Minutes of a meeting of Clifton Parish Council held on Thursday 13 th December 2007 in Clifton Community and Sports Centre, Whiston Crescent , Clifton at 7. 30 pm

Present: Mr B. Livesey (in the Chair)

Mr R. Bullen

Mr A . Burnage

Mr T. Cobb

Mrs I. Cook

Mr M. Ephgrave

Mr S. Fish

Mrs P. Livesey,

Dr R. Puritz

Mr J. Stevens

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

1. Public Forum: Since there were no members of the public present there was no Public Forum.

2. Apologies Apologies were received from Mr S. Melia, Mr I. Pacey, Pc S. Busby and County and District Cllr T. Rogers for his late arrival.

3.. Minutes : The minutes of the meeting held on Thursday, 8 th November 2007, a copy of which had previously been circulated to each member of the Council, were agreed to be a true record and were signed.

4 Matters arising:

4.1 Mr Truett The Chairman reported that at a meeting of the Parochial Church Council a suggestion had been made that the ashes should be kept in the crypt pending interment in the new Garden of Remembrance . This was agreed to be a satisfactory solution to the dilemma..

4.2 Youth Club : It was noted that the matter had been discussed at the Playing Fields committee meeting. It had been suggested that there should be a six week trial period and the Clerk had written to Mr Burbridge with that decision..

4.3 War Memorial ::The Council's dissatisfaction with the handling of the claim was expressed.. It was suggested that a letter should be sent to the Claims Manager expressing this. Mr Fish had obtained information about possible sources of grant aid and reported that likely sources were the War Memorial Trust, Mid Beds, Biffa or Wren. It was noted that the insurers had written asked again about impact absorbing bollards. It was also noted that the County Council had agreed to include the vicinity of the War Memorial in the salting schedules..

4.4 Memorial bench : The order has been placed for the seat selected by Mr Rees..

4.5 Clifton Pre School : It was noted that the Chairman had telephoned Mid Beds District Council stating that the Parish Council would be making a donation of £500.00 towards the costs of relocation. It was agreed that a letter should be sent confirming this donation and an offer to consider a further application for grant aid..

4.6 Garden of Remembrance : It was noted that the annual grant made to the PCC for churchyard maintenance would not meet the terms for grant aid. Mr Fish proposed, seconded by Mr Stevens that a grant of £500.00 be made and that Mid Beds and Mr Clarke should be informed of this decision.

4.7 Play equipment in Bilberry The Chairman submitted a letter from the Housing Officer, Aragon Housing Association in which it was stated that they were prepared to enter into consultation but the cost of implementing any plan would have to be borne by the Parish Council and Clifton Residents Association. It was agreed that a copy of this letter be forwarded to the Residents Association.

5. Outstanding Matters : The lists of Outstanding Matters were circulated for discussion at the Committee meetings.

•  Correspondence :

Bedfordshire County Council: Community Safety Team information pack.

Defra: Ways to tackle climate change

Bedfordshire Police: Report by Nigel Denham and ASB Incidents report.

Beds CC: Local Government Reorganisation in Bedfordshire.

MBDC: LSP Annual Report 2007

Countryside Voice

•  Community Centre and Playing Fields Management Committee:

The report of the meeting held on Wednesday 14 th November 2007, a copy of which had been circulated to each member of the Council, was presented and discussed. It was noted:-

8.1 Dog signs : The new signs have now been erected .

8.2 Fire Policy: The new policy was presented, accepted, and signed by the Chairman.

8.3 Policy for Children . The Rural Communities Charity had advised the Clerk that since none of the Parish Councillors would be involved with children on a in one to one basis it would not be necessary to have a Child Policy.

8.4 Heating: It was reported that Mr Harvey had partially completed the work on the modification of the heating.

8.5 Alternative heating: . Cost saving measures could be taken with existing facilities and guidelines drawn up.

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 Referees Changing Room : Some work still remains to be done.

8.8 Redecoration of interior and damage to doors It was agreed to seek estimates for 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. .This item would be included in projects for the coming financial year.

8.9 Hot water supply to Disabled Toilets Mr Harvey has now completed the electrical work.

8.10 . Section 106 Agreement – Stockbridge Road Development : The Chairman reported that he was consulting with a group of teenagers to get their input. It had been recommended that the BMX circuit at Arlesey should be viewed. He had visited it and was not impressed.

