Stanhoe Parish Council
Minutes of Parish Council Meeting
Held on Thursday, 10th January 2013 at 7.00pm
in the village Reading Room
Clerk to the Council – , tel 01485 518409
Present:
Mr. T. Austin (TA)
Mrs. P. Austin (PA)
Mr. D. Bridge (DB)
Mrs. R. Brown (RB)
Mr M Roche (MR)
Mrs. P. Roche (PR)
Mr. J. Seedhouse (JS)
Two members of the public were also present.
1. To consider accepting apologies for absence
MR and PR apologised for their late arrival.
2. To consider approval of the Minutes of the previous meeting held on 8th November 2012
Minutes passed and signed by the chairman.
3. To record declarations of interest from members in any item to be discussed
No declarations made.
4. To adjourn meeting to allow public participation
No public present.
5. SNAP & Speedwatch
TA had attended a SNAP meeting on 3rd January. Crime figures were similar to the previous report but with a continuing downward trend. Some anti-social behaviour problems persisted in Hunstanton. TA mentioned to officers at the meeting that someone had attempted to force entry to his property through the side gate. The person had not succeeded and no theft or other damage had occurred. The police confirmed that they are always keen to know about such incidents.
TA also attended a Speedwatch seminar in Dereham at which the Assistant Chief Constable and a senior officer from Norfolk Police were present. There are 55 speedwatch teams in Norfolk involving approximately 600 volunteers from a total of 900 volunteers working for Norfolk Police in various capacities. In future there will be a new smaller and less obtrusive speed radar vehicle operating in the County. Across England, there are 16 Counties taking part in the Speedwatch scheme. Death and serious injury statistics came down in 2012 although in Norfolk there were a number of deaths over the Christmas period. 500 speeding infringements had been recorded by Norfolk speedwatch teams with 400 letters being sent out by police to the car owners involved. During 2012, 17,000 drivers had attended speed awareness courses as a result of speeding offences.
The clerk reported that 40 “Go Slow in our Village” bin stickers were due to arrive and would be available on request.
6. Wind Farms Update
A result is imminent of the court hearing which took place before Christmas. This would decide if the permission for development granted after the public hearing had been lawfully given.
7. Local Crime Concerns
This had been covered in Item 5 in regard to the attempt to enter TA’s property.
8. Refurbishment of village sign & notice boards
This matter is in hand and work will be accomplished when weather is more suitable for outdoor work.
9. Update on ongoing matters:
a) Cross Lane traffic control – no developments.
b) Blacksmith’s workshop – it has been established that the building is not in danger of collapse. Attempts to encourage the owner to carry out repairs had not been successful. It was agreed that nothing further could be done by councillors.
c) Ragwort – according to DEFRA, this is not a notifiable weed. The onus is on landowners to control it on their own land. Highways would cut any ragwort on verges during normal verge maintenance.
d) Geese on the pond – numbers have reduced from 5 to 4 but no problems reported.
10. Proposed visit to the National Construction College
It was agreed this would be left until the Spring. The Principal had confirmed that he would attend the Annual Parish Meeting and give a presentation on current and future developments at the college.
11. Annual Parish Meeting
Confirmed for 11th April 2013 at 7.30pm. PR kindly agreed again to supply refreshments. Speaker – see above, Item 10.
12. Financial Matters
- The clerk circulated an up to date income and expenditure statement with copy bank statements. No questions were raised.
- The clerk circulated a budget variance report for 2012/13 with the projected outcome at 31st March 2013. This was in line with planned expenditure. She also circulated a draft Budget for 2013/14 based on a precept of £5,500 which reflected no increase on the previous year.
- After discussion of all the above and bearing in mind that the parish reserve fund was on target, the chairman gave the opinion that there should be no increase in precept level. DB therefore proposed a precept figure of £5,500 for 2013/14. This was seconded by PR and unanimously agreed.
- Payments were approved for Hall rental charges, PAYE tax to Inland Revenue, the clerk’s salary and cost of bin stickers.
13. Planning permissions granted
Permission had been granted for year round operation of caravan facilities at The Rickles and for the extension to a property in Parsons Lane.
14. To receive items for the next Agenda of meeting to be held on 14th March 2013
The following items were suggested:
- Usual update of ongoing matters
- Refurbishment of village sign and notice boards
- Wind Farms
- SNAP
- Annual Parish Meeting
No other matters were discussed and the meeting closed at 8.40pm.