PCMinutes

Minutes of a meeting of Clifton Parish Council held on Thursday 9 th October 2008 in Clifton Community and Sports Centre, Whiston Crescent, Clifton at 7. 30 pm

Present: Mr B. Livey (in the Chair)

Mr D. Bullen

Mr T. Cobb

Mrs I. Cook, ,

Mr M. Ephgrave

Mr S. Fish

Mrs P. Livesey,

Mr I. Pacey

Dr R. Puritz

Mr J. Stevens

District Cllr P. Carne, Cllr T. Rogers and Pcso G Richards.

• Public Forum: There was no Public Forum

2. Apologies , Apologies were received from Mr Burnage and Mr S. Melia

3. Minutes : The minutes of the meeting held on Thursday, 11 th September 2008, a copy of which had been circulated to each member of the Council, were agreed to be a correct record and were signed.

4. Matters arising :

4 . 1 Caretaker; It was noted that the caretaker, Mrs Yarwood was now back at work and the relevant certificate (specifying light duties only) had been . submitted

4.2 Public Forum : Mr Hyde's petition had been sent to Beds CC.for its consideration. The Council understood that no further action would be taken.

4.3 War Memorial :: It was reported that work on repairing structure was due to start shortly. It was noted that the Council was obliged to reinstate insurance on it before work began. This had now been done at a revised valuation of £60k and an annual premium of £674.10. The the revised schedule and a pro rata demand for £435.85.would be forwarded. Mr Cobb reported on progress in obtaining grant aid. The War Memorial Trust had awarded a grant of £2,500.00 and the application to Mid Beds District Council would be considered by the Grants Panel at the end of the month. The Council was unable to comply with the conditions laid down by WREN but a letter had been submitted. It was noted that Mid Beds District Council had stipulated that guttering on the reconstructed war memorial was to be either cast iron or aluminium. After discussion Mr Cobb proposed, seconded by Mr Stevens that cast iron guttering should be used.

4.4 Memorial bench The Clerk reported that Mr Rees had been thanked and the Council's account for the supply and installation would be sent to him.l

4. 5Garden of Remembrance : The Chairman reported that the Parochial Church Council intended planting hedging to soften the effect of the new fencing and this would be included in the Tree Warden's order to the County Council.

4.6 Dog Fouling It was noted that the article on dog fouling had been printed in Clifton Chronicles this month

4.7 It was reported that Mr Price Smith had been reimbursed with the cost of replacing his son's clothing.

4.8 Mid Beds: Town and Parish Council Survey : The survey had been submitted.

4. 9 Planters The note of thanks had been reproduced and sent to all who provided and tended the planters throughout the year. It had also been printed in Clifton Chronicles.

4.10 It was noted that RMS would be doing the partial redecoration of the Community Centre when a mutually convenient time can be arranged.

4.11 Mr Fish had sealed around fire exit doors. He had also tagged the cracks

4.12 Allotments Van Diemens land was leased and contract not due for renewal so that land was unavailable for use as allotments.

5. Outstanding Matters; The lists of Outstanding Matters had been circulated and would be discussed at the committee meetings.

6. Correspondence :

6.1 Communities and Local Government: Making and Enforcement of byelaws – Consultation

6.2 Pegasus Planning Group asking for a sight of S. Whitbread traffic survey on behalf of Richard Daniels. It was agreed that Mr Cobb would draft an answer to be submitted to the company.

6.3 Bedfordshjre Association of Town and Parish Councils giving notice of the Annual General Meeting to be held at Henlow Parish Hall on 22.10.08 at 7.30 pm

6.4 Beds Playing Fields Association giving notice of the Annual General Meeting to be held 22.10.08 in the Committee Room, Bedford International Athletics Stadium, Barkers Lane, Bedford.

6.5Beds CC: Re Private Fostering

6.6 “ “ Why 243 campaign

6.7 Open Spaces: Request to renew subscription.

The COMMA application form and guidelines were also obtained. These would be considered.

NALC Legal Briefing Freedom of Information Act: New model publication scheme.

