Minutes of a meeting of Clifton Parish Council held on Thursday 23 rd July 2009 in Clifton Community and Sports Centre, Whiston Crescent, Clifton at 7. 30 pm

Present: Mr B. Livesey (in the Chair)

Mr D. Bullen

Mrs I. Cook, ,

Mrs P. Livesey

Mr I. Pacey

Mr B.Padgett

Mr J. Stevens

Cllr J. Clarke,and Cllr T. Rogers.

The Chairman opened the meeting by welcoming Councillor J. Clarke

•  Public Forum: There was no Public Forum.

2. Apologies , Apologies were received from Mr M. Ephgrave, Mr S. Fish, Mr S. Melia, and Dr R. Puritz

3. Minutes : The minutes of the meeting held on Thursday, 11 th June 2009, a copy of which had been circulated to each member of the Council , were agreed to be a true record and signed.

4. Matters arising :

4.1 Green Infra-structure : It was noted that the organisers had been in touch and further details about the time and place of the meetings-mail would be forwarded in due course..

4.2 War Memorial: It was reported that Mr Livesey had asked for the letters to be blacked in on the memorial stone. The Clerk had telephoned Allianz to be updated on the progress of the recovery of insurance from the other parties.-

4.3 Allotments: The Chairman read a letter from Mr D. Brace in which he expressed sympathy for those wishing to own allotments and stated that he was currently negotiating a new ten year agreement with DEFRA and is discussing ways in which he can free up land for allotments.

4.4 Anti-glare: It was reported that MBJ will be taking delivery the next day and would ring to make an appointment to fit itshortly..

4.5 Hot Water boiler: It was noted that after making enquiries about alternative suppliers the Lincat boiler recommended by Colin Hill at a total cost of £466.99 +VAT was a competitive price and it was agreed that it should be accepted..

4.6 Village of the Year. The Chairman noted that Clifton was Bedfordshire Village of the Year 2009 and congratulated all those involved. It was agreed that the metal plaque received should be mounted over the main doors to the Community Centre

4.7 Presentation to Mr Alan Burnage : It was decided this should take place as soon as possible and subject to it being convenient for the staff at the Birches it was agreed that Councillors and Clerk should meet at the Birches at 3.00 pm on Sunday 26 th July to present the painting to Mr Burnage

4.8 Resignation of T. R. Cobb A note from Central Bedfordshire Council confirmed that it had not received any requests for an election so the Parish Council could fill the vacancy by co-option. It was agreed that those people known to have expressed an interest should be asked to submit statements giving brief details and thoughts about what skills they could contribute to the Parish Council.

4.9: Jason Shacklock: Mr Livesey reported that following Mr Shacklock's letter, he and Mr Stevens had met with Mrs Yarwood and discussed issues arising . A letter of apology had been sent to Mr Shacklock . He noted that the Council should look carefully at its procedures for hire of the Community Centre in order that complaints of this nature did not re-occur.

4.10 Dogs on Playing Field It was noted that Henlow Parish Council was interested in discussing the possibilities of employing dog warden to enforce dog control orders.

4.11 Changing Room Floors RMS Decoration had supplied an estimate of £750.00 + VAT for repainting floors in the changing rooms. It was agreed this estimate should be accepted.

4.12 Community Centre gates .: The Chairman thanked Mr Bullen and Dr, Puritz for their work at the entrance to the Community Centre.

4.13 Under counter water heater in bar area. A.G Plumbers had been asked to deal with this.

4.14 Litter bin It was noted the litter bin had now been installed next to the seat by the village sign.

4.15 Cannon bollards for outside the Admiral were now on order.

4.16 Audit .: It was noted that the audit statement had been submitted to the auditors

4.17. New Bank signatory: This matter is in hand .

5. Outstanding Matters; The list of outstanding matters was circulated

6. Correspondence :

6.1 Mr R. Smith, 30 New Road concerning the possible provision of a bus shelter outside the “One Stop” shop. The matter was discussed and it was agreed that the matter should be considered. A letter should be sent to Mr R. Daniels asking for permission to site it there. The matter was referred to the Highways Committee for further consideration.

6.2 Central Beds: Emergency Rest Centre provision: A copy of this should be passed to the Church Hall Management Committee.for its attention.

6.3 Central Beds. Update on BEaR Project

6.4 Standards Board: Bulletin 44

6.5 Bedfordshire Bugle Vol XVIII Issue 4 July 2009

6.6 Local Council Record Vol 60 no.2 July2008

6.7 Clerk and Councils Direct July 2009 Issue 64

The Playing Field

7. Community Centre and Playing Fields Management Committee: The report of the meeting held on Wednesday, 17 th June 2009, a copy of which had been circulated to each member of the Council was presented and discussed. It was noted:

7.1 Anti-glare on windows .It was reported that the firm sub contracted by MBJ Windows to do this had moved. However all efforts were being made to recover the materials and fit it .

