Minutes of a meeting of Clifton Parish Council held on Thursday 14 th September 2006 in Clifton Community and Sports Centre, Whiston Crescent , Clifton at 7. 30 pm

Present: Mr B. Livesey (in the Chair)

Mr T, Cobb

Mr D. Duff

Mr M. Ephgrave

Mr S. Fish

Mr B. Hudson

Mrs P. Livesey,

Mr I. Pacey,.

Dr R. Puritz

Mr J. Stevens

County Councillor T. Rogers

1. Public Forum: There was no Public Forum

2. Apologies: Apologies for absence were received from Mr A . Burnage, Mr J. Wall, District Cllr P. Carne and Pc Steve Busby

3. Minutes: The minutes of the meeting held on Thursday 20 th July, a copy of which had been circulated to each member of the council were agreed to be a true record and signed.

  4. Matters arisingfrom the minutes

4.1 Public Forum : It was noted that Pc Busby's proposals map had been returned together with a copy of a letter of Letter of support from Mr R. Smith, 30 New Road . It was noted that an accident had occurred at the junction of New Road and the A507. It was agreed to inform Pc Busby in order to endorse the latter's proposals for action .

4.2 Church Street This had now re-surfaced and marked and the Parish Council's approval of this was noted that

•  Clifton 1 st Brownies The matter had now been thoroughly investigated and a letter of apology sent to Brown Owl.

•  Section 106 Agreements: (a) Clifton Fields It was noted that Mrs S. Birkett was enquiring whether the developers would permit moneys to be diverted to other projects within the village. Concerns were also expressed about the number of vehicles parked near the S bends during school hours. Mr Cobb agreed to pursue the matter.

•  A copy of the Section 106 Agreement for Clifton Depot was presented; the contents were noted and discussed.

4.5 Amended draft byelaws had been circulated at the Playing Field Committee. The Clerk was asked to clarify whether the byelaw concerning prohibition of camping would also include the prohibition of Travellers.

4.6 Conservation Area Lighting Scheme This was in hand.

4.7 Newis Crescent and Brickle Place : It was noted that patching and renovation work had been completed but there were areas where the tarmac was breaking up. This should be reported.

4.8 Festival of Britain sign Renovation work on this had now been completed

4.9 It was noted the accounts for 2005/2006 have been submitted to auditors together with the information for the “intermediate” audit.

5. Outstanding Matters: The lists of outstanding matters were circulated

6. Correspondence :

6.1 MBDC: Gambling Act 2005 – Draft Policy. This was passed to the Playing Field Committee for their comments

6.2 MBDC/County Council: Invitation to Joint Reception at Priory House at 6.30 on 7.11.06. It was agreed that this would be attended by Councillors Barry and Mrs Pauline Livesey, Terry Cobb, Simon Fish, Jack Stevens and the Clerk.

6.3 Bedfordshire Playing Fields Association: Request for renewal of annual subscription (£25.00) It was agreed that this should be renewed

6.4 The Playing Field Summer 2006

6.5 Bedford Community Rights Centre – Appeal: It was agreed to take no further action

6.6Road Victims Trust – Appeal It was agreed that no further action should be taken.

6.7 ENCAMS: Guide to improving your local environment

6.8 Beds RCC Village Halls News sheet Aug/Sept 2006 + details of 2 training courses

Fire Regulations Training event on 28.9.06 at Haynes Village Hall and Community in Contact a 20 week course starting in October

South Beds District Council: Annual Report “On Street Parking Enforcement

MBDC Minutes of LSP Steering Group July 2006

Standard Boards Bulletin No 30

Local Council Review & Rural Services Review

Commentree

Bedfordshire Bugle Vol XIII Issue 5 September 2006– Note AGM on 25.10.06

CPRE Countryside Voice Summer 2006

“ Fieldwork

London Luton Airport : Community Newsletter

Bedfordshire Special edition August 2006

Clerk and Councils Direct

7. Playing Field s and Community CentreManagement Committee:

The report of the meeting held on Wednesday 26 th July, a copy of which had been cirulated to each member of the Council, was presented and discussed. It was noted:-

7.1 . Landscaping of mound Mr Jeffery had landscaped the soil removed from the kicking wall installation but this had yet to be seeded.

7.2 Amendment to byelaws : Copies of the revised draft bylaws were circulated. Members were asked to consider these and report back at the next meeting ..

7.3 Car park . It had been confirmed by Bestco Surfacing that the new surface would be laid by hand and then rolled. Accordingly the Parish Council had confirmed the acceptance of South East Surfacing (Herts) Ltd's quotation of. £4,860.00 +VAT . The order should now be placed.

