Minutes of a meeting of Clifton Parish Council held on Thursday 10 th September 2009 in Clifton Community and Sports Centre, Whiston Crescent, Clifton at 7. 30 pm

Present: Mr B. Livesey (in the Chair)

Mrs I. Cook,

Mr T. Edwards ,

Mrs P. E. Livesey

Mr I. Pacey

Dr R. Puritz

Mr J. Stevens

Cllr T. Rogers and Pc S. Busby also attended the meeting. .

•  Public Forum: There was no Public Forum

2 . Declaration of Interests : No declarations of interest were presented.

3. Apologies , Apologies were received from Mr M. Ephgrave, Mr S. Fish, Mr S. Melia, , Mr B.Padgett, and Cllr J, Clarke

4. Casual Vacancy: Two names had been put forward to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Mr T. R. Cobb. After discussion it was proposed by Mr J. Stevens, seconded by Mr I. Pacey to invite Mr T. Edwards to fill the vacancy. Mr Edwards was then welcomed to the meeting.

5. Minutes : The minutes of the meeting held on Thursday, 23 rd July 2009 a copy of which had been circulated to each member of the Council were agreed to be a true record and were signed .

6. Matters arising :

6.1 Green Infrastructure: It was noted that the first meeting would be taking place at the Church Hall on Wednesday. 16 th September 2009.

6.2 War Memorial : Mr Livesey reported that the stone was now complete. Dawsons had been asked to give a date when they expected to install it. He had asked for this to be by November 8 th It was also noted that .Beachcroft (solicitors) had been supplied with information requested to assist in the recovery of momies from the insurers of the vehicles which caused the damage to the memorial.

6.3 Allotments : There was nothing further to report..

6.4 Hot Water boiler :. The Lincat boiler had now been installed

6.5 Village of the Year It was noted that the judges would be visiting the village at 2.00 pm on 6 th October 2009. A programme was being arranged. It was noted that photographs, maps and other information was to be submitted by 15 th September 2009.

6.6 Mr Burnage had been visited by Mr and Mrs Livesey, Mr Bullen, Mr Stevens and the Clerk and was presented with the painting on Sunday 26 th July 2009..

6.7 Dogs on Playing Field: It was noted that the Playing Field Committee were trying to set up a meeting with Mr S. Whittaker and representatives from Shefford Town Council and Henlow Parish Council. Trying to set up a meeting

6.8 Changing rooms It was reported that the floor had now been repainted..

6.9 Bollards. The small cannon bollards had now been installed.outside the Admiral

6.10. Audit It was reported that the statement had been returned for a minor amendment. The alterations were approved.

6.11New Bank signatory: The matter is in hand.

6.12 Bus stop Following Mr B Smith's request and subsequent Highways' committee recommendation Mr M. Daniels has given conditional permission

6.13 CPRE Planning Meeting. It was noted that places had been reserved for Mr B. Padgett, Mr/ I. Pacey and Mrs P. E. Livesey at this meeting on 28 th September 2009.

7. Outstanding Matters: The list would be circulated at the committee meetings

8. Correspondence :

8.1 Mr R. Bullen: Notification that he would shortly be moving out of the village and consequent resignation from the Parish Council. The Clerk is to notify Central Bedfordshire of the vacancy and to write to Mr Bullen.

8.2 Mr D. Fensome: Letter informing the Parish Council that Bilberry Road had now joined the Neighbourhood scheme and asking help in funding the purchase of the sign. Further details had been sought..

8.3 Mrs C. Endersby: Letter reporting that her elderly father had tripped on uneven paving slabs in the Garden of Rest and sustained injury. It was agreed that in the first instance the paving slabs should be inspected.

8,4 Mrs J. Davidson E-mail correspondence concerning the lack of play equipment suitable for the under five age group on the playing field. This was referred to the Playing Field Committee for further discussion.

8.5 Mr J. Chalmers Letter of complaint over footballers trespassing on his property to retrieve balls. Itwas noted that the football teams were erecting nets to prevent this happening and were considering a more permanent alternative.

