Minutes of a meeting of Clifton Parish Council held on Thursday 12 th January 2006 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,

Mr D. Duff :

Mr S. Fish

Mr B. Hudson,

Mrs P. Livesey,

Mr I. Pacey

Dr R. Puritz

Mr J. Stevens

Mr J. Wall

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

 

•  Public Forum: There was no Public Forum.

 

2. Apologies: Apologies were received from Mr M. Ephgrave and Pc N. Battams

 

3. Minutes: The minutes of the meeting held on 8 th December 2005 , a copy of which had been circulated to each member of the Council, were agreed to be a true record and signed.

 

•  Matters arising from the Minutes.

 

4.1 Flooding: Nadine Dorries MP's acknowledgement of the Council's letter was presented and the contents noted. It was also noted that following the flooding in Hitchin Lane County Highways had again been seen at work on the highway drainage system and reported briefly on problems encountered. It had been intended to link the highways drainage with a new drain to the balancing pond but this was not permitted so the current proposal is to provide a soakaway at the top end of Hitchin Lane . Mr Steve Thomas (Mid Beds District Council) reported that negotiations are continuing between the consultants Wormald Burrows and Anglian Water concerning the design and layout of the proposed changes to the pond and outfall pipework.

4.2 Garden of Rest : It was noted that the signed documents had been returned and the Council's wishes about the front wall communicated to Mr Bellamy.

4.3 SMP Unit . The goal units were being well used. It was agreed no further reports would be necessary.

4.4 Revision of byelaws: It was reported that draft copies had been presented at the Playing Fields committee meeting on Wednesday 14 th December and would be discussed at the next meeting.

4.5 Assistant to Caretaker : It was noted that Mr Matthew Spalding is able to continue to assist Mrs Yarwood.

4.6 Mower : It was reported that no payment has yet been received nor had the replacement been collected. The Clerk would write to Mr Richard Whitbread.

4.7 Premises Licence . A copy of Mr Jones' letter was now displayed in the kitchen of the Community Centre.

4.8 Land at Silver Lake Farm - Planning Application 01651/FULL Mr Cobb reported on the meeting of the Development Control (East) committee which he and members of the Residents' Association had attended. It was noted that public representation from both Clifton and Southill and the arguments put forward had resulted in the application being refused. Thanks were offered to Mr Cobb and a letter of thanks had sent to the MP following her attendance at the Public Meeting.

4.9 Manhole cover The manhole cover at the Community Centre had now replaced.

4.10 Beds County Council had been to remove rubble left on the Playing Field again

4.11 Gopak tables . The Playing Field Committee have requested that these faulty tables be replaced. After discussion it was agreed to consider the matter further before taking action and it was referred back to the Playing Field Committee.

4.12: Festival of Britain Sign It was reported that slow progress was being made with the renovation of this sign. A quotation of £450.00 +VAT had been received from Mr R. Gazeley to repaint and fit the 6 plaques had been received. This was accepted.

4.13 Street lighting: It was reported that an estimate of £23,909.00 to upgrade the lighting columns in Church Street / Grange Street had been received from the County Council. This would include all work including the EDF charge. It would also be possible to use the sums set aside in the County Council's Town and Parish Highways Agreement for this purpose. It was agreed unanimously that this estimate should be accepted.

4.14 Mr N. Dean 38 Whiston Crescent : A further letter received from Mr Dean was noted. The Clerk will write in reply.

4.15 Parish Precept 2006/2007 A precept of £31,950.00 had been requested.

4.16 Summer Activities 2006; A copy of Hurricane. Issue 4. 2005 was circulated. It was proposed that a letter should be sent requesting activities in Clifton during Summer 2006.

 

5 . Outstanding Matters: The lists of Outstanding Matters were circulated to members.

 

6 Correspondence:

6.1 Beds CC: Emergency Planning Briefing: Letter from Mr Vladek Cirin offering to make a presentation. It was agreed that copies of the letter should be forwarded to the Residents Association and Care Scheme for further action.