7. Community Centre and Playing Fields Management Committee:

The report of the meeting held on Wednesday, 24 th September, a copy of which had been circulated to each member of the Council ,was presented and discussed. It was noted:-

7.1 Dog fouling. A letter has been submitted to Clifton Chronicles for the third time.

7.2 Referee's changing room: Mr Ephgrave and Mr Stevens have completed the work.

7.3 Redecoration of interior and damage to doors. RMS had accepted the order and a date to undertake the project had to be agreed

7.4 Clifton Cuisine advertisement Mr Stevens would prepare the advertisement but required some photographs of

Groups using the premises.

7. .5.Trees The meeting has taken place between Mrs Livesey and Mr Morwood. He advised some pruning of the dead wood and revising the grass mowing around the bases of the mature trees. Mr. Crawley to be advised about the mowing for next year and Mr Mayor to be approached about removing the dead wood.

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

7.8 Ramp repairs . This was in hand.

7.9 Light in ladies toilet had been repaired.

7.10 . Water heater in Gents Toilet. Mr Stevens to contact manufacturer to seek advice about the problem.

7.11 Floor peeling in other places. ABC should be called in.

7.12 Shutter frames had been sealed by Mr. Fish

7.14 Gutters are leaking. Mr Potter to be contacted for a quotation for new gutters

7.15 Finance (a) Mrs Yarwood's, Mr Ansell-Carter's and Mr Ferguson's accounts had been authorised .
(b) The end of month balance of income over expenditure was £2329.59.

7.16 Correspondence (a) Letter received from Mr Milne about cracks in brickwork over fire exit doors and main hall floor.

(b)E-mail received from Verdant Group giving a quotation of £158.00 + Vat for sweeping the Car Park This quotation for the sweeping of the Car park was accepted. Mr Stevens would arrange the times

(i)Beds Football Association regarding the withdrawal of an offer to permit Henlow Football Club to use the pitch for one game.

(ii)To remind the Clifton Football clubs about part payment for the pitches

(iii)To Leighton Machin about fees for the Sunday Football teams.

7.17 Any other Business (a) Caretaker; Mrs Yarwood returned to work on Thursday 18 th September. Until further notice she will only be able to undertake light duties.

(b)Xer cape fitness equipment project. Wicksteeds have been notified that this project has been suspended until funding for the repairs to the War Memorial is secured.

(c) Floor Cleaner. A problem with the vacuum function on the machine has arisen. New parts have been supplied. Mr Stevens to fit and to assess the improvement. The warranty on this machine expires on 6 th October 2008

(d) Petrol Strimmer and Blower has been serviced.

(e) Wash hand basin has been refitted to wall in home changing room. Sunday football team are to be billed for any costs.

(f)New dustpans, mops and buckets obtained for changing rooms. However the mops are to be changed for the correct type.

(g) Fair. The damage to the field was quickly repaired. Mr Cobb, Mr. Nutting and Mr. Crawley were thanked for the assistance given.

(h) A n ew toilet flush unit has been fitted to Home changing room toilet

(i) Shower replacement. AG plumbing services, Steve Knott and JDS Plumbing and Heating have been asked to submit quotations to replace a shower unit in each dressing room.

(j) Cracks in the brick over the fire doors. Mr S. Fish suggested that before they are repaired two ‘detectors' should be fitted across each crack. They should be left in place for 6 months and regularly observed. The purpose of this exercise is to establish how serious the problem is. The committee agreed to this. Mr Fish would supply and fit these.

(k) Pitch fees. It was agreed that one team fee for the Sunday football teams would be paid. The Saturday team plays 15 league games and the two Sunday teams play 16 home games. In future the fees will be calculated using a standard fee/game multiplied by the number of league games played/season. Half of the fee to be paid by 31 st October 2008, the remainder to be paid by 31 st December 2008.

(l) Casual Football pitch lettings Mr Stevens asked Mr. Oliver if Clifton Football club would consider the use of their equipment for casual matches.

(m) Mr Stevens has asked the football club to supply a copy of the Club photograph to display in the Entrance hall of the Community Centre. Mr Livesey suggested the club might consider a monthly report of their activities in the Clifton Chronicles

(n) On behalf of the council Mr Livesey thanked the Clerk and MrStevens for the work they had done to cover the absence of the Caretaker.

