Minutes of a meeting of Clifton Parish Council held on Thursday 8 th February 2007 in Clifton Community and Sports Centre, Whiston Crescent , Clifton at 7. 30 pm

Present: Mr B. Livesey (in the Chair)

Mr T. Cobb

Mr D. Duff :

Mr . Ephgrave

Mr S. Fish

Mr B. Hudson

Mrs P. Livesey,

Dr R. Puritz

Mr J. Stevens

Mr J. Wall

District Cllr P. Carne, Councillor T. Rogers, and 1 member of the public.

1. Public Forum: Mrs I. Cook, 58 Clifton Park Homes was welcomed to the meeting. She noted that there was a badly corroded manhole cover close to Clifton Park . Bedfordshire County Council should be asked to replace it.

2. Apologies: Apologies were received from Mr A . Burnage and Mr I. Pacey,.

3. Minutes: The minutes of the meeting held on Thursday, 11 th January 2007 were signed as a correct record after it was noted that Mr B. Hudson had also been present.

4. Matters arising

•  War Memorial : It was reported that following two further accidents during the morning of 8 th February 2007 the War Memorial had been severely damaged and Cornhill had been advised of this. Dawsons had attended to make the structure safe and it was reported that efforts were being made for the Loss Adjuster to inspect it. Following much discussion it was agreed that this meeting should take place as soon as possible.

•  Hitchin Lane flooding : The matter is ongoing. However it was observed that in the past flooding never affected Hitchin Lane and the need to take action was queried.

•  Outside plug at the Community Centre There has been no response from Mr Manning. A reminder has been sent.

4.4 BATPC: Quality Parish and Town Council Scheme. This had been delegated to the Highways Committee to consider and make a recommendation.

4.5 “Awards for All” It was noted that “Awards for All” had awarded a grant of £900.00 to the Parish Council for construction of ramps from the firedoors.

4.6 Replacement spring animal It was reported that Wicksteeds representative had visited the site and provided a quotation. The spring elephant was ordered and the installation is expected before Easter.

4.7 Whitbread Wanderbus The thanks from the Treasurer for the annual contribution were noted. .

4.8 Galliford Try A response to the Council's letter concerning the planting at the college site was read and noted.

4.9 Horse Chestnut tree- Golden Lion Public House: The Chairman submitted a detailed letter from Mr B. Silvester , Tree Officer, Mid Beds District Council sent in response to the Parish Council's request. After noting the contents the Council agreed that a letter should be sent to Greene King suggesting that a mature tree should be planted on the site now in anticipation of the felling of the existing tree, a possibility that Mr Silvester was unable to rule out.

4.10 Street lights; It was noted that work on this project was progressing. The old standards would be removed in due course.

5. Outstanding Matters: The list of Outstanding Matters was circulated to be discussed at the Committee meetings.

6. Correspondence:

6.1 Letter from Mr A. Clark, Treasurer All Saints Church, Clifton applying for funding support for the Churchyard for the year 2006/2007. It was agreed that a donation of £750.00 should be made and this payment should be under the provisions laid down by Section 137 of the Local Government Act 1972. Mr Clark also outlined a scheme for creating a Garden of Remembrance in the rear churchyard asking for the Parish Council's support in the scheme. This proposal was discussed and alternatives suggested. Councillor T. Rogers undertook to investigate the support available from Mid Beds District Council.

6.2MBDC: Closer to Communities….capacity to deliver

6.3MBDC: Council Tax Base 2007/2008 expressed as a Band D equivalent is £1122

6.4Flyer advertising Bedfordshire Rural Affairs Forum Conference on Friday,30 th March 2007

6.5 Beds RCC : Invitation to “Getting started on your Parish Action Plan” on Tues 20 th February 7.00 – 9.30 pm in Cardington Village Hall.

6.6Mid Beds District Council: Strategic Flood Risk Assessment.

