|
ALCONBURY PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of a Meeting held on Tuesday 28th September 2004 in the New Memorial Hall
Present:
Mrs. Watkin (Chair), Mrs Adams, Mr Brown, Mr Dawson, Mrs. Dyer and Mrs Turner. District Councillor Mrs Sarah Vanbergen. Mrs. Lancey (Clerk), 10 members of the public.
Presentation from Detached Youthwork Team
Mr. Graeme Seddon from the Detached Youthwork Team and Mrs. Sharon McCrorie from the Huntingdon Youth Centre attended the meeting and were able to update the Parish Council on the progress of their work so far in the village. Mr. Seddon explained that there were three members of the detached youth work team who had made some initial trips into the village in an effort to engage with youngsters in order to find out their thoughts and aspirations. He explained that they worked as a team and were conversant with major concerns of Child Protection, Health and Safety, Equal Opportunities and council policies governing their work. A grant of £7,000 had been obtained from the Local Network Fund which would go towards this work Three members of the public were present representing residents living along the Great North Road who expressed their extreme concern about anti social behaviour, from youngsters of all ages, to the rear of their properties, and along the path leading from the Housing Association onto the Great North Road. The Parish Council had already requested closure of this path and the Clerk explained that this was still in the hands of the Legal Dept. at CCC. Clerk to chase. The residents thought that youngsters from villages other than Alconbury were involved. Mr. Seddon said the team would target this area to try and improve the situation. Mrs. McCrorie suggested that a representative from the Parish Council might attend meetings of the Community Safety Partnership in order to become more involved with their activities. She would contact Claudia Waters accordingly.
Public Forum:
Mr Barber enquired whether it would be possible to extend the work being carried out by CCC to paths and kerbs further up School Lane Clerk to contact West Highways Division to ascertain the extent of the improvements. It was requested that improvements could also be made to paths and kerbs along the Great North Road. Clerk to contact West Highways Division. Mr. Scotney, on behalf of the Parish Plan Steering Group, asked whether the Parish Council would be prepared to underwrite any expenditure incurred as a result of the shortfall in grant monies made available. The Steering Group had also been informed by the New Memorial Hall that they would have to pay for rental of the hall (which had also been back dated) which was another unplanned expenditure. It had been agreed at the last meeting that the Parish Council would be prepared to do so up to a figure of approximately £1000 on the understanding that the Steering Group would keep them informed of how their expenditure was matching their budget. Clerk to confirm this in writing to Mr. Scotney.
1. Apologies for Absence
Apologies were received from Mrs Dix, Mrs Elphick, Mr Lane, Mr. Vanbergen and County Councillor Peter Downes.
2. Minutes
The Minutes of the previous meeting held on 24th August 2004 were approved and signed.
3. Committee Reports
i. Infrastructure Report
Churchyard: Clerk reported that in total three incidents had occurred when damage had been caused to the Church, all of which had been lodged with the police who have been visiting the site. The floodlighting is switched off until the scaffolding has been finally dismantled. Clerk had contacted the police and had been informed that there were no further developments.
ii. Village Green: Clerk had contacted HDC concerning dog fouling and had been informed that it was acceptable to dispose of the dog waste, as long as it was wrapped up, into the designated black/gold bins. She explained that it was not illegal for a dog to foul, but it was illegal for the person responsible for the dog not to clear up anywhere within a speed limit of 40mph or less. Anyone found not clearing up after their dog could be prosecuted. An article on dog fouling would appear in the next issue of the Parish Pump. HDC had advised against designated bins because the contents had to be treated as clinical waste and therefore the cost of emptying such bins was prohibitive. The clerk reported that the metal seat around the chestnut tree on the green had been damaged and needed repair. This had been carried out as it was considered dangerous. Mrs. Watkin commented that this tree did not look in the best of health and asked the Clerk to contact the Tree Warden accordingly.
iii. General: Clerk reported that a bridge had been damaged at the bottom of Polecat Lane. This had been repaired by Mr. Dawson who thought that other sections of the bridge were rotten and in need of replacement. Clerk to action. Clerk had received another letter from Anglian Water concerning the sewage odour in both The Maltings and Willow End. One of the manhole covers has been replaced with a sealed unit. The odour monitoring is still to be carried out. It had been reported that the anti vandal paint had worn off the bus shelter. It was considered unnecessary to replace this.
iv. Planning:
New Applications:
04027542FUL/0402755LBC – Extension and alterations – 3, The Maltings – no observations
0402756FUL/0402757LBC – Extension and alterations – 5, The Maltings - no observations
0402956FUL –Erection of replacement roof to existing building – Research Centre
0402955FUL – Erection of building for research and development – Research Centre. Clerk explained that application 0402955/FUL had not been received in time to put on the agenda but that as the planning sub committee had been invited on site to review the planned submissions it should be considered in conjunction with application 0402956FUL. No observations made.
Applications Determined:
0401709FUL – Change of use of land from agricultural to car parking – Murkett Accidents & Reparis – permission granted.
0402087TELDET – Erection of 10.5 metre steel radio pole and microwave dish – Alconbury C of E School – Prior Approval not required.
0402322FUL – Erection of floodlights for MUGA pitch – Sports & Social Club - permission granted.
0402122FUL – Extension of two detached dwellings – land adjacent The Vicarage - permission refused
0401481FUL – Extension to office building – Admiral Windows & Conservatories – appeal against refusal.
v. Bramble End Playground
Mr. Brown reported that a child had been hurt whilst on one of the swings on the playground. Clerk to investigate. Mrs. Watkin asked that every Councillor should inspect the playground prior to the next meeting when a discussion would take place on its state of repair.
