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Minutes of a meeting of Clifton Parish Council held on Thursday 10 th May 2007 in Clifton Community and Sports Centre, Whiston Crescent , Clifton at 7. 30 pm
Present: Mr B. Livesey (in the Chair)
Mr A . Burnage,
Mr T. Cobb
Mrs I. Cook
Mr M. Ephgrave
Mr S. Fish
Mrs P. Livesey,
Mr I. Pacey,.
Dr R. Puritz
Mr J. Stevens
Cllr T. Rogers, Pc S. Busby
1. Public Forum: There was no Public Forum.
2. Apologies: There were no apologies presented.
3.Acceptance of Office : The forms for Code of Conduct and Declaration of Acceptance of Office were signed and witnessed.
4 Election of Chairman: Mr B. Livesey was proposed by Mr T. Cobb, seconded by Mr S. Fish. There being no other nominations Mr Livesey was elected Chairman and took the Chair. He welcomed returning Councillors to the first meeting of the new term of office and Councillor Mrs I. Cook to her first meeting.
5. Election of Vice Chairman: Mr S. Fish was proposed by Mrs Livesey, seconded by Mr Stevens. There being no other nominations Mr Fish was elected Vice Chairman.
6. Vacancies: It was noted that there were three vacancies on the Council to be filled by co-option. It was proposed by Mrs Livesey, seconded by Mr Fish that Dr. Puritz be co-opted. The latter then joined the meeting. Further names for consideration were suggested. It was agreed that a special meeting of the Parish Council be called to determine the matter at 7.20 pm on Thursday, 17 th May in the Community Centre.
7. Minutes : The minutes of the meeting held on Thursday, 12 th April, a copy of which had been sent to each member of the Council were agreed to be a true record and were signed.
8. Matters arising
8.1 War Memorial: It was reported that since the last meeting that the Planning Authority had requested that Listed Building Consent should be sought before repair work could be undertaken and this was hampering progress. Cornhill Allianz had written enquiring about the outcome of discussions with County Highways: This letter had been acknowledged and the Clerk had written to Mr Bussey concerning alterations to the memorial stone
8.2 Assistant Caretaker An Assistant Caretaker: Mr I. Ansell Carter 12 Great Hill, Shefford had now been appointed and took up duties on April 25 th ..
8.3 G. Brewer It was report ed that both estimates for work in the referee's room and the provision of a hot water system in the Disabled toilet had been accepted. Mr Brewer would be carrying out this work in June.
8.4 Electricity :The matter was reported to be still ongoing and until it had been determined no further invoices would be received. by the in the hands of Eon/ Powergen
8.5 Damage to car : It was noted that the invoice had been submitted, paid and receipt received.
8.6 Split barriers : The clerk reported briefly on her meeting with Mr Scott Wrighting who had inspected the split barriers and agreed that it was necessary to re-consider the barrier from Church Street as it was unsuitable for the passage of mobility scooters or double buggies. The one from the Joint to Newis Crecent was also in need of attention , the other two by the Playing Field and from Shefford Road to Bunyan Close were satisfactory.
8.7 Bus stop: Scott agreed that consideration should be given to making the bus stop site outside the “One Stop” safe for mobility scooters
8.8 Mr Cobb had walked around village with a representative from Amey and gave a brief report of this. In addition it was noted that the footpath from Newis Crescent is badly in need of attention.
9. Outstanding Matters : No lists were presented.
10 Correspondence :
10.1Communication with Mrs Stevens,21Whiston Crescent concerning parking provision in Brickle Place . This was referred to the Highways Committee for further discussion.
10.2 Beds CC Minutes of final SE Beds Community Liaison Forum
10.3 MBDC Community Safety Conference Wed.27 th June 2007 7.00 – 9.30 pm at Priory House
10.4 Beds RCC: Survey of Rural Services: This was referred to the Highways Committee .
10.5Lubbock Fine : Notice and Advertisement of the Annual Audit for the Year ending 31 st March 2007 enclosing Letter giving notice of Annual Audit form. This was noted.
10.6 MBDC : Youth Acting Up – DVD on what young people can do round Mid Beds. It was agreed that copies of this letter should be given to those involved with Youth Groups in the village.