7.2 Water heater in Gents Toilet. It was reported that the replacement part had been fitted

7.3 Sweeping car park :. It was agreed that another visit might be necessary.

7.4 . Football Matters .The Chairman reported that he and Mr Bullen were considering a solution to the problem of the muddy slope from the changing room.to the field

7.5 Xerscape fitness equipment project . It was noted that a revised quotation from Wicksteeds had been provided to supply and install the equipment, safety surfacing, outdoor furniture and signage at a total cost of £37,360.00 + VAT There was no further information about grant aid. It was noted that Bromham Parish Council had equipped their playing field with similar equipment and this was being well used.

7.6 Safety lights Mr Stevens explained the proposals which Stephen Nott had made. It was agreed that the estimate of £160.00 to fit sensor lights to the rear of the building to act as a deterrent should be accepted.

7.7 Installation of a hot water system which would eliminate the use of kettles and the urn. A quotation to install a Lincat EB3F model at a cost of £466.99 + VAT had been received from Colin Hill, Peckworth Industrial Estate and all were agreed that the purchase and installation of this should be recommended. However in view of the cost it was agreed that further quotations should be sought as soon as possible.

7.8. 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

7.9 It was noted one of the tables in the hall was broken. A replacement leg had been received and Mr Stevens undertook to fit it.

7.10 Dog fouling Following the resolution passed at the previous meeting Mr Stevens had obtained guidance on Dog Control Orders which he had circulated to members with a request that all read them and considered them carefully. Henlow Parish Council had successfully implemented these but the orders were not enforced. It was noted that following discussions with Mr Whittaker control orders without an enforcement method is pointless. Other parishes might be interested in employing a Dog Warden to patrol and enforce orders. Shefford had already indicated that they would welcome this and the Clerk had contacted Henlow Parish Council to ask if it was likewise interested. It was suggested that the committee should go ahead with implementing steps 1 – 5 of the dog control orders.

7.11 Flood-lighting :The possibilities of relocating the floodlighting on the netball court was discussed and the possibility of installing a token meter suggested. Mt Stevens undertook to draw up new specifications after which further quotations could be sought

7.12 The Clerk was asked to obtain an estimate from RMS to repaint the changing room floors.

7.13Notices asking users of the Community Centre to clean tables before putting them away and also to use the proper equipment for moving chairs were to be put up in the store room.

7.14. Mr Good had been advised that the under counter water heater in the bar needed attention.

7.15 Dr. Puritz and Mr Bullen would repair the bolt hole for the main gates

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

(b) The balance sheet showed a balance of £1561.12 of income over expenditure.

(c) The Forward Plan was presented and expenditure to date noted.

7.17. Correspondence: Ruth Burns: Leader of Clifton Rainbows: Letter accepting the suggestion that the Rainbows cupboard could be stored in the outside store and proposing that this move from the Church Hall should take place duing the summer at a mutually convenient time in order that meetings can begin in September. The Rainbows also applied to hire the Community Centre on Tuesday, 14 th July from 4.30 – 6.00 pm.

7.18 Other Matters ..(a) Cooker The cupboard would shortly be removed in order that second cooker could be put in position. Mr Harvey would be installing it shortly.

(b) Football Mark Darnell and Jason Shacklock spoke on behalf of the football teams following recent events and exchanges of e-mail correspondence and outlined their grievances. Mr Stevens replied on behalf of the Parish Council stating complaints were being taken seriously and steps to resolve them were being taken. It was mutually agreed that there had been faults on both sides in the past but now was the time to move on. Too many individuals had been involved in the past but it was agreed that in future the football club would communicate only with Mr Stevens or the Clerk. A notice board would be purchased for the reception area of the Community Centre and all football fixtures/friendly matches could be advertised there. Annual charges were queried. It was noted that this was payable only by adult teams and would be based on the number of league games played during the season. In future despite the fact that there would no fee for juniors forms noting fixtures would be required.from both adult and junior teams. Issues concerning the cutting of grass, the state of the doors of the erstwhile tractor shed and the possibility of having a power supply to it and utilising it as an area for retreat during wet weather were raised and would be considered. It was also noted that in future it was planned not to use cones in the car park but have demarcation lines painted. Extra copies of the keys for the small silver padlock for the gate chains were also needed. Mr Shackland and Mr Darnell were thanked for their attendance (and congratulated on their part in gaining the Village of the Year award)

8 . Highways Committee: . The report of the meeting held on Thursday, 18 th June 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: Councillor Bullen reported that the names on the stone had now been carved but it was agreed that these should be blacked in and the stonemason advised of this wish. Mr Germann should be notified about the broken tile and also asked for a finishing date.