6.2 Beds Association for Town and Parish Councils It was noted that the affiliation fee for 2006/07 would be £420.00
6.3 Bedfordshire Police: Crime Figures for December 2005 were presented.

6.4 Beds CC: Invitation to Town and Parish Council Reception at 7 pm onTues Mar 21 st 2006 at County Hall. The Chairman, Mrs Livesey and the Clerk would represent the Parish Council. Advance notification of the 2006 reception on 7.11.06 at the new District Council Offices at Chicksands was also given..

6.5 Watchwide News Winter edition 2005

6.6 OPDM Standards of Conduct in English Local Government: the Future

6.7 HATPC/NALC/BATPC Seminar for Councils and Clerks from Councils with an interest in becoming accredited under the Quality Parish Scheme on Tues 28 th February 2006 from 10.00 am

6.8 Invitation to meeting on Policing in Bedfordshire It was noted that the area meeting for Mid Beds took place on 12 th January 2006 and apologies had been sent

6.9 RCC Notice of Training Events “Drugs in a village environment” Tues 31 st January 7.30 pm , New Fire Regulations Information Evening Weds 22 Feb 7 – 9 pm and 2 Child Protection workshops to be held at Silsoe on Sat 11 th Mar and Roxton Village Hall on Thurs 16 th Mar

6.10 Mid Beds Council for Voluntary Services : Learning and Development Opportunities for voluntary and Community Organisations.

6.11 Village Halls Information Sheet No 09 Village Hall and its Premises Licence.

6.12Heartlands Headlines Issue 22 Dec. 2006

6.13 Local Council Review Vol 57 No 5 Jan 2006-

6.14 Clerk and Councils Direct Jan 2006 Issue 43

 

7. Management Committee: The report of the meeting held on Wednesday, 14 th December 2005 , a copy of which had been circulated to each member of the Council, was presented and discussed. It was noted:-

 

7.1 Fence between the end of the hedge and Clifton House. The fence had been repaired and thanks to Mr Rob Mackay should be recorded. A further hole has appeared . This would be repaired and the fence treated with anti-vandal grease.

7.2 Dog signs The sign was with the mower and steps were being taken to recover it.

7.3 Developer's contributions for Clifton The installation of the goal unit had now been completed and the pitch had been lined. It was also noted that the Section 106 grant had been received. The soil excavated from the site had been deposited close to the soil removed from the play area. Mr. Stevens is to obtain a cost to landscape it and sow grass seed.

7.4 Amendment to byelaws : A draft for consideration was circulated to members.

7.5 Gardening . Mark Fisher had cut the grass around the Community Centre, the play area, and the entrance to the Playingfield from Whiston Crescent . He has been asked to submit a quotation to do this work on a regular basis. This was still awaited and a further one from Adrian Crawley gave two options for consideration:-

•  To cut and strim all grass areas on the field, the junior play area and around the Community Centre on a fortnightly basis during the growing season for £2,700.00 or

•  To cut main field on a weekly basis and cut and strim junior play area and around the Community Centre and perimeter of the main field fortnightly during the growing season for £3,300.00. It was agreed to inform Mr Crawley that this estimate was under consideration.

7.6 Car park . No further quotations had been received and it was agreed that this should be pursued. Enquiries about grants had been made at the RCC; none are forthcoming.

7.7 Manhole cover The matter is in hand.

7.8 Mower It was reported that Mr. Whitbread had taken the mower back and an invoice had been submitted. Mr Granger had cut the field as requested.

7.9 Side Gate The Committee had received an estimate from DAB to supply and fit 1.2 Gate Single Steel Palisade and posts with a 1.8 Triple Point Palisade 8ft high panel to be cut to size on site mounted on concrete posts into a depth of 2ft 6 ins £1,200.00. A further verbal estimate had been received from Stevenage Fencing for £668.00 + VAT. Mr Granger had given a verbal estimate of approximately £500.00 and it was agreed to get these in writing.