8.11 Fencing: This matter should be pursued as the new goal posts were currently being stored at the rear of the Community Centre.

8.12 A new register for recording fire alarm testing had been obtained.

8.13 The locking plate on the back gate on the back gate needs attention

8.14 A large clock for the main hall of the Community Centre had been obtained but there were complaints that it is not working.

8.15 Hall Floor The Numatic TT3450T Mains Scrubber Dryer had been delivered

8.16 Oven: This had now been cleaned.

8.17 The light in the gents toilet had been replaced.

8.18 The light fitments had been cleaned.

8.19. Matters arising from Council; Mrs J. Squire: Appeal for support from Parish Council in the establishment of o the new Pre School premises in the grounds of All Saints Lower School. The contents of this correspondence were noted and the level of grant discussed. Doctor Puritz proposed, seconded by Mr Ephgrave that an unrestricted donation of £1000.00 be made. This decision should be communicated to Mr Livesey as soon as possible.

8.20 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 income over expenditure of £1803.78:

(c) The Cricket Club had not paid their account and the Clerk was asked to pursue this matter.

8.21 Correspondence (a):Mid Beds District Council: Letter concerning inspection of licensed premises. The contents were noted. (b) Mr A. Crawley: Letter giving a quotation of £3440.00 to carry out the contract on the playing field, £150.00 for the dogwood, £300.00 for weed killing and £100.00 to rotovate and reseed the goalmouths. These quotations were accepted.

8.22 Any other Matters; (a) Budget 2008/2009: Mr Stevens had prepared a detailed budget based on the previous year's precept and actual expenditure and this was considered and discussed. It was agreed that the following figures should be submitted for the 2008/2009 precept.

Servicing equipment 250. Grass cutting 4000

Repairing goal areas 100 Spraying field 500

Play equipment maintenance 2000 RoSPA Inspection 120.

Wages (caretakers/litter picker) 11000 Telephone for caretaker 150

Electricity 2200 Water 70

Cleaning materials 400. Building maintenance/repairs 2500

Contingencies 1000

(b) Hire charges were also considered. After much discussion it was agreed to recommend the following charges:-

Aerobics, Keep fit for the Elderly, Ladies Social Hour, Badminton £11.00 per hour; Parent and Toddler Group £20.00 per session; Elder Peoples Club and Brownies £7.50 per session; Private bookings 1 st hour £20.00 – following hours £14.00; Business Bookings 1 st hour £20.00 – following hours £15.00; Football £380.00 per team; Monday – Friday Noon to 1700 Hrs £8.00 per hour.

Should the Youth Club take place this would be at a rate of £10.00 per hour .

The report was then adopted and discussed. Mr Harvey had not yet completed the work on the heaters. Mr Stevens proposed using another electrician if this was not done in the near future. Mrs Livesey reported that the double doors of the Community Centre were again being damaged through not being opened when taking trolley loads of equipment through them. The caretaker was now using the Numatic Scrubber Dryer. It was proposed that spare parts be obtained for it..

8.Highways Committee: .

The report of the meeting held on Thursday 15 th November 2007, a copy of which had been circulated to each member of the Council, was presented and discussed. It was noted:-

8.1 War Memorial: Mr Livesey reported on his recent correspondence with Cornhill and it was noted that the insurance company had paid out £14,517.96 to date and there was £27,000.00 currently in reserve. At the Parish Council meeting on November 8 th Mr Fish had suggested the possibility of approaching the War Memorial Trust for help. Mr Cobb would seek information. Other sources of grant aid could be pursued if necessary. The service on 11 th November was discussed and it was reported that many favourable comments had been made by members of the public and the Parochial Church Council. A number of people had worked to make it a success and the thanks of the Parish Council should be minuted. In particular those mentioned were Mr Pacey for the board recording the names, Mr Cobb and Bullen for tidying the site, Mr Bullen for obtaining the wreath, the Clerk for arranging the road closure and to the Rector and members of the Parochial Council for their part in arranging a memorable ceremony.

8.2 Drain by the War Memorial: The County Council had been asked to report what measures they intend to take to remedy the problems. It was noted that this was due to be investigated in December. Works no. 50762

8.3: The bollards on the splay of the AdmiralPH needed replacing. The Clerk had re-contacted the County Council. No reply had yet been received so it was agreed to ask Mr Rogers to investigate.

