PCMinutes

Minutes of a meeting of Clifton Parish Council held on Thursday 11 th September 2008 in Clifton Community and Sports Centre, Whiston Crescent, Clifton at 7. 30 pm

Present: Mr B. Livesey (in the Chair)

Mr D. Bullen

Mr T. Cobb

Mrs I. Cook, ,

Mr M. Ephgrave

Mr S. Fish

Mrs P. Livesey,

Mr S. Melia

Mr I. Pacey

Dr R. Puritz

Mr J. Stevens

District Cllr P. Carne, District and County Cllr T. Rogers.

• Public Forum: There was no Public Forum

2. Apologies: ,Apologies for absence were received from Mr Burnage, Mr Melia and Mr Pacey.

3. Minutes : The minutes of the meeting held on Thursday, 24 th July 2008, a copy of which had been circulated to each member of the Council, were agreed to be a correct record and were signed.

4. Matters arising :

4 . 1 It was noted that Mrs Yarwood was still off sick and certificates had been received although a current one was due. Since she had taken annual leave during August it was agreed that she should be paid her full wages in September but thereafter the rules for statutory sick pay would apply and a pro rata payment made. The Clerk would write requesting the current sick note and advise Mrs Yarwood of this decision. It was proposed by Mrs Cook and unanimously agreed that in future should a similar situation arise the policy of the Parish Council would be to pay two month's wages in any one financial year and thereafter statutory sick pay on production of a doctor's certificates would be paid.

4.2 Public Forum: It was reported that Mr Hyde's petition had been sent to the County Council and was due to be discussed on 11 th September.

4.3 War Memorial: It was reported that a fresh contract had been agreed and Dawsons would be starting on site on 13 th October. It was expected that the structure would be in place by Remembrance Sunday but the new memorial stone would not be in place until early December. It was noted that the Parish Council was responsible for making up the shortfall in the costs of repair and Mr Cobb was seeking grant aid.for this purpose

4.4 Memorial bench It was noted that this had been installed on Wednesday and Mr Cobb and Mr Bullen were thanked for their sterling efforts in doing this.

4.5 Garden of Remembrance: An acknowledgment of the grant made to the PCC was noted

4.6 Confident Communities: Letter asking how PC wishes to spend £4,000.00 as allocated for PCSO time: Mr Cobb reported that £2,000.00 of this would be used to complete the purchase of the VAS sign on Shefford Road. The balance would be put towards the cost of providing bollards in front of the War Memorial

4.6 It was reported that for some reason an article about dog fouling was not included in the July issue.of Clifton Chronicles, but a fresh one had been resubmitted..

4.7 New lights for Community Centre Stephen Nott had supplied and fitted new tubes in the Community Centre.

4. 8 Lighting- Stockbridge Road The Chairman read a letter stating that this matter had been added to the highway schedules but gave no firm date.r

4.9 The Chairman submitted a letter from Mr A. Price Smith in response to the request to see receipts before reimbursing the cost of replacing his son's clothes following damage occasioned by using the see saw. Replacement clothing had not been purchased and the family was awaiting the compensation before purchasing. After discussion it was agreed that since there was no doubt that the clothes had been damaged through use of play equipment a sum of £25.00 should be paid.

4.10 Mid Beds: Town and Parish Council Survey: The response to this was discussed briefly and the Clerk was asked to submit it.

4.11 Bedfordshire Playing Field Association -The annual subscription had been paid and an acknowledgement was noted.

4.12 13 Newis Crescent : It was noted that this was still on site. There had been no complaints about its presence.

5. Outstanding Matters: The lists would be presented at the Committee meetings.

6. Correspondence :

6.1 Mrs D. Tomsett: 98 Shefford Road, Clifton The Chairman submitted a letter in which the writer requested that following ill treatment of goldfish at the recent fair they should not be given as prizes. It was agreed that a copy of this letter should be sent to Mr Harris for his consideration.

