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Minutes of a meeting of Clifton Parish Council to be held on Thursday 12 th April 2007 in Clifton Community and Sports Centre, Whiston Crescent , Clifton at 7. 30 pm
Present: Mr T. Cobb (in the Chair)
Mr A . Burnage,
Mr D. Duff :
Mr B. Hudson
Mr I. Pacey,.
Dr R. Puritz
Mr J. Stevens
County and District Councillor T. Rogers, District Cllr P. Carne, Pc S. Busby
• Election of Chairman: Since neither the Chairman nor the Vice Chairman were present Mr T. Cobb was elected Chairman for the evening.
• Public Forum: Since there were no members of the public present there was no Public Forum.
• Apologies: Apologies were received from Mr M. Ephgrave, Mr S. Fish, Mr B. Livesey, Mrs P. Livesey Mr J. Wall and Councillor T. Rogers for his late arrival.
• Minutes: The minutes of the meeting held on Thursday, 8 th March, a copy of which had been circulated to each member of the Council, were agreed to be a correct record and signed.
• Matters arising
5.1 War Memorial : : A progress report was given. Since last meeting two letters from Andrew Bussey a specialist engineer called in by Neil Best, the Loss Adjuster, have been received. The former has made contact with Mid Beds Planning who has given permission to progress some of the early parts of the repair to prevent further deterioration. When quotations have been received from Dawsons some of these may begin. A copy of the summary of repairs required to restore the Memorial has been received. A letter from Mrs P. Mansell , Underwriting Assistant at Cornhill suggesting possible relocation of the memorial. This letter was presented to the Highways Committee who asked me to write in response. This was done and has been acknowledged. Consultation is going on with the County Council about erecting bollards. It was noted that these bollards would have to be specially ordered and the cost of them to be borne by the Parish Council .
5.2 Safety ramps Both ramps had now been completed. Further bills for materials would be presented for payment Mr Matthew Spalding has been thanked for his help.
5.3 Horse chestnut tree outside Golden Lion It was reported that no acknowledgement to the letter sent to Greene King suggesting the planting of a mature tree and enclosing a copy of Ben Silvester's letter for their information. .
5.4 .It was noted that Mr M. Spalding had now left the Parish Council's employ. There had been two applications for post and arrangements were being made to interview these shortly.
5.5 Hot water supply to the disabled toilet The estimate supplied by G. Brewer had been accepted by the Parish Council and Mr Brewer had been notified of this acceptance.
5.6 Donation It was noted that a letter had been sent to Mrs Gregson thanking her for the donation towards repair of the War Memorial.
5.7 Damage to Community Centre 6.1.07 It was noted that Mr E. Lakin had paid for the cost of damages caused to the Community Centre and this has been acknowledged.
5.8 Lime pollards outside 65 Shefford Road . The request for a Tree Preservation Order on these was refused by Mid Beds District Council. This was noted.
• Bus services : The receipt of a letter in response to the one sent by the Parish Council concerning bus services was acknowledged.
Electricity Supply . It was noted that despite requesting to be transferred to the County Council contract this has not taken effect. Consequently Powergen and Eon are now negotiating to rectify this matter.
• Outstanding Matters: The list of Outstanding Matters was circulated.
• Correspondence:
7.1 Mr D. Prince: Correspondence concerning to wing of car damaged by Community Centre gate . Two estimates for its repair were submitted. The car had been sold prior to the family's emigration at the end of April and was due to be on 21 st April 2007 . This situation was discussed at length and noted that there had been no other similar incidents since the Community Centre had been opened. It was proposed by Mr Burnage, seconded by Mr Stevens that the Parish Council did not accept liability but as a goodwill gesture in order to expedite matters the cost of repair by the lower of the two quotations submitted should be borne by the Parish Council. No precedent would be set and only the exceptional circumstances surrounding this incident warranted this action. The motion was carried by a majority vote with two abstentions
7.2 Barrett Smith School of Dancing concerning the cancellation of a dancing class at the Church Hall occasioned by the latter building being used as a Polling Station on 3 rd May 2007 . A copy of this letter had been forwarded to Mid Beds.District Council.