8.6 Mrs T. Chiswell Letter concerning problem arising from being asked to moderate noise. Mr Stevens noted that he had spoken to her about this and was considering some form of sound-proofing of the meeting room. The letter was referred to the Playing Field Committee.

8.7 Central Beds: Street naming and Numbering: The developers of the three properties in the grounds of Clifton House had proposed that the development should be known as “The Woodlands”. This suggestion was not approved as the Pre School was already known as “Woodlands”. After discussion it was agreed to put forward the recommendation that the properties be known as”1,2 and 3 Clifton House Gardens”.

8.8 More Powers to Parish and Town Councils: Including Local Councils in the Sustainable Communities Act. It was decided to take no further action.

8.9 Central Beds Local Development Framework (North) Site Allocations DPD: Site Assessment Criteria Consultation.: It was agreed to submit the following criteria for consideration;- (a) No coalescence of communities and the necessity of retaining “green wedges”. (b) Village Infrastructure” (c) Village Conservation (d) Traffic Issues and (e) Preservation of village identity.

8.10Beds RCC: Getting started on your Parish Action Plan Wed 14 th Oct. 7.00 – 9.00 pm in the main hall at Cardington Village Hall

8.11 Gambling Act 2005 Review of statement of principles.

8.12 Victim Support – Victim Support in Bedfordshire. It was agreed to take no further action

8.13 Nadine Dorries Notice of Public Meeting on Tourism and the Environment 26.9.09 2.00 pm – 4.00 pm in Marston Vale Forest Centre.

“Full of Life” Celebrating Older People 2009 – Poster advertising events during week ending 2 nd October 2009.

Invitation to Local Democracy Week w/c 12 th Oct.2009

Customer Service Bulletin 3.8.09 – 30.8.09

Standards Board Bulletin 45

Fieldwork

Clerk and Councils Direct Sept 2009 Issue 65

Bedfordshire Bugle Vol XVIII Issue 5 Sept 2009

9. Community Centre and Playing Fields Management Committee:

The report of the committee meeting held on Wednesday, 29 th July 2009, a copy of which had been circulated to each member of the Council was presented and discussed. It was noted:-

9.1 Anti-glare on windows : MBJ Windows intended to fit this shortly....

9.2 Water heater in Gents Toilet. The replacement part had been fitted but it appeared it was not working

9.3 Sweeping car park :. It was agreed that another visit might be necessary but this was not an immediate concern..

9.4 . Football Matters . The Chairman reported that he was considering a solution to the problem of the muddy slope from the changing room.to the field. At present wooden steps was the preferred option.

9.5 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. Mr Melia would investigate sources of grant aid.

9.6 Safety lights The estimate of £160.00 from Mr S. Nott to fit sensor lights to the rear of the building to act as a deterrent should be accepted

.9 .7 Installation of a hot water system which would eliminate the use of kettles and the urn. It was agreed that the estimate to install a Lincat EB3F model at a cost of £466.99 + VAT from Colin Hill, Peckworth Industrial Estate should be accepted as research done had shown that this was a competitive price.

9.8. 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. Rachel Mackay volunteered to help in this investigation.

9.9 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.

9.10 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 Town and Henlow Parish Councils had already indicated that they would be interested. It was suggested that Mr Whittaker should be asked to set up a meeting for interested parishes to explore the way ahead.

9.11 Flood-lighting : It was agreed that the lamps in the existing floodlights should be replaced and revert to the original specification and a third light installed. The possibilities of relocating the floodlighting on the netball court and erecting two pylons within the fenced area was discussed and the possibility of installing a token meter suggested. Mr Stevens undertook to draw up new specifications after which further quotations could be sought.

9.12 RMS had supplied an estimate for £750.00 + VAT to repaint the changing room floors. This estimate had been accepted by the Parish Council.

9.13 Tables and Chairs Mr Stevens noted that the tables and chairs required cleaning. He had done some using a power jet cleaner and would be continuing to do so with Mrs Yarwood.

9.14. Mr Good had been advised that the under counter water heater in the bar needed attention.The Clerk was asked to remind him.

