Minutes of a meeting of Clifton Parish Council held on Thursday 24 th July2008 in Clifton Community and Sports Centre, Whiston Crescent, Clifton at 7. 30 pm

Present: Mr B. Livesey (in the Chair)

Mr D. Bullen

Mr T. Cobb

Mr M. Ephgrave

Mr S. Fish

Mrs P. Livesey,

Mr S. Melia

Mr I. Pacey

Dr R. Puritz

Mr J. Stevens

Cllr T. Rogers : Pc S. Busby.

1. Public Forum: Mrs W. Jowett, 3 Clifton House Close attended. She was concerned that the new Pre-School building was not erected according to the original plans circulated and sought the advice of the Parish Council. The Council had seen no further plans and advised Mrs Jowett to consult the District Council. Councillor Rogers will also investigate.

2. Apologies , Mr Burnage, Mrs I. Cook, and District Cllr P. Carne,,

3. Minutes: The minutes of the meeting held on Thursday12th June, a copy of which had been circulated to each member of the Council, was agreed to be a correct record and signed.

4. Matters arising :

4.1 Public Forum: The petition presented by Mr Hyde had been to County Highways and receipt acknowledged. Nothing further had been heard.

4.2 War Memorial::The Chairman reported that there had been a meeting earlier that day between Mr N. Best from Davies Loss Adjusters, Mr Andrew Bussey from SP Property Services, members of the Parish Council and Clerk where it had been learned that the delays to having the War Memorial repaired were caused by it being under-insured. Dawson's quotation to repair the War Memorial was the lowest but even that exceeded the balance in the account. Members queried the estimate for repairs. After much discussion it had been agreed in principal to accept the payment that the insurance company would offer and the Parish Council would underwrite the balance and seek grants towards this. Mr Bussey undertook to negotiate with Dawsons for a reduction in their estimate and a further meeting between himself, Mr Best, a representative from Dawsons, Mr Livesey and Mr Cobb should be arranged in the near future. This was noted.. Mr Cobb proposed and Mr Bullen seconded a motion that this course of action be taken. All were in favour..

4.3 Memorial bench: Mr Bullen and Mr Cobb undertook to install this.

4.4 Garden of Remembrance: It was reported that the Treasurer of the PCC Mr A.Clarke was negotiating for the release of the grant from MBDC. It was proposed by Mr Fish and seconded by Mr Stevens that the grant agreed by the Parish Council should be paid under the provisions laid down in Section 137 of the Local Government Act 1972 and a cheque was drawn.

4.5 Confident Communities The Council had received a letter asking how it wished to spend the £4,000.00 as allocated for PCSO time: Mr Cobb suggested that this could be used to provide the VAS sign without the balance being met from Parish Council funds with £2000 being contributed to the repair of the War Memorial or alternatively forego the VAS sign and ask if the entire £8,000 could be used for the War Memorial. These suggestions were welcomed. Mr Cobb undertook to speak to County Highways.

4.6 It was reported that for some reason the article about dog mess on the playing field had not been included in the July issue of “Clifton Chronicles” and it had been resubmitted. it

4.7. S. Nott asked to supply and fit the electric light tubes in the Community Centre.

4.8 A request for adequate lighting between Stockbridge Road and New Town, Henlow had been reported to Beds CC (Ref No 68651A) and is !” Under review” according to the current highways report.

4.9 Duck Signs: It was reported that Mrs Smith had been written tot elling her that no further duck signs.would be erected..

4.10. Audit:2007/2008 It was noted that the auditors BDO Stoy Hayward had returned the Annual Report with a report which they requested should be read out. This was done. The Council also approved and accepted the Annual Report

4.11 Royal Mail: At the request of the Highways Committee the Clerk had written to the Royal Mail requesting that the postal address of Clifton should be “Clifton, Beds” instead of “Clifton, Shefford, Beds” A reply had been received outlining the relevant procedure. It was agreed that the reply should be circulated and that no further action be taken.

4.12: Street Lights: It was noted that these had been repaired but the old standards had not been removed.

