Minutes of a meeting of Clifton Parish Council held on Thursday 14 th December 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 D. Duff :

Mr M. Ephgrave

Mr S. Fish

Mrs P. Livesey,

Dr R. Puritz

Mr J. Wall

District Cllr P. Carne and County Councillor T. Rogers were also in attendance.

1. Public Forum: There was no Public Forum.

2. Apologies: Apologies were received from Mr T, Cobb Mr B. Hudson, Mr I. Pacey, Mr J. Stevens and Pc Steve Busby

3. Minutes: The minutes of the meeting held on Thursday, 9 th November 2006 , a copy of which were circulated to each member of the Council, were agreed to be a true record and signed.

4. Matters arising

• Car Park: It was noted that the car park has now been re-surfaced and an account has been presented.

• Tarmac “shavings” The heap of “tarmac shavings” has now been removed

• War Memorial : The Chairman read a letter received from the Loss Adjuster, Mr M. Kendall , confirming that Cornhill are prepared to accept the claim and a quotation obtained from Dawsons to carry out the necessary repair work. It was proposed that the quotation of £4,543.00 + VAT should be accepted subject to the Parish Council's approval. This was given. Mrs Livesey pointed out that some “shaleing” on the top right hand side of the main stone had been noticed and it was agreed that this should be brought to both Dawsons and Mr Kendall's attention in order that a repair could be carried out and damaged roof tiles replaced

• Hitchin Lane flooding: A letter from Mr T. Hyde concerning the County Council's proposal to improve drainage was submitted. It was agreed that a copy of his letter should be sent to the County Council with a suggestion that Mr Hyde should be included in future discussion on the matter. It was noted that Mrs Hyde was not in favour of the County Council's proposal.

4.5 Tarmac - Comments to the planning application have now been forwarded to Beds CC.

4.6“ Save your Post Office” Itr was noted that a copy had been taken to the Post Office

4.7 An estimate for an outside socket had been obtained from David Harvey and forwarded to Mr Manning.

4.8 Assistant to Caretaker . The Chairman reported that Matthew Spalding was now available and had applied to Mr Stevens. In consultation with the latter he had appointed Mr Spalding as Assistant to the Caretaker and he had started on 24 th November 2006 .

4.9 Remembrance Sunday . It was noted that attendance at the War Memorial this year had greatly increased and that the church had been full in common with many other villages. The event had been well reported in Clifton Chronicles.

4.10 Garden Rubbish on verge It was noted that the occupant of 1 Chapel Close had been written to once more, giving him 1 month to remove heap. It was agreed the matter should be referred to Mid Beds District Council.

5. Outstanding Matters: The list of outstanding matters was circulated.

6. Correspondence :

6.1 Garden of Remembrance – All Saints Church : Plans for a new Garden of Remembrance for the burial of ashes in the back churchyard were shown. These will be circulated for information.

6.2 MBDC: Circular letter from the Licensing Manager with a reminder to make certain that premises are licensed to have the opening hours over the Christmas and New Year period.

6.3 Mrs G. Dawson, 8 Whiston Crescent , Clifton : The Chairman presented a picture of HM Queen Elizabeth II taken on her recent visit to Samuel Whitbread Community College together with a suggestion from Mrs Dawson that a copy of this should be hung in the Community Centre. It was proposed by Dr R. Puritz and seconded by Mr Burnage that this would be an appropriate way to commemorate the occasion of her visit to the village and a copy of the picture should be hung in the meeting room.

6.4 Beds Highway Design Guide: This was referred to the Highways Committee.

Beds CC ; Definitive Footpath Map

MBDC: Data Quality Review Report

“ / Beds Probation Service: Community Service.

MBDC: Reminder about Participation at Development Control meetings

Standards Board Bulletin No 31

Residents Association: Accounts for 3005/2006

BATPC: Quality Parish and Town Council Scheme with questionnaire

“ e-mail re increase in affiliation fees 2007/08

Beds CC “All together better”

Beds NHS: Commissioning in Bedfordshire- future of Bedford Hospital .

Bedfordshire Bugle Vol 14 Issue 6

Beds RCC: Village Halls News Sheet Nov/Dec Vol 5 Issue 5

Watchwide News Winter edn 2006

Bedfordshire Nov 2006-

Fieldwork Dec 2006-

MBDC; Forward Plan 1.12.96 – 31.3.07

7. Management Committee: The report of the meeting held on Wednesday, 15 th November 2006 , a copy of which had been circulated to each member of the Council was presented and discussed. It was noted:-

7.1 Dog signs : Two signs had now been erected.

• Car park . It was reported that South East Surfacing (Herts) Ltd will now be coming on Friday, 17 th November, as they were unable to do the re-surfacing while the Community Centre was in use .

