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Great Longstone Parish Council

Council Meeting – 18th February 2009

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GREAT LONGSTONE PARISH COUNCIL

Clerk to the Parish: David Burns

MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 18th FEBRUARY 2009

Present

Councillors S. Barton (Chairman), Mrs S. Barton, Mrs W. Long, P. Thompson, R. Topham, H. Wright, and S. Headington. Also present were District Councillor J. Bentley, UTE Co-editor Simon Thorpe and two members of the public.

Public Questions and Comments

There were no public questions or comments.

022/09 Apologies for Absence

Apologies were received from Councillor S. Mason.

023/09 Minutes of the Meeting held on 21st January 2009

Councillor Thompson proposed the minutes a true record. This was seconded by Councillor Mrs Barton with all in favour.

024/09 Declaration of Interest

Councillor Barton declared a personal interest in item 8(2) in that he is a trustee of Thornhill House who have asked for a new salt bin. Councillor Mrs Barton declared a personal interest in the same item in that she is employed by Thornhill House. Councillor Wright also expressed a personal interest in item 8(2) in that his wife is the Matron of Thornhill House. He also declared a personal interest in item 8(1) in that he is employed by DCC. Councillor Thompson declared a prejudicial interest in item 6(2) in that he lives next door to the appellant. He also declared a personal interest in item 12 in that his wife is a member of the VHMC. Councillor Topham also declared a personal in item 12 in that both he and his wife are members of the VHMC. Councillor Mrs Long also declared a personal interest in the same item as she too is a member of the VHMC.

025/09 Police Matters / Neighbourhood Watch

There was nothing to report on illegal activity in this area.

026/09 School Matters

There was nothing to report.

027/09 Planning Matters

NP/DDD/09/0050, Retain consent for change of use, Paddock at Station Road Garden Centre.

NP/DDD/06/08/0540, Notice of Appeal, Proposed Holiday Unit at 1 The Cross.

There were no objections to first application and the council decided to make no further comment on the Notice of Appeal.

Planning Decision Notices                 G = Granted              R = Refused               W = Withdrawn

NP/DDD/11/08/1024, Extension to dwelling, 1. Croft Road.                      G

028/09 Financial Matters

  1. a) To note bank balances.

The balance on the current account was noted as £1000.00

The balance for the deposit account was noted as £8838.97

  1. b) To approve payments £                           Cheque No.
  2. D. J. Burns (Salary January 2009)                           353.88                            1063
  3. Audit Commission (External Audit Fee)   155.25                            1064
  4. Peter Davies (Notice Board)   164.00                            1063
  5. Bruno Cardona (Assorted Tree pruning)   187.00                            1066

Approval of payments for items 1, 3 and 4 was proposed by Councillor Mrs Long seconded by Councillor Mrs Barton with all in favour. A decision on payment of item 3 to be delayed until item 16 is discussed.

  1. c) To discuss the monthly financial statement

Councillor Wright reported that everything was in order and that the council is on course to complete the financial year within budget.

  1. d) To discuss recommendations from the Audit Commission

The Clerk reported that he had received the Annual Return following completion of the External Audit. Whilst everything was in order, the Audit Commission had noted that the Risk Assessment was not sufficiently comprehensive and needs reviewing. Councillor Wright offered to look into this and report back to the next meeting.

029/09 Maintenance

ROADS AND PATHS

  1. Pavement Repairs – The Clerk reported that he had received the usual reply to his letter re Glebe Avenue, i.e. lack of funds etc. After some discussion, Councillor Mrs Barton proposed that the Clerk write to County Councillor Mrs J. Twigg and seek her support. The letter should stress that, to date, there have been two accidents resulting in injuries. This was seconded by Councillor Topham and carried by 7 votes to 1 abstention.
  2. Barn Furlong – A request from Thornhill House for the provision of a salt bin at the junction of Barn Furlong and Beggarway Lane was discussed at length. The Clerk reported that he had written to DCC on this matter and it was decided to take no further action until he had received a reply.

030/09 Maintenance

RECREATION GROUND

  1. Play Equipment – Inspection Log update – There had been no recent inspection but Councillor Thompson said that he would carry one out at the weekend.
  2. Tennis Court netting – Councillor Wright reported that he had inspected the netting and that, in his opinion, the existing straining wire needs be replaced and two more added. After some debate, Councillor Wright proposed that Mark Garratt be instructed to carry out the work. This was seconded by Councillor Thompson with all in favour. The Clerk was instructed to reply accordingly to Mrs Hurst of the Tennis Club.

031/09 Freedom of Information Act

The Clerk reported that, other than financial matters, there did not appear to be anything in writing regarding Standing Orders. He was instructed to enquire of DALC if there is a model available. The Chairman then went though the Action Plan and everything appears to be on track.

032/09 Pillar Box

The Clerk reported that, despite a second letter, he had still not had a reply from Royal Mail re the request to move the pillar box and that he would now contact Royal Mail by telephone.

033/09 Village Hall

There was a discussion on the repair/replacement of the snooker room heater. Councillor Thompson asked whether or not the council had agreed that the Trust Deed was a legal document. It was confirmed that this had been agreed by a majority vote at the previous meeting. Councillor Thompson then went on to say that the council has a responsibility for repairs and maintenance to the Village Hall. Councillor Headington lodged a strong objection to this and a contentious debate then ensued as to the rights and wrongs of the issue. Councillor  Headington stressed that he will continue register his objections on this matter. Councillor Thompson then asked, as we are responsible what are we going to do about it? Councillor Barton said that he wished to make two proposals through the Chair but, before doing so wished to make a statement as to what the Parish Council is here for. He then gave his account of what the council is trying to achieve and what its responsibilities to the parishioners are. The Chairman then submitted the following proposals:-

  1. That we have an agenda item for the next meeting to discuss the transfer of funds to assist with the purchase of a new heater and that we obtain a 3rd quotation.
  2. That we withdraw from the current agreement and form a new one.