5. Outstanding Matters: The lists of Outstanding Matters were circulated and discussed.

6. Correspondence :

6.1 Letters from Mr Deane

6.2 Mr Price Smith 27 Rookery Walk re cost of replacing his son's clothes stained by oily deposit on the seesaw. It was agreed to write and ask for the receipts.

Mid Beds: Town and Parish Council Survey: It was agreed that this should be copied and circulated to each member of the Council

Bedfordshire Post Offices Network Co-ordination Group: Letter re closures.

Beds CC; Letter from Madeline Russell on local government re-structuring in Bedfordshire

Bedfordshire Playing Field Association - request for renewing membership. It was agreed that this should be renewed and a cheque was drawn.

Central Beds Area Youth Team Summer programmes/ information

Mid Beds Citizens Advice Bureau Annual Report 2007/2008

BRCC Bulletin June 2008-

LDF Newsletter June 2008

Community and Voluntary Service containing the offer of membership. It was agreed no further action be taken .

RoSPA report on playing field. This was referred to the Playing Fields Committee

Judicium: Letter offering help in Data Protection and Risk Assessments compliance services. No further action be taken.

Clerk and Councils Direct July 2008

Volunteer Centre, Bedford: Connect

Bedfordshire Bugle Vol XIII Issue 5 July 2008

Countryside Voice Summer 2008-

Local Council Record Vol 60 no.2 July 2008

The Playing Field Summer 2008

7. Community Centre and Playing Fields Management Committee:

The report of the meeting held on Wednesday, 18 th June, a copy of which had been sent to each member of the Council, was presented and discussed. It was noted:-

7.1 Dog fouling A letter is to be placed in the Clifton Chronicles explaining the committee are monitoring the problem of dog fouling over the next three months and if there is not a dramatic reduction of fouling on the field then the Council will impose a total ban of exercising dogs on the field.

7.2 Referee's changing room: Some work remains to be done.

7 .3 Redecoration of interior and damage to doors. Still awaiting an update on the Quotation.

7.4 Section 106 agreement Grants are to be sort to support the cost of installing the equipment

7.5 Clifton Cuisine advertisement Mr Stevens would prepare the advertisement but required some photographs of groups using the premises.

7.6 Trees Mr Morwood had been approached for advice but owing to pressure of work would be unable to inspect them until later in the summer.

7.7 Anti-glare on windows A quote is being sought.

7.8. 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 £1345.34 but since the Caretaker's and Assistant Caretaker's wages were precepted these were not shown.

7.9 Correspondence (a) The e-mails referring the new football pitch layout was noted

(b) Quote from SMP for installation of fitness equipment was presented.

(c) e-mail from Mid Beds D C regarding the fitness equipment.

(d) Vodaphone bill

(e) Quotation from S Knott for replacement of main hall lights at a cost of £285.00 + VAT with an extra £30.00 for daylight tubes.

7.10 Other matters: (a) The football pitch layout for the coming season was discussed. The issue of the closeness of the junior, junior pitch to the children's play area needs re-assessment.

(b) Play Ranger' scheme. The committee welcomed the scheme and agreed the field should be put forward as a venue. MBDC to be asked to supply advertising literature

(c) The quotation from SMP was discussed.

(d) Vodaphone bill. Mr Melia had arranged for the bill for the Caretakers phone to be sent to the clerk

(e) Caretaker reported the following (i)Ramps need some repairs.( J.S)

.(ii) Light in ladies toilet needs repairing. (Instruct Electrician)

(iii) Water heater in Gents Toilet leaking.( J.S).

(iv) Party - 24 th May 2008. damage to floor due to installation of Surfer after caretaker had left the premises. Deposit to be retained. (J.L).

(v) Floor ‘pealing in other places. (ABC to be called in)

(vi)‘Bits' falling out of the trees on each side of the car park entrance gate.(J.S. to investigate).

(vii) New keys needed for committee room door

(viii) A car is parking on the road partially blocking the entrance gates ( J. S. to note number and report to police)

(ix) New Alarm test book needed.

(x) Shutter frames need sealing, (Mr Potter to be contacted).

(xi) Gutters are leaking. ( Mr Potter to be contacted). Middle shutter needs repairing.

