Council Meeting – 19th March 2014

MINUTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD
ON WEDNESDAY 19^TH MARCH 2014
GREAT LONGSTONE VILLAGE HALL AT 7.30PM

Present: Cllr Wendy Long, Cllr James Cox, Cllr Hugh Wright, Sarah Stokes (Clerk), UTE, Cllr Judith Twigg and 1 parishioner.

Public comments.

Cllr J Twigg enquired into any road problems. The PC highlighted that footpath 50 had now been completed and thank you for any involvement J Twigg had with this.  It was noted that the project had been along time being finished, but is now complete.

PC comments. Cllr Cox highlighted a  number of blocked gulleys, one being near to Croft House entrance on Main St, the other being near to the  junction on Station Rd/Grisedale. Cllr J Twigg volunteered to look into these.

Cllr J Twigg stated that some gulleys are left due to cars often sitting over them regularly, there being no access to carry out work.

PC/Cllr J Twigg discussed the problem area of surface gravel coming off Longreave Lane onto the Main rd, near the bridge. It was noted that this was not a problem that used to occur, only in the past few years.  There appears to be a problem due to gravel. This area of Longreave Lane was seen as an area where people park to use the Monsal Trail. Cllr J Twigg highlighted that there is a need for parking where people are cycling. It was noted that cars now park closer to  the village to use the Monsal Trail.

Resident 1, thanked the PC for clearing Bells style.

Cllr Twigg left the meeting.

The meeting opened at 7.41pm.

19/14 Election of Chairman.

Cllr Wright proposed Cllr Long to Chair the meeting, seconded by Cllr Cox. To note the two residents to be co opted are still interested.

20/14 Apologies for absence.

Apologies were received from Cllr Thompson.

21/14 Declarations of business interests.

Cllr Wright declared an interest in items covering DCC, the planning application of Moor Rd and Fearnehough Yard. Cllr Cox declared an interest in items 5.1 and 5.4. Cllr Long declared an interest in item 8.2.

22/14 Minutes of the meeting 8^th January 2014.

The minutes were proposed by Cllr Cox and seconded by Cllr Long.

23/14 Recreation ground.

23.1 Playground.

23.1 .1 Notice board. Awaiting dry weather.

23.1.2 Wet pour to swing areas. Job now complete, all looking neat, thank you to Cox’s.

23.1.3 Bolts on jumbolander. Cllr Cox had looked at the cost of bolts, being approx £15 per £100. Working party to look at when do work on tennis court.

 

Cllr Cox left the meeting.

23.1.3 Igloo matting. The revised quote was accepted, being to pressure wash to remove all the moss and silt built up from the joint gaps in the mats, then pressure wash to leave in a clean condition. The quote was proposed by Cllr Long and seconded by Cllr Wright.

Cllr Cox rejoined the meeting.

23.1.4 Paintwork on equipment.  Cllrs to look at the paintwork for the next meeting. Cllr Cox reported that work is required on the jumbolander to the rope/handhold and handrails require smoothing. Clerk to ask ex timberline contractor to look at work, with an PC agreed figure to go ahead, with all in favour.

23.1.5 Moss. It was resolved for the Clerk to ask B Cardona to treat the moss on the surfaces of the play area, up to PC agreed figure, with all in favour.

23.1.6 ROSPA inspection. The Clerk had received a price for the May inspection. The Cllrs resolved to go ahead with this at £65 for 5 items and £3 for each extra item. To include the tennis court in the inspection, and goal posts as before. With all in favour.

23.2 Equipment for older children. Cllr Long reported that the work on the trial is due to start soon.  The trial period to commence when the work is completed.Cllr Long also stated that with regards to the letter from the tennis club member who does not live in the village, all concerns have been raised in previous meetings. Also that the majority of the tennis club are in agreement with the trial. The goal posts to be removed asap.

23.3 Maintenance on rec.

23.1.1 Tree work. The Clerk reported that all the tree work requested had been actioned.  The tree surgeon had been asked to look at the hawthorn tree on the perimeter. The tree surgeon said the tree is a good wildlife habitat and suggests leaving it alone. The Cllrs resolved to do just so, but to monitor.