8.2 Allotments. There was nothing further to report. The Clerk had written to Mr Brace and Mr David Hale to find out if there had been progress in acquiring a site.

8.3 Hedgecutting It was noted that there had been complaints about overhanging trees and bushes in Church Street. Central Beds. Council should be notified of these complaints. Other hedges in Broad Street, New Road and Pedley Lane did not appear to be overgrown at present but the situation will continue to be monitored.

8.4 Grassed Area at entrance to Community Centre. The cost of providing more parking space whilst not destroying the grassed area by means of installing “grasscrete” was being investigated following the letter to Mr Livesey from the Residents Association. The Clerk had replied to this letter. It was also suggested that some of the garages near the electricity sub-station did not appear to be occupied and if this were the case there would be space for parking in front of vacant garages. The Clerk was asked to write to Aragon with this enquiry.

8.5 Pot holes etc. It was noted that the re-surfacing of Shefford Road and Broad Street was in progress. The entrance of Fairfax Close would also be re-surfaced. It was noted that there would only be white lining around bends as the Highways Authority was of the opinion that the lack of lining on straight stretches of road led to better driving. The Committee agreed to allow a month's trial but asked for an assurance that it would be re-lined if there was no improvement in the standard of driving. It was also agreed to enlist the support of the governors of Samuel Whitbread Community College in requesting a 20 mph speed limit around the college.

8.6 Village of the Year; Clifton's success in becoming Bedfordshire Village of the Year 2009 was announced and congratulations were offered to all who had made this possible. A report on the award ceremony at Sharnbrook Village Hall was given, Clifton Chronicles had been notified and a poster would be put on the noticeboards.

8.7 Free Tree Clifton's acceptance of the offer of a free tree had been noted and the Committee was advised that this would be planted on a site of the Council's choice during the autumn. Suggestions for a site should be requested through the Clifton Chronicles

8.8 Litter bin : It was reported that a litter bin is on order. In discussion it was noted that a resident had reported that in Margate litter bins bore the legend that the area was a litter free zone and this was respected. It was agreed to investigate the possibility of doing likewise.

8. 9 Bollards outside Admiral PH . As agreed at the Parish Council meeting replacement small cannon type bollards were now on order.

8.10 The hanging baskets were ready for collection. Mr Bullen would put the necessary hooks for these on the War memorial

8.11 . Section 106 Agreements : Mrs Livesey asked for clarification on the position concerning monies due to the Parish Council through Section 106 Agreements . It was understood there was money put aside for a cycleway and it was agreed to ask if this could be transferred to provide a cycleway to the cricket ground

8.12 SID Checks: Mr Bullen reported that he had been in touch with Pc Welham and the speed indicator device checks would be taking place between 29.6.09 and 3.7.09

8.13 Forward Planner; The Forward Planner was submitted and expenditure to date was noted.

8.14. Other Matters; (a). 1 Mrs Livesey noted that the Garden of Rest had been tidied.

(b) N. Germann's current e mail address was requested

(c) Mr Pacey noted that he was trying to get the Baulk resurfaced.

(d) Village of the Year There was discussion about making a presentation to the judges in the next stage. Mr Pacey would be consulting with Mr Padgett.

9. Planning

The undermentioned plans had been returned to Central Beds with no objections raised:

CB/09/01049/FULL: 2 storey side extension at 2 Olivier Way (Mr J and Mrs M. Fish) S. Fish declared an interest in this and took no part in this decision

CB/09/00871/FULL: Two storey side extension at 22 Grange Street ( Mrs M. Gill).

CB/09/00797/FULL: Extension to existing agricultural building at Stockbridge Farm, Stockbridge Road, Clifton, Henlow (Mr Cooper)

CB/09/01088/FULL: Erection of agricultural grain store on land off Grange Street, Clifton (Mr M. Watts)

CB/09/01123/FULL: Two storey rear extension at 31 Church Street, Clifton (Mr and Mrs M. Panton)

CB/0901156/FULL: Garage/store conversion and single storey front extension to former garage at 71 Clifton Road, Henlow (Mr and Mrs G. Cantley)

CB/09/00907/FULL: Proposed amalgamation of planning permission 07/00873/FULL and 08/01439/FULL to provide one new and comprehensive sports pitch facility with associated club house, changing facilities, car park and site access (Shefford Saints Football Club)

CB/09/05411/FULL: two storey side extension, part two storey, part single storey rear extension to 14 Lychmead (Dr & Mrs Baxter)

CB/09/05269/FULL Single storey front and rear extensions. Pitched roof to replace existing flat roof at rear of 11 Fairfax Close (Ms J. Burke)

CB/09/01049/FULL : Rear and side 2 storey extension at 25 Shefford Road (Miss Fidler Baker) No objection subject to neighbours' agreement.