7.4 Keys to Tractor shed . Mr Mackay would deal with this matter.

7.5 B roken Tiles. Mr Stevens reported on the position regarding the changing rooms. Extensive patches of damp had been discovered and they were currently being dried out. Mr Fish and he had spent many hours in diagnosing the problem . The architect, J. Roscoe Milne had also been consulted. It was noted that the football teams had been advised that the changing rooms would not be available for use during September.

7.6 Roller: . Mr Stevens reported that the matter of future storage was in hand.

7.7 Fire Policy In future it would be the responsibility of the Council to make a Risk Assessment for the premises, which would then be reviewed annually and from that draw up a Fire Policy. A model policy is available for downloading and members of the Committee were urged to have a look at it within the next two months

7.8 ‘ Policy for Children . The Parent and Toddler Group and the Brownies had supplied copies of their constitutions and policies.

7.9 Weed spraying: It had been agreed that this should now be postponed to the autumn.

7.10 Playground Inspection: . The inspection had revealed that a bolt was missing from the older of the goal units. A replacement had been obtained from SMP and would be fitted in due course.

7.11 Heating Mr Harvey had been asked to look at the heating thermostat.

7.12 MBDC: Food Safety Inspections: The self-assessment questionnaire had been completed and returned.

7.13 Alternative heating: After discussion it was agreed that Mr Stevens should commission a survey at a cost of £25.00

7.14 Staff matters : (i) Mrs Yarwood: It was noted that following queries raised at the Parish Council enquiries had been made and the Clerk informed of the correct payroll procedures. In future the Parish Council are liable for the Employers Contribution of N.I and to deduct the appropriate tax.

(ii) Mr Stevens had spoken to Mr Bull concerning complaints.

7.15 Hire of the Community Centre 30.12.06 : It was agreed that even if the Caretaker was on holiday on 30 th December 2006 the booking should still be accepted.

7.16 Finance

(a) Mrs Yarwood's and Mr. Bull's accounts had been authorised.

(b) The balance sheet showed a balance of income over expenditure of £3383.25.

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

7.17 Correspondence (a) Mrs R. Bland, Whiston Crescent with various complaints concerning balls from the Sports Arena and overgrown hedges. These were noted. It was reported that some action to rectify these matters had already been taken and it was agreed to investigate the possibilities of installing nets to prevent balls being kicked into residents' gardens.

(b): Mrs S. Ransom, Brown Owl concerning an incident on Wednesday, 12 th July. In discussion it was noted that Mr Robert Mackay had spoken to the members of Clifton Football Club and players advised that a repetition of the incident would be unacceptable. The Clerk was asked to write an apology to Mrs Ransom. As football representative on the Council Mr Roger Mackay presented the footballers' point of view and asked that it be recorded in the minutes that immediate action had been taken and the incident was now closed.

(c) Mr Robert Mackay asked permission for a pre season friendly match between Langford and Henlow to take place on the field. This was given and it was noted that there would be no charge for this.

7.18 Outstanding Matters: The list of outstanding matters was presented. It was noted that Items 7.5 (Excess Sand) and Item 7.1 (Clarification from Bestco) should be deleted.

7.19 Any other matters ; (a) It was reported that the Rainbow pack had hired the Community Centre for a fundraising event which had not well supported but had incurred overhead charges which needed to be paid. In the light of this the charge for the hire of the Community Centre would be waived.

(b)Mr Stevens reported that Jack Fergusson had now been collecting litter for the past month.

(c) Football hire It was agreed that the conditions for hire should be looked at and the booking form revised to include them.

(d)It was reported that trees on the approach to the playing field require attention.

(e)Goal mouths: It was noted that Adrian Crawley had recently repaired the goal mouths but owing to dry weather the grass had not grown. Clifton Football Club had in previous years undertaken this task. It was agreed in future decisions regarding this should be made at the end of the season.

(f) Dog fouling It was noted that dogs appeared to be running free on the playing field, increasing the danger of fouling.. This may be partly caused by dogs being allowed to escape from gardens on to the field. This situation needs to be monitored

(g) Fair; It was noted that the fair would be visiting the village moving on to the playing field on Sunday 3 rd September and moving out on Sunday, 10 th September 2006 .

The report was then accepted. Mr Stevens had been working on renovating the changing rooms during the summer. Work on the floor had been completed and the football teams were able to use them. The walls of the showers required drying out before the new tiles could be replaced. The Chairman thanked Mr Stevens for all his hard work and invited members of the Council to view it at the close of the meeting

8. Highways Committee

The report of the meeting held on Thursday 27 th July, a copy of which had been cirulated to each member of the Council was presented and discussed. It was noted:-

8.1 Festival of Britain Sign: Councillor Livesey reported that the two contractors would shortly re-erect the sign.

8.2 Split barriers: It was reported that Scott Wrighting of Bedforshire Highways had suggested a site meeting and this would be arranged.