23.1.2 Hedges. The tennis court hedge had been trimmed accordingly. Cllr Cox kindly volunteered to remove the broken fence panel from behind the hedge. The Clerk reported that the hedge/overhanging debris near to the tennis court had now been removed/tidied from the neighbouring property. To note a section of hedge adjacent the meadows, is still requiring work from the resident (Clerk wrote to the properties), it s believed the owners do not always reside in Gt Longstone. Hedge to be monitored.

23.1.3 Tennis court maintenance.

There was much discussion over maintenance and the history of past PC’s. It was noted there was a time when the tennis court was locked up, where it was for the tennis club not a village facility. To note the treasurer of the tennis club has sent in a number of receipts, requesting reimbursement over a number of years. The treasurer also asks who is responsible for the maintenance of the court. The Clerk to look into the historical data around the 1970’s and around years 2000, with regards to the tennis court and maintenance.

Clerk to request moss treatment by B Cardona,after the trial work is carried out, if required.

23.1.4  Access on to the rec from Spring Bank.

Cllr Wright reported on a site visit with Gary Bacon from PDNPA and the Clerk. PDNPA had suggested a  possible shorter gate with an opening, where the current gate is. This was seen as cheaper, but more difficult for the opening of the gate. PDNPA had suggested lime mortar and gritstone slabs, however were happy with the PC spec. Quotes have been requested for the original spec, with Indian sandstone slabs (less slippy), 1 quote received to date.

24/14 Village Greens.

24.1 Lease for area near to bus shelter. On going until July 2015.

24.2 Tree work. The Clerk reported that the tree work has been actioned. With regards to the hawthorn removal, the Clerk reported on a quote. Clerk to look into a further quote for this work, and given the approval to go ahead with the lower quote, for removal and grinding the stump. The new tree has been purchased. Cllrs to arrange planting imminently or in September, with the new tree to go further down/away from the existing.

To note Clerk to claim the new tree cost from PDNPA.

24.3 Chains around war memorial. Awaiting quote to paint, alongside bench work quote.

24.4 West green shrub area. To note all shrubs have been removed.  The Cllrs discussed replanting or re seeding. It was resolved for the Clerk to ask B Cardona to prepare the area, blending in the soil into the area and seed. With all in favour.  A possible tree in the future to be planted in this vicinity.

24.5 Maintenance plan for benches. Awaiting quote. The Clerk highlighted an item of correspondence referring to a newly installed bench, on enquiring the bench is on PCC land. Plaques were discussed for benches that come to the end of their life. With a possible attaching to a new bench, back of the new notice board, or have a number of plaques on one bench.

25/14 Burial Grounds and Fearnehough yard.

25.1 Ivy and wall. No report.

25.2 Ashes area. The churchwarden had sent a letter asking for funds for the ashes area. Cllrs to look at the area for the next meeting. Clerk to look into the previous donation to the PCC.

26/14 Footpaths/roads.           

26.1 Verges.  The Clerk reported that DDDC have acknowledged the work required on the footway opposite Thornbridge Manor, with a job number being given.

26.2 Resurfacing. To note that footpath 50 has now been resurfaced. The Cllrs discussed the possible relocation of the grit bin. The grit bin encroaches onto the footway. To note two properties donated land originally to allow for the wider footpath.  Cllrs to look into suitable locations on that side of the village.

26.3 Footpath/gate work. Peak Park on with further work to the footpaths and gates.

26.4 Coronation oak tree. Tree to be monitored for any work required.

26.5 Streetlights. It was reported that streetlight 45663 (Main St/opposite West green) is on 24/7. Clerk to report the fault.

26.6 Bench debris clearance. It was noted that B Cardona is scheduled to clear from beneath the benches 3 times a year.

27/14 Quarry.

27.1 Quote for bracing/strengthening gate. Awaiting quote.

28/14 Council Administration.

28.1 Land Registration of village greens. The Clerk reported that subject to notice sent to a house on Main St, the land registration is due to go ahead.

28.2 PC asset register. It was resolved to use the asset register in line with last year. Insurance and coverage to be discussed at the next meeting, with insurances due June/July.

28.3 Retained documents. It was resolved to utilise the DALC guidelines as in previous years. Clerk to look into archiving documents at the records office during 2014.

28.4 Annual parish meeting. The Cllrs resolved for the APM to be held at 7pm, prior to the May PC Meeting, being 14^th May. Posters to be put up to advertise the meeting.