The report was adopted.

8 . Highways Committee: .

8.1 War Memorial The matter had been fully discussed at the Parish Council meeting. Councillor Livesey reported that he had e-mailed Cliff Nott following that meeting. The next stage would be to obtain a copy of Dawson's estimate and proceed from that point. The requirement to completely restore the well head workings was thought to be inappropriate as this would be hidden by the war memorial stone.

8.2 Drain by War Memorial : This item could now be deleted from future minutes as measures taken by the County Council had been successful.

8.3 Trees: The Clerk reported that Mr Morwood had been advised of the concern that the diseased horse chestnut tree by the Golden Lion might infect other healthy trees in the vicinity and his advice was sought.

.8 .4 Litter bin: It was noted that the account for the provision of the new bin had now been paid. Mr Siddle at Mid Beds District Council has been notified of the other faulty bins.

.8.5 Cars parking on the verges: Although improvement has been noted cars are still parking on verges.

8.6 Memorial Bench: Mr Granger has been asked to give a quotation. This was not forthcoming despite several requests. Messrs Cobb and Bullen undertook to look at it and consider the possibility of installing it.

8.7 Replacement island: It was reported that the erstwhile Clifton Village Pond Account had now been changed to Clifton Parish Council Pond and Mr Cobb and the Clerk were signatories together with Mr P. Hodges. The cost of the new island, which has been placed in the pond, has been paid from this account.

8.8 Street Lighting - Stockbridge Road A request for this had been sent to the County Highways and forwarded to the electrical design team for consideration..

8.9 Confident Communities; Mr Cobb had met with Latif to determine the exact site for the new VAS sign to be installed on Shefford Road near the junction with Chapel Close. He also noted that he had asked for the existing one on Stanford Road to be re-calibrated.

8.10. Mrs Smith: 39a Shefford Road: Request to have “Slow , ducks crossing” signs. The Clerk had written to Mrs Smith.

8.11New postal address A letter was sent requesting that the postal address for Clifton should be Clifton, Beds. not “ Clifton, SHEFFORD, Beds It was recommended that all the Council should be encouraged to send individual letters of support for this and the Clerk was asked to supply the address to write to

8.12 . Matters referred from Council

(a) Confident Communities: Following a letter reporting that PCSO time had been withdrawn from available options, Mr Cobb noted he would be attending a meeting to learn of alternative uses of funds

(b) Quiet Lanes It was agreed that the only rural lane in Clifton which might come into the category would be The Baulk. It was agreed this suggestion should be put forward.

8.13. Brought Forward List : This was considered. The inventory of property owned by the Parish Council must be reviewed and mowers owned by the Council checked.. It was also agreed that the County Council should be asked to make an allowance for spraying within the village..

8.14 . Forward Planner : The Forward Planner was presented and expenditure to date was noted.

8 .15 Other matters

(a)Allotments Requests for allotments had recently been received and Mr Livesey reportesd that he had e-mailed the Rector concerning this. After discussion it was agreed to seek clarification from Beds Association on the duties and responsibilities of the Parish Council.

(b) Planters. Mrs Livesey reported that these had been done

(c) Clifton Preservation Society had indicated that they wished to plant bulbs on verges in the village. It was suggested that this offer should be accepted and that planting varieties such as Tete a Tete daffodils and crocuses would not interfere with mowing.

(d) Mr Livesey reported that he had visited Mr Duff in hospital. A card had been sent on behalf of the Parish Council.

The report was then adopted. In discussion it was noted that residents were parking on the grass outside the gates of the playing field. It was agreed to take this matter up with Mid Beds District Council as it is believed that this land is owned by Mid Beds District Council

9. Planning

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

08/01030/FULL Roofed enclosure over existing ménage at 98 New Road . (Mr R. Daniels)

08/00986/TPO Works to tree at 6 Rectory Close as per submitted schedule (Mr A. King)

08/01126/FULL; First floor rear extension and ancillary works at 7 Bath Place (Mr and Mrs N. Burden)

08/01113/FULL; Single storey side extension at 27 Rookery Walk (Mr and Mrs Price Smith)

08/01128/FULL; Erection of garden room to rear of property at 39a Shefford Road (Mr and Mrs Smith)

The Parish Council raised an objection to an application for a retrospective Lawful Development Certificate for the existing use of land and building as a single dwelling and garden on the following grounds;-

•  Lawful development cannot be proved if carried out in secrecy. Owing to the 2m. High fence it is impossible to verify whether the development has taken place as asserted.