8.3 Samuel Whitbread Community College In view of the untidy appearance of part of the College grounds Mr Ostler should be asked when the protective fencing is to be removed from the highway verge, what measures have been taken to water trees on the college boundaries and what progress he had made with enquiries about levelling the highway verge.

8.4 Cricket Club Entrance Mr N. Blannin is in direct contact with the County Council concerning the repair of the crossover repair outside Clifton Cricket Club.

8.5 Tree Preservation Orders: It was noted Mr Morwood is not in favour of TPOs on the two monkey puzzle trees in Fairfax Close

8.6 Clifton By-Pass Comments on the Police proposals for layout alterations should be sent to Pc S. Busby.

8.7 Correspondence (a) Highways Maintenance Partnership. A holding letter should be sent and the matter further considered in the next cycle of meetings.

(b ) Request for Traffic Management/Traffic Regulation: The reply from Colin Gibbon (Engineering Manager, Beds County Council was noted. The Chairman would reply to Mr Gibbon concerning his reference to Section 106 money.

8.8 Finance Actual expenditure to date on the Forward Programme was noted.

8.9 Outstanding Matters: (a) Highway Maintenance Partnership This correspondence should be included in the agenda for future meetings.

(b) Hitchin Lane flooding The Clerk is to seek a reply or comments on the letter (ref. Minute 2,3 17.9.05)

8.10 Any other matters (a) Chapel Close/Shefford Road . Attention was drawn to grass clippings and compost which had been deposited on the verge. The Clerk was asked to write to the occupants of the adjoining property.

(b) Shefford Road Attention was drawn to road shavings at the entrance to the private road adjacent to the entrance of Clifton Fields development. It was agreed the culprit should be written to.

•  Clifton Pond Mrs Livesey noted the availability of wire cages that could be filled with appropriate materials and used as islands in the village pond. However it was thought that the cost of these was excessive.

•  Bedfordshire Association of Town and Parish Councils It was agreed that Mr Cobb be nominated for election to the Association's Committee.

The report was then adopted.

A query was raised about the legality of caravans parked in front of residences and the state of the lay-by to the entrance of Maple Close.

War Memorial Concern was also expressed about the present safety of the War memorial following the accident on 25 th August. It was reported that the matter had been referred to Cornhill who had acknowledged receipt of the letter . The Clerk was asked to ascertain with them what measures had been taken and whether there would be objection to the Council taking action to ensure public safety as a matter of the utmost urgency.

9. Planning

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

06/01228/FULL; Full Part two storey, part single storey side/rear extension at 13 Whiston Crescent . By a majority decision there was no objection raised but clarification was requested concerning Question 8 (Trees) on the application form

06/01145/FULL: Detached garage with office use of first floor at 29 New Road , Clifton (Mr M. Matthews) No objection but suggested that any planning permission granted should include a condition restricting the use of the building for office/garage ancillary to the occupation of the main dwelling

06/01137/FULL:Erection of detached double garage on land at The Bungalow, Clifton Nursery, Hitchin Lane , (Daniels Brothers) No objection by majority decision.

Objection was raised to:-

06/01355/FULL Erection of 1 no. 4 bedroom detached chalet bungalow and attached garage (revision to planning permission 06/00214 dated 31.03.06) (Mr P. Sanderson) on the grounds that it will have an adverse overbearing impact on the area and therefore is contrary to Planning Policy DPS5 of the Mid Bedfordshire Local Plan 2005

Mid Beds approved details of

05/01682/FULL Two storey rear extension at 8 Elm Farm Close (Mr and Mrs Klempster) Condition No 4 (Obscure Glazing ) attached to Planning Permission 05/01682/FULLdated 16.11.06 had been discharged.

Mid Beds had granted permission to :-

06/00814/FULL: Single storey garage and porch to front elevation of 49 Whiston Crescent (Mr M. Chase) with the stipulation that permission should only extend to the application as amended by Drawing C received on 16.06.06.