7.3 RoSPA: Notification of the annual playground inspection in May
7.4Audit Commission: Notice of appointment of Lubbock Fine as auditors for forthcoming year
7.5MBDC: Street naming. Notification that the erstwhile Onion Barn on land adjacent to 3 Clifton Farm Barns will be “The Onion Loft” 60 Church Street, Clifton
7.6 Beds CC ;Grass cutting agreement 2007/2008. It was noted that there would be no increase in the rate and the contribution remained at £1510.57
7.7 MBDC Letter from Mrs B. Morris: Training evening on the revised Code of Conduct for Councillors
7.8 Gypsy/Traveller Development Plan Document seeking the views of Parish Councils
7.9 Notification of NHS Smokefree England as from 1 st July 2007 and implications for public places.
7.10 CPRE: Invitation to AGM to be held at St Nicholas Church Hall, Barton le Cley on 24.4.07 at 8.15 pm
7.11 “A Credit Union for Mid Beds” + questionnaire
7.12 Launch of Calor Village of the Year 2007 – Invitation to take part in “ Bedfordshire Village of the Year 2007” It was agreed that the village would not be entering this year.
7.13 Mid Beds Forward Plan 1.4.07 – 31.7.07
MBDC: Minutes of LSP Group
MBDC: Youth Report.
Connexions Partnership- Bedfordshire and Luton .
Internal Drainage Board Review 2006
Beds and Luton Combined Fire Authority Integrated Risk Management Plan 2007 –2008
Bedfordshire Bugle Vol xv Issue 2 March 2007
Open Spaces Spring 2007 Vol 28 No 8
Woods” Newsletter of the ancient woodland project in the East of England
Parent Partnership News
8. Management Committee: The report of the meeting held on Wednesday, 14 th March 2007 , a copy of which had been previously circulated to each member of the Council was presented and discussed. It was noted:-
8.1 Fire Policy Mr Stevens would be drafting out a policy. T he ramps had now been completed and Mr Stevens was complimented on an excellent piece of work .
8.2 Policy for Children . Policy has to be formulated
8.3 Heating: It was noted that the switch had been replaced but had failed again. Mr Duff would look at it and advise the best course of action.
8.4 Alternative heating: This is still an on–going matter
8.5 Investigation of nets to prevent balls going into neighbouring gardens was ongoing. Mr Stevens reported that he had received a quotation which would receive consideration when the next year's budget is discussed.
8.6 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.
8.7 Outside electricity supply: Since no reply had been received from Mr Manning it was agreed that no further action should be taken.
8.8 Referees changing room . It was reported that the work approved would shortly be put in hand.
8.9 Spring robin The new spring elephant had now been installed. The robin would be disposed of.
8.10 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.
8.11. Willow Trees : Mrs Livesey has obtained two new pussy willow trees free of charge to replace those which died.
8.12 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.
8.13. 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.
8.14 Picnic Table: Doubts were expressed about the proposal but after discussion it was agreed to seek prices of suitable tables. should be sited near the children's play equipment was suggested.
8.15 Private booking on 6.1.07 This is in hand.
8.16 Hot water supply to Disabled Toilets Mr Brewer had supplied a quotation which had been accepted by the Parish Council
8.17 Gutters These require attention. It was agreed to seek quotations for the repair or replacement of these.
8.18 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.
8.19 Cutlery for Community Centre: 104 teaspoons had been purchased at a cost of £10.40.
8.20 . Finance (a) Mrs Yarwood's , Mr Spalding's and Mr Ferguson's accounts had been authorised.
(b) The balance sheet showed a balance of income over expenditure of £1123.01;
8.21 . Correspondence (a) The Chairman reported that he had received a telephone call from Raj Miah concerning a proposed booking on Sunday, 30 th December 2007 . The event is planned as a Family New Year party. The proposal was discussed. It was agreed that subject to it being permitted under the terms of the licence there would be no objection.
• Letter from Deborah Jackson, Chairman of Clifton Pre School: requesting permission to hold a fund raising event in the Community Centre and on the playing field on July 14 th or 15 th . It was agreed that there would be no objection to this. Use of the playing field would be free of charge and normal rates of £20.00 for the 1 st hour, £10.00 for each following hour for use of the Community Centre should be charged
8.22. Letting Agreement: Mr Stevens presented a draft which was discussed and amendments suggested. A further draft incorporating these would be submitted
8.23. Any other Matters; (a).Mrs Yarwood had noted that equipment was being borrowed from the kitchen but not returned. She suggested that an inventory should be made and if items were borrowed/broken this could be noted and the return of borrowed equipment recorded. It was agreed that this would be good practice and a book made. (b) 40 dinner plates, 75 dessert spoons, 75 knives and 75 forks should be purchased.
• Bike racks Purchase of two bike racks was suggested. If these cost under £50.00 they should be ordered.
The report was then adopted.