7.10 Alcohol Free Zone This matter is still under consideration.

7.11 License . A copy of the letter confirming the issue of a Premises Licence was submitted and will be displayed in the kitchen. The application form should be revised to include the eventuality of obtaining Temporary Event Notices.

7.12 Gutters The gutters have been attended to.

7.13 Keys to Tractor shed . Mr. Mackay reported that these were on order.

7.14The County Council has been asked to remove the rubbish deposited on the field after cleaning up the paths along the path around Yew Tree Walk.

7.15 Some broken wall tiles in the referee's shower area had been reported. Mr Fish to be consulted before rectification.

7.16 An additional dog bin to be erected on the Yew Tree Walk end of the Playing Field had been requested from Mid Beds District Council.

7.17 Tables: One of the faulty tables had collapsed again during a German class. The caretaker had complained of the reaction of the tutor and it was agreed to inform the Adult Education office at Samuel Whitbread. It was also agreed that the two faulty tables should be replaced.

7.18 Finance (a) Mrs Yarwood's and Mr. Spalding's accounts had been authorized .

(b) The balance sheet showed a balance of income over expenditure of £4,509.18. It was noted that accounts for regular bookings would be sent out at the end of the year.

7.19 Correspondence : (a) Quotation from Mr A. Crawley as detailed in Item 3.5

(b) Beds RCC Village Halls New Sheet Dec 2005 Issue 4 No 5.

(c)Application from Clifton Badminton Group and Henlow Village Badminton Club to use the Centre on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings from 3 rd January – 12 th April (inc.) Since the floor is due to be resealed it was agreed that both groups should be asked to start one week later.

7.20 Budget : It was noted that the figures put forward for the 2006/2007 precept had been accepted. It had also been agreed that the field should be sprayed and the willow trees planted. Firm estimates should be sought for other suggested projects. Following lengthy discussion on the future upkeep of the ground surrounding the Community Centre it was agreed that the present arrangement should be terminated. Mr Stevens would see Mr Morris.

7.21` Any other Business (a) Cleaning of Community Centre. A possible timetable for doing this was circulated and members' help sought A schedule of jobs to be done was outlined– in particular cleaning the store room and the drawers in the kitchen and the stripping and resealing of the floor of the main hall. In order to give time for the floor to dry properly all those with block bookings should be asked to start again in the week commencing 9 th January.

(b) Camping on field: It was reported that a tent had been pitched on the playing field near the tractor shed. This had been reported to the police. Since there is now no tractor or mowers stored there the palisade fencing should be re-routed to enclose the tractor shed; this might deter would-be campers. Any action of this nature should be considered at a later date. In the meantime nearby residents would be asked to report any re-occurrence of the incident.

(c)Multi-sports area It hads been suggested that funding for a project to provide a multi-use games area might be available. One was scheduled to be installed in Flitton/Greenfield at a cost of £90,000.00. Members were asked to consider the possibility of this project and visit others for comparison.

The report was adopted. Mr Livesey thanked all those who had worked during the break to repolish the floor

8. Highways Committee The report of the meeting held on Thursday, 14 th December 2005 , a copy of which had been circulated to each member of the Council, was presented and discussed. It was noted:-

8.1. Relocation of the ducks . It was noted that Mr Duff had spoken to Mr Hodges. There would be a delay in resuming contact.

8.2. Bank Mandate of Pond Committee . The necessary forms had been obtained from the bank and would be completed by Mr T. Cobb and the Clerk as agreed at a previous meeting.

8.3. Lights in the Conservation Area : It was noted that a letter from Mr Alex Carnegie dated 5.12.05 had been received. He reported that he had costed the works as indicated on the plan and these (including EDF) amounted to £23,909.00. Mr Livesey had contacted Mr A. Prigmore to find out how much money would be available through the Town & Parish Highway Maintenance Partnership. He further suggested that County Highways should handle the project and this was agreed .

