Burnham reported that only one container remained.

The Chairman adjourned the meeting so that members of the public could discuss Parish matters with Councillors.

Mrs Harvey reported that a location for a grit bin on Musters Road did not satisfy the criteria as set out by the County Council. It was also reported that after recent road accidents in the village, the damaged cars had been removed but a lot of glass had been left on the road. Gedling BC would be informed.

Accounts:

Receipts. £22.96

Payments. £3256.20

The accounts were approved by the Parish Council and were signed by the Chairman.

Matters concerning Newstead Village.
It was reported that the bin at the Cemetery was full.

The waste bin in the car park has been used for the disposal of dog faeces and needs to be emptied. Gedling BC would be contacted and a larger bin and dog bin would be requested.

The Council is in need of litter pickers. Cllr Carless would organise this.

The Council was informed that the red bricks outside the school were coming loose. Highways would be informed.

Fly tipping at the allotment gates was reported. Gedling BC would be informed.

Matters concerning Newstead Abbey Park.
Newstead by Night held during the weekend of 9th and 10th December had been a great success.

It was reported that cars have been broken into in the car park.

Difficulties over the use of the new entry gates have been encountered.

Correspondence.
An invitation to visit Surestart had been extended to everyone.

Planning Applications.
There were no planning applications.

Reports from External meetings.
It was reported that Annesley Youth Club continued to be very successful.

The Clerk reported on a meeting of the Bentinck Void Liaison Group which had discussed transport issues.

It was reported that Annesley Developments had submitted further information in support of the application to reclaim the North East tip at the former Annesley Colliery.

Cemetery Issues
It was necessary to have IN and OUT signs at the car park. It was agreed to seek quotes also for NO TIPPING signs. The signs would be metal and would be placed on a metal post.

Items that the Chairman considered urgent.
After discussion the Council agreed a 5% increase in the Precept for 2007/2008.

It was reported that a problem still existed over the intimidating behaviour of a group of youths and litter outside the Take-away on Tilford Road.

Closure and date of next meeting.
The Chairman closed the meeting at 8.50pm. The next meeting of the Parish Council will be on Wednesday 7th February 2007 commencing at 7.30pm.