• Highways Committee : The report of the meeting held on 15 th March 2007 , a copy of which had been circulated to each member of the Council was presented and discussed. It was noted:-
• War Memorial: The Memorial had now been dismantled by Dawsons . The Clerk reported that a message had been left by Ms Charmaine Hawkins, Mid Beds Planning Dept. It was agreed that Mid Beds be approached to find out precise details of what was required. A form of Mandate for payment to SP Property Services was also presented. As members were unsure of the correct course of action to be taken, it was agreed to ask advice from Cornhill . A letter was also received from Mrs P. Mansell, Underwriting Assistant at Cornhill Allianz, enquiring whether the damage claimed was a deliberate act of malicious damage or whether the Memorial was located in a vulnerable place and if so. was relocation considered.? After discussion it was recommended that a reply should be sent referring the writer to past records of non -existent claims, pointing out the reasons for the site and mentioning that the Council might be prepared to consider some form of protection..
• Shefford Road – Drain . The Highways Helpdesk had been contacted about the blocked drain opposite lighting column number 17 Shefford Road
• 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.
• The Baulk The County Council has been contacted about attending to potholes, and to arrange for retagging the ‘grips', in the Baulk.
• VAS sign : The sign has been erected but it appears there is a defect in the sensor. The Chairman reported that he had spoken to his contact who recommends that the Parish Council should pursue the matter.
• Drain by the War Memorial It was noted that it appears that this has been cleared. It was agreed to continue to monitor it.
• Fairfax Close There is a long pothole at the junction of Fairfax Close and Shefford Road .
• Street lights within the Conservation Area. These had now been connected. The old columns will be removed in due course.
• Dropped kerb A dropped kerb is required at the entrance to 43 Pedley Lane . Mid Beds Development Control should be informed.
• . 65 Shefford Road : E-mail correspondence recommending that the Council considers applying for a Tree Preservation Order on the pollarded lime trees at No. 65 Shefford Road had been forwarded to Mr B. Morwood .
• 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.
• Footpath to Cricket Club It was suggested that application should be made to County Highways to provide a footpath/cycleway to the cricket club. The Clerk and Mr Cobb would investigate.
• Grass verges ; The Clerk was asked to write to the occupants of 214 Shefford Road to ask them to park off the roadside. It was noted that letters had been sent to the occupants of 200 Shefford Road and 2 Grange Street .
• Split Barriers The Clerk had contacted the County Council to resume negotiations concerning split barriers. 9.15 Overgrown trees in Broad Street : It was reported these had now been cut and the resultant litter exposed had been cleared by Mid Beds District Council.
9.16 Bus stop sign 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 County Council had been consulted.
9.17 Correspondence : (a) Bedfordshire County Council: Clifton Urban Grass Cutting Agreement 2007. It was noted that the proposed contribution during 2007 would be unchanged at £1510.57. Mr Livesey undertook to query this figure .
• Pc S . Busby: Letter on Highway Issues with the suggestion that representations are made by Shefford and Clifton Councils. It was agreed that this should be done and also to investigate the report that a proposed “walking bus” from Shefford past Chapel Close was assessed as “too dangerous”.
• Finance; There had been no further expenditure during the past month .
• Traffic Calming Measures : The Chairman presented a report on Traffic Calming Features and the various options considered. Certain measures suggested were unsuitable but rollover humps or cushions should be investigated. .The cost of installing a zebra crossing, a measure that had been requested was approximately £18.000. In addition it was decided to confirm the price of cushions and to ask the police for their views on the public using speed guns. It was agreed that before any measures were taken it would be necessary for speed checks throughout the village and it was suggested that the Council should request the police to undertake this
• .Other matters: (a) Repairs around village: Paul Watts is to be asked to repair the concrete upright of the pond wall when he repairs the bus shelter.
• Constructors' bags on the grass verge are to be reported to Planning Control.
• Trees . .Mrs Livesey reported briefly on Tree Matters. Wire guards around some newly planted trees are awaited. A tree in Olivier Way has been damaged and another in Newis Crescent has been removed; it is doubtful whether this latter will be replaced. The occupant of 1 Chapel Close has planted a hawthorn hedge on Highways land and this has been reported..
• Pavement on junction of Spring Road/Pedley Lane : The damage to this should be reported.
The report was then adopted.
10. Planning
The under-mentioned plans have been returned to Mid Beds with no objection:-
00266/FULL: First floor side and single storey rear extensions at 8 Fairfax Close (Mr and Mrs Harrison)
07/00296/FULL : Loft conversion with 2 no. dormer windows to the front elevation and 3 no. dormer windows to the rear elevation of 11 Clifton House Close (Mr M. and Mrs H. Hill)
Majority – No objection to .07/00394/LDCP – 65 Shefford Road : Detached Building to house indoor swimming pool ( Burton )
Majority object
Mid Beds approved the following applications:-
07/00098/FULL: Demolition of existing dwelling at 198 Shefford Road and erection of 5 no 1 bedroom flats. (Greenpeak Ltd)
07/00100/FULL: Barns at Knolls Farm, Shefford Road, Clifton: Erection of stable block (Mrs C. J. Brown) subject to the conditions that the development hereby permitted shall only be used as private, non commercial stabling and for no other purpose; that details of the storage and disposal of manureand/or sewage shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority prior to the commencement of development. Dung shall be stored and disposed of in accordance with the approved details and none shall be burnt on site.