8.4 New Trees The order had been submitted. Included in that order was a request for two replacement trees, one on Shefford Road and one on Whiston Crescent and both these should be protected by wire cages.

8.5 Traffic Calming Survey The Chairman reported on his discussions with the Police and County Council. It was noted that a survey conducted by the County Council would cost £5,000.00. He suggested that the Parish Council might conduct its own survey and this should be discussed at the next Council meeting.

8.6 Matters referred from Council :: Confident Communities: After discussion it was recommended that the Council should use the allocation to fund time of a PCSO, the exact number of hours to be decided in consultation and also a second VAS sign.

8.7. Correspondence: Mrs J. Squires, Clifton Pre School concerning a grant towards the new pre- school building . It was noted that the Parish Council had approved a grant of £500.00 in principle but the Playing Field Committee queried this and proposed an unrestricted grant of £1,000.00. This should be discussed at the next meeting of the full Council.

8.8. Outstanding Matters The list of outstanding matters was presented and considered. It was agreed that Min no 4.1 “Flooding” be retained for reference purposes. The County Council had inspected the damaged pavement on the corner of Spring Road/Pedley Lane and found no cause for action. Ihe Committee was of the opinion that the wrong area had been inspected and agreed to re-write to the County Council enclosing a map marking the damaged area.

8.9 . Forward Plan The Forward Plan for November 007 was presented and the current expenditure noted.

8.10 Chairman's Comments : Mr Cobb reported briefly noting that he had made investigations about impact resistant bollards suitable for installing in front of the war memorial. A recommendation that Church Street should be included in the salting programme should be sent to the County Council. Thirdly the occupants of 11a/11b Knolls Way had applied to the County Council for a no parking sign across the entrance.

8.11. 2008/2009 Budget : The following figures should be put forward-

Hanging baskets and planters £250.00 Churchyard £900.00

Grass cutting £3,700.00 Paint for pond wall £100.00

Wreath 25.00 Village Improvement £10,000.00

8.12. Other matters . (a) Parking – New Road Mrs Livesey noted that there was a blue vehicle which was parked too near the junction of New Road and Shefford Road which was also partially on the verge. It was agreed to notify Pc Busby.

(b) Litter: It was recommended that the Parish Council employed a litter picker in the village for 2 hours a week. It was also noted that Mid Beds District Council should be asked to provide an extra litter bin by the butcher's shop.

(c) It was noted that Aragon had installed wooden posts on verges in Bilberry; these were preventing Mr Granger from using the ride on mower. In consequence he had to cut it by hand and charged extra for this. It was agreed that Aragon should be asked to re-position some posts to allow access.

(d) Garden of Rest ; It was noted that this was overgrown and needed attention. Mr Cobb and Mr Bullen agreed to have a working party to tidy it.

(e) Mrs Livesey had had a complaint from a member of the public about a broken branch in a tree outside 1 Spring Road. Rev Lanham and the Clerk would inspect it and take appropriate action.

(f) Whilst tidying the War Memorial Mr Bullen had been approached by a Mrs S. Slatcher, a relative of one of the men listed on the War memorial with a request to have some of the stones.

The report was then adopted and a possible litter campaign discussed. It was agreed to write to the Head teachers of both schools and explore the possibilities of a “spring clean”

9. Planning

The under-mentioned plan has been returned to Mid Beds with no objections raised:-

07/01883/FULL First floor side extension, porch extension and loft conversion at 188 Shefford Road (Mr and Mrs D. Chalkley)

Mid Beds approved the following applications:

07/01475/FULL First floor rear extension at 200 Shefford Road (Greenpeak Ltd.)

