PRESENT:
Cllrs. S. Close
G. Hodgson
J. E Lawson
E. Pelter
PCSO Annette Hoover

APOLOGIES received from R. Mackereth and P.C. Joanne Humphrey.

THE MINUTES of the last meeting were agreed and signed.

POLICE REPORT: One crime, of arson, by a visiting 10 year old boy was reported. He was arrested and dealt with.
Less antisocial driving in the village has been reported. Drivers of cars reported to the police have been contacted. The public is asked to continue to report any details of further nuisance. P.C. Humphrey carried out speed monitoring in Whittington in late July and found no vehicles driving over 30 mph at the time.
The clerk brought the attention of PCSO. Hoover to the article in Wagtail about speeding through Newton. She will follow it up. Clerk will enquire about the possibility of a 'Golden River' check where 24 hour monitoring of speed is made. The police will continue with their occasional speed monitoring.

MATTERS ARISING: No further work done to local highways. Clerk to inform them of additional problems; saplings hindering the sightline at the junction on the Brow, very large pothole at Keerside, fallen footpath pointer at Saddler Nook and continuing absence of one 30mph/de restriction sign at Low Hall corner.

CORRESPONDENCE: Various items ad been circulated including a request from Whittington Village Hall for help with funding to replace the flooring in the supper room; Cllr. Hodgson suggested the sum of £500.00, which was agreed after discussion.
The clerk informed councillors of the email received concerning a census rehearsal on 11th October. Whittington is within the area designated to receive questionnaires through the post. The aim is to monitor the response to the census to help preparation for the 2011 event. Clerk has passed the details on to Wagtail as requested.
Cllrs. directed the clerk to ask Geraldine Smith MP to support the amendment the Sustainable Communities Act by signing Early Day Motion No.1545. This would include Local Councils in the process and enable them to take advantage of the Act.
Material concerning proposed changes to the provision of mental health care in the district was passed to members for circulation.

FINANCES: Current Acc. £2629.74. Bonus savings Acc. £2069.65
Cheques signed at the meeting; No 000350 £460.00 to Mike Harper for painting railings; No. 000351 £180.00 to cash for prize money for the Floral Competition; No. 000352 £500.00 to Whittington Village Hall as donation for replacing floor covering.
Fidelity guarantee - The clerk received a quote of £12.60 pa from Allianz insurance to increase our cover to £5 000.00, as advised by BDO Stoy Hayward, the national auditors. The council directed the clerk to increase the cover to this amount.

OTHER MATTERS: The clerk was asked to bring to the notice of Whittington Hall Estates that the untrimmed hedge is obscuring the 30mph sign at the top of Church Street.