10.7 Beds Association Letter drawing attention to requirement that Council is to carry out a review of its internal audit process before the signing off of the 2006/007 Annual return. This was noted.
10.8 Beds RCC :Notice of Training Events on offer from BRCC – “ Energy Efficiency in Community Buildings” seminars on 7 th June at Stansbridge and Tilsworth new village hall starting at 6.30 pm (Buffet and drinks) for 7.15 pm or 14 th July at Renhold Village Hall 9.30 – 12.30 pm
“Funding Fayre “ at Bedford Corn Exchange Thurs 17th June 12.30 – 5.30 pm
10.9 Beds CVS with publication Beds Spread and details of Workshops on Child Protection and Health and Safety at Work
10.10 Beds Rural Sports & Physical Activity Group running a second seminar on Sat 23 rd June at Wilstead Village Hall
10.11Play Area Management on Sat 30 th June at Shuttleworth, Old Warden 9.30 – 12.30
10.12East of England Regional Assembly: Invitation to Regional Gypsy and Traveller Public Engagement Event in various locations – Local venue on 4 th June 2007 at Mid Beds District Council at 6.30 for
.07.00 pm
MBDC Forward Plan 1 st May 2007 – 31 st Aug 2007
For Information only : Open Spaces: Saving commons from clutter
Bedfordshire Bugle Vol XV Issue 3 May 2007
Clerk and Councils Direct
The Playing Field Spring 2007
Local Council Review Vol 59 No.1
11 Community Centre and Playing Fields Management Committee: The report of the Playing Fields and Community Centre Management Committee held on Wednesday, 18 th April, a copy of which had been circulated to each member of the Council, was presented and discussed. It was noted;-
11.1 Dog signs : Two signs had now been erected.
11.2 Fire Policy Mr Stevens would be drafting out a policy.
• Policy for Children . The policy has to be formulated
• Heating: It was noted that the switch had been replaced but had failed again. Mr Duff had looked at it and agreed with the solution suggested by Mr Harvey. Mr Harvey had been asked to provide estimates.
• Alternative heating: This is still an on–going matter
• Investigation of nets to prevent balls going into neighbouring gardens was ongoing.
11.7 Dog fouling It was reported that guidance on possible future measures had been received from Defra. The Chairman outlined the various options which might be taken to control dogs on the playing field.. He undertook to set down the steps necessary to achieve the exclusion order, the agreed option, and circulate them.
11.8 Referees changing room . It was reported that the work approved would be put in hand.
11.9 Redecoration of interior and damage to doors It was noted that consideration should be given to a partial redecoration. The doors will be re-painted with sadolin and appropriate measures to avoid damage caused to the walls at a low level by chairs will be considered.
11.10 Willow Trees : Mrs Livesey's advice is to be sought over the willow which was thought to have died but was now sending out new shoots.
11.12 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. Mr Stevens to pass copies of these to the Clerk.
11.13 Re-Surfacing of floor: It was noted that AB Cleaning Services would be re-surfacing the hall floor beginning on August 18 th 2007.The hall will be unavailable for use from that date until Thursday 23 rd August. It was noted that all regular users during that week had been notified.
11.14 Picnic Table: After discussion it was decided not to proceed with the provision of suitable picnic tables sited near the children's play equipment .
11.15 Hot water supply to Disabled Toilets Mr Brewer had been notified that his quotation had been accepted by the Parish Council. Mr Stevens would speak to him to arrange a convenient time for the work to be undertaken.
11.16 Gutters These require attention. It was agreed to seek quotations for the repair or replacement of these
11.17 Water on path to entrance of Centre Mr Stevens outlined his proposal to rectify this problem. He and Mr Ephgrave would meet to discuss this further and this would be dealt with later in the year.
11.18 New Year Bookings It was noted that Raj Miah had submitted a form for the proposed Family New Year party booking on Sunday 30 th December. He also wished to hire the hall on December 31 st . This was agreed
11.19 Clifton Pre School : The proposed fundraising event in the Community Centre would be taking place on July 15 th .but precise details will be confirmed in due course.