Bedfordshire Bugle Vol. XV, Issue 1, Jan 2007

Mid Beds Local Strategic Partnership Minutes of the Steering Group and Newsletter Winter 2006/2007

MBDC Forward Plan 1.2.07-31.5.07

The Playing Field Winter 2006/2007

Bedfordshire Issue 51 February 2007

Looking Good – Comprehensive Performance Assessment from Mid Beds District Council's Project Team

7. Management Committee: The report of the meeting held on Wednesday, 17 th January 2007 , a copy of which had previously been circulated to each member of the Council was presented and discussed. It was noted:-

7. 1 Fire Policy Mr Stevens had obtained a model policy and would formulate one tailored to the needs of the Community Centre. An application to “Awards for All” toward the costs of materials for ramps had been submitted and would be considered shortly. It was noted that one of the fire extinguishers had been discharged at a private party on 6 th January 2007 and would need to be refilled. The Clerk was asked to notify FIREX.

7.2 Policy for Children .A policy has to be formulated.

7.3 Heating: It was noted that the switch had been replaced but had failed again. Mr Duff would look at it and advise the best course of action..

7.4 Alternative heating: This is still an on–going matter

7.5Investigation of nets to prevent balls going into neighbouring gardens was ongoing. Mr Stevens reported that he had received a quotation which would receive consideration when the next year's budget is discussed.

7.6 Dog fouling It was reported that guidance on possible future measures was being sought. Mr Stevens reported on his meeting with the Clerk of Henlow Parish Council .

7.7The fair uses an electricity supply from the centre during its stay. Mr Harvey had submitted a quotation for the to install a 32 amp socket for outside use in one of the changing rooms to reduce the safety hazard. This had been sent to Mr Manning for his consideration.

7.8 Toilet facilities for Under 10's/Supporters. Mr Harvey had also provided an estimate of £175.00 for the installation of a wash hand basin heater in the Home dressing room of £175.00. This had been approved by the Parish Council. Mr Brewer would be asked to plumb it in.

7.9 Spring robin The Parish Council had approved the purchase of a new spring animal. An order should be placed ..

7.10 Damage to doors No further damage has been noted. The doors will be re-painted. Appropriate measures to avoid damage caused to the walls at a low level by chairs will be considered.

7.11 Willow Trees : Mrs Livesey has obtained two new willow trees free of charge to replace those which died. Volunteers to plant them will be required.

7.12 Availability Sheet . It was agreed that copies of the Availability Sheet accompanied by a list of current hire charges should be put on the village noticeboards.

7.13 Electricity It was noted that Bedfordshire County Council had agreed to add the Community Centre to its contract at a charge of 7.117 per day unit, 4.726 per night unit and £7.49 standing charge per month. Powergen had been notified of this. It was noted that the recent bill was the final bill of the existing contract .

7.14. Budget 2007/2008: Mr Stevens reported that the budget prepared at the last meeting had been accepted with slight changes. This year the Finance Committee had suggested that a sum of £5,000 be set aside for general contingencies in preference to both spending committees submitting their estimates. The list of projects to be undertaken had been noted and it was agreed that the floors should be re-surfaced during the summer and that the interior of the Centre should be redecorated where necessary. Specifications should be drawn up and estimates for this should be obtained.

7.15 Football Charges . It was reported that the Parish Council had requested that the Committee should re-consider the charges made to the football teams using the playing field. After discussion it was proposed as from the start of next season that Clifton Football Club should pay £315.00 and Henlow 5 Bells or any other team from outside the village £350.00. It was further proposed by Dr Puritz, seconded by Mr Ephgrave and all agreed that no charge would be made for the Junior Team.

7.16It was agreed that toilet facilities would continue to be provided in the Community Centre for spectators and players of the junior team.

7.17 Picnic Table The purchase of a picnic table to be sited near the children's play equipment was suggested. This will be considered at a later date.

7.18. Finance (a) Mrs Yarwood's, Mr Spalding's and Mr Ferguson's accounts had been authorised

•  The balance sheet showed a balance of income over expenditure of £2, 024.92.

•  The Forward Planner for December/January was circulated and expenditure to date was noted.

7.19 Correspondence: (a) Quotation from Mr Brewer of £225.00 + VAT to supply and fit a new shower tray and make alteration to the basin waste and route the shower waste to the adjacent shower. It was proposed by Mr Ephgrave and seconded by Dr Puritz that this estimate be accepted and the work put in hand.