07/00186/TPO: TPO Works to Trees at All Saints Lower School
Mid Beds refused the following applications:-
07/00013/FULL Erection of 1no 3 bedroom detached bungalow on land off Hitchin Lane (Daniels Bros.) on the grounds that by nature of its location outside the village settlement area it would have a detrimental impact on the visual appearance and rural character of the locality contrary to Policy DPS12 and HO6) of the Mid Beds Local Plan 2005.
07/00266/FULL: First floor side and single storey rear extensions at 8 Fairfax Close (Mr and Mrs Harrison) as the proposed first floor extension by reason of its overall excessive width and proximity to the side boundary with 6 Fairfax Cose would result in a potential terracing effect which would adversely affect the appearance of the area to the detriment of the street scene. As such this is contrary to Policy DPS6 of the Mid Bedfordshire Adopted Local Plan 2005. It would also adversely affect the amenities of the occupants of 6 Fairfax Close contrary to Policy DPS6 Mid Bedfordshire Adopted Local Plan 2005
For information Mid Beds District Council has granted a Certificate of Lawful Use for use of a building as a self contained residential dwelling at Chequers, New Road , Clifton .
Trees in a Conservation Area
Notice has been received to carry out works to trees at 5 Church Street , Clifton : Removal of Laburnum tree.
. 11. Reports (a) Clifton Lower School: Mr Cobb presented a short report on behalf of Mrs Livesey.
(b) Mid Beds District Council:. Councillors Carne and Rogers made brief reports
(c) Beds CC: Councillor T. Rogers made a brief report mentioning inter alia that drainage works would be carried out on the drain by the War Memorial to establish the cause of the persistent flooding.
(d) Other: (i) Police: Pc S. Busby presented the crime figures for March and commented on them. Various other concerns were raised including the presence of mobile food vendors in Church Street and an occasional police presence on the playing field was requested .
(ii) Pond It was noted that the Scouts would be constructing platforms for the ducks. Mr Hodges had passed the instructions to Mr Stevens who would be helping design the new ones.
12 Finance :Current bank statements at 31.3 .07. show
Community Account £1427.56
Business Premium Account £4,042.23
Business Reserve account £67781.03
*With the addition of £10k. from the ½ precept received in April 2006 and a further £10k from the instalment received in September 2006 the Village Improvement Fund stands at £54,448.00(the cost of renovating the Festival of Britain sign and resurfacing of the car park was drawn from that fund during 2006/2007
Receipts: The following receipts were reported: Mr S. Offord: Hire of Community Centre on 1.4.07 £45.00; Mrs S. Evans: Hire of Centre on 28.4.07 £45.00; Henlow Village Badminton : Hire of Centre on Tuesday evenings Jan – April £252.00; Mrs T. Chiswell: Hire of Centre Sept – Dec. £540.00; Mrs P. Hibberd: Hire of Centre on 30.3.07 £45.00; Mrs Y. Gregson::Donation for the War Memorial £35.00; Ladies Social Hour: Hire of Centre in February £36.00; Mrs A. Griggs; Hire of Centre on 31 st March 2007 £36.00; Mrs Purslow: Hire of the Centre for 2 occasions in June and July 2007 £90.00; Barclays Bank plc Interest on BPA for ¼ ending March 4 th 2007 £28.57 Mr E. Lakin: Payment for damage caused at Community Centre on 6.1.07 £303.46
Payment of the undermentioned accounts was authorised.:
Mrs Yarwood £600.23 (Ch 101257/58)
W. Jack Ferguson For litter picking in March £50.00 (Ch101259)
Adrian Crawley: Playing Field maintenance £275.00 (Ch101260 )
Inland Revenue N.I and PAYE due £305.02 (Ch101261)
D. J. Granger Grass cutting in village + VAT £229.13 (Ch101262)
J. W Stevens: Materials etc for ramps £235.70 (Ch101263)
Bedfordshire Association of Town and Parish Councils: Affiliation fee 2007/2008 £473.00 ( Ch101264)
Days of Hedingham Ltd: Car repair + VAT £551.90 (Ch101266)
Transfer : The Clerk was authorised to transfer £1700.00 from the Business Premium Account to the Community Account..
13 Dates of next meetings :
Thursday, 10 th May 2007
Thursday, 14 th June 2007
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Chairman Date