Present: S. Bust; G. Herbert; A. Paris; D. Parrish
Apologies: A. Fraser, N. Armstrong; I. Sharman
Matters Arising
1) Norwood Park Golf Course Extension – the reply from District Council is that, as the Course has a Southwell address, Halam was not consulted on this application. A. Paris moved that the Clerk should write to District Council expressing our concern and dissatisfaction with the situation – agreed
2) Interactive speed sign – should be erected shortly after the Christmas break
Village Hall
Extension/refurbishment – Draft plans were examined and discussed. Agreed unanimously to ask John Thornewill to draw up plans for an application to the Planning Department. He will also submit an estimate of his costs to oversee the project. The Parish Council expressed thanks to John for his contribution to date.
Village Hall Cleaning – Tony Denyer has offered to clean the hall (at no charge) from the start of March.
Draft Regional Consultation
A. Paris circulated notes he had made regarding suggested responses to the document; accepted – A. Paris to forward to GOEM.
Government White Paper
A. Paris to investigate further.
Parish Plan
Actions up to date.
Design Statement
Draft documents regarding Village Envelopes and Conservation Areas from the PWG were circulated and read. Agreed to issue with Halam News.
Xmas Tree
It was agreed that the tree looked very festive. Payments totalling £80 were agreed. A larger tree will be considered for next year.
Noticeboard
G. Herbert & D. Parrish to investigate further and report back.
Fencing
Glenys Herbert commented that she thought the fence in front of the old people’s bungalows created a loss in amenity for the elderly residents. It also cause shading which was encouraging the growth of moss & slime on the pathway. Andrew Paris moved that the Clerk should write to Newark & Sherwood Homes requesting that the path be cleaned as soon as possible – agreed.
Open Meeting: Matters raised
1) Mrs Simmons expressed her dissatisfaction with the previous meeting - she felt her questions re planning at Grange Farm had not been answered and that unprofessional comments had been made by members of the P.C. She felt that the council had not expressed the views of the parishioners that it is appointed to represent.
2) P. Thompson asked that costings from John Thornewill should be discussed in public at a P.C. Meeting.
3) A window at the school was recently broken by a football. If further damage occurs, the school will review the use of its playing fields out-of-hours.
4) Tony Denyer asked about a second position for the speed watch scheme at the Edingley end on the village.
Correspondence
1) Halam Parish Paths Partnership – a year is left to run of the present scheme. Clerk to liaise with E. Gathercole.
2) Community Safety Liaison Group – Monday 29 January: Andrew Paris to attend.
3) Touring Cinema Group – information to be passed to K. Lindley.
4) NALC Training – the Clerk & Mandy Rickett to attend financial training session.
Planning
1) Orchard View, Radley Road – Single storey extension and loft conversion: supported unanimously.
Planning Decisions
Fairfield House, School Lane – Demolition of existing conservatory and erection of two-storey extension: approved by District Council
Finance
Resolved to pay village hall cleaners and the cost of the licensing advert in the Bramley.
The 2007-2008 budget was discussed & accepted. A three monthly review was agreed. The precept for next year was set at the same as last year’s, i.e. £7,000.
It was agreed to amend the Parish Council’s Financial Regulations to allow the Clerk to hold £100 petty cash.
A. Paris will prepare a Risk Assessment for next meeting.
Date of Next Meeting :- Thursday 11 January, 7.30pm
Parish Pump 
Halam & District Women’s Institute 
St Michael the Archangel: January Services
