Present;                                                                                       A. Sykes, Vice-Chairman

                                                                                                    J. Archer,

No apologies were given by members at this meeting. The members of the Churchtown Society were attending a prior event.

Councillors disclosed any personal or prejudicial interest in any matter to be discussed at this meeting.

There were no members of the public present.

Due to ill health the Chairman has tendered his resignation with immediate effect and this creates a casual vacancy on the Parish Council. Cllr. Meadows has served on the Parish Council for many years and has been appreciated for his tireless dedication he will be greatly missed.

Election of Chairman

Under the Local Government Act 1972 (83(4)) the Chairman signed the Declaration of Office.

Following the resignation by the Cllr. J. Meadows public notice has been given for those wishing to become a Parish Councillor. No request for an election was received by Wyre Borough Council by the due date that being 7^th November therefore the Parish Council will need to fill the vacancy by co-option.

The Parish Lengthsman has reported that the shrubbery has been trimmed to an acceptable level. It has been reported that the Churchtown Society will take responsibility for the maintenance of the site.

Resolved: That the Parish Council apply to Lancashire County Council for the roadside licence.

The Police Authority is reviewing how they use various meeting formats with the public. The Councillors felt that now the Police visit the Parish Council meeting they have the best way of liaising with the Police.

The photographs supplied to the Parish Council at the last meeting were sent to Lancashire County Council for action. But according to Lancashire County Council they are not responsible for highway maintenance and Wyre Borough Council should be approached.

Payments received;

(Membership of the Society of Local Council Clerks)

Payments to be accepted;

(EDCL Training Course)

(Parish Maintenance Contract to date)

Web site registration

St Helen’s Parochial Church Council thanks the Parish Council for their donation.

It was noted that a further cheque will be needed before the next meeting to pay for the pole to mount the dog bin on in Old Will’s This should arrive on Tuesday 26^th November

Councillors discussed the following items on the Agenda

Resolved: The Risk Assessment was accepted

Wyre Borough Council is requesting the precept notification by 18^th January, 2008 the cost of Parish Council elections held on 3^rd May, 2007 was £103.13 and this will be retained prior to the Parish Council receiving the precept in April.

Notification from NALC as to the Clerk’s salary increase. Kirkland Parish Council stated that they wished to accept NALC recommendations when the Clerk was employed.

The following planning applications were granted:

It was reported that Mrs. Poole, headteacher, is off work through illness, Mrs Price is filling-in in the meantime. The School Governors are busy fundraising and a successful funding bid has been secured for the new field.

The AGM was held last night. The Committee has engaged a new cleaner, who wants stricter rules on lettings. A new bookings secretary is to start from 1^st January, 2008. There have been a number of problems with the removal of the ‘No Dogs’ signs at the entrance to the field. The fence along the river bank has been renewed and the broadband connection has ceased.

The last meeting concentrated on an investment portfolio to ensure a better return and maintain the value of the investment.

The Pact meeting held on 1^st October reported that a person had ridden on the footpath outside the Punchbowl Inn and a drunken person was begging in the street, he was subsequently returned home.

Report included election of Officers, information on Smiley SID’s in the Wyre area and Lancashire Locals.