8.4 Garden of Rest . The transfer of this was in hand. Following correspondence on the boundaries the Clerk had written to say that the Parish Council wished to take on the responsibility of maintaining the low wall bordering Church Street .

8.5. Festival of Britain Sign . It was noted that owing to pressure of work and delays in obtaining the right timber Mr Watts had been unable to make progress. It was agreed that in the meantime the plaques should be removed and repainted

8.6 Memorial Seat; The County Council Highways Authority had been approached for permission to site it on the island facing the pond.

8.7 Ditch outside Samuel Whitbread Community College . It was reported that it was highly unlikely that the Highways Authority would consent to allow the ditch to be filled in.

8.8 Bulrushes . There was nothing to report .

8.9 Post Office Wall : It was reported that Mr Fish had approached Richard Daniels and the the wall would be repaired. NTL had been contacted again about making the cable trip hazard safe and repair the vandalised boxes along Shefford Road

8.10 Traffic in New Road : It was reported that the letter sent to the County Council had been acknowledged.

8.11 Damage to verge in Brickle Place . The County Council report number is 50810 but it was noted that Ameys will only fill spots which pose a danger.

8.12 Split barriers Mr N. Carafalo was investigating. It was noted that the barrier in Shefford Road was satisfactory. A progress report would be sought. .

8.13 Anglian Water: A reply to the Council's letter from Mrs Dorries was noted. Representations had been made to Yvette Cooper MP (Minister for State for Housing and Planning)

8.14 Travel Survey It was reported that the Travel Plan will not be put into action until building work is completed..

8.15 Mr Livesey would be seeking a progress report on the pond.

8.16 Section 106 Agreement for Stockbridge Road development. . It was determined to seek traffic calming for Stockbridge Road

8.17 Tree Warden's report : It was noted that Mr Newman had taken advantage of the trees on offer from Wrestlingworth. Mr Alderman had the matter of the trees obscuring lights in Church Street in hand.

8.18.Correspondence (a) Allotments Letter from Mrs J. Pavey, Secretary of the PCC regretting that the PCC is unable to help and recommended approaching the Trustees of Van Diemens Land. It was agreed that this should be done. A further letter should be sent to Mr Hale and a note put in the Clifton Chronicles suggesting that residents with over-large gardens might consider allowing a would be allotment holder to cultivate part of it.

•  Bedfordshire County Council: Budget Consultation : Mr Cobb will complete the questionnaire.

8.19 Precept 2006/2007 : The figures submitted for the precept 2006/.2007 had been accepted

8. 20 Any other business. (a)It was agreed that the letters concerning parking on grass verges should be printed for circulation.

( b)Mr Whittaker would be writing to the Clerk about litter collection schedules.

( c)Copies of the Christmas Recycling Guide and “Where's my nearest bottle bank” information sheets were circulated. It was noted Clifton had been omitted from the latter.

 

The report was then adopted.

 

9. Planning: The undermentioned plans had been returned to Mid Beds District Council:-

.05/01575/FULL (Revision ) Additional dormer window to rear of house and increased ridge height above the garage on land to the rear of 198 Shefford Road . (Greenpeak) - No further comments to make.

05/01859/FULL. Retention of 2.4 m fence at 8 Fairground Way (Retrospective) for Mr and Mrs Abbott. (No objection)

05/01960/FULL Two storey rear extension at 46 Church Street , (Mr and Mrs J. Bull) – No objection

05/01961/FULL Two storey rear extension at 48 Church Street , (Mr L. Harris) - No objection

05/01907/FULL Detached single garage at 5 Church Street (Mr J. Martin) By majority decision there was no objection but the Tree Warden pointed out that three mature yew trees bordering Church Street had been massacred. Since the property lay within the Conservation Area she requested that the arboricultural officer should look into the matter and also checked the distance between the proposed garage and the remainder of the yew trees.

