Council Meeting – 18th March 2009
GREAT LONGSTONE PARISH COUNCIL
Clerk to the Parish:
David Burns
MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 18th MARCH 2009
Present
Councillors S. Barton (Chairman), Mrs S. Barton, S. Headington Mrs W. Long, R. Topham, H. Wright, S. Mason and P. Thompson. Also present were the UTE Co-editors and six members of the public.
Public Questions and Comments
Neil Stephenson spoke of the ongoing problem of dog fouling. He said two of Tom Cox’s Charollais cows had aborted calves as a result of dog mess. After much discussion, it was agreed that the council could do nothing more other than pass on its condolences to the Cox’s. Sue MacDonald asked if item 12, Village Hall, could be brought forward and this was agreed. Councillor Barton said that item 18, late items of correspondence, included an e-mail advising of Hulley & Co’s intention to remove bus route No. 4 from service. As he works part time for Hulley’s both he and Mrs Barton would be declaring a prejudicial interest and, in view of this, wished to speak at this time. He said that Hulley’s decision was based on business grounds. The service is not subsidised and, because it is not used, has been operating at a huge loss. Councillor Mrs Barton said that perhaps we should start being good neighbours and offer lifts and/or help.
046/09 Apologies for Absence
Apologies were received from District Councillor J. Bentley.
047/09 Minutes of the Meeting held on 18th February 2009
Councillor Thompson pointed out that, under minute 24/09, he had declared an interest in item 6(2) in that he lived next door to the property, not the appellant. Following this amendment, the minutes were proposed a true record by Councillor Mrs Barton, seconded by Councillor Mrs Long with all in favour.
048/09 Minutes of the Extraordinary Meeting held on 3rd March 2009
Councillor Topham proposed the minutes to be a true record. This was seconded by Councillor Headington with all in favour.
049/09 Declaration of Interest
Councillors Mr & Mrs Barton declared a prejudicial interest in item 18(1) in that he is employed on a casual basis by Hulley & Co. Councillor Wright declared a personal interest in item 8 in that he works for DCC. Councillor Thompson declared a personal interest in item 12 in that his wife is a member of the VHMC. Councillors Topham and Mrs Long declared a personal interest in item 12 in that they represent the council on the VHMC.
050/09 Police Matters / Neighbourhood Watch
There was nothing to report on illegal activity in this area.
051/09 School Matters
There was nothing to report.
052/09 Planning Matters
NP/DDD/02/09/0129, Relocation of proposed balanced flue, The Barn, Main Street.
There were no objections to this application.
Planning Decision Notices G = Granted R = Refused W = Withdrawn
NP/DDD/001/09/0050, Retention of change of use of land, The Nursery, Station Road. G
053/09 Village Hall
Councillor Thompson gave a brief resume of the ACRE Model A booklet that he had received today. After some debate, Councillor Headington proposed that we ask the VHMC for an informal meeting to discuss this matter. This was seconded by Councillor Thompson with all in favour. Councillor Barton said that the informal meeting should also cover recent correspondence between the PC and VHMC on the new heater and general relationships between the two parties. A letter from the VHMC acknowledging receipt of the £1000 grant for the heater replacement was read out and it was noted that the VHMC may be making a request at the Annual Village Meeting for financial assistance for further heater renewals.
054/09 Financial Matters
- 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 £8807.34
- b) To approve payments £ Cheque No.
- D. J. Burns (Salary February 2009) 353.88 1067
- DALC (Annual Subscription) 224.96 1068
- Peak Advertiser (Advert for Clerk) 62.10 1069
- PPPF (Annual Subscription) 20.00 1070
- G. L. Village Hall (Grant) 1000.00 1071
- Bakewell Charities 112.92 1072
- Bruno Cardona (Hedge Cutting) 300.00 1073
- DALC (Delegate Fees) 30.00 1074
- DRCC (ACRE Model A Booklet) 19.56 1075
- BTCV (Volunteer Force Insurance) 190.63 1076
Councillor Headington explained the reason for the payment to Bakewell Charities. Councillor Mason said that, with regard to the Volunteer Force insurance payment, we should seek feedback as to work done. Following these comments, payment of the above was proposed by Councillor Mason, seconded by Councillor Mrs Long with all in favour.
- c) To discuss the monthly financial statement
Councillor Wright reported that everything was in order and that the council is still on course to complete the financial year within budget.
- d) To discuss recommendations from the Audit Commission
Councillor Wright reported that he had not yet had time to complete a risk assessment but hoped to have something for the next meeting.
055/09 Maintenance
ROADS AND PATHS
- Pavement Repairs – The Clerk reported that he had written to District Councillor Judith Twigg who had passed the letter to the Strategic Director who in turn had passed it on to the Highways Department which, of course, resulted in the usual response. He is to write once more to DCC to ask for confirmation that funding for this project will be available in the 2009/10 budget.
- Barn Furlong – The Clerk reported that DCC are prepared to supply a new salt bin together with the first fill. Thereafter the council would be responsible for its maintenance and any subsequent fills. After some discussion Councillor Mason proposed acceptance of this offer. This was seconded by Councillor Mrs Long and carried by 6 votes and 2 abstentions.
