Present : Mr. N. Walker (Chairman)

Mr. G. W. Phillips (Vice-Chairman)

Mrs. M. A. Baker

Mr. E.M. Livesey

Mr. D. P. Blackman

Mr. C. T. Phillips

Mr. R. H. Blackmore

Mr. A. J. Smith

Mr. P. A. C. Coote

Mrs. A. Souter

Mr. B. J. Jack

Mr. T. W. Thomas

Mr. A. J. Lacey

Mr. M. J. Watt

Apologies for their absence were received from Mr. C. T. Larkin, Mr. D. A. Lucas and Mr. T. W.Thomas.

36. MINUTES

The Minutes of the Meeting held on the 15^th December, 2008, as circulated, were confirmed and signed by the Chairman.

37. CHAIRMAN'S ANNOUNCEMENTS

The Chairman -

[a] reported that he had attended the Christmas Fair of the Crawley Down Residents' Association on the Council's behalf;

[b] asked that Members should note that the Council's Annual Dinner would be on the 24^th April next at Rowfant House;

[c] introduced Messrs. John and Stephen Plank who had produced the Council's new Website, which was now in operation; and

[d] drew members' attention to the excellent work being carried out by the Council's handymen on repairing and reinstating the fencing at the Copthorne Recreation Ground and other Play Areas, a sentiment which was echoed by other local members.

38. MINUTES OF COMMITTEES

The Minutes of the Meetings of the following Committees, held on the dates shown, were received, and the Committees' recommendations adopted -

Planning and Highways15^th December, 2008

Planning and Highways 5^th January, 2009

Planning and Highways 19^th January, 2009

Amenities 5^th January, 2009

General Purposes and Finance 19^th January, 2009

39. ACCOUNTS

RESOLVED: That accounts paid since the previous meeting, as shown on the attached Schedule, be approved.

40. STREET LIGHTS

The Clerk reported on quotations being received for the maintenance of the Council's street lights when the current contract with EDF Energy Limited was terminated at the 31^st March, 2009.

RESOLVED: That the Clerk, in consultation with the Chairman of the Council, be authorised to accept the most suitable quotation received.

41. ASH TREE, CRAWLEY DOWN

Members were informed of quotations received for the pruning of the ash tree outside the shops in the centre of Crawley Down (Minute 37 of the Amenities Committee of the 5^th January, 2009 refers), and considered the Council's position if it undertook the work, the ownership of the tree remaining uncertain.

RESOLVED: That -

[a] the pruning of the tree be undertaken at the Council's expense on the understanding that such action does not mply any acceptance by the Council of responsibility for the future maintenance of the tree;  and

[b] the Clerk, in consultation with the Chairman of the Council, be authorised to accept the most suitable quotation received for the current work necessary.

Chairman

The meeting started at 8.10pm and finished at 8.25pm