(b) Beds Rural Communities Charity: Request from Sue Norman, Village Halls Advisor for “special” events in Village Halls.

7.20 Any other matters .

(a) Private booking on 6.1.07 Mr Stevens reported on events occurring at a private family celebration on 6 th January 2007 when the police had to be called to evict some gatecrashers. A certain amount of damage was done to the Gents toilet. Glasses had been smashed on the floor and a toilet seat and the water heater had to be replaced. Mrs Yarwood had been obliged to re-clean, Mr Stevens had replaced the seat, the new water heater had been installed. Mr Harvey and Mr Brewer's estimates for the costs of repair were now awaited. It was noted that the family had written accepting liability and were prepared to be responsible for the cost of repairs. The Committee would advise them of these. It was considered prudent that the Council should also advise the police of these costs.

(b) Hot water supply to Disabled Toilets It had been noted that when the Community Centre was first built there had been no provision for a hot water supply to the disabled toilet. It was likely that the an approved model would be costly to purchase and install. It was proposed by Mr Ephgrave and seconded by Dr Puritz that an official quotation be sought.

(c) Gutters These require attention

(d) Water on path to entrance of Centre Complaints had been made about the water lying on the flagstones at the bottom of the path leading to the carpark. There had also been complaints about the slipperiness of the surface of the paths. This was noted.

(e)It was reported that the football pitch had been hired by a team from Shillington in December A member of that team reported seeing a metal object embedded in the ground in that area. Mr Stevens will follow this up.

(f)The fire extinguisher in the entrance had been discharged on 6.1.07 FIREX had been requested to refill it. The Clerk was asked to contact them again.

(g) Letting Agreement Following the incident on 6.1.07 it was agreed that the hiring agreement should be looked at again. This should be circulated again for a decision at the next meeting.

The report was then adopted.

8. Highways: The report of the meeting held on Thursday, 18 th January 2007 , a copy of which had previously been circulated to each member of the Council was presented and discussed. It was noted:-

8.1 Hitchin Lane Flooding: It was reported that the County Council has been advised to consult with Mr T. Hyde, 35 Hitchin Lane .

8.2 The Pond: The Clerk reported that she had written to the County Council

8.3 War Memorial: It was noted that the Loss Adjuster had instructed Dawsons to repair the memorial. It was believed that one of the interior brackets was missing. The Clerk was asked to contact Dawsons .

8.4 Garden Refuse – Shefford Road . This refuse has now been removed.

•  Samuel Whitbread College . Galliford Try have been written to asking that they should replace dead or damaged trees on the college's boundary.

8.6 Shefford Road – Drain . The Highways Helpdesk had been contacted about the blocked drain opposite lighting column number 17 Shefford Road

8.7 Church Street – Drain. The blocked drains outside the Clifton Bury Farm entrance have been attended to. It was determined to wait for the next heavy rainfall to see how effective this has been.

8.8 The Baulk The County Council has been contacted about attending to potholes, and to arrange for retagging the ‘grips', in the Baulk.

8.9 Henlow High Street – Cyclists: P.C. Steve Busby has spoken to the Henlow Middle School Head Teacher about the dangerous practice of some of their pupils in riding on the pavement down Henlow High Street.

8.10 VAS sign : The matter is in hand

8.11 Beds Assn. for Town and Parish Councils : Quality Parish Councils. The Chairman reported that he is in the process of ascertaining the precise requirements for Quality status in order that an informed decision can be taken

8.12 Withdrawal of bus services : It was noted a letter of concern and a request for alternative arrangements had been sent to the County Council.

8.13 Drain by the War Memorial It was noted that it appears that this has been cleared. It was agreed to continue to monitor it.

8.14 Fairfax Close There is a large pothole at the junction of Fairfax Close and Shefford Road . .

8.15 Street lights within the Conservation Area. Many of these had now been connected and work was still in progress on the remainder.

8.16 Dropped kerb A dropped kerb is required at the entrance to 43 Pedley Lane . Mid Beds Development Control should be informed.