Councillor Topham reported that he was in possession of a 3rd quote and, after some discussion, it was agreed that all three need to be re-submitted addressed to the Clerk. Councillor Topham then proposed an amendment to proposal 1 in that we should hold a special meeting in 2 weeks time. This was seconded by Councillor Thomson and carried unanimously.

A lengthy debate was held over proposal 2 during which Councillor Thompson said that a model trust deed for village halls can be obtained from ACER at a cost of £10. He then proposed that we do so. Councillor Mrs Barton seconded this with all in favour and the Chairman then withdrew his second proposal.

Councillor Wright said that he wished to hold a discussion on the financial affairs of the Village Hall as he was concerned that monies were being disbursed in a manner not in keeping with its remit according to the Charity Commission’s web site. The Chairman said that this was a matter for the Charity’s trustees not for the Parish Council, and that Councillor Wright should contact the secretary of the VHMC with his findings.

034/09 Retirement of Clerk

After some minor amendments acceptance of the first report of the Recruitment Working Group was proposed by Councillor Thompson. This was seconded by Councillor Mrs Long with all in favour.

035/09 PDNPA Local Development Framework Consultation

Councillor Thompson commented on the fact that the authority has omitted to include recreation in the consultation which was one of the main reasons for its formation.

Following a short debate it was agreed that the 7 sections of the consultation be dealt with by the following councillors who will then report back to the next meeting:-

  1. Landscape – Councillor Wright. 2. Climate Change – Councillor Mrs Barton. 3. Housing – Councillor Mrs Barton. 4. Settlements – Councillor Topham. 5. Transport – Councillor Barton. 6. Economy – Councillor Thompson. 7. Minerals – Councillors Mr & Mrs Barton.

036/09 National Tree Week

The Chairman spoke of his previously circulated e-mail re national Tree Week. It seems that DCC, along with a number district councils and the Forestry Commission are making a number of trees available free to local organisations. The Clerk was instructed to order two, one for the main village green and one for West Green.

037/09 New Notice Board

Several members expressed disappointment at the quality of the new notice board and it was agreed that a second board would not be ordered from the same source. The Clerk is to ask the contractor to complete the staining etc. Councillor Mrs Long mentioned details of capital funding being made available from DCC which is currently being circulated. This includes for the provision of new notice boards and, in view of this, it was agreed that the Clerk obtain a quote for two new boards and submit an application for funding. Councillor Thompson proposed approval of payment for the new board. This was seconded by Councillor Mrs Long with all in favour.

038/09 Correspondence

  1. DDDC – Notice of Parish Council Conference – Noted.
  2. DRCC – Notice of Calor Village of the Year Competition – It was agreed to enter and Councillor Mrs Long offered to complete the application form.
  3. Derbyshire Dales CVS – Quart magazine January 2009 – Noted and circulated.
  4. DRCC – Rural Matters Winter 2008 – Noted and circulated.
  5. DALC – General Circular Nos: 02-05/2009 – Noted and circulated.
  6. Peak Park – Consultation on refined Options for the PDNP core strategy – Noted and circulated.

039/09 Late Items of Correspondence (Received since circulation of agenda)

  1. RBS – Request for Councillors Wright and Barton to provide two items of ID – They are to comply.

REFRESHMENT BREAK – The Chairman adjourned the meeting at 9.02pm. and reconvened at 9.18pm.

040/09 Village Open Day / Events Week

With regard to the Open Day, the Chairman said that he felt a small working party was required to organise this. Councillors Thompson and Mrs Barton offered to do this and the Chairman warmly thanked them, especially as Councillor Thompson had done such a good job last year. It was agreed that the event be held on Saturday 25th April between 11.00am and 3.00pm. Councillor Wright suggested that the Bell Ringers Society may wish to provide a stand. Anyone with any other ideas should contact either Peter or Suzy.

Councillor Mrs Barton asked that an item be placed in UTE asking for volunteers to help formulate a programme for the Village Events Week. The Chairman reported that he had received an offer from the WI to provide afternoon refreshments and entertainment.

041/09 Village Developments

There was a general discussion on the facilities for teenagers (or lack of them) and possible uses for the Willows area. Councillor Mrs Barton said she would speak to Tony Hood of the VVF on this matter and that it could form a topic for discussion at the Village Open Day. There was nothing further to report on the provision of new playground equipment. In respect of affordable housing, it was agreed that Councillor Mrs Barton would invite Isabel Bellamy to give a presentation on this subject at the Village Open Day. It was agreed that the Church Fete is in need of revitalisation and that last year’s event had been poorly attended, possibly due to the inclement weather. Councillor Mrs Barton said that there did not appear to be a serious back-up plan. The possible use of marquees was mentioned, although hire of these can be very expensive. The Chairman reported that the marquees used for the reception for Councillor Wright’s wedding at the Crispin Inn had actually been purchased by the landlord and perhaps some arrangement could be made with him. Easy access to the Monsal Trail and provision of a new village notice board are still ongoing. With regard to traffic calming at the Mires corner, it would seem that that parked vehicles are having some effect in slowing down traffic, and it was agreed that nothing further could be done other than the promised speed check by Bakewell Police. Councillor Topham reported that he had attended PC Lowe’s Governance meeting at Tideswell and that the police priorities for this area are Operation Blackbrook, speeding and parking. It was agreed that the council has done all it can about concerns about off-road activity and that this item be closed.

042/09 Date of Next Meeting

The Council resolved to meet on Wednesday 18th March 2009 at 7.30pm in the Village Hall.

The Chairman closed the meeting at 9.45 pm.

 

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