 

Mid Beds approved the following applications:-

05/01859/FULL Retention of 2.4m fence at 8 Fairground Way (Mr and Mrs Abbott)

05/01575/FULL Detached dwelling on land to rear of 198 Shefford Road (Mr P. Sanderson)

05/01735/FULL Two storey extension to side and rear at 49 Pedley Lane (Mr and Mrs E. Sadler)

04/02223/RM Approval of Minor Amendment: Addition of footpath to area of open spaces in front of plots 6 and 7 with revision to planting and tree positions in that area of open space to accom modate the footpath.

Mid Beds refused 05/01868/FULL Part single storey, part two storey rear extension at 30 Newis Crescent (Mrs M. Reynolds) on the grounds that the proposed extension would result in excessive building bulk abutting the boundary to the detriment of the amenities of the adjoining residents as such the proposal is contrary to Policy DPS6 of the Mid Bedfordshire Adopted Local Plan(2005).

 

Trees in a Conservation Area: Works to 2 silver birch trees at 9 Broad Street – removing the one closest to the house sectionally and cutting the other back off the neighbouring property and reducing the extremities of the remainder.

 

10. Reports (a) Clifton Lower School: Mrs Livesey made a short report mentioning inter alia weight problems amongst children and the proposal to combat this.

 

(b) Mid Beds District Council: A brief report was made by the Councillors present.

 

(c) Beds CC: County Cllr T. Rogers reported inter alia an increase in Council Tax per household, increased provision of mobile police stations and Community Support Officers and on education matters.

 

(d) Other: Mr Livesey reported briefly on a meeting held for all those involved with the production and distribution of the Clifton Chronicles which he and Mrs Livesey had attended.

 

 

 

11. Finance : Current Bank balances at 30.11.05 were:-

Community Account £613.95

Business Premium Account £14,514.86

*Business Reserve account £46,113.70

*Village Development Fund. £40,000.00

 

Receipts : The following receipts are reported: Gooper Charity: Hire of Centre for meetings in 2006 £220.00; Mr B. St Leger: Hire of C. Centre on 13.1.06 £65.00; Ladies Social Hour: Hire of Centre in Nov. £36.00; Barclays Bank plc: Interest on High Interest a/c to 5.12.05 £243.20; Interest for ¼ on BPA £20.48; Clifton FC £275.00; Biggleswade and Sandy Lions: Hire of Centre for Jumble Sale £20.00; Mrs D. A. Baxter: Hire of Centre for Child's party £36.00; Mr and Mrs Jackson: Hire of Centre for Child's party £55.00; Miss W. Devlin: Hire of Centre for Child's party £44.00;

 

Payments: Payment of the undermentioned accounts was authorised:-

Mrs Yarwood £340.00 ( Ch101094 )

Mr Yarwood £240.00 ( Ch101095 )

Mr Spalding £80.00 (Ch 101096)

Mr Morris: Litter clearance for Dec£50.00, Leaf clearance £20.00 (4 hours) and Sweeping (4 hrs) Total £90.00 (Ch 101097)

Stevenage Property Services: Repair of gate to side of Community Centre +VAT £176.25 (Ch 101098)

David Jones Cleaning Services: Cleaning windows at Community Centre £17.50

(Ch 101099 )

J. Stevens Refund of cost of materials purchased at Brookers and Hire of wet/dry machine from M & J Engineers £85.88 ( Ch101100 )

Powergen: Electricity for December + VAT £206.59 ( Ch 101101)

Herts CC: Cleaning materials +VAT £204.03 (Ch101102)

 

The Clerk was authorised to transfer £1000.00 from the Business Premium Account to the Community Account.

 

 

13. Dates of next meetings

Thursday 9 th February 2006 ,

Thursday, 9 th March 2006 ,

Thursday, 13 th April 2006