8.17 Correspondence : (a) Letter from Mr R. Robson concerning the review and updating the College Travel Plan. It was agreed a letter of thanks should be sent and point out that Councillor T. Cobb already represents the Parish Council on the Review Committee.

(b)E-mail correspondence recommending that the Council considers applying for a Tree Preservation Order on the pollarded lime trees at No. 65 Shefford Road . It was agreed to forward this request to Mr B. Morwood having first consulted the neighbour at 61 Shefford Road .

(c)Mr S. Whittaker: Contract Services Manager, Mid Beds District Council asking for suggestions for possible new sites for Bottle Banks within the district. After discussion it was agreed that subject to the approval of Aragon Housing Association the carpark at the top of Bilberry Road should be suggested.

(d)Beds CC: Invitation for 2 members of the Council to attend Bedfordshire Highways Road Show at Sandy Town Council Offices on Wednesday, 31 st January 1900hrs – 2100hrs. Mr and Mrs Livesey and Mr Cobb agreed to attend.

8.18Chairman's Report. The Chairman circulated a report. This was discussed item by item and it was agreed that the following actions be taken:

(i)County Highways be asked to seriously consider improvements to the junction of Cliftonfields with Shefford Road where there have recently been several near accidents involving vehicles from the private road adjoining Pedley Lane .

(ii) Make further investigations concerning the provision of bus shelters. It was suggested that a letter should be sent asking if the contractors would be agreeable to provide a shelter on an alternative site.

(iii) Follow up the proposed provision of a Vehicle Activated Sign in Stanford Lane .

There was further discussion on traffic calming in the village and various options noted. The recommendation that members should consider the types and gather information and costings to be presented at the next meeting of the Committee was agreed. The Committee also noted that in respect of (a) Stockbridge Road - Proposed development the County Council had confirmed that the Section 106 Agreement monies allocated for footway widening and cycleway provision in Stockbridge Road will be used for that purpose and not for amenity provision in Henlow and (b) Shefford Road – Cliftonfields Development; the County had spent £7k of the £16k Section 106 Agreement monies with the remainder intending to be spent on pavement improvements at the junction of Pedley Lane/Shefford Road.

8.19 Outstanding Matters (a) It was agreed that negotiations concerning split barriers should be resumed with the County Council.

(b)The question of bulrushes was raised; it was thought that currently there are too many ducks on the pond to make this a viable project; however Mr Cobb and Mr Wall would consider the matter further.

(c). Mr Livesey would ask the County Council if the Parish Council could undertake to be responsible for spraying in the village.

(d)It was agreed that there should be no further action regarding the exterior appearance of Samuel Whitbread Community College .

8.20 Other matters (a) Footpath to Cricket Club It was suggested that application should be made to County Highways to provide a footpath/cycleway to the cricket club. The Clerk and Mr Cobb would investigate.

(b) Overgrown shrubs It was noted that the shrubs outside the White House were very overgrown and were forcing pedestrians to walk out in the road. Mr Wall undertook to speak to Mr and Mrs Cooper about this matter.

•  Grass verges; It was noted that once again the grass verges in the village were being destroyed by people parking on them. 214 Shefford Road and 200 Shefford Road were noted in particular. Mr Wall undertook to speak to the occupants of the former and the Clerk should write to the latter address asking them to park off the roadside.

The report was then adopted.

9. Planning: The under-mentioned plans has been returned to Mid Beds with no objection:-

06/02127/FULL : Upgrading of Airwave equipment on existing orange mast to include the increase in height of the three existing antennae by 1 metre, the installation of 2 no. additional 0.3 metre dishes and 2 no cabinets and ancillary development. (Orange Pcs. Ltd )

Mid Beds approved the following applications:-

06/01484/FULL: Two storey rear extension at 65 Shefford Road (Mr and Mrs R. Burton) The permission shall only extend to the application as amended by plans received on 21.11.06.

06/01485/FULL One and a half storey side extension to include integral garage and 1 no. dormer to front and 1 no dormer to rear (Mr and Mrs R. Burton) This permission shall extend only to the application as amended by plans received on 21.11.06.