28.5 Village week. It was reported that the church flower festival will be held in June this year, with the church fete to be held at the vicarage, as a garden party. A possible sports event was raised, to be run by willing volunteers.

29/14 Financial matters.

29.1 Bank reconciliation for 31 January 2014.

INCOME                     reimbursables                        £2786.00
VAT refund                            £404.62
Reimbursable/right of way   £495.00

EXPENDITURE                                                          £1399.00

UNPRESENTED         Land Reg                                 £80.00

Closing balance in the current account                   £1000.00

Closing balance in the deposit account                    £31,565.11

29.2 Bank reconciliation for 28 February 2014.

INCOME                     rent                                         £40.00

EXPENDITURE                                                          NONE

UNPRESENTED          Land reg                                 £80.00

Closing balance in current account                          £1000.00

Closing balance in deposit account                           £31,605.11

29.3 To accept and approve payments.

Sarah Stokes            Admin                                      £706.40 (2 months)
Sarah Stokes            Expenses                                £65.08
B Cardona                   hedge/shrub removal            £365.00
A Slack                       thorn tree                              £39.99
DALC                           subscription                           £231.74
N  & G Tomlinson       tree work                               £340.00
T W Cox builders      Village hall and swing maint  £228.00
PPP Forum                   Subscription                          £16.00

Bakewell and Eyam Community Transport              £500.00 (from Holmemeal charity)

The payments were proposed by Cllr Long and seconded by Cllr Wright.

29.4 To note all funds for reimbursable expenditure have been received.

29.5 To note the VAT refund has been received. Clerk looking into a further VAT claim as end of financial year.

29.6 To note tennis club rent received. Awaiting school rent.

29.7. To note Clerk preparing accounting information, accounts to be presented for approval at the next meeting, with 16^th June being the deadline for the external auditors.

30/14 Planning matters.

30.1 Parish Council consultation. NP/DDD/0114/0015. 1 and 3 Victoria Terrace, Main St. Rear extensions to no’s 1 and 3.

PC comments sent in: no objections.

30.2 Parish Council consultation. NP/DDD/0114/003. The Manor, Main St. Listed building consent. Internal work and roof light.

PC Comments sent in: no objections.

30.3 Parish Council consultation. NP/DDD/0214/0178. Field House. Moor Rd. Erection of single storey timber framed orangery extension.

PC comments: no objections.

30.4 Parish Council consultation. NP/DDD/0314/0243. Bleaklow Farm, Hassop. Demolition of Farmhouse and erection of replacement dwelling house

PC comments: Style in keeping for its location.

30.5 Planning decision notice. NP/DDD/1113/1032. Gritstone cottage, Main St. Proposed first floor rear extension. GRANTED.

30.6 Planning decision notice. NP/DDD/0114/0003. The Manor, Main St. Listed building consent. Internal work and roof light. GRANTED.

30.7 Planning decision notice. NP/DDD/0114/0015. 1 and 3 Victoria Terrace, Main St. Rear extensions to no’s 1 and 3. GRANTED.

30.8 Application withdrawn. NP/DDD/1213/1159. Five Acres Farm, Narrow gate Lane, Wardlow.

31/14 Police matters and neighbourhood watch.

Cllr Wright highlighted the copycat websites to watch out for such as HMRC and banks.

32/14 Clerks report.

1. Contacted Contractor re – quote for igloo matting.
2. Replied to tennis club letters.
3. Contacted/liaised with the tree surgeon regarding lime tree and general tree work and further quotes for trees.
4. Liaised with B Cardona re hedge nr tennis court.
5. Contacted property re overflowing foliage nr tennis court on to rec/liaised with B Cardona.
6. Site meeting with PDNPA re Spring Bank access. Requested quotes.
7. Wrote to PDNPA re lease.
8. Wrote to DCC re bus shelter.
9. Liaised with A Slack on tree for village green.
10. Looked into suitable paint/stain for various items.
11. Liaised with B Cardona re shrub removal West Green.
12. Contacted local tradesperson re bench maintenance quote.
13. Contacted DDDC re verges Station Rd.
14. Liaised with DCC re moving the grit bin back on to footpath 50.
15. Wrote to PDNPA re gates.
16. Reported street lighting faults.
17. Chased Land Registry on registration of greens.
18. Ongoing prep for accounts/audit.
19. Thanked N Casey for the Xmas tree.
20. Informed field tenant re rent increase of 3%.
21. Sent relevant paperwork for precept.
22. Wrote to DCC and White Lion re recycling.

