Brampton Parish Council

The Parish Council May meeting was also the council’s AGM when Jill Slinn was elected Chairman and Philip Stansfield as Vice-Chairman. Richard Gent was also co-opted onto the council to fill the vacancy which we had.

The full list of the Councillors and their portfolio responsibilities is as follows:-

  • Jill Slinn:- Footpaths, Traffic & Transportation and Website & Facebook;
  • Philip Stansfield:- Playing Field, Pocket Park and Website;
  • Robin Green– Trees & Snow Warden;
  • Brian May:- Lighting (also internal audit);
  • William Shearer– Traffic & Transportation;
  • Michael Macmain :- Lighting and Traffic & Transportation
  • Ian Costello :- Trees, Footpaths, Pocket Park, Website &  Facebook, Grass Cutting;
  • Richard Gent:- Police Liaison;
  • Derek Bland:-Playing Field, Grass Cutting and Lighting

Points raised at the Annual Parish meeting were discussed and are investigating further the possibilities of a 7.5 tonne weight restriction on Pitsford Road, a reduced speed restriction on Back Lane, amendments to the traffic calming plans as well as requesting further clearance of the footpath alongside the road between the village boundary and Brampton Valley Way. We are also looking into the cost of upgrading the village noticeboards and replacing the short section of fencing to the Pocket Park which was recently knocked down (investigation disclosed that it didn’t need much assistance as the bases had   rotted quite severely). It was decided to await the impact of the traffic calming measures at the junction of Back Lane and alongside the playing field before looking further at the suggestion to improve the ‘school’ road signs.

Results of the Traffic Count are being analysed – the initial indications being that the figures were up on last year -and also specifically looking at the number of HGV vehicles during the night period on the A5199 and their speeds.

We noted that the school Summer Fete on the playing field on June 18th would still be going ahead but that it had been decided to hold the evening musical event in the Spencer Arms and that this was not due to opposition from the Parish Council.

Other matters dealt with at the AGM include the acceptance of the previous year’s accounts and review of Standing Orders and Financial Regulations.

Four planning applications were considered; one was for work to the cedar tree on the Welford Road which was a parish council inspired application on which of course we had no objection and the other three were all on the edge of neighbouring parishes. One of these was in Boughton and another, to the rear of Sedgebrook Hall, did not produce any objection. The third was for an upgrade of the Barbecue area and increased outside seating with three shelters at Brampton Halt and the council, whilst concerned about the likely increase in noise levels which are amplified across the valley – particularly with the proposed removal of some trees – resolved to object to the fact that no additional car parking     arrangements were included in the application which could increase patronage by around 50. We were mindful of the parking problems on the Pitsford Road on many occasions over recent years with present capacity of the site.

Report was given on the new Village Website being developed and it is hoped that when you receive the Newsletter you will find that it is live and containing this report and other village details at:-

http://www.churchwithchapelbrampton-pc.gov.uk/web

The next council meeting is at the school at 7.30pm on June 16th.

Dog Poo Alert

Last September the problem of Dog Poo on Public Rights of Way – in particular Jack’s Lane in Chapel Brampton – was highlighted by Daventry District Council prior to their new regulations which give greater powers to fine offending dog owners for not clearing up after their dogs. It was pointed out that the regulations were enforceable on any public access points which included ALL roadside footpaths and verges and ALL bridleways and public footpaths across open countryside. The Parish Council continues to receive complaints of offenders. We require the names of those offenders including date, time and location to be able to forward this information to DDC. But we would prefer that ALL dog walkers go prepared with Dog Poo Bags and clear up after their pets. This is now a requirement and for which fines will be issued if a dog walker is found to not be carrying such bags.

A Coffee Morning

A Coffee Morning will be held at St Botolph’s Church in support of Christian Aid on Thursday 2nd June.