06/06/00845/TPO: Tree Preservation Order: Work to 1 Lime, 1 Horse Chestnut, 1 Turkey Oak and to fell 1 Lime at no. 2 Clifton House Close (Mr B. O'Callaghan)

06/01045/FULL: Full: Single storey front extension at 17 Spring Road, (Mr J. Rixon)

Mid Beds refused

06/00930/FULL New porch and conversion of loft space including provision of new dormer windows to fron and rear at 31 Pedley Lane (Mr N. Panton) on the grounds that the proposal by way of the scale and position of the side dormer would have a detrimental effect on the character of the dwelling and the street scene, as such the proposal is contrary to Policy DPS6 of the Mid Bedfordshire Local Plan adopted 2005

Tree Work in a Conservation Area: (1) Work to Mulberry Tree in Elm Farm Close: Reduce Crown and pull in side branches which overhang neighbouring properties by approximately 30%

(2): Remove fir tree in rear garden of 30 Church Street

Notice was given that Mr J. Martin, 5 Church Street , Clifton has exercised his right of appeal against the decision to refuse permission for a detached single garage at that address. This was noted..

10. Reports (a) Clifton Lower School : Mrs Livesey reported that the Governors would be meeting on Mon, 18 th September 2006 .

(b) Mid Beds District Council :.Councillor T. Rogers reported briefly noting that the move to Priory Lodge had gone smoothly. The former offices in Ampthill and Biggleswade had now been sold

(c) Beds CC : Councillor T. Rogers reported noting that NIRAH had not accepted the terms for a loan from the County Council and would not be seeking a site in Bedfordshire. He commented on recent improvements made to roads in Bedfordshire and made reference to audits currently taking place.

(d) Other: The Chairman, Mr B. Livesey made a brief report on his recent visit to RAF Henlow.

•  Finance : It was reported that Bank balances at 31.8.06 were:-

Community Account £ 724.31

Business Premium Account £8,810.23

Business Reserve account £62,331.46 *

*With the addition of £10k. from the ½ precept received in April the Village Improvement Fund stands at £50,000 less the cost of renovating the Festival of Britain sign.

Receipts: The following receipts were reported: Bed RCC: Hire of Centre 21.7.06 46.00; Mrs V, Carter: Hire of Centre on 19.8.06 £27.00; Mrs S. Cullip: Hire of Centre on 22.10.06 £55.00; Mr H. Ruse: Hire of Centre on 2.9.06 £101.00; Clifton 1 st Brownies: Hire of Centre Apr – July £60.00; Mrs T. Chiswell: Hire of Centre for Aerobics Apr – July £450.00; Mrs B. Fernandez: Hire of Centre 16.9.06 £36.00;Clifton Parent and Toddlers: Hire of Centre Apr – July £169.00; Clifton Parent and Toddlers: Hire of Centre on 25.10.06 £27.00: Barclays Bank plc ¼ Interest on Business Reserve a/c £386.55; Ladies Social Hour: Hire of Hall in June £36.00; Hire of Centre in July £45.00; Mrs A. Hamilton: Hire of Centre on 24.9.06 £37.00; Beds RCC Hire of Centre on 12.9.06 £73.00;HM Customs and Excise VAT refund to 31.7.06 £769.70.

Payments Retrospective approval for August payments was given:- Mrs Yarwood: Wages for Aug. £549.81; Mr G. Bull £100.00; Jack Ferguson: Litter picking £50.00; Mr A. Crawley: Playing Field maintenance £275.00; Powergen: Electricity in July +VAT £70.00; J. W. Stevens: Refunds of costs incurred (hire of dehumidifier etc) by work to changing rooms floor £194.50; Bedford Borough Council: Refuse collection for ¼ +VAT £51.94. Paul Watts: Work on Festival of Britain sign + VAT £119.85; D. J. Granger: VAT element on Invoice 006586 inadvertently not included when the original bill was paid £48.13; In order that these could be paid £1600.00 was transferred from the BPA to the Community a/c

Payment of the undermentioned accounts was authorised.:

Mrs Yarwood £.393.39 ( Ch101173 )

Mrs Yarwood £240.00 ( Ch101174 )

Mr Bull £100.00 ( Ch101175 )

Jack Ferguson For litter picking in August £50.00 ( Ch101176)

Adrian Crawley: Playing Field maintenance in August £275.00 ( Ch 101177 )

D. J. Granger Grass cutting in village, + S bends +VAT£285.53 ( Ch 101178)

Powergen: Electricity + VAT £ 78.02 (Ch101179 )

J. W Stevens: For materials and travel costs for refurbishment of the changing rooms £338.89 (Ch101180)

MrsJ. C. Lanham: ¼ salary, ¼ Office and equipment fund, Postages for ¼ £895.87 (Ch101182)

*Bedfordshire Playing Fields Association: Membership Renewal 2006/07 £25.00 ( Ch101183)

Authority was given to transfer £1750.00 from the Business Premium A/c to the Community a/c please

* Section 137 payment

Dates of next meetings: Thursday 12 October 2006

Thursday 9 November 2006

Thursday, 14 December 2006