9.15 Clifton Rainbows : The Rainbows cupboard had now been moved to the outside store.

9.16 Cooker It was reported that the second cooker was now installed. The cupboard would be reinstalled later. . 9.17 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 £882.88 of income over expenditure.

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

9.18. Correspondence; (a) : Sick note from Mr I. Ansell Carter signing him off for a further 6 weeks. It was agreed that Mr J. Pasquet be asked to work in his stead for the next month. Mr Stevens undertook to do this.

(b) Carer's Café; Mr Stevens would contact Mr R. Smith and ask for further details.

(c) Mr M. Meadows, 209 Yew Tree Walk, Letter of complaint concerning impromptu football game on Sunday, 26 th July. This was discussed at length and the complaint noted. It was agreed that a reply should be sent pointing out that the youths involved were not members of Clifton Football Club, but that they had been allowed to use the goal posts in order to prevent the ball going into residents gardens. To the best of the Parish Council's knowledge since the initial letter expressing concern about the siting of the third pitch only two complaints had been received and both of these related to one incident. No further complaints had been received and consequently the Council assumed all was well. It was agreed Mr Meadows should be written to as soon as possible. A letter will be drafted and submitted to Mr Stevens and Mr Livesey for approval

9.19 Any other Business (a) Football Matters: It was noted that since the last meeting the Parish Council had been looking at ways to tighten up on procedures concerning the booking of the Community Centre and measures to ensure smooth running of the playing field had been put into operation. Mr Stevens had spoken to Mr Crawley and in future the grass would be cut on Wednesdays; the noticeboard had been purchased and fixtures were being advertised there. The junior ones would also be advertised when the fixture lists were agreed. D emarcation lines would painted on the surface of the car park and it was recommended that there should be a portion reserved for disabled parking . Extra copies of the keys for the small silver padlock for the gate chains were also needed.. 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 was raised and discussed. It was noted that if the trees were lopped it would be possible to store goal posts between the tractor shed and the boundary fence.

(b) Spiker : Mr Livesey is investigating whether there is a market for this.

(c) It was noted that a number of paint pots had been removed from the tractor shed

.(d) Porta-loo: A suggestion that a porta-loo should be installed on the field was thought to be imractical and rejected.

(e) Community Centre closure: it was noted that the Community Centre would be closed for the week 10 th /17 th August for the floor to be stripped and re-polished. Mr Stevens asked if help could be given to do this.

The report was then accepted.

Mr Stevens noted that the floor had been stripped, polished and resealed. It was reported that the floodlights on the carpark required attention. They had been inspected and a report was expected shortly.

10 . Highways Committee: .

The report of the committee meeting held on Thursday, 30 th July 2009, a copy of which had been circulated to each member of the Council, was presented and discussed. It was noted:-

10.1 War Memorial: It was noted that Mr Germann had been asked to advise the stonemason that the names should be blacked in. He had also been notified about the broken tile and asked for a finishing date. Allianz had been approached for a report on the claim.

10.2 Allotments. A letter from Mr Brace presented at the recent Parish Council meeting had indicated that he was sympathetic to the needs of would be allotment holders . He would be negotiating a new 10 year agreement with DEFRA and was discussing ways that he could free up land for use as allotments. The Clerk had also written to Mr David Hale to find out if there had been progress in acquiring a site.

10.3 Hedgecutting It was reported that Central Beds. Council had been notified of complaints about overhanging trees and bushes in the village. Council workers had been seen in the village working near Ashington Court in Broad Street. A resident from New Road had complained to the Clerk about the state of the hedge and ditch in the vicinity of Mount Pleasant and this had likewise been reported. The hedge in Pedley Lane did not appear to be overgrown at present but the situation will continue to be monitored.

10.4 Grassed Area at entrance to Community Centre. It was suggested that if residents continued to park on the grassed area Aragon should be asked to install “Enviroscape” matting to prevent it being torn up and the Clerk was asked to write. Aragon had notified the Council that all the garages near the electricity sub-station were occupied and therefore there was no space for parking on forecourts. A further letter had been sent to the Residents' Association suggesting that individual informal arrangements for parking might be made.