• Roller: -The roller has now been moved and stored at Clifton Bury Farm .

7.4 Fire Policy It was agreed that the need for a ramp was becoming urgent. The Chairman reported that he had been unable to find a possible source of grants. The Clerk reported that on the advice of Sue Norman from Beds RCC she had applied for an application form from “Awards for All ”. It was agreed to go ahead with the project as soon as practicable. A policy must now be formulated

7.5 Policy for Children . Policy has to be formulated.

7.6 Weed spraying: The order has been cancelled for this year. It was agreed that Mr Crawley will co-ordinate the spraying program early next year; he has been asked to submit estimates to include Clifton on his schedule for next financial year.

7.7 Heating It was reported that Mr Harvey had attended and would be returning to do further work.

7.8 Alternative heating: This is still an on–going matter

7.9 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.

7.10 Dog fouling It was reported that guidance on possible future measures was being sought.

7.11 Shutter The shutter has now been repaired and two further replacements had been supplied for future use. Notices asking users of the hall not to touch the shutters are to be put up.

7.12 The new light over the porch is now working. .

7.13 The fair uses an electricity supply from the center during its stay. Mr Harvey had submitted a quotation for the to install a 32 amp socket for outside use in one of the changing rooms to reduce the safety hazard. This will be considered.

7.14 Toilet facilities for Under 10's/Supporters. Mr Harvey had also provided an estimate of £175.00 for the installation of a wash hand basin heater in the Home dressing room of £175.00. This had been approved by th Parish Council. Mr Brewer would be asked to plumb it in.

7.15 Referees changing room . It was reported that there had been a verbal quotation of £225.00 for the necessary work..

• (a) Playground sign: This had now been repaired at a cost of £35.25 (inc. VAT)

(b) The robin may need replacing. Since it was originally donated by the Clifton Fun Run Committee it was suggested that an explanatory note should go in the Clifton Chronicles.

7.17 Damage to doors No further damage has been noted. The doors will be re-painted. Appropriate measures to avoid damage caused to the walls at a low level by chairs will be considered.

7.18 Willow Trees : Mrs Livesey has obtained two new willow trees free of charge to replace those which died. Volunteers to plant them will be required.

7.19 Football matters Assurances that Clifton Football Club as the local teams would receive preferential treatment were sought. After much discussion and on the understanding that all conditions of hire were agreed to and prompt payment received this was agreed.

7.20 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.

7.21 Sports Hall Athletics This is an idea to be followed up in due course.

7.22. Finance (a) Mrs Yarwood's and Mr Fergusson's accounts had been authorised.

(b) The balance sheet showed a balance of income over expenditure of £2, 734.30.

(c)The Forward Planner for November was circulated and expenditure to date was noted.

7.23 Correspondence: (a) ABCleaning Services: A quotation of £1,580.00 + VAT to scrub and reseal the main hall floor and to strip and re polish the vinyl floors was received.

(b)D Harvey Electrical Services: (i) Provision of an external weather proof power point at high level controlled by a dedicate electrical supply with remote means of isolation £420.00 (ii) Provision of a 3Kw Water Heater and associated electrical wiring above the wash basin in changing room £175.00.

(c)Powergen: Letter notifying Parish Council of new electricity charges from 13 th Jan 2007 to 13 th Jan 2008 quoting £90.73 standing charge per month; 8.83p/kWh (Day units) 5.21p/kWh (Night units) Since these figures represented an increase of more than 100% in standing charges and 60.% in unit charges the Committee agreed that the Clerk should discuss them with the company. Mr Stevens would check the number of hours when electricity was used.

• Budget 2007/2008: This was considered. Certain figures must be known before submitting the 2007/2008 budget. Mr Crawley had been asked to present his quotation for next year. At present he has a contract for spraying Langford and Henlow's playing fields; he will be asked to include Clifton 's in the next year's schedule. Further possible projects for the coming year were suggested and members were asked to consider these before definite figures could be produced at the next meeting. It was noted that there was some concern about the hooks on the goal posts. Mr Mackay and the Chairman would make further investigations

7.25 Any other matters. (a) Football Matters Mr Mackay asked for regular feed back from Parish Council meetings. It was also requested that permission for the Junior team to use the car park be noted.

(b) The Christmas tree and decorations are be brought down for the caretaker's use.

