Minutes of a meeting of Clifton Parish Council held on Thursday 12th March 2009 in Clifton Community and Sports Centre, Whiston Crescent, Clifton at 7. 00 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 and County Councillor T. Rogers, Dist Councillor P. Carne and 1 member of the public.

•  Public Forum: There was no Public Forum

2. Apologies: No apologies were presented.

3. Minutes : The minutes of the meeting held on Thursday, 12 th February, a copy of which had been circulated to each member of the Council were agreed to be a true record and were signed.

4. Matters arising from the minutes :

4.1: Ian Whittle : The Chairman reported that the lecture given on his father given by Ian Whittle at Samuel. Whitbread Community College had been well attended by students and members of the general public and was well received by all. Mr Livesey had presented the book to the library and it was instantly borrowed for help in a school project.

4.2 War Memorial: As informed by email Mid Beds have paid a a grant of £7.500.00. Parish Council received a cheque from Allianz made out to Dawsons so the balance of that account was paid. It is understood that the stone is now in Dawson's yard Shefford and is awaiting carving. Nick Germann has asked to notify the Council when it is likely to be ready.

4.3 Allotments : It was noted that enquiries into finding suitable sites were continuing, Mr Livesey had established that the lease on the land owned by All Saints Church down Broad Street did not expire until 2012. The request addressed to James Hall, Property Services Manager MBDC would be considered in due course by Central Beds Council. It was also reported that Mr Brace was considering the Council's request. The Clerk reported she had received a telephone call from David Hale, who would discuss the request with the other Trustees and because the land available is behind Knolls Way is “set aside land” DEFRA should be consulted.

4.4 Anti-glare- It was noted this is on order

4.5 Wall of Remembrance This will be formally opened by the Archdeacon of Bedford on 15 th March at 2.00 pm. .

4.6 The invoice for spraying had been re-submitted to the County Council

4.7The redecoration of the Community Centre by RMS had been completed.

4.8Payment for the repair of the wash hand basin had now been received.

4.9 Lincat hot water boiler: A quotation for supplying and installation of fitting a Lincat EB3F Water Boiler in the Community Centre at a cost of £466.99 + VAT was submitted and referred to the Playing Field committee for further consideration.

4.10 Litter Picking Day/weekend : Arrangements for the litter pick during the week of 14/15 March were confirmed. It was noted that both the W.I and the Residents Association had agreed to help and the Lower School would also do their own playing field .

4.11 Village of the Year: It was noted that the entry for this is due to be submitted by 24 th April. The form was referred to the Highways Committee for action.

5. Outstanding Matters: The List of Outstanding Matters was circulated for discussion at the Committee meetings

6. Correspondence :

6.1 Alan Burnage The Chairman submitted a letter from Mr Alan Burnage in which he tendered his resignation from the Parish Council. Members paid tribute to his many years of service as a County and Parish Councillor and it was suggested that some form of presentation should be made. The Clerk was asked to write to Mr Burnage,

6.2 Mid Beds Link a Ride: Annual Report and appeal for funding. It was agreed that a donation of £150.00 be given.

6.3Mr David Shelvey, Treasurer, Henlow and Clifton Scout Group: Appeal for a contribution towards replacing of the doors of the existing scout hut. After discussion during which Mr Stevens declared a personal interest and took no further part in the subsequent discussion it was agreed a donation of £200.00 be made.

6.3 Police: Reminder about street closure notices. This was noted.

6.4 Notice of Temporary Road closure of Knolls Way for resurfacing during the week commencing 16 th March.

6.5 Bedfordshire Transport Token Scheme.

6.6 Mid Beds LDF Core Strategy and Development Policies

6.7 BRCC: sustrans: Updating the Mid Beds Cycle Route Mapping Project- Town and Parish Standard

Local Council Review Vol 60 No 6 March 2009

Clerks and Councils Direct March 2009 No. 62

CPRE: Fieldwork

7. Community Centre and Playing Fields Management Committee: The report of the meeting held on Wednesday, 18 th February 2009, a copy of which had been circulated to each member of the Council was presented and discussed. It was noted:-

7.1 Redecoration of interior and damage to doors This work was being carried out. It was queried whether re-painting of the window frames had been mentioned in the original job description and the Clerk was asked to ask Mr Saunders whether it would be possible to include them.

7.2 Clifton Cuisine advertisement The matter is in hand.

7.3. Trees . Mr Mayor is to be approached about removing the dead wood. It was further noted that the latter is very busy at present and no action would be taken immediately

7.4 .Anti-glare on windows. The order to have this done has been placed with MBJ Windows . The Clerk was asked to pursue the matter.

7.5. Water heater in Gents Toilet. Mr Stevens to contact manufacturer to seek advice about the problem. He reported that so far he had been unsuccessful.

7.6 Floor peeling in other places . It was confirmed that the Community Centre would be closed during the week commencing 10 th August to strip and reseal the floor and there would be no bookings during that period. Help would be required to do the work.

7.7 Sweeping car park :. It was agreed that another visit might be necessary in a month's time.

7.8 . Football Matters .The Chairman reported that he and Messrsr Bullen and Cobb were considering a solution to the problem of the muddy slope. from the changing room.