CB/09/01138/ FULL and ) CB/09/01139/ LB Alterations to existing boundary walls and access incorporating replacement piers and gates. By a majority decision there was no objection but the suitability of a gravel finish had been queried.

By a majority decision there was no objection to CB/09/01084/FULL; Replace existing garden wall with palisade fencing the same height as the existing wall at 4 Knolls Way (Mr A. Foster) on condition that the proposed fence does not extend beyond the house build line. 0

Central Bedfordshire granted planning permission for the following applications;-

CB/09/00797/FULL: Extension to existing agricultural building at Stockbridge Farm, Stockbridge Road, Clifton, Henlow (Mr Cooper)

CB/09/01049/FULL: 2 storey side extension at 2 Olivier Way (Mr J and Mrs M. Fish)

Trees in a Conservation Area: The Council was notified of forthcoming works to trees

(a) Works to trees at Woodlands Pre School - All Saints Lower School involving the lifting of crowns on 6 sycamore trees.

(b) Felling 1 Golden conifer at “ Floral,” Church Street.

(c) Repollard 4 lime trees, and remove low branches to 7 metres on 3 poplar trees. On the school side of Yew Tree Walk Pathway.

A report on the recent Local Inquiry on Silver Lake Farm was submitted. The application had been dismissed

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

(b) Central Bedfordshire Council: Councillors Clarke and Rogers gave brief reports

(c) Other: Training for Code of Conduct: Mr Livesey gave a report on the meeting held at Priory House. It was noted that in future “Declaration of Interests” is to be included on each agenda. He added that in discussion another Parish Council had reported that it was being asked what it proposed doing about the noise of traffic on a busy main road. Accordingly since enquiries had already been made about activities on the playing field and in the Community Centre it was thought prudent to inform the estate agents of these in writing.

(d) Mr Stevens reported on the arrangements for the Year of the Family Fun Day to be held on the Playing Field on Saturday, 19 th September. He asked for help setting up exhibitions on Friday 18 th and in the morning of Saturday 19 th September between the hours of 9.00 am and 12.00 noon.

11. Finance

Current bank statements at 30.6.09 show

Community Account £ 4247.10

Instant Access Business Premium Account £87374.54

Outstanding accounts: There were no outstanding accounts.

Receipts: The following receipts were reported: Clifton 1 st Brownie: Hire of Centre Apr/May £45.00; Clifton Parent and Toddlers Hire of Centre Apr/May £120.00; Henlow Village Badminton: Hire of Centre in June £110.00; Bedfordshire RCC: Calor Village Category Award £100.00; Beds RCC: Bedfordshire Village of the Year award £500.00;Ladies Social Hour: Hire of Centre in May £22.00; Mrs T. Chiswell: Hire of centre in May £275.00; Clifton Badminton Group: Hire of Centre Apr – June £264.00; Mr D. Lawson: Hire of tables and chairs £25.00; Barclays Bank plc: Interest on Instant Access a/c for April £3.55; Interest on Instant Access a/c for May £3.99; Interest on Instant Access BPA for June £3.68; Clifton Parent and Toddlers: Hire of Centre in June £80.00; Clifton 1 st Brownie: Hire of Centre June/July£45.00; Clifton 1 st Rainbows: Hire of Centre on 14.7.09 £10.75; Ptrovidence Baptist Chapel: Hire of Centre 14.6.09 £76.00; Mrs T. Chiswell: Hire of Centre in June £193.00; Henlow Badminton Club Hire of Centre in July £44.00;

The Council was asked to retrospectively approve the undermentioned payments ;- J. Ferguson: Litter picking £60.00 (Ch101596) ;; Mrs J. Yarwood: Wages for July less tax and NI )598.518 (Ch 101593/4) I. Ansell Carter; Wages for July (less tax) £94.80 ( Ch101595) .

Payment of the undermentioned accounts was authorised:-

B. Livesey: Refund of cost of hanging baskets £76.00 (Ch 101597)

Adrian Crawley: Playing Field maintenance in June )(Ch101598)

D . Granger Grass cutting and tree works in village +VAT £564.50 ( Ch101599)

S outhern Electric: Supply for June+ VAT £282.65 (Ch101600)

D. Harvey: Installation of cooker £130.00 (Ch101601)

Herts CC: Cleaning materials + VAT £31.40 (Ch101602)

Anglian Water: Water supply Apr – July £13. 28 (Ch101603)

R. Bullen: Refund of materials for computer and work at Community Centre (Ch 101604)

A transfer of £1500.00 from the Instant Access Business Premium Account was authorised

Mr Livesey proposed that the £100.00 Category Award should be used to help finance the costs of setting up a conference and exhibition at Samuel Whitbread Community College on 19 th October 2009. This was unanimously agreed.

12 . Dates of next meetings : Thurs 10 th Septembe,r Thurs 8 th October, Thurs 12 th November