(c)PAT Testing:This is now overdue. Arrangements should be made for it to be done.

(d)Fire Appliances: These should now be tested and the Clerk was asked to arrange this.

The report was then adopted.

8. Highways Committee The report of the meeting held on Thursday, 16 th November, a copy of which had been circulated to each member of the Council was presented and discussed. It was noted:-

8.1 Hitchin Lane Flooding: Mr Livesey reported that following investigation it had been established that the land in question was owned by Mrs Hyde. A copy of a letter from the Environment Agency addressed to Mr Tindall was noted.

8.2 The Pond: The Clerk was asked to establish whether the letter reporting the improved state since the introduction of parking restrictions had been received at County Hall.

8.3 War Memorial: The Chairman reported on the progress of negotiations with the Insurers. He had consulted Mid Beds District Council, who wished to view the specifications but had raised no objection to the work being undertaken.

8.4 Hedges – Grange Street : These had been cut.

8.5 Road shavings- Shefford Road : These had been removed by Mid Beds District Council.

8.6 Garden Refuse – Shefford Road . Despite written and verbal requests this had not been removed. A further letter should be sent reminding the owner of the existence of the Tidy Tip and fortnightly garden waste collection facilities. If no action is taken within 4 weeks the matter should be referred to Mid Beds District Council.

8.7 Trees Mrs Livesey reported that these were still on order.

8.8 Samuel Whitbread College . Galliford Try are to be asked what they propose to do about replacing dead or damaged trees on the college's boundary.

8.9 Shefford Road – Drain. the Clerk was asked to draw County's attention to the blocked drain opposite lighting column number 17 Shefford Road.

8.10 Church Street – Drain . The Clerk was asked to draw County's attention to blocked drains outside the Clifton Bury Farm entrance.

8.11 The Baulk; The Clerk was asked to request County to attend to potholes, and to arrange for retagging the ‘grips', in the Baulk.

8.12 Henlow High Street – Cyclists. On information supplied by Councillor Wall the Clerk was asked to request P.C. Steve Busby to speak to the Henlow Middle School Head Teacher about the dangerous practice of some of their pupils in riding on the pavement down Henlow High Street.

8.13 Sam Whitbread College.: It was noted the Clerk had an appointment to see the Head Master on 30 th November. She would seek clarification on the times that students are allowed out of College, and whether some guidance could be given to them about congregating in different parts of the village, especially in the alleyway between Shefford Road and Bunyan Close., litter and inappropriate language as complaints from residents in the village had been received. The matter of parking outside the school should also be raised.

8.14 Beds County Council: Guidance to producing a local rights of way improvement plan: It was agreed that this should be referred to Councillor J. Wall.

8.16 Finance There had been a further payment to Mr Granger for grass cutting and hedge trimming and also a payment to Dawsons for emergency safety work on the War Memorial since the last meeting. Application for a refund for the latter expense should be made to Cornhill in due course.

8.17 2007/2008 Budget: It was agreed that the following figures should be put forward-

Hanging baskets and planters £250.00 Churchyard £800.00

Grass cutting £2,500.00 Paint for pond wall £100.00

Wreath 25.00 Village Improvement £10,000.00

• Other matters (a) It was noted that there is £3,500.00 in the Highways Town and Parish Council Partnership maintenance budget. The Chairman had walked around the village with an officer from Beds County Council and had identified suitable sites for VAS signs. After some discussion on the respective merits of the sites recommended it was agreed to apply for one to be installed in Stanford Lane at the approach to the village and the Chairman would place an order as soon as possible.

(b) Councillors Mr and Mrs Livesey had attended the Annual General Meeting of Bedfordshire Association for Town and Parish Councils where there had been a presentation by the Land Registry, who urged all Councils to register playing fields and War Memorials. This should be done.

The report was then adopted.

9. Planning

The under-mentioned plans have been returned to Mid Beds with no objection:-

06/01209/FULL Conservatory to rear of 216 Shefford Road , Clifton (Mr S. Gradwell)

06/01940/FULL: Conservatory to rear of 12 Jubilee Close (Mr and Mrs T. McGregor)

The undermentioned plan has been returned to Beds County Council with comments and recommendations concerning the proposed footpath along the North bank of the Ivel Navigation and the desirability of it being linked with the path from Shefford and also a further recommendation about the upkeep of the approach road to and from the A1.