10.5 Pot holes etc. A letter asking for the support of the governors of Samuel Whitbread Community College in requesting a 20 mph speed limit around the college had been sent. The entrance of Fairfax Close had now been re-surfaced. Other potholes in Church Street have been reported and Mr Pacey noted that he had asked for a walk around with a Highways representative in October.

10.6 Village of the Year; The news item in “Network” was noted. The Bedfordshire Village of the Year plaque was to be mounted over the door of the Community Centre. Mr Padgett outlined plans for a 3D presentation to the judges when they visited later in the year.

10.7 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 had been requested through the Clifton Chronicles. Mrs Livesey, the Tree Warden suggested that it might be planted on the playing field.

10.8 Bollards outside Admiral PH . Replacement small cannon type bollards were now on order. Mrs Livesey asked for clarification as to when they were likely to be installed.

10.9 The hanging baskets had now been put on the War Memorial.

10.10. Section 106 Agreements : Clarification on the position concerning monies due to the Parish Council through Section 106 Agreements was being sought..

10.11 SID Checks: Owing to failure of the equipment it was not possible to complete these.

10.12. Provision of bus shelter: After some discussion it was agreed to write to Daniels Brothers asking for permission to site a canopy type shelter outside the “One Stop”. It was suggested that information on possible suppliers should be sought from Ms S. Birkett if she was still an employee of Central Bedfordshire.

10.13. Correspondence . Beds RCC: “Network” July 2009

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

10.15 . Other Matters; (a) Hedge at Folkestone House: This needs cutting back. Mr Pacey agreed to speak to the owners, Mr and Mrs Burke.

(b)Mrs Livesey requested help in removing litter from the Garden of Rest.

(c)Village Awards . It was suggested that the Parish Council should present certificates to those volunteers in the village who helped maintain it by tending to planters, picking up litter or similar activities. Mr Pacey undertook to design a suitable certificate.

(d) Green Infrastructure A request had been made for a Clifton logo to be added to literature.

(e) Lights: Mr Livesey reported that he was pursuing the matter of completing the installation of heritage street lights in Grange Street; he was also exploring the possibility of having the standard lighting columns painted black.

(f) Mr Padgett noted that arrangements for a presentation on “Sustainable Rural Transport” on 19 th October 2009 were well advanced. The date was noted.

The report was then accepted.

In discussion following the report the frequency of emptying the bottle banks was queried. Councillor Rogers undertook to make enquiries. It was also noted that the absence of white lines on the roads did not encourage motorists to drive more slowly and the Parish Council should try to have them reinstated.

11. . Planning

The undermentioned plan had been returned to Central Beds with no objections : CB/09/05393/FULL Two storey side and rear extensions with dormer windows to front and rear, Single storey front extension to garage at 73 Shefford Road (Mr S. Nott) Mrs Livesey had declared an interest and took no part in commenting

No objection (Majority decision) to CB/09/05439/FULL Part 2 storey, part single storey rear extension, two storey side extension, pitched roof to existing garage at 21 Newis Crescent (Mr and Mrs Downing

By a majority decision there was no objection to CB09/05515/FULL Replacement gates, erection of new pillards and railings to existing wall at 35 Church Street (Mr N. Fowler)

By a majority decision the Council objected to CB/09/05680/FULL Demolition of existing double garage and erection of 1 no. 3 bed detached dwelling with associated access and parking on land adjacent to 1 Whiston Crescent on grounds that (a) proposed garage is too narrow for an average sized family car, (b) Parking at No. 1 Whiston Cres. Can only be accessed by crossing neighbour's drive. (c) Adequate provision for parking must be made on site (d) Shared access may present problems in the future. Problems of access, obstruction and maintenance should be resolved at the planning stage.

The Council objected to CB/09/05512/FULL; Erection of 3 4no. Bed. Dwellings on land to rear of 65 Shefford Road (Dean Eldridge) on grounds that (a) this was an undesirable form of piecemeal development inappropriate and at variance with the form of development in the vicinity. (b) Provision for garages, parked cars and turning circle appear inadequate. Proposed garages appear too small for 2 cars and consequently parked vehicles would prevent access by emergency vehicles. (c) Matter of established trees on site does not appear to have been adequately addressed.