6.2 Joyce Billington A note of appreciation for the tubs of flowers was received from Mrs J. Billington, 17 Rookery Walk. A copy of it had been reproduced for Clifton Chronicles. and it was further agreed that copies should be sent to those who plant and tend tubs throughout the year

6.3 J. Roscoe Milne: Report following an inspection of the Community Centre. This was referred to the Playing Fields Committee.

6.4 Beds CC: Invitation to attend a Town and Parish Council reception either on 25.11.08 at County Hall or on 27.11.08 at the Rufus Centre. Mr and Mrs Livesey and the Clerk will represent the Parish Council.

6.5 Beds CC: Notice of closure of Knolls Way for one day for resurfacing work. This was noted

6.6 MBDC: Local Democracy Week – advertising events.

6.7 MBDC: Parking penalty notices issued

6.8 Crime figures

6.9 Anglian Water Drinking Water quality report

“Network”

Clerk and Councils Direct Sept 2008

Bedfordshire Bugle Vol XIII Issue 5 September 2008

Countryside Voice Summer 2008-

Local Council Record Vol 60 no.3 September 2008

Fieldwork

Commemtree

Prospectus for Shuttleworth College

7. Community Centre and Playing Fields Management Committee:

The report of the meeting held on 30 th July, a copy of which had been circulated to each member of the Council was presented and discussed. It was noted:-

7.1 Mr L. Machin and Mr M. Gearing also attended and gave a presentation on behalf of Clifton Football Club. Areas of concern were raised and discussed in this presentation.

7.2 Dog fouling A letter is to be placed in the Clifton Chronicles explaining the committee are monitoring the problem of dog fouling over the next three months and if there is not a dramatic reduction of fouling on the field then the Council will impose a total ban of exercising dogs on the field.

7.3 Referee's changing room: Some work remains to be done. Mr Stevens and Mr Ephgrave undertook to do it

7.4 Redecoration of interior and damage to doors. AOK would charge an extra £500 for a chair rail so it was agreed that RMS's quotation of £1575.00 was the lowest and should be accepted.

7.5 Clifton Cuisine advertisement Mr Stevens would prepare the advertisement but required some photographs of groups using the premises .

7.6 Trees Mr Morwood had been approached for advice but owing to pressure of work would be unable to inspect them until later in the summer. Mrs Livesey undertook to speak to him on the matter.

7.7 Anti-glare on windows A quote is being sought.

7.8 Football pitches . It was reported that these had now been marked out and the sockets were in place. Three adult teams would be playing in future.

7.9 Play Ranger' scheme. Two sessions had been arranged to take place on Thursday 7 th August and Monday 18 th August. MBDC had supplied advertising literature.

7.10 Vodaphone bill. Mr Melia had arranged for the bill for the Caretakers phone to be sent to the clerk and they had been asked to supply a VATstatement.

7.11 Ramp repairs .Mr .Stevens reported that steel strips were on order for this purpose.

7.12 Light in ladies toilet needs repairing and Mr Nott had been asked to do this.

7.13. Water heater in Gents Toilet Mr Stevens reported that he had tried to repair this; it was improved but still leaking. 7.14 Damage to floor 24.5.08 . This had not been reported at the time of the event and the deposit had been returned.

7.15 The floor was peeling in other places. ABC should be called in.

7.16 New keys had been obtained for the committee room door.

7.17 A new Alarm test book had been obtained.

7.18Shutter frames need sealing, Mr Potter is to be contacted again

7.19 The gutters are leaking. Mr Potter is to be contacted.for a quotation to replace them.

7.20 The middle shutter had been repaired by Mr Stevens.

7.21. Finance (a) Mrs Yarwood's, Mr Ansell-Carter's and Mr Ferguson's accounts had been authorised

.(b) The balance sheet showed a balance of income over expenditure of £2124.65 but since the Caretaker's and Assistant Caretaker's wages were precepted these were not shown. This decision was queried.