11.20 Letting Agreement : This was in hand .11.21 40 dinner plates had been purchased. A revised amount of cutlery was on order.
11.21 Bike racks Purchase of two bike racks had been suggested and illustrations of possible models were presented. After discussion and surveying a possible site for these it was agreed to order 6 wall cycle holders ( 45 ° angle to wall ) at a cost of £22.00 + VAT each.
11.22 Finance (a) Mrs Yarwood's and Mr Ferguson's accounts had been authorised.
(b) The balance sheet showed a balance of income over expenditure of £1553.17 .
11.23 Correspondence (a) RoSPA: It was noted that the annual inspection would take place in May.
(b) Damaged car It was noted that this matter was now closed.
11.24 Assistant Caretaker: Mrs Yarwood declared an interest in this matter and withdrew. The Chairman and Mr Cobb had interviewed two candidates, Mr I. Ansell Carter and Mr R. Taylor, both of whom Mr Stevens believed would be equally suitable and accordingly he asked the Committee to make the decision. After discussion Dr Puritz proposed, seconded by Mr Hudson that the post should be offered to Mr Ansell Carter. Mrs Yarwood then rejoined the meeting.
11.25 Any other Matters; (a) Local Election Day 3.5.07 Mr Hudson recommended that a notice should be put the gate directing voters to the Church Hall. It was agreed that the car park could be used if required.
(b) Bouncy Castle – 15 th July 2007 . It was clarified that if a bouncy castle was used on 15 th July that it should be erected on the playing field not in the Community Centre or car park.
(c) Football matters: It was noted that Clifton Football Club had undertaken to modify the goal posts to bring them up to the required legal safety standards by the end of February. The Committee did not know whether this modification had been completed nor whether the club intended renovating the goal mouths for the forthcoming season. It was determined that a letter should be sent to the Secretary of the Football Club up to clarify matters in order that alternative measures could be taken if necessary
.Mr Stevens ended the meeting by thanking all members of the Committee for all their work and support during the past term of office adding special thanks to those leaving the Committee.
The report was then adopted.
12.Highways Committee: The report of the meeting held on Thursday, 19 th April 2007 , a copy of which had been circulated to each member of the Council was presented and discussed: It was noted:-
12. 1 War Memorial: Receipt of correspondence from Mr Andrew Bussey of SP Property Services concerning progress was noted A acknowledgement of the letter sent by the Committee to Cornhill Allianz and asking the outcome of discussions with the County Council. was also received. The Chairman reported on his discussions concerning safety bollards ; it was noted that he would be meeting a representative from the County Council and would seek further advice. It was agreed that Cornhill would be advised of this and point out that the site of the War Memorial was not considered to be hazardous under normal circumstances. After discussion it was also agreed that a letter should be sent to Mr Bussey concerning the memorial stone requesting that when it was re-cut the names should be in alphabetical order and that space should be left for future addition of names.
12.2 Shefford Road – Drain . The Highways Helpdesk had been contacted about the blocked drain opposite lighting column number 17 Shefford Road
12.. 3 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.
12.4 The Baulk The County Council has been contacted about attending to potholes, and to arrange for retagging the ‘grips', in the Baulk. It was noted that according to a Highways Report “extensive patching was being looked at along the stretch in the coming months” and that the grips would be “re-cut over the coming weeks”.
12. 5 VAS sign : The sign has been erected but it appears there is a defect in the sensor. The Chairman reported on his negotiations. An account has been received for payment for the sign. The Clerk has written querying this.demand as it was understood that the sign was purchased the terms of 2006/2007 Highways Partnership agreement.
12.6 Drain by the War Memorial It appears that this has been cleared. It was agreed to continue to monitor it.
12.7 Fairfax Close There is a long pothole at the junction of Fairfax Close and Shefford Road . This has been reported. (Job reference 380028)
12.8 Street lights within the Conservation Area. These had now been connected. The old standards have been removed but repainting not yet done. Mr Livesey agreed to pursue this matter.
12.9 Dropped kerb It was established that the dropped kerb is required at the entrance to 39 Pedley Lane not 43 as previously thought. Mid Beds Development Control should be informed of this need.
