Stanhoe Parish Council
Minutes of Parish Council Meeting
Held on Wednesday, 14th July 2011 at 7.00pm
in the village Reading Room
Clerk to the Council – , tel 01485 518409
Present:
Mr T. Austin (TA)
Mrs P. Austin (PA)
Mrs R. Brown (RB)
Mr J. Seedhouse (JS)
Absent:
Mr. D. Bridge (DB)
Mrs. P. Roche (PR)
Mr. M. Roche (MR)
No members of the public were present.
1. To consider accepting apologies for absence
All absentees had sent apologies and these were accepted.
2. To consider approval of the Minutes of the previous meeting
J.S. requested that the subject of Cross Lane and possible restrictions to reduce speed and volume of traffic should be considered at each meeting until the matter was finally resolved. The County Council had stated that currently there were no criteria for reduction of speed limit, one way only or access only restrictions and also there were no funds available. J.S. requested that a letter be sent to the County Council asking them to put restrictions in place as and when possible. The clerk reported that she had contacted Debbie Pepper at the County’s “Access4Life– project regarding the lack of bus service but with no positive outcome. The only form of public transport available is the –Diala-bus’ service and the community car scheme. The Minutes were then passed and signed by the Chairman.
3. To record declarations of interest from members in any item to be discussed
R.B. declared that she may have an interest in the planning application as the property concerned was next to her home.
4. To adjourn meeting to allow public participation
No members of public present.
5. Proposed Incinerator at Saddlebow
A planning application had now been submitted by the County Council for this proposal and a six week consultation period put in place during which all parishes within the County would be consulted. There was considerable opposition within the County to the plans and, as agreed at the previous meeting, the Clerk had written to the Rt. Hon. Caroline Spelman MP at DEFRA expressing serious concerns. It was agreed that this letter should now be copied to the Head of Planning and local MPs with a covering letter stressing that a lack of any response from the more distant and possibly unaffected parishes should not be regarded as acceptance of or agreement with the proposals.
6. Village Matters
a) Dogs on the playing field: Although signs existed stating that dogs should be kept off the field, a number of people, both residents and visitors, continued to exercise their dogs there. Although this should be discouraged, it would be difficult to enforce particularly as the field was no longer used for sports. A note would be sent to the MEHM Trustees to whom the field was leased.
b) Re-siting of bottle bank: This is sited next to the village hall but the noise of the disposal of bottles is proving to be a nuisance to some nearby residents. Clerk to contact the Borough Council with a view to re-siting the bin or using an alternative less noisy container.
c) Disposal of dead animals/ birds found in the village: This had proved to be a problem in the past but Councillor D.B. had agreed to dispose of carcasses if notified.
7. Updates on the following
A written update was circulated by the Clerk.
a) Overgrown hedges restricting footpaths and roadways: A notice had been placed in “Saints Alive” and individual letters sent to some residents. There had been an improvement but the matter was ongoing.
b) Repairs to play area fencing: The person who usually does this work is currently unwell. Clerk to contact possible alternative workmen. It was agreed that consideration should be given to a complete replacement of fencing in the long term.
c) Registration of common land and footpaths: The clerk confirmed that the pond and surrounding area is registered as common land and documents are with parish papers. Objections had been raised by some to the proposed re-routing of the footpath around High Barn, however, the original registered footpath has been blocked. The Borough Council is aware and dealing with the matter.
d) War Memorial area: This has been tidied along with the area around the village sign and the edge of the pond.
e) Maintenance of Blacksmith’s workshop: It has not been possible to establish ownership of this building. Further investigation would be made as councillors felt strongly that this important part of the village’s heritage should not be lost through neglect.
f) Refuse bins left on public footpaths: A notice had been placed in “Saints Alive” reminding residents and visitors that bins should not be left out for more than 24 hours around collection time. The situation would continue to be monitored.
8. Councillors’ Tour of the village
This was set for Monday, 8th August starting at 6.30pm. and meeting at the village hall.
9. Odd Job Man: (J. Seedhouse)
J.S. asked if it would be possible to arrange for some-one to regularly tidy the areas around the pond, the war memorial and the village cross. This would be arranged.
10. Village Hall: (D. Bridge)
A village hall user had complained about the general level of cleanliness in the hall and the dirty windows. As the hall was the responsibility of the MEHM Trust, a note would be sent to the Trustees asking them to look into this matter.
11. Queen’s Diamond Jubilee 2012: (P. Austin)
P.A. asked Councillors to give some thought to what could be done within the village to celebrate this event. Possibly some form of permanent commemoration but also a whole village social event on the Jubilee holiday weekend of 2nd to 4th June 2012. This item would be carried forward to next meeting.
12. To consider a planning application for “The Old Post Office”
An application had been made to enlarge an existing extension to run along the rear and west side of the building. Councillors considered the plans and could see no objection. The alterations would not directly affect the property of R.B. who had previously declared an interest in this agenda item. Councillors felt a comment should be sent to the planning authority pointing out that the extension on the west side would be in an area where there had once been petrol fuel pumps and an underground tank. A comment would also be sent stating that it would be preferable for access to on-site parking not to be restricted.
13. To receive an update on financial matters and to approve payments
The clerk distributed an income and expenditure statement from 1st April 2011 showing the current balances of the parish bank accounts. In future, a similar statement would be presented at each meeting with copies of bank statements.
Payments were approved for travel expenses to a councillor attending a training course, for repairs and maintenance to the children’s play area and for the clerk’s salary and expenses over a 2 month period.
14. To arrange further meeting dates
Dates had already been agreed up to January 2012 and further meeting dates were agreed for 8th March / 10th May / 12th July / 13th September and 8th November (all 2012) subject to the village hall being available.
15. To receive items for the next Agenda
The following items were raised:
- Updates on ongoing and unresolved matters
- SNAP meeting
- Diamond Jubilee 2012
- Finance
- Blacksmith’s workshop
No other matters were discussed and the meeting closed at 9.15pm.