PRESENT:         Cllr. S. Close
                      Cllr. G. Hodgson
                      Cllr. R. Mackereth
                      Cllr. E. Pelter
                      P.C. Paul Winder
                      C.S.O. Deborah Gwilliam

APOLOGIES:  Cllr. J. E. Lawson

ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN: Cllr. Eric Pelter was proposed and elected Chair for the coming year. Cllr. S. Close was elected to act as chair in Cllr. Pelter's absence

MINUTES of the meeting held on 1st March were agreed and signed.

POLICE REPORT:  P.C. Winder reported a rise in the number of crimes to 9 in 2004/5 compared with 4 in 2003/4. the type of crime had altered from thefts from vehicles to more thefts from buildings.

Road traffic accidents were reduced to 4 with 2 resulting in injury. He is of the opinion that the various warning signs placed a Newton have been effective.

Poaching has got less and the Police are grateful for the information from the public.

P.C. Winder will continue his monthly surgeries and visits with the Library Van.

MATTERS ARISING: The tenant renting Whittington Hall land adjacent to the Town Quarry has taken the tenancy on the quarry also and will complete the application for the new Single Payment Scheme  The Tenancy document was studied by Councillors and agreement with the arrangements expressed. Clerk was asked to write and thank Mr. H. Armstrong for his assistance.

Work is in progress on the drainage problems at Docker. Burrow Mill Lane. A letter had been received from Countryside Services stating that an officer would inspect this Public Right of Way and we shall be informed of action. Since the letter of complaint received was unsigned, the letter from Countryside services will be displayed on the board for a time for the complainant to read.

CORRESPONDENCE: Various items had been received and were noted

Complaints have been received about vehicles parked on Church Street. They block residents' windows and make access dangerous in places. The gate giving access to the Electricity Sub Station is sometimes blocked and large vehicles have to mount the footway to pass. Some traffic travels at speed and residents of Church Street fear that accidents will occur.

Councillors discussed this with P. C. Winder who had looked at area. Although he understands the concern of residents, he advises that the vehicles are legally parked under present regulation. Clerk to make County Highways aware of the concerns and inform correspondent.

FINANCES: The Clerk presented the Annual Statement of Accounts which was agreed by the Council and signed by the Chair.

Current Account. £3065.03;  Bonus Saver Acc. £3065.48

Receipts since last meeting: Precept; £2750. Grazing rental;£50

Payments since last meeting;
Ch.No. 273. £200 to Wagtail magazine
Ch. No. 274. £10 Entry to Lanc. Best kept Village Comp.
Ch. No. 275  £250. Clerk's salary.

At the meeting the following cheques were authorised and signed;
Ch. No. 276 £87.02. Affiliation to LAPTC
Ch. No. 277  £283.84. Allianz Cornhill Insurance.
Ch. No. 278  £150 Wagtail Playgroup and Toddlers.

Councillors decided to make no change to the overall value of its assets.

Annual Audit; The Statement of Accounts and the Statement of Assurance for this document were studied and agreed by the Council.