06/01888/FULL: Erection of 2 no 6 metre high lamp posts to light existing menage (Mr R. Daniels)

06/01940/FULL: Conservatory to rear of 12 Jubilee Close (Mr and Mrs T. McGregor)-

Mid Beds refused the following application:-

06/.01486/FULL Erection of 7 dwellings with associated garages and parking and formation of vehicular access to the rear of 65 Shefford Road (Mr and Mrs Burton) on the grounds that:-

•  The proposal constitutes a cramped over development and represents an undesirable form of piecemeal tandem development inappropriate to and at variance with the prevailing character and form of development in the vicinity. As such this is contrary to policies DPS5 and HO6 of the Mid Bedfordshire Local Plan 2005

•  By virtue of their size, siting and relationship with adjacent dwellings and boundaries would appear unduly dominant and visually obtrusive and would result in an unacceptable degree of overlooking and loss of priivacy to the overall detriment of the amenities currently enjoyed by adjoining occupiers . As such this is contrary to policies DPS5 and HO6 of the Mid Bedfordshire Local Plan 2005.

•  The proposed access , by nature of its proximity and relationship with No 65 Shefford Road would be likely to result in an unacceptable level of noise and general disturbance to the detriment of the amenity enjoyed by the occupiers of that property; As such this is contrary to policies DPS5 of the Mid Bedfordshire Local Plan 2005.

. 10. Reports (a) Clifton Lower School: Mrs Livesey made a short report mentioning an open evening for parents to sample food served at school meals. She and Mr Morwood had visited the school and made a survey of trees in the school grounds.

(b) Mid Beds District Council:.Councillor Rogers made a short report announcing a forthcoming food waste weekly collection which will operate for a trial period starting during the week beginning 2 nd April 2007 .

(c) Beds CC: Councillor Rogers made a short report.

(d) Other: i. Mr and Mrs Livesey made a short report on the Bedfordshire Highways Road Show held on 31 st January 2007 .

ii. Mr Duff made a short report on the recent meeting of the Forum.

iii. The Clerk had attended Whitbread Wanderbus Annual General Meeting and reported.

11 Finance :Current bank statements at 31.1.07 . show

Community Account £975.69

Business Premium Account £7,745.92

Business Reserve account £67781.03

* The Village Improvement Fund stands at £54448.00( the cost of renovating the Festival of Britain sign and resurfacing of the car park being drawn from that fund.

Receipts: The following receipts were reported: 1 st Clifton Brownies: Hire of Centre Sept – Dec. £78.00; Mrs Smith: Hire of Centre on 3.2.07 £73.00; Mrs P. Quinn; Hire of Centre on 10.2.07 £36.00; Clifton Parent and Toddler Group £169.00.

Payment of the undermentioned accounts was authorised.:

Mrs Yarwood £.582.30 + £17.96 refunds for cleaning materials/key chain and bin cleaning .(Ch101230/231 )

M. Spalding £100.00 (Ch101232)

W. Jack Ferguson For litter picking in January 50.00 ( Ch101233)

Adrian Crawley: Playing Field maintenance in January£275.00 ( Ch101234 )

Mr G. Brewer: Fitting handwash heater in changing room and new water heater in Gents toilet + VAT £137.65 (Ch101235)

D. Harvey For electrical work £88. 00 (Ch101236)

Powergen: Electricity + VAT £159.71 (Ch101237)

FIREX UK : For visit and refilling fire extinguisher +VAT£42.31 (Ch101238)

Mid Beds District Council: For rent on bus shelter £1.00 (Ch101239)

D & J Window CleanersFor cleaning top windows in the Community Centre £12.00 (Ch101240)

Hertfordshire County Council: Cleaning materials +VAT £27.55 ( Ch101241)

* All Saints PCC : Donation towards Churchyard upkeep £750.00

Transfer The Clerk was given permission to transfer £1500 from the Business Premium A/c to the Community a/c.

12. Dates of next meetings: Thursday 8 th March 2007 at 7 pm followed by Annual Parish Meeting

12 th April 2007

10 th May 2007

__________________________________ __________________

Chairman Date