•  Electricity bills submitted as evidence are inconsistent with regular domestic use.

•  No evidence that the claimants have vacated their previous address

•  Only one water bill submitted which is inconsistent with regular domestic use

•  No evidence produced for arrangements for toilet facilities. Clearly there has been no connection to a foul sewer. If a septic tank is present there ought to be bills for the emptying of the same.

•  There does not appear to be proof that the building has been adapted for regular domestic use. The alterations referred to in the submission could well have been in conjunction with previous applications for the kennels or the caravan park.

A large metal container is still outside 13 Whiston Crescent. It was recommended that the Enforcement Officer should be consulted on this matter.

Talk to Mid Beds The two further sites were discussed. It was agreed that the Council would oppose both proposals. Mr Cobb would draft a reply to be sent to Mid Beds DistrictCouncil.

10 Reports (a) Clifton Lower School: Mrs Livesey made a short report commenting on the celebrations to commemorate the 200 th anniversary of the school's foundation.

(b) Mid Beds District Council:. Councillor T. Rogers made a brief report.

(c) Beds CC: Councillor Rogers made a short report.

(d) Other: Police : Pc Busby presented the Crime report and commented on a relatively low level of crime in the current month.. It was noted that surveillance cameras had recently been installed in Bilberry Road. Issues concerning parking and speeding traffic were discussed. Members were advised to take the registration numbers of cars parked within 10m of a junction and notify the police of these.

11. Finance

:Current bank statements at 30.06.08 show

Community Account £ 1721.36

Business Premium Account £ 8650.75

Business Reserve account £80351.76

The Village Improvement Fund stands at £81,676.10) £29,000 is earmarked for the cost of lighting,

Outstanding accounts: Clifton 1 st Brownies £90.00; Clifton Badminton £252.00; –

Receipts: The following receipts are reported; Mrs S. Revels: Hire of Centre on 23.8.08 £48.00; Henlow Village Badminton £152.00;Mrs T, Chiswell £522.00; National Childbirth Trust £180.00; Barclays Bank plc Interest on BPA March – June £37.68; Providence Baptist Chapel: Hire of Centre on 20.9.08 £62.00; P. Burgess Walker: Hire of Centre for Tae Kwon Du training session £48.00

Retrospective approval was given for the payment of the undermentioned accounts:-

Mrs J. Yarwood: Wages for July (less tax and NI )582.38 (Ch 101441/2)

I. Ansell Carter; Wages for July (less tax) £89.00 ( Ch101440)

Payments to be authorised J. Ferguson 1 Months Litter collection £60.00 (Ch 101443 )

Adrian Crawley: Playing Field maintenance in June £381.66 ( Ch101444 )

D . Granger Grass cutting and weed spraying in village +VAT £409.31 (Ch101445)

Southern Electric: Supply for June + VAT £197.61 (Ch 101446)

T.R. Cobb Travel refund (21 miles @ 55.8p £11.72 ( Ch101447)

Stephen Melia: Reimburse for costs of caretaker's phone £46.49 (inc VAT) (Ch101448 )

Playsafety Ltd Annual Inspection of play equipment +VAT £91.65 (Ch101449)

BDO Stoy Hayward LLP Audit fee + VAT £470.00 (Ch101450 )

* Bedfordshire Playing Fields Association £25.00 (Ch101451)

*All Saints Church PCC: Donation for Garden of Remembrance £1000.00 (Ch101452).

The Clerk was given authority to transfer £4,000.00 from the Business Premium Account to the Community Account.

The Chairman was given authority to approve the payment of wages, grass cutting and electricity or other necessary accounts during August.

15 Dates of next meetings : Thurs 11 th September, Thurs 9 th October, Thurs 13 th November