7.9 Xerscape fitness equipment project . It was noted that a fresh quotation from Wicksteeds had been requested.

7.10 A tap in the ladies' toilets requires attention. Mr Good had been contacted to ask if he could repair it.

7.11 Safety lights Mr Stevens reported that he had investigated the possibility of installing a new larger capacity switchboard and this seemed an unlikely proposal at present. No action to be taken about the proposal to install more powerful lights.

7.12 Following Mr Stevens' report on the seminar run by Friends of the Earth Energy Saving Trust. the subject of solar powered energy should be kept on the agenda. It was also noted that recently the heating had been turned on too long before a booking and that with the form of heating used in the hall it would only be necessary to turn it on 5 – 10 minutes before a booking. Dr. Puritz proposed seconded by Mrs Cook that a directive to this effect should be issued.

7.13 Installation of a hot water system which would eliminate the use of kettles and the urn. Mr Ephgrave undertook to investigate further.

7.14 Dogs on playing field. It was noted that after a temporary improvement dog fouling was once again becoming a problem In view of recent complaints Mr Ephgrave proposed a complete ban on the playing field.

7.15: Parking outside gates of Community Centre It was reported that the Highways Committee had taken up the matter with Aragon and Mid Beds District Council.

7.16 Kitchen Following complaints he Mother and Toddlers were asked to remove their milk bottles.

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

(b) The end of month balance was £2103.66.

(c) The Forward Planner was circulated and expenditure to date was noted.

7.18. Correspondence (a) Bedfordshire Playing Fields Association: Invitation to Play Training /Information Day on Sat 21 st March 9.30am – 12.30 pm in the Briefing Room and Jubilee Play Centre, Shuttleworth, Old Warden

(b) e-mail from Clifton Football Club requesting that the football pitch should be spiked and rolled. Mr Stevens reported he had discussed this with Adrian Crawley who advised him that the pitch drained easily and that spiking was not necessary. Owing to the wet condition it would not be advisable to roll the pitch for at least a fortnight when it had dried out.

(c) e-mail request from Mark Gearing asking whether there would be any objection to forming a reserve team to play on Saturdays. There was no objection and Mr Stevens undertook to let Mr Gearing know.

7.19. Any other Business (a) Electricity Meter: It was noted that at present the meter has a maximum capacity of 48 kva but this is not being fully utilised. It was agreed to investigate this.

(b) It was noted that Adrian Crawley has chopped down the elder on the edge of the playing field and trimmed the bushes in the car park

(c) It was noted one of the tables in the hall was broken. A replacement leg will be ordered and Mr Stevens undertook to fit it.

The report was then adopted.

8 . Highways Committee: .The report of the meeting held on Thursday, 19 th February 2009, a copy of which had been circulated to each member of the Council was presented and discussed. It was noted: -

8.1 War Memorial: Banking details had been supplied to Mid Beds District Council and the receipt of the promised grant was awaited.

8.2 Allotments. It was reported that Mr Brace was still considering the request to provide allotments on his land. Mr Livesey would seek clarification on the length of the lease on Church land off Broad Street. The Clerk had written to Mid Beds about the availability and suitability of the old refuse tip at the bottom of the Joint and a response is awaited.

8.3 Hedgecutting in Broad Street, New Road and Pedley Lane: It was noted that a request had been submitted to the Highways Helpdesk and was now in progress. Mr M. Watts had also been approached concerning the hedge in Broad Street following a request from Martin Knight, leader of the Henlow Health walks.

8.4 Broken Tree – corner of Stockbridge Road: Mr Alderman had been asked to replace it

8.5 Grassed Area at entrance to Community Centre. The Clerk reported that she had written to Aragon Housing Association as requested. Ms C. Jones had inspected the area and notified the Parish Council that the area concerned was Mid Beds property. Aragon owned the patch to the rear /right hand side of the path. The letter requesting action had been copied to Mid Beds District Council

8.6 Litter Pick. It had been agreed in Council that this should take place during the weekend of 14/15 March and a note had been submitted to Clifton Chronicles . A letter is to be sent to organisations and schools requesting their help in this initiative. Mid Beds are to be asked to supply sacks etc and arrange to collect them from the Community Centre car park afterwards. Arrangements were discussed and the form of the letter to be sent outlined.

8.7 Drain cleaning This matter is being pursued.

8.9 . Other Matters; (a) Councillor Mrs Livesey reported that she had met Bob Morwood to discuss a suitable planting scheme to screen the pre school building. It had been agreed that a mixed evergreen hedge was the most acceptable form of screening. It was also learned that Mr Morwood intended to have the two mature trees near the garages in Whiston Crescent felled as there had been complaints. It was agreed that a letter should be sent to Mr Morwood expressing the committee's concern that a precedent might be set by this action and to suggest that tree surgery and lowering the crown would be the Parish Council's preferred option.

(b)The lack of snow clearance in the village by the community was criticised and discussion ensued. It was agreed to seek guidance from Beds Rural Communities Charity as it appeared that duty of care conflicted with fear of litigation.