The report was then accepted. In discussion after wards it was agreed that a letter should be sent to Mid Beds concerning the parking of vehicles on the grass outside the entrance to the car park.

8 . Highways Committee: .

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

8.1 War Memorial: It was reported that the contract for repairs had now been been signed and Mr Livesey had been in discussion with Dawsons. Work to repair the structure was due to begin on 5 th October. The Chairman reported that an application for a grant had been submitted to Mid Beds District Council and further applications would be submitted to the War Memorial Trust , WREN and the County Council..

8.2 Trees: Mrs Livesey had spoken to Mr Morwood voicing the the concern about the diseased horse chestnut tree by the Golden Lion. There was nothing further to report.

8.3 Bilberry Verges : The Clerk reported that Aragon were contacting Mr Granger about an area of unmown grass and would take up the matter of access with him directly.

8.4 Cars parking on the verges: Cars were continuing to park on the verges. It was suggested that copy of the letter should be put in Clifton Chronicles to ask the general public not to do so and add a reminder that to do so means that Mr Granger is unable to mow where a car is parked and also the likelihood of damage during the winter seasons.

8.5 Memorial Bench: Messrs Cobb and Bullen had installed it near the village sign. Mr Rees is to be notified about this.

8.6 Street Lighting - Stockbridge Road County Highways had notified the Council that this had been added to the 5 year schedule of work.

8.7 Confident Communities; It was noted that the VAS sign would be paid out of the contribution and the balance would be put towards the cost of providing bollards around the War Memorial.

8.8 Allotments ; It was noted that Van Diemens land was currently leased to Mr Watts on a 10 year contract. This had still several years to run so was not available for allotments.

8.9 Clifton Preservation Society It was noted that no further action by the Preservation Society was planned following their offer to plant bulbs on verges in the village. It was however suggested that the Parish Council should plant some crocuses and Tête à Tête daffodils. Mrs Livesey would purchase some sacks of bulbs.

8.10 Creating Central Bedfordshire: A response had been submitted.

8.11 Mid Beds District Council. – replacement of worn out street signs: Mr Cobb reported that he had submitted the completed survey to Mid Beds.

8.12 Remembrance Sunday It was reported that a wreath had been ordered. The Clerk had also written to the bugler and to Mid Beds re the closure of Church Street. A letter had been received confirming that this latter item was in hand. The Rector obtained the crosses last year and should be asked to do the same this year. Since the memorial stone will not be completed Mr Pacey should be asked to have another board made up.

8.13 Pond Mr Cobb reported that he had retrieved items from the pond. He had also been planting clumps of iris and water lilies but it was not certain that they had become established owing to the duck population. The problem was discussed at length. Mrs Duff had offered further plants and had an expert who was willing to give advice. It was suggested that thought might be given to having a further clean out .

8.14 New Road: The hedge had now been cut. Complaints had been received about the state of the hedge at 1 New Road and a letter should be sent.

8.15 The Clerk had written to the licensees of the Golden Lion and the Admiral congratulating them on the floral displays which enhance the street scene.

8.16 Other Matters . (a): Mrs Livesey reported that the Green Travel Plan produced by All Saints Lower School was being used by the police as a model for other schools to follow.(b) A letter of thanks for the tubs of flowers around the village had been received. Mr and Mrs Livesey had written to each of the people who provided and tended the tubs and adding a copy of this letter to each.

(c) Free Trees Owing to local government reorganisation this will be the last year for this scheme to operate. Mrs Livesey asked for suggestions and possible sites were discussed

(d) Seat Mr Cobb suggested utilising the tree trunk lying on the right hand verge of Shefford Road as a rustic seat on the opposite verge and this idea was considered.

9. Planning

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

08/01635/FULL Land off Stanford Road, Shefford; Change of use from agricultural land to football pitchesand associated works. Provision of new sports ground and construction of associated facilities.

08/01656/FULL: Erection of 1 no. 4 bed dwelling with associated garage and access on land to the rear of 196 Shefford Road (Mr McErlean) provided that vehicular access is adequate.

08/01666/CAC: Conservation Area Consent: Demolition of brick and timber barns and garage at Pedley Farm, Grange Street provided that the question of the bats has been satisfactorily resolved.