07/01529/FULL: Conservatory to rear of 8 Clifton Fields, Clifton (Mrs J. Glenister)

07/01563/FULL: Dormer to rear elevation. Single storey rear extension (Mr and Mrs M. Harris)

07/01343/FULL: Pre school unit, covered play area, fenced hard play area and footpath (Mrs J. Squire) subject to that among other conditions (a) the building should be retained on the site for a limited period of 5 years (b) No development shall take place until details of the means of protection of existing trees on the site has been submitted and approved in writing (c) A plan indicating positions, design , materials and type of boundary treatment to be erected must be submitted and approved and the boundary treatment along the boundary with 3 Clifton House Close must be completed before the siting of the building. Details shall include a 2m acoustic fence on the NW edge of the play area.. (d) Prior to the commencement of the development a method statement to address the means by which the building is placed on site and details of service routes should be submitted and approved in writing

Mid Beds approved the following minor amendment to permission granted for 07/00098/FULL:Demolition of existing dwelling at 198 Shefford Road and erection of 5 No 1 bed flats – Front elevation changes

Mid Beds refused the following minor amendment to permission granted for 07/00098/FULL:Demolition of existing dwelling at 198 Shefford Road and erection of 5 No 1 bed flats –Rear elevation and side elevation changes

Approval of details Condition Nos. 6 (Onsite Levels) attached to Planning Permission 05/01707)FULL (Land at Highways Depot) has been discharged. and

Condition No 3 (Materials) attached to permission granted for 07/00098/FULL:Demolition of existing dwelling at 198 Shefford Road and erection of 5 No 1 bed flats. has been discharged.

:Trees in a Conservation Area: Notice has been received to carry out works on Tree(s) in a Conservation Area

Reduce one Walnut tree by approx one third.

10 Finance Committee: The report of the Finance Committee, a copy of which had been circulated to each member of the Council, was presented, discussed and adopted. The proposed increase in hire charges were approved but the decision not to charge the Under 10s was queried.

11. Precept 2008/2009: On the recommendation of the Finace Comm9ittee it was agreed that the Precept for 2008/2009 should be £34,000.00

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

(b) Mid Beds District Council : District Councillor P. Carne made a brief report..

(c) Beds CC : County and District Councillor T. Rogers made a short report.

(d) Other: (i) Mr Livesey had attended the Residents' Association Annual General Meeting and he gave a short report.

(ii) Beds CC Town and Parish Council Liaison meeting: Mr Livesey gave a short report on the meeting attended by himself, Mrs Livesey, Mr Cobb and the Clerk.

13 Finance

:Current bank statements at 30.11.07. are:-

Community Account £1360.67

Business Premium Account £19411.62

Business Reserve account £69234.12

The Village Improvement Fund stands at £71,676.10. £20,000 is earmarked for the cost of lighting, £771.90 was used for grass cutting which has exceeded estimated expenditure.

Receipts: The following receipts were reported; :HM Revenue and Customs: Repayment of VAT to 30.9.07 £3551.26: Mrs T. Chiswell: Hire of Centre for Aerobics Apr – July £540.00; Clifton 1 st Brownies Hire of Centre Sept – Dec. £72.00; Shillington FC: Casual hire of football pitch £28.00: Mrs S. Stevens: Hire of Centre on 31.12.07 £40.00; Ladies Social Hour: Hire of Centre during October £45.00: Mr N. Randall: Hire of Centre on 12.1.07 £60.00 : Barclays Bank plc: Interest for ¼ to 30.11.07; £569.59.

Retrospective authorisation was given for £21.04 refund made to R. Bullen. for materials purchased.

Payment of the undermentioned accounts was authorised

J. Ferguson 1 Months Litter collection £55.00 (Ch101363 )

Adrian Crawley: Playing Field maintenance in Nov £280.83 ( Ch 101364 )

Mrs J. Yarwood: Wages forDecember (less tax and NI ) £580.19 (Ch 101365/66)

I. Ansell Carter; Wages for December (less tax) £85.89 ( Ch101367)

D. and J. Window Cleaners £12.00 (Ch101368)

I. J. Pacey: For War Memorial board £40.00 (Ch 101369)

Bedford Borough Council: Refuse Collection for ¼ £53.76 (Ch 101370)

Herts CC Cleaning materials +VAT £80.18 (Ch 101371)

Miss L. Whiteman: Refund of deposit £50.00 (Ch 101372)

Mrs J. C. Lanham ¼ salary, Office allowance, sundry expenses and postages for ¼ (Ch101373)

The Clerk was given authority to transfer £1400.00 from the Business Premium Account to the Community Account.

13 Dates of next meetings : Thursday, 10 th January 2008

Thursday, 14 th February 2008

Thursday, 13 th March 2008