(d) Neighbours were not consulted about access road which appears to encroach on their land.

Central Beds approved the applications for;

CB/09/05439/FULL Part 2 storey, part single storey rear extension, two storey side extension, pitched roof to existing garage at 21 Newis Crescent (Mr and Mrs Downing)

CB/09/01088/FULL Agricultural grain store on land off Grange Street (M. Watts)

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

Central Beds refused permission for CB/09/01084/FULL: Replace existing garden wall with palisade fencing of the same height at 4 Knolls Way (Mr Foster)

12 Reports (a) Clifton Lower School: Mrs Livesey gave a brief report.:

(b) Central Bedfordshire Council: Councillor Rogers reported briefly noting that in the Electoral Review the Council would be suggesting a Council of 66 members. He also noted the forthcoming Local Democracy Week and related events.

(c) Poli ce Pc Busby reported that recorded crime in the county appeared to be increasing and gave the recent crime figures for the past month Local concerns including the increase of parking on Shefford Road outside Samuel Whitrbread Community College were discussed. It was agreed that in future the Police report would be given at the start ofteach meetingand would become an agenda item.

Mr Livesey reported on a meeting he went to on the East of England Plan Review.

13. Finance

:Current bank statements at 21.8.09 show

Community Account £ 4420.13

Instant Access Business Premium Account £85881.92

Outstanding accounts: Sunday Football Teams payment was overdue. It might be necessary to review this ansd accept payment in instalments

Receipts: The following receipts were reported: Central Beds Council: Grass cutting grant £1983.39; Ladies Social Hour: Hire of hall in June £55.00; Hire in July £44.00; Clifton FC(Sunday) Friendly matches in Aug. £115.00; Central Beds Council: Keep fit for the mature £135.00; Mr D. Carroll: Hire of Community Council on 30.8.09 £48.00; Ms C. Collison : Hire of Centre on 30.8.09 £48.00: Clifton Badminton Group: Hire of Centre in July £110.00; Clifton FC (Sat.) Payment for season less cost of nets for behind goal £625.00; Mrs P. Pateman: Hire of Centre on 6.9.09 £62.00;

Payments The following payments made during August were authorised in retrospect: - J. Ferguson: Litter picking £60.00 (Ch101606) ;; Mrs J. Yarwood: Wages for Aug less tax and NI )598.51 (Ch 101605) ; Mr A. Crawley: Field maintenance during July £292.50( Ch 101607 ); S outhern Electric: Supply for July+ VAT £276.95 (Ch101608 ) D. J. Granger: Grass cutting+ weed killing +VAT £783.39 ( Ch101609) :Herts CC Notice board + sacks +VAT £51.50; (Ch101610) ; Paragon Signs and Labels: Brass plaque for sign +carriage +VAT £96.81 (Ch101611) ; Bedford Borough Council: ¼ refuse collection+ VAT £58.90. (Ch101612)

Payments Payment of the following accounts was authorised;-

, Mrs J. Yarwood: Wages for Sept less tax and NI ( Ch101613/14 )

W. J. Ferguson: Litter picking for month £60.00 (Ch101615 )

Adrian Crawley: Playing Field maintenance in August) £292.50 (Ch101616)

D . Granger Grass cutting in village +VAT £351.75 (Ch101617 )

) Herts CC: Cleaning + floor sealing materials + VAT £177. 83 (Ch101618)

B. Livesey: Refund of cost of materials for gutter repair £41.16 (Ch 101619)

Open Spaces: Annual subscription £40.00- ( Ch109620)

J. C. Lanham: ¼ salary + refunds/expenses.

Authority was also given to pay the Clerk's quarterly account and refunds for travel and fee paid from her personal account when it was presented.

Permission was given to transfer £1000.00 from the Business Premium A/c to the Community A/c.

14 . Dates of next meetings : Thurs 8th October 2009, Thurs 12th November 2009, Thurs 10th December 2009