08/01664/FULL; Erection of 5 no. 3 bedroom dwellings and 4 no. 4 bedroom dwellings and 2 no. 5 bedroom dwellings on land to the rear of 1 – 5 Pedley Lane but there is still concern that there is insufficient provision for parking and that the access is still too close to the bend at the junction of Grange Street and Pedley Lane.

08/01665/LB; Restoration of Barn adjacent to Pedley Farm to form studio or craft workshop; Majority decision no objection in principal; However there were concerns voiced about potential traffic generation and no back up information on user/visitor potential was supplied with the drawings.

:- Mid Beds approved the following applications:
008/01452:/FULL Conservatory to NorthWest elevation of 55 Clifton Park, New Road, Clifton (Mr R. Watson)

08/01600/TPO: Overall reduction of canopy and removal of dead wood to large sycamore in rear right hand corner of garden. (Rev. M-A. Tisdale)

Mid Beds refused the following application

08/01427/FULL: Removal of existing bungalow and erection of two detached two storey dwellings with double garages and external works at 200a Shefford Road. (Mr T. Owen)

Beds CC: Advised that County Matter BC/CM/2006/30 (Tarmac Ltd) for the Extraction, processing and sale of gravel erection of concrete batching plant and construction of improved access to B658 on land to the south of Broom had been approved.

10 Reports (a) Clifton Lower School: Mrs Livesey gave a short report mentioning inter alia thoughts about possible Trust School status and that there were concerns about the security of access to the school grounds.

(b) Mid Beds District Council : District Councillor P. Carne reported briefly.

(d) Other: Police: PCSO G. Richardson gave the monthly crime report and discussed current concerns. She urged members to report any criminal activity as without information the police are not aware that there might be local problems. It was agreed that a note should be put into Clifton Chronicles alerting the public to a current spate of burglaries from garden sheds or outbuildings. It was also noted that the mobile police station would be making monthly visits to the “One Stop” car park..

11. Finance

:Current bank statements at 30.9.08

Community Account £2,213.58

Business Premium Account £19,766.23

Business Reserve account £80,823.23

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

Outstanding accounts:; Clifton Pre School : Hire for Fun Day, £76.00; -This account will be re-submitted as the original was misdirected to another Clifton Receipts: The following receipts were reported; Mrs T. Chiswell: Hire of Centre Apr – July £630.00 Barclays Bank plc: Interest for ¼ on BPA £18.20; HM Customs and Excise: Repayment of VAT to 31.7.08 £797.28; MBDC ½ Precept £17,000.00; Mrs L. Woolgar Hire of Centre on 18.10.08 £48.00; Mr N. Blannin: Hire of Centre on 11.10.08 on behalf of Clifton Cricket Club £149.00; Talking Tots: Hire of Centre in September £33.00; Mr M. Gearing: Hire of football pitch and changing facilities on behalf of Clifton Football Club – Saturday team £340.00; Mrs T. Chiswell: Hire of Centre 14.11..08 £62.00;; Mrs T. Davidson: Hire of Centre12.10.08 £48.00;

Payments Payment of the following accounts were authorised;

J. Ferguson 1 Months Litter collection £60.00 (Ch 101475 )

Adrian Crawley: Playing Field maintenance in Sept £336.66 ( Ch101476 )

Mrs Yarwood; Wages for October (inc.backdated tax refund) £638.78 ( Ch101477/78)

Mr Ansell Carter Wages for October (less tax) £89.00 {Ch101479)

Herts CC: Cleaning materials + VAT £28.22 (Ch101480)

Wicksteed Leisure: Replacement seats for seesaw+ carriage+VAT £67.56 (Ch101481)

J Stevens: Refunds of cost of materials and travel costs for work done at Community Centre £165.06 (Ch101482 )

Hillyards of Oundle:Tête à Tête daffodil bulbs for verges+ VAT £90 (Ch 101483 )

D . Granger Grass cutting and weed spraying in village + VAT 481.58 (Ch104384)

Southern Electric: Supply for Sept+ VAT £96.68 (Ch 101485 )

Transfer The Clerk was given authority to transfer £1500.00 from the Business Premium Account to the Community Account.

15 Dates of next meetings : Thurs 13 th November, Thurs 11 th December, Thurs 8 th January 2009