(c) Councillor Bullen reported on recent speedchecks made with the speed indicator device (SID). It was agreed to have been a worthwhile experiment and should be repeated at intervals. Councillor Livesey asked that thanks to those taking part in the checks should be recorded especially as they were carried out in adverse weather conditions. It was noted that a second device might be available for use by the Council.

The report was then adopted

9. Planning

The undermentioned application had been returned to Mid Beds with no objections raised:-

09/00225/TPO Works to trees as attached schedule at 45 Church Street(Mr and Mrs Langton)

By a majority decision no objection was raised to:-

09/00118/FULL: Erection of 16 wind turbines, two control buildings and monitoring mast on Land to the North of Edworth Road, Langford but with a recommendation that (a) One should consider the comments made by Langford and Henlow Parish Councils and residents in those two villages as they are most likely to be affected by the proposal and (b) camouflage the turbines so they do not make such an impact on the surrounding countryside including that of the Ivel Valley Project.

Objections were raised to:-

09/00133/FULL: Erection of 1 no. 4 bed dwelling with garage and associated access on land to the rear of 2 Fairfax Close on the grounds that (a) The proposed house is too big for the site and would seriously affect the amenity of the adjoining houses (b) A 4 bedroom house would potentially have a minimum of 2 cars and the parking space allowed appears to be inadequate. (c) Dangerous access/egress to site over pedestrian area much used by pupils of both Lower and Upper schools. In excess of 4000 vehicles use Shefford Road daily. (d) Inconsistent approach to the measurements of the existing and proposed buildings in that locality.

09/00132/FULL Erection of 1.8m high wall to enclose rear amenity space of 2 Fairfax Close following repositioning of ground floor fenestration. On the grounds that the proposed wall is out of character with the present street scene. It is too high and obtrusive and will have an overbearing impact on the surrounding area.

Mid Beds approved the following applications:

08/02279/FULL: Two storey rear extension at 61 Broad Street (Mrs D. Pugh)

08/02027/FULL: Erection of single garage to side of 10 Hitchin Lane and conversion of existing to 3 rd bedroom (Mr K. Jones)

10. Reports (a) Clifton Lower School: Mrs Livesey gave a brief report. Since there had been no meetings since the previous report there was little to add.

(b) Mid Beds District Council: Councillors Carne and Rogers reported . A 2 ½ % increase in the rates had been agreed.

(c) Beds CC: Councillor Rogers reported very briefly.

11. Finance

 •  Report of Finance Committee: The report of the Finance Committee meeting held on Monday 2 nd March was presented and the contents noted.

•  :Current bank statements at 23.2. 09 . show balances of

Community Account £1428.05

Instant Access Business Premium Ac £90264.35

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

Outstanding accounts: There were none

Receipts: The following receipts were reported; Mrs T. Kayson: Hire of Centre on 29.3.09 £62.00; Clifton Badminton Group: Hire of Centre Jan – April £308.00; Henlow Village Badminton Group: Hire of Centre in February £88.00; Clifton FC Part payment 2008/09 season £85.00; Mr J. Peacock: Hire of Centre 14.3.09 £178.00; HM Customs and Excise: Repayment of VAT to 31.12.08 £439.93; Ladies Social Group: Hire of Centre in January £44.00; Biggleswade and Sandy Lions Hire of Centre for Jumble Sale on 28.2.09 £25.00; Mrs T. Chiswell: Hire of Centre for Aerobics in Jan £308.00; Mr J. Stevens: Hire of Centre on 7.03.09 £62.00; Clifton 1 st Brownies Hire of Centre in Jan £22.50; Clifton Parent and Toddler Group Hire of Centre in Jan £80.00; Clifton F. C. Cost of repair and final payment for 2008/09 season £121.99

Payments Payment of the following accounts was authorised:-

J. Ferguson 1 Months Litter collection £60.00 (Ch101543)

Mrs J. Yarwood: Wages for March (less tax and NI ) £588.78 (Ch 101544 /545)

I. Ansell Carter; Wages for February ( less tax ) £89.00 (Ch101546)

B. Livesey: Refund for cost of litter pickers and weedkiller £15.49 (CH101547)

Adrian Crawley: Playing Field maintenance in February, hedge cutting round field and carpark area + removal of elderberry from edge of Yew Tree Walk £436.66 (Ch101548)

Bedford Borough Council ¼ Refuse collection + VAT £55.76

J. C. Lanham ¼ salary, approved expenses and postages for ¼

RMS Decoration Ltd. Selected internal re-decoration of Community Centre +VAT £2087.25 (Ch101551)

Retrospective authorisation for the payment of £10,161.83 to Beds CC for the lights in Church Street and consequent transfer of £10,000 from the Instant Access a/c was given.

The Clerk was given permission to transfer £4,500.00 from the Instant Access a/c to the Community a/c

12. Byelaws. It was agreed the draft copy should be re-circulated and discussed at a later meeting..

Dates of next meetings : Thurs 9 th April 2009, Thurs 14 th May 2009, Thurs 11 th June 2009