4. Matters Arising
i. The Old Memorial Hall: Mrs. Watkin reported that the promised letter from the Charity Commission confirming the details of their proposals had not been received. Consequently the meeting of the Old Memorial Hall Committee planned for 22nd September had not taken place. Furthermore the contact with whom she had been dealing at the Charity Commission had moved to a different position which could delay matters even further.
ii. Safer Routes to School: Mrs Dyer reported that the first meeting of the working party had taken place on 27th September. The Project Officer in charge had emphasised that the whole scheme was expected to take 2-3 years to complete. Initially a survey of journeys to and from school for every child would be carried out. The working party had also been told of further funds that might be available via the School Travel Plan for use on facilities such as new equipment.
iii. Local Government Funding: Clerk reported that replies had been received on behalf of Mr. Raynsford regarding the effect of the current floor and ceiling policy in Cambridgeshire. She would forward copies to Councillor Downes.
iv. Election of Additional Councillor: Clerk reported that the Notice of Election had been displayed. Mr. David Senior, being the only nomination, would be declared elected on 21st October. His first meeting would be 26th October 2004. Clerk would contact him accordingly.
v. Flood Alleviation Meeting: Clerk had been notified of a Flood Alleviation meeting to be held on 15th October which would provide details of plans for Alconbury. Two representatives were invited. Mr Brown and Mrs. Dyer agreed to attend. Clerk to contact HDC accordingly.
vi. Bus Service Information: A new project to enhance the feedback mechanisms in place between the Parish Council and CCC regarding bus service information was being launched. CCC required a contact for this. It was agreed this should remain as the Clerk. Clerk to inform CCC accordingly.
vii. Parish Council Website: Clerk reported that files should be uploaded to the new website within the next two weeks.
viii. New Waste Bin – Manor Lane: HDC had rejected the request for a new waste bin in Manor Lane. Clerk reported that should the Parish Council wish to purchase their own bin from HDC, the cost would be £187.75. It was decided that a bin placed in The Maltings might be a more suitable location. Clerk to organise.
ix. Alconbury Sports & Social Club – Signs: Clerk had obtained two quotations for signs concerning dog control which the Parish Council had previously agreed to purchase for the ASSC. The first quotation from Seton was for a total of £942.16 + VAT. The second was from The Custom Sign Company and was for £442 + VAT. It was decided to accept the quotation from The Custom Sign Company. Clerk to action.
5. Correspondence (A list of all correspondence had been circulated)
i. Complaint - Parking: A letter of complaint had been received from a resident in The Maltings concerning the parking of vehicles (associated with a local company) outside his house, which he considered to be illegal. Mr. Brown had expressed a personal interest in this item, and left the room prior to any discussion. The Clerk advised the Council that, on the advice of CALC, it was considered that this should be a police matter. However, the company concerned had already made alternative arrangements for overspill parking. Clerk to reply accordingly to resident.
ii Complaint – Speeding: A letter of complaint had been received about speeding along the Great North Road from a resident in Palmers Lane. The resident had also sent letters of complaint to the Cambridgeshire Constabulary. They had assured the resident that the PCSO’s would be addressing the problem. It was agreed that the Clerk should write to the resident assuring him that this problem would also be addressed through the Safer Routes to School Scheme and the Parish Plan.
iii Patient and Public Involvement in Health Forum for Hinchinbrooke Hospital: It was felt that the Parish Council did not have sufficient resources to become involved in this project.
iv A Consultation Paper – Review of Regulatory Framework Governing Activities of Local Goivernment Employees: Circulated to all Councillors. Any response due by 19th November.
v. A Consultation Paper – A Model Code of Conduct for Local Government Employees: Circulated to all Councillors. Any response due by 19th November 2004.
vi. Burger Van – Mill Public House: Mr Dawson reported that The Mill Public House had requested that a burger van be allowed to park in their car park. They had already contacted HDC concerning this matter. It was agreed that the Clerk should obtain more details of times etc. before any decision could be made.
6. Responsible Finance Officer’s Report
i. Moore Stevens: Clerk reported that a letter had been received from Moore Stevens (External Auditor) questioning why the reserves held by the Council were higher than normally expected. She had replied to the effect that £13,540 Section 106 money was being held for the planned expansion at the ASSC. As requested, she had also confirmed that the notice of audit had been displayed correctly and that the Annual Return had been made available for inspection by the general public. Detailed breakdown of expenditure had also been supplied as requested.
ii. Payment of Accounts:
The following cheques were presented for payment:
Smallwork Services – repair to seat around chestnut tree - £10
Alconbury Cricket Club – agreed donation - £250
Clerks’ Salary – September (32 hours @ £7.76) - £248.32
Payments were proposed by Mrs Adams and seconded by Mrs Dyer.
ii. Free Balances: Clerk reported free balances at Deposit Acct. £21,491.35 and Current Acct. £6248.93 (including Parish Plan monies of £864.47)
7. Representative Reports
i. Alconbury Sports & Social Club
Mrs Adams reported that a very successful Fun Day had been held raising £1,469.81. The approval of the planning application for flood lighting of the MUGA pitch should enable to bid with the Football Foundation to move forward. Plans for a Bonfire Night celebration were in hand.
ii New Memorial Hall
Due to the absence of Mr Vanbergen there was no report on the New Memorial Hall, but the Clerk reminded Councillors of the forthcoming mini jazz and beer festival to be held on October 10th to raise funds for the Hall.
8. Date of Next Meeting
The date of the next meeting was arranged for Tuesday 26th October 2004 in the New Memorial Hall. Mrs. Watkin reminded the Council that she would not be attending this meeting so another Chair would need to be appointed.
Return to top
Close this window
|
|