BC/CM/2006/30: Extraction , processing and sale of sand and gravel, erection of concrete batching plant and construction of improved access to B658 (Tarmac Limited)

Mid Beds approved the following applications:-

06/01335/FULL: Land to rear of 200 Shefford Road : Erection of 1 no. 4 bedroom detached chalet bungalow and attached garage (revision to planning permission 06/00214 dated 31.3.06) (Mr P. Sanderson)

06/01352/FULL: Two storey side extension at 37 Church Street and land adjoining it (Mr N. Triner)

06/01640/ FULL Single storey and first floor side extensions at 29 Hitchin Lane (Mr A. Gillespie)

06/01684/FULL: Part two storey. Part single storey side/rear extensions at 13 Whiston Crescent (Mr Miller)

06/01705/FULL: Single storey side extension to replace existing garage at 6 Fairfax Close (Mr and Mrs J. Hurst)

A Revised Decision Notice giving approval for 05/01028/FULL: Two storey extension to front of existing dwelling and conversion to form four flats with parking spaces at 198 Shefford Road (Greenpeak Ltd) was also received .

For Information only

Notice has been received to carry out work to trees in a Conservation Area : Prune and reduce canopies of 2 silver birch and 1 cherry tree at 7 Elm Farm Close.

. 10. Reports (a) Clifton Lower School: Mrs Livesey gave a short report.

(b) Mid Beds District Council: Councillors Carne and Rogers gave short reports.

(d) Other: Mr Livesey reported on the recent meeting of the Forum at which there had been a presentation of the Schools Partnership Scheme

• Finance :

2005/2006 Audit: It was noted that the Clerk had received a telephone call from the Auditors stating that the Audit had been completed successfully and the necessary documentation and account would be forwarded.

Current bank statements at 30.11.06 showed balances of:-

Community Account £878.98

Business Premium Account £11,307.52

Business Reserve account £72,781.03 *

• The Village Improvement Fund stands at £59307.97

Receipts: The following receipts are reported: -Barclays Bank plc Interest on Business Reserve A/c for ¼ £449.37; Mrs C. Leeson: Hire of Centre on 19.11.06 £45.00; Henlow 5 Bells Football Team : 2 matches £40.00; Clifton FC: Hire of Centre on 15.12.06 £45.00; Mrs K. Onogoruwa: Hire of Centre on 10.12.06 £36.00; Ladies Social Hour: Hire of Centre in October £45.00; Clifton Badminton Club: Hire of Centre on Wednesday nights Sep – Dec. £270.00: Coeliac UK (Beds and Herts) Hire of Centre on 13.5.07 £45.00; Pearce Recycling: Sale of waste paper £14.94, £15.00 and £14.54; Gooper Charity: Hire of Centre during 2007 £222.00; Mr D. Lawson: Hire of Centre on 28.12.06 £92.00; Mid Beds Swim Squad: Hire of Centre on 23.12.06 £54.00; Shillington FC Hire of football pitch etc on 10.12.06 £35.00; Henlow 5 Bells Team £20.00; Mrs J. Thompson: Hire of Centre for Kumon Apr – Dec £587.00;

Payment of the undermentioned accounts was authorised.:

Mrs Yarwood £.582.30 ( Chs 101207/08 )

M. Spalding Wages for week in Nov + Dec. £100.00 (Ch 101209)

W. Jack Ferguson For litter picking in November50.00 ( Ch101210)

Adrian Crawley: Playing Field maintenance in November £275.00 ( Ch 101211 )

Powergen: Electricity + VAT £126.54 (Ch101212)

FIREX .UK Ltd: Fire extinguisher service +VAT £64.63 (Ch 101213 )

D. Harvey Supply and install hand dryer in Gents £80.00

D. Harvey :Supply and fit replacement control switch to heater in main hall £35.00

(Ch 101214)

County Shutters : Repair of shutter and supply of extra winding gears + VAT £592.20 ( Ch 101215)

South East Surfacing (Herts) Ltd Car park resurfacing + VAT £5,710.50 (Ch101217)

Clifton FC Refund for event on 15.12.06 cancelled £45.00; (Ch101218)

Mrs J. C. Lanham: ¼ salary, expenses, postages and Office Equipment allowance. £928.78 (Ch101219)

D. A. Woolgar: For PAT testing + VAT £82.25 ( Ch101220)

Transfer The Clerk was given authority to transfer £2,000.00 from the Business Premium Account to the Community Account. Permission had previously been given for the transfer of £5,000.00 from the Business Reserve Account to the Community Account .

Dates of next meetings : Thursday, 11 th January 2007 ,

Thursday , 8 th February 2007

Thursday, 8 th March 2007

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Chairman Date