12.10. 65 Shefford Road : Mid Beds District Council has refused the request for a Tree Preservation Order on the pollarded lime trees at No. 65 Shefford Road .
12.11 Bottle Banks Mid Beds have not accepted the Parish Council's suggestion of the carpark at the top of Bilberry Road as the latter site is located too close to the containers at the Golden Lion. However it was agreed to argue that residents in that part of the village would be unlikely to use the Golden Lion bottle banks but might be persuaded to use the alternative suggested site.
12.12 Footpath to Cricket Club The Chairman reported on his negotiations to provide a footpath/cycleway to the cricket club.
12.13 Grass verges; The Clerk had written to the occupants of 214 Shefford Road to ask them to park off the roadside. It was noted that letters had previously been sent to the occupants of 200 Shefford Road and 2 Grange Street .
12.14 Split Barriers The Clerk would be meeting Mr Scott Wrighting, Beds County Council to concerning split barriers on Tuesday, 24 th April 2007 .
12.15 Bus stop sign It was noted that the bus stop sign outside the “One Stop” shop is sited in the middle of the pavement. It is doubted whether mobility scooters would have sufficient space to negotiate this obstacle. The matter will be looked at during the visit of Mr Scott Wrighting on Tuesday 24 th April.
12.16 ) Bedfordshire County Council: Clifton Urban Grass Cutting Agreement 2007. There will be no increase in the contribution of £1510.57.
12.17 Repairs around village The Clerk had so far been unsuccessful in contacting Andrew Holmes of Langford but would attempt to do to ask if he would repair the concrete upright of the pond wall and the wall at the bus shelter.
12.18 Finance ; The Forward Plan for April 2007 was presented and the current expenditure noted.
12.19 Outstanding Matters . The list of outstanding matters was presented and considered. In addition to matters already discussed Mr Livesey agreed to make enquiries about the current position concerning drainage concerns in Hitchin Lane . Mr Wall noted that he would be removing bulrushes from the pond at Clifton Bury within the next month; he and Mr Cobb would progress the matter.
12.20 Traffic Calming Measures : The Chairman reported that he was meeting a representative from the County Council at 5pm on Wednesday 25th April and they would be discussing what traffic calming measures would be most suitable for the village. Enquiries had been made with the police concerning speedchecks. The method now used involves use of a radar unit at each site for a minimum of 7 days. This records the speed of all vehicles in both directions and produces a volume count. The cost quoted is £160.00 per site or £100.00 per site where multiple sites are requested. It was proposed by Mr Pacey, seconded by Mr Wall to recommend to the Parish Council that a maximum of £600.00 should be expended on obtaining this data.
12.21 :Other matters : (a) Damage to the pavement outside 49 Pedley Lane should be reported.
Mr Cobb ended by thanking those who would be leaving the Council - Mr Duff and Mr Wall for all the work they had done on behalf of the Council over a number of years.
The report was then adopted and discussed. Mr Cobb proposed that £600.00 should be spent on having speed checks in the village and this motion was unanimously carried. It was further noted that an agreement had been made with the County Council for Mr Granger to spray weeds within the village and a contribution of £211.00 would be made.
13 Planning
The under-mentioned plans have been returned to Mid Beds with no objection:-
07/00456/SE Section 73 Determination: Removal of Condition 6 (Agricultural Occupancy Condition) attached to Planning Permission Ref 84/00453 dated 21/08/84 for erection of agricultural bungalow.
07/00520/FULL: Single storey front extension to 20 Spring Road (Mr K. Flint)
07/00633/FULL: Conservatory to rear elevation of 7 Fairfax Close, (Mr and Mrs Topley.)
07/00719/TPO: Remove Norway Maple and two Cherry trees from land at the junction of New Road and Shefford Road , Clifton (Beds CC)
07/00527/LB Well head and War memorial, Church Street , Clifton : Listed Building Consent: Repairs to damaged war memorial:
An objection was raised to 07/00308/OUT Detached bungalow and garage on land adjacent to 8A New Road (Mr L. J. Edwards) on the grounds that owing to the nature of the existing highway the provision of parking and turning area within both developments is insufficient and hazardous.