7.22 Correspondence (a) Letter from AOK giving a quotation for the extra work

(b)The Playing Field

(c) Letter from Mrs P. Fisk, 13 Yew Tree Walk, concerning the proximity of the junior football pitch to her residence. This was discussed in some depth and the Clerk was asked to write assuring her that the pitch would only be used on Sundays for junior matches which would be supervised. The goal posts would be removed after each match, temporary fencing could be considered and the football clubs had insurance which would cover possible damage from balls to windows or other property.

7.23 Brought forward List: The Brought Forward list was considered. It was agreed that Item 4.3 (14.5.08) could now be removed as a quote had been received.6.10, 6.12 and 6.15 (18.6.08) could also be removed

7. 24 Any other Business (a) Caretaker; Mrs Yarwood had now been off work for over the two weeks as previously advised and no doctor's certificate had been received The Clerk was asked to contact her and find out the current situation.At present Mr Stevens and the Clerk assisted by Mr Ansell Carter were coping. During August there were private bookings only besides the Ladies Social Hour and the Elder People's meetings

.(b) The Yale lock on the main door of the Community Centre sticks; a new barrel is required.

The report was accepted. Mr Stevens reported that Mr Harris had made his annual visit with the fair, Owing to the weather some damage had been done to the field. He had appealed for help and assisted by Mr Cobb and a friend had repaired it. Mr Crawley had rolled the football pitch in readiness for the matches starting shortly. Thanks were given to all. Mr Fish offered to help seal around the fire exit doors.

8 . Highways Committee: .

The report of the meeting held on 31st July, a copy of which had been circulated to each member of the Council was presented and discussed. It was noted:-

8.1 War Memorial: It was noted that the matter had been fully discussed in a meeting with Mr Neil Best, the Loss Adjuster and Mr Andrew Bussey from Smithers Purslow, Consulting Engineers and Surveyors before the Parish Council meeting. The cost of repairs was estimated to be in the region of £50,000. Mr Bussey was to renegotiate with Dawsons and then meet with them and Mr Cobb and Mr Livesey but this had not yet been arranged.

8.2 Trees: The Mr Morwood had been advised of the concern that the diseased horse chestnut tree by the Golden Lion might infect other healthy trees in the vicinity and his advice was sought.. Mrs Livesey agreed to speak to him. 8.3 Litter bin: It was noted that the faulty bins had now been replaced.

8.4 Bilberry Verges : Mr Livesey would contact the Highways Department and ask them to negotiate directly with Mr Granger.

8.5 Cars parking on the verges: it was noted that there was a car parked outside 108 Shefford Road with an expired licence disc. A letter had been put on it

8.6 Street Lighting - Stockbridge Road A request for this had been sent to the County Highways and forwarded to the electrical design team for consideration.

8.7 Confident Communities; It was reported that Beds CC were asking how the Parish Council intended using the £4,000.00 originally allocated for PCSO hours. It was suggested that this might be put towards the costs of the war memorial. Mr Cobb would reply to this request.

8.8 New postal address A reply had been received from the Royal Mail but the process to alter the address would be lengthy and it was agreed that no further action should be taken

8.9. Allotments ; Mrs Livesey reported that she had met the Bishop of St Albans at a meeting and had spoken to him concerning the erstwhile allotments on Van Diemens land. He had undertaken to look into the matter and contact the Rector.

8.10 Clifton Preservation Society It was noted that no further action was planned following the offer to plant bulbs on verges in the village

8.11. Correspondence: (a) Mid Beds District Council. Letter advising of the intention to replace worn out street signs in the village. Mr Cobb undertook to do this survey.

(b) Beds CC: E-mail advising the Council of the intention to re-surface Knolls Way during the autumn and the closure of the road for 1 day.

8.12 . Brought Forward List : The Brought Forward List was considered. It was agreed that Items 3.1 (War Memorial), 8.1( VAS sign) and 3.6 (Litter bin ) should be deleted.

