a profit. All income received is used to fund the event, with any surplus going to charities, Christmas trees and other events in the town. As the event is weather dependent, and there are no ticket sales, Steve requested that the council consider providing insurance indemnity against any losses. He said that last year's event had made a profit of £3500, but this year it would run over two days and would incur additional costs. For that reason, the organisers were requesting cover of £5000. John Boardman asked what funds the organisers currently had in the bank and Steve said he would provide it after the meeting. Milton Keynes Council (MKC) Councillor Peter Geary wondered what impact the £5000 would have on OTC's budget if it should be called in, and Clerk Liam Costello replied that there was currently £16000 in the reserves. Peter then proposed that the council indemnify the event, which was passed by a vote of three for and two against. This means that the majority of members declined to vote for either. Draft Minerals Plan --- Peter Geary explained that the current plan proposes a new extraction site in Lavendon Parish, towards Cold Brayfield. It is a 'dry site,' so would not naturally fill with water during the extraction process. Therefore, it would need to be back-filled with ine material such as clay, soil and rubble. The rate of extraction would be 70-80 tonnes a year, which would be transpo ed through Olney town centre and the continual backfilling process would effectively double the amount of lorries. Peter expressed his surprise at the choice of this site, as the guidance recommends extraction south of the River Ouse. Chris Shaw said it is important to find out why this site has been selected against this guidance. MKC are expected to take the plan to public consultation for a 12-week period from July to October but there was some concern from members that over the summer holiday period when many parish councils, including Olney, would not be meeting. --- Recreations and services -- On behalf of the committee, Tony Evans said that the new fence surrounding the football pitch on the Nursery Field was not universally popular, with complaints being made that it prevented the public accessing town owned land. He asked the council whether the gates around the field could be left open, but also impose a dog exclusion order. John Sharp noted that during the recent Rugby 7s tournament, cars had parked at the bottom end of the football pitch in a similar manner that had originally been proposed as a permanent arrangement, but now abandoned, by OTC. He noted that it had passed without incident. There were reports that Olney wn Football Club has been sub-letting pitches to the Colts in contravention of their lease. The council felt that any such income should go to OTC and not the club and will investigate. -- New parking restrictions MKC have proposed a number of changes to waiting restrictions around the town, mainly around Weston Road, The Knoll, West Street and East Street. The council agreed to suppo the proposals, so the next step will be adve ising the necessary Traffic Regulation Order on which members of the public will be able to express an opinion. of past distinguished mayors would need to be moved to enable it (readers might like to Google 'Parkinson bike shed' for an explanation of this phenomenon). -- Highly commended clerk -- Steve Clark announced that Town Clerk, Liam Costello, had recently been awarded a Highly Commended certificate by the Society of Local Council Clerks. Steve presented Liam with his framed certificate. Odds and sods ---- Steve Clark repo ed that more than 100 veterans had attendedthe annualArmed Forces Day held at the Carlton House Club and much appreciation had been expressed by those present. However, he was disappointed to note that only two members of OTC were present. Joe Stacey reported that the Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group were progressing with the questionnaire that would shortly be sent out. Ron Bullnotedthatanumberofprivatepremises had trees and shrubs extending into footpaths, causing problems for pedestrians. He suggested that members of the public contact the highways department of MKC, where discussions with the property owners had not resolved the matter. Tony Evans said there had been repo s of loud music being played on the recreation ground late atnight. The police had been called but seemed reluctant to take action. It had been repeated the next night near the old reservoir at the top of Long Lane, where the police had attended and confiscated the equipment. There being no meeting in August, so the next one will be held at 7.30pm on Monday September 1st in the Council Chamber in the Olney Centre. Members of the public are always welcome to attend and, if they wish, speak at the start of the meeting, or at any point that the mayor decides is appropriate. Emergency plan - Olney Town Council Months ago, the council embarked on the creation of an emergency plan to be bought into operation in the event of flood, plague or pestilence etc. It set up a sub-committee under the chairmanship of Ron Bull. He reported that it had been very difficult to engage people in the plan and felt there was very little interest in it. He said he was very disenchanted with the whole matter. Deidre Bethune proposed that the council drop the plan and this was passed by a majority. Hearing loop As reported last month, the Council Chamber hearing loop system provided temporarily by Jeremy Rawlings for previous meetings had proved successful, and Tony Evans thought it should become a permanent fixture. Jeremy Rawlings noted that for the equipment to be installed, it would be necessary to drill through the wall of the council chamber. This was followed by a protracted (though not entirely serious) debate about how the hole should be drilled, by whom, at what level and which picture Phonebox Magazine 41