The Committee also objected to 07/00703/FULL: Installation of ATM machine to outside of Clifton Post Offfice, 27 Shefford Road , Clifton on the grounds of security both for the machine and user.. It was questioned whether in view of the fact that there is a machine inside the shop which is open from 7am – 10 pm another one was necessary.
Mid Beds approved the following application:- 07/00296/FULL: Loft conversion with 2 no. dormer windows to the front elevation and 3 no. dormer windows to the rear elevation
14 Election of Committees. Appointment of Committees and Representatives for 2007/2008
Footpaths, Highways, War Memorial and Pond; The membership of this Committee shall consist of 5 members of the Parish Council and a village representative co-opted by the Committee. It was agreed that Mr Cobb, Mr Livesey, Mrs Livesey and Mr Pacey be appointed.
Community and Playing Fields Management Committee: The membership of this Committee shall consist of 6 members of the Parish Council, the caretaker of the Community Centre, a representative from the football teams, a and,2 village representatives, These are currently Mrs G. Dawson and a vacancy. It was agreed that Mr Ephgrave, Mrs Cook, Dr. Puritz and Mr Stevens be appointed
Planning Committee: The membership of this Committee shall consist of 6 members of the Parish Council. It was agreed that Mr Cobb, Mr Fish, Mrs Livesey, Mr Pacey and Dr Puritz should be elected to serve for the ensuing year.
FinanceCommittee: The membership of this Committee shall consist of the Chairman of the Council, the Chairmen of the Management and Highways Committees and two other members of the Parish Council. It was agreed that the membership of the committee would be determined at the next meeting after the Committees had met and elected their Chairmen.
15 Reports (a) Clifton Lower School : Mrs Livesey made a short report
(b) Mid Beds District Council:. Councillor Rogers made a brief report
(c) Beds CC: Councillor Rogers made a report reading extracts from County Councillor M. Russell's report to the County Council.
(d) Other : Police Pc S. Busby presented the Crime Report for April. There had been 7 recorded incidents
16 Finance :Current bank statements at 30. 4 .07. show
Community Account £2643.67
Business Premium Account £18317.23
Business Reserve account £67781.03
the Village Improvement Fund stands at £64,448.00 with the addition of £10,000 from the ½ Precept received in April.
New bank signatory It was resolved that Councillor T. R. Cobb should replace Mr D. J . Duff as one authorised to be a bank signatory on the Council's accounts.
Receipts: The following receipts are reported; Mrs T. Chiswell: Hire of Hall for Aerobics Jan – March £504.00; Clifton Parent and Toddlers Jan – March £143.00; Clifton Parent and Toddlers: Hire of Centre on 9.6.07 £36.00; Clifton 1 st Brownies Hire of Centre for meetings Jan-Mar £66.00; Mid Beds DC ½ Precept £15975.00; Pearce Recycling: Sale of waste paper £10.14; Mrs J. McCarthy: Hire of Centre on 4.5.07; Coeliac UK Beds and Herts Group: 2 extra hours hire of Centre £18.00; Ladies Social Hour: Hire of Centre in March £36.00;
Payment of the undermentioned accounts to be authorised.:
Mrs Yarwood Wages for May less tax £598.90 Ch 101267/68)
Mr Ansell Carter; Wages for 5 weeks £125.00 (Ch 101269)
W. Jack Ferguson For litter picking in April £55.00 (Ch101270)
Adrian Crawley: Playing Field maintenance and Dogwood pruning £430.83 (Ch101271 )
Dunton Lodge Farm: Weed spraying on Playing Field + VAT £323.13 (Ch 101272)
Cornhill Allianz:Insurance Premium for 2007/08 £3928.17 (Ch1012273 )
D. J. Granger Grass cutting in village x 2 and extras + VAT £592.20 (Ch101274)
Anglian Water; Rates for 6 months £22.85 ( Ch101275)
Hertfordshire County Council : Cutlery for Community Centre £45.50 (Ch101276)
Transfer The Clerk was authorised to transfer £4,500.00 from the Business Premium Account to the Community Account
17. Dates of next meetings : Thursday, 14 th June 2007
Thursday, 26 th July 2007
Thursday, 13 th September 2007
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Chairman