056/09 Maintenance
RECREATION GROUND
- Play Equipment – Inspection Log update – Councillor Mrs Barton reported that she had inspected the equipment today and everything was in reasonable order. The Clerk reported that he had received a reminder for Wicksteed re the Annual Inspection. Councillor Mrs Barton proposed that he instruct them to go ahead. This was seconded by Councillor Thompson with all in favour.
- Tennis Court netting – The Clerk reported that he had instructed Mark Garratt to carry out the necessary work and had informed Sheila Hurst of the council’s actions.
057/09 Freedom of Information Act
Councillor Topham reported that all that remained to be placed on the website was the 2009/10 budget and details of services, i.e. bins, seating and the recreation ground etc. He also queried the amount agreed for provision of hard copies; is it 05p or 10p. This was confirmed as 10p per A4 copy.
058/09 Pillar Box
The Clerk reported that Royal Mail were still ignoring his letters and that he was finding it difficult to obtain the relevant telephone number. He is to enlist the help of the local postman to see if he may be able to assist in providing the necessary number.
059/09 Retirement of Clerk
The previously circulated second report from the working party was unanimously approved. The Chairman said that it may be necessary to appoint a temporary Clerk for the next meeting. He then made a presentation to the retiring Clerk and thanked him for his efforts over the years. The Clerk replied that he had thoroughly enjoyed his term in office and wished the current council all the very best in its ongoing endeavours to improve village life.
060/09 New Notice Board
The Clerk reported that he had applied for a grant to assist in the purchase of two new notice boards and was awaiting a decision. Councillor Wright said that he thought we should re-think the positioning of the public notice board because of the distance from the viewing area..
061/09 Retirement of Fred Mellor
It was agreed to formally record a vote of thanks to Fred and his family for the many years of service given to the village and to wish him a long and happy retirement. This was proposed by Councillor Mrs Barton, seconded by Councillor Thompson and carried unanimously.
062/09 PDNPA Local Development Framework Consultation
Following considerable debate it was generally agreed that this consultation is far too long and complicated for a small Parish Council to complete and the Clerk was instructed to write to Peak Park accordingly.
063/09 Correspondence
- Councillor R. Topham – Notice of resignation – Councillor Topham reported that his decision to resign was based entirely on health grounds and that he had enjoyed his time as a councillor. The Chairman thanked him for his contribution to the council and for his hard work in the setting up of the website. The Clerk reported on the procedure that needs to be followed. Councillor Wright pointed out that, should an election be required, local elections are due to be held in June and this could result in a reduction in cost.
- DALC – Reminder of Crash Course on Planning System – Noted.
- Longstone History Group – Update on project at Fin Cop – Noted and circulated.
- Peak Park – Core Strategy Refined Options – Noted and circulated.
- DRCC – The Playing Field – Winter 2008 – Noted and circulated.
- DALC General Circular No: 06/2009 – Noted and circulated.
- Clerks & Councils Direct – March 2009 – Noted and circulated.
- Standards Board for England – Town & Parish Standard – Noted and circulated.
- PPPF – Newsletter Spring 2009 – Noted and circulated.
064/09 Late Items of Correspondence (Received since circulation of agenda)
- E-mail advising of Hulley’s Bus Company’s intention to remove route No. 4 from service. Having declared a prejudicial interest in this item, Councillors Mr & Mrs Barton left the room and Councillor Mason took the chair. Following considerable debate, Councillor Mason proposed that a letter of regret be sent to DCC and asking that it continues to subsidise the 173 route. This was seconded by Councillor Topham with all in favour. Councillors Mr & Mrs Barton were recalled to the meeting.
- Mike Watson – E-mail re fly tipping at the village waste disposal unit – Councillor Mrs Barton reported that she had checked the site today and it is once again a mess. After much discussion, it was agreed that this is not the Parish Council’s responsibility and that if residents continue to abuse the amenity it will more than likely be removed. The Clerk was instructed to reply to Mike Watson accordingly and to ask District Councillor Bentley to approach DDDC on the matter.
065/09 Village Open Day / Events Week
Councillor Mrs Barton reported that arrangements for the Events Week are well underway and it will definitely happen. With regard to the Open Day, she reported that the VHMC are interested in a stand and that they are to contact the Well Dressing Committee. There then followed a general discussion on the format and topics for debate during the open forum.
066/09 Village Developments
Playground Equipment – Councillor Thompson suggested we approach Bakewell Town Council as they have just completed a new development. Councillor Mrs Long said that she is to seek advice from proprietary suppliers of playground equipment and will have some information for the next meeting.
Football Pitch – The Chairman said he felt that, apart from this particular item, Village Developments could be removed from the agenda until after the Village Open Day. There then followed a general discussion on drainage and flattening issues etc. Councillor Mrs Barton said that she would ask DCC’s Head of Leisure to come and advise. She said that he had already promised to do so if required.
Monsal Trail Access – Councillor Topham reported that he had heard from Gary Bacon of the Peak Park Rangers and that this matter is still ongoing. He also mentioned that the trail may possibly be upgraded to a bridle path.
067/09 Date of Next Meeting
The Council resolved to meet on Wednesday 15th April 2009 at 7.30pm in the Village Hall.
The Chairman closed the meeting at 9.22 pm.