8.13 Forward Planner: The Forward Planner was presented and expenditure to date was noted

8 . 14 Other matters (a) Remembrance Sunday: It was agreed that the wreath should be ordered from Mrs Kitulagoda. Mr Pacey would arrange to obtain crosses

(b) . Plants. Mrs Livesey reported that 6 plants had been taken from the Memorial Garden. It was agreed that these should be replaced

.(c) Pond Various I tems had been thrown in the pond. Mr Cobb would retrieve them.

(d) Footpaths; The hedge up New Road still had not been cut despite reminders and complaints. Some attempt had been made to clear the path by Manor Close but the District Council had been advised that it was still not satisfactory.

(e) Mrs Livesey had been offered some large boulders and asked if there would be any objection if they were put on the verge to deter cars parking there.

(f) The Clerk was asked to write to the public houses to congratulate them on the floral displays which enhanced the street scene.

The report was then accepted. It was noted that Mr Cobb had been putting water lilies and irises in the pond. Mrs Duff had also offered a further pond plant. Efforts to establish these would be made.

9. Planning

The under mentioned plans have been returned to Mid Beds with no objection raised:

08/01452/FULL: Conservatory to N.W.elevation of 55 Clifton Park – also the subsequent amendment

08/01492/FULL Two storey front and rear extensions to 13 Pedley Lane (Mr R. Welsford)

08/01188/FULL First floor side extension at 5 Rookery Walk (Mr R. Murphy)

08/01427/FULL: Removal of existing bungalow and erection of two detached two storey dwellings with double garages and external works at 200A Shefford Road.

08/01470/CAC: Demolition of outbuilding to enable construction of 1 no. Dwelling with double garage on land adjoining 25 Stockbridge Road As approved 15 th May 2008

08/01439/FULL: Provision of new sports pitch (1 senior or 2 junior), changing facilities, car park, roundabout junction and associated landscaping

08/01583/FULL: Replacement front canopy and new side windows to 62 Shefford Road, (Mr R. Pullem)

08/01600/TPO: Overall reduction by 25% of canopy and removal of dead wood from large sycamore in right hand corner of garden of 8 Rectory Close.

The Parish Council raised objections to the following:-

08/01419/FULL Retention of Clifton Pre School temporary building in the grounds of All Saints Lower School ;-

Whilst not objecting in principle but following comments of a resident in Clifton House Close it voices concern that the original approved plans have not been adhered to. The current building has been raised considerably and intrudes on the neighbouring properties in Clifton House Close. Ideally the original approved plans for location and height should be reverted to. If this is not possible some form of acceptable screening or means of reducing the impact should be employeed.

08/01428/FULL: Replace existing garage with a two storey side extension at 5 Church Street . By a majority decision the Council wishes to object on the grounds that whilst not opposed in principal to an extension it does so on the grounds that the proposed rendered and painted finish of the extension will neither be complimentary nor will it enhance the neighbouring property nor the Conservation Area in which it is situated.

Mid Beds approved the following applications:
08/01113/FULL Single storey side extension at 27 Rookery Walk

08/00986/TPO: Works to TPO tree at 6 Rectory Close

08/01126/FULL: First floor rear extension and ancillary works at 7 Bath Place

08/01188/FULL First floor side extension at 5 Rookery Walk

08/01128/FULL Garden Room to conservatory at 39A Shefford Road

08/01030/FULL Roofed enclosure over existing ménage at 98 New Road

08/00761/LB C External repairs to Clifton House and coach house

08/00744/FULL New vehicular crossover to 196 Shefford Road

It was also noted that Mid Beds District Council had refused the application for a Lawful Development Certificate at Silverlake Farm, Stanford Lane and the presence of a caravan parked down the Stanford Road was also noted..

10 Reports (a) Clifton Lower School: Mrs Livesey made a brief report

(b) Mid Beds District Council:. Councillors Carne and Rogers made short reports

(d) Other: Mrs Livesey reported on a meeting of the Rural Housing Trust held at Pirton and attended by HRH the Princess Royal.