33/14 To report on any items of correspondence received and agree any actions arising.

• 09/01/14 DCC. Temporary road closure. Mires Lane. Noted.
• 09/01/14 PDNPA. Longstone Edge East. The Clerk read the letter which stated that ‘the prohibition order documents for Longstone Edge East have been served on the relevant companies. We have written to the Secretary of State for communities and Local Government (CLG) to advice of this action’. PDNPA are waiting to see if any challenges were made.
• 12/01/14 DDDC. Recycling sites – Great Longstone. The Clerk read a letter of reply from the Head of Environmental services, DDDC. The letter stating that ‘since the kerbside service has improved the materials collected at recycling sites has reduced significantly’. The recycling sites seen as a ‘duplicate’. Contact details were given for containers to recycle at home. Clerk to pass the UTE. To note the recycling site at Monsal Head is still in situe.
• 14/01/14 Wardlow Parish Meeting. Five Acres Farm. A reply had been sent.
• 16/01/14 DDDC. Area Community Forums. 17^th February 2014, ABC , Bakewell, 7pm. Noted.
• 17/01/14 PDNPA. Forthcoming consultation on wider peak district cycle strategy.  Noted.
• 20/01/14 DDDC. Verge clearance Station Road. See 26.1
• 21/01/14 DDDC. 2014 Register of Electors. Clerk requested copy. Received copy.
• 21/01/14 RBS. The return of Williams and Glyn’s. Noted
• 24/01/14 PDNPA. Gates and opening at top of Spring bank. See 23.1.4
• 29/01/14 Blackrock. Short report for Charishare and charinco investment funds. Noted.
• 29/01/14 DALC. General circular. Noted.
• 29/01/14 ROSPA. Playground inspection. See 23.1
• 04/02/14 PDNPA. Grants available to make the Peak District more cycle friendly.  The Clerk reported that PDNPA have grants available to fund cycle racks etc.grants being not just for PC’s but for pubs/cafes etc. Clerk to pass details to UTE.
• 05/02/14 Resident. UTE and xmas tree. Letter of reply sent.
• 11/02/14 DALC. Dalc training spring programme. Noted.
• 11/02/14 DDDC. Parish Clerk’s Liaison Meeting. 18^th February 2014. ABC, Bakewell. Noted.
• 12/02/14 DDDC, Derbyshire Dales Village games. DDDC have reported that following the success of the Tuesday night netball sessions, they are looking at further fitness classes. Clerk had passed the details to UTE, for parishioners to make contact with them.
• 13/02/14 PCC. Ashes area and boundary wall. See 25.2
• 19/02/14 Resident. Recently installed bench. See 24.5
• 19/02/14 Tennis club member.  Rent. Maintenance of court and reimbursement for costs. See 23.1.3
• 24/02/14 PDNPA. Planning Services bulletin 05. Noted.
• 25/02/14 DALC. Repeal of s150 (5) of the local government act 1972. Noted.
• 25/02/14 Tennis club member. Receipts. Noted.
• 27/02/14 Resident. Bunting. A suitable location is being looked into for storage.
• 03/03/14 Land Registry. Application. See 28.1

34/14 To report on any items of correspondence received and agree any actions arising.

• 06/03/14 Resident. Dog poo bin. An overflowing dog poo bin had been reported near to the play area. DDDC acted quickly upon the Clerks request to empty. Dog bin emptying to be monitored around the village.
• 07/03/14 DDDC. Electoral register. Noted.
• 10/03/14 Clerks and Councils direct. March 2014.
• 14/03/14 Grant Thornton. Audit. See 29.7
• 14/03/14 DALC. Circular. Noted.
• 18/03/14 HMRC. PAYE electronically. Clerk already using PAYROO.

35/14 Date of next meetings.

Wednesday 14^th May 2014 – Annual Parish Meeting 7pm, followed by PC meeting.

Wednesday 9^th July 2014 at 7.30pm

The Chair closed the meeting at 9.25pm

 

Sarah Stokes, Clerk to Great Longstone Parish Council, Longstone Byre, Little Longstone, Bakewell, Derbyshire, DE45 1NN. Tel: 01629 640851  Email: parishcouncil@greatlongstone.net