11. Finance and report of the committee held 2.09.08

The minutes of the meeting of the Finance Committee held on Tuesday, 2 nd September 2008 were presented. Following a review of the finances to date it was found that these were in line with the budgeted expenditure. The Committee recommend that the Business Premium Account and the Business Reserve Account be closed and the balances transferred to an Instant Transfer Saver Account. This recommendation was approved by the Council .

:Current bank statements at 31.8.08

Community Account £ 1359.50

Business Premium Account £ 4650.75

Business Reserve account £80,823.23

The Village Improvement Fund stands at £81,676.10) £29,000 is earmarked for the cost of lighting,

Outstanding accounts:Tessa Chiswell: Aerobics Apr – July £630.00; Clifton Pre School : Hire for Fun Day, £76.00; HM Customs and Excise VAT on payments to 31 st July £797.28 –

Receipts: The following receipts were reported; Mrs S. Liddle: Hire of Centre 10.7.08 £48.00; Mr M. Gearing: Hire of football pitch x 2 £70.00; Mrs S. Beaton: Hire of Centre 29.8.08 £48.00; Clifton Badminton Group: Hire of Centre March - June £252.00; Clifton Sunday FC Hire of pitch for friendly £30.00; Clifton 1 st Brownies Hire of Centre Apr. – July £90.00; Mrs A. Harrison: Hire of Centre 17.8.08 £48.00; Mrs S. Rann: Hire of Centre 26.8.08 £48.00; Ladies Social Group: Hire of Centre in June £55.00; in July £44.00 and in August £33.00 Henlow Badminton Club: Hire of Centre in September £110.00: Mrs N. Powell: Hire of Centre on 28.9.08 £62.00

The following payments made during August were authorised in retrospect:-

J. Ferguson £60.00 ( Ch101453) Mr A. Crawley £286.66 (Ch 101454) : Mrs J. Yarwood: Wages for August (less tax and NI ) £578.78. (Ch 101455/56); I. Ansell Carter; Wages for August (less tax) £89.00 ( Ch101457) ; Southern Electric: Electricity for July + VAT £180.54; (Ch101458) D. J. Granger Grass cutting in village + VAT £334.70; (Ch101459) Bedford Borough Council: Refuse collection for ¼ +VAT £56.97; (Ch101460) Herts CC Cleaning materials + VAT £89.70 (Ch101461)

Payments of the undermentioned accounts was authorised:-

J. Ferguson 1 Months Litter collection £60.00 (Ch 101462 )

Adrian Crawley: Playing Field maintenance in August £286.66 ( Ch101463 )

Mrs Yarwood Wages in September (less N.I. and tax) £588.78 ( Ch101464)

Mr Ansell Carter: Wages in September (less tax) £89.00 ( Ch 101465 )

D . Granger Grass cutting and tree works in village +VAT £487.45 (Ch101466)

S outhern Electric: Supply for August + VAT £206.57 (Ch 101467 )

Stephen Nott: For replacing lamps in Community Centre etc +VAT £299.62 (Ch 101468)

Anthony Bond Lawnmowers: Servicing petrol blower and strimmer + VAT £88.12 (Ch101469)

J. C. Lanham ¼ salar y (less tax, ) expenses and postages for ¼ ( Ch101470)

Rural Communities Charity 5 year subscription £120.00 ( Ch101471)

Mr A. Price Smith: For replacement of damaged clothing £25.00 (Ch101472)

Mr R. Bullen: Refund of cost of adhesive for seat installation £14.99 (Ch 101473)

Mr T. R. Cobb: Refunds of costs incurred on Parish Council business £38.56 (Ch101474)

Transfer The Clerk was given permission to transfer £2700.00 from the Business Premium Account to the Community Account..

15 Dates of next meetings : Thurs 9 th October, Thurs 13 th November, Thurs 11 th December