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Minutes of a meeting of Clifton Parish Council held on Thursday 12th February 2009 in Clifton Community and Sports Centre, Whiston Crescent, Clifton at 7. 30 pm
Present: Mr S. Fish (in the Chair)
Mr D. Bullen
Mr T. Cobb
Mrs I. Cook
Mr I. Pacey.
Dr R. Puritz
Mr J. Stevens
District and County Councillor T. Rogers.
1.Public Forum : There was no Public Forum
2. Apologies Apologies were presented by Mr A.Burnage, Mr M. Ephgrave, Mr B. Livesey Mrs P. Livesey Mr S.
Melia, Dist Cllr P. Carne and Pc S. Busby
3. Minutes : The minutes of the meeting held on 8 th January, a copy of which had been circulated to each member of the Council were agreed to be a true record and were signed.
4. Matters arising from the minutes :
4.1 Visit of Ian Whittle to Clifton and to S. Whitbread School on 10 th March 2009 It was reported that Mr Livesey had found a second hand book in excellent condition about the development of the first jet aircraft powered by a Whittle engine. He proposed that the Parish Council should purchase it and present it to the school to commemorate Mr Whittle's visit. The Parish Council agreed to this proposal and authorised a refund of £5.00 to Mr Livesey.
4.2 War Memorial: It was noted that Mid Beds had promised a grant of £7.500.00 towards the cost of repairs. The Parish Council had paid its share of the account presented. Mr Livesey had been in touch with the Loss Adjusters who had notified the Council that he has requested that Allianz should pay the balance of £19,030.18
4.3 Allotments: The Clerk reported that on the request of Highways Committee she had written to MBDC enquiring about the possibility/ suitability of the former rubbish tip as a possible site. Mr Whittaker's.initial reaction to the request was that there would be a lot of glass there and therefore would not be suitable. However he had passed the letter to the Estates Manager for a reply.
4.4 Anti-glare - It was noted this wason order .
4.5 Wall of Remembrance will be formally opened by the Archdeacon of Bedford on 15 th March at 2.00 pm. The Parish Council will be receiving a formal invitation to attend this.
4.6 Chancel liability . The article about this had been published in the Clifton Chronicles
4.7 An invoice for spraying had been submitted to the County Council
4.8 Confident Communities The final feedback form was received . This was passed to Mr Cobb for completion.
5. Outstanding Matters: The list of Outstanding Matters would be circulated shortly.
6. Correspondence
6. 1 Flooding at 38 New Road : e-mail correspondence from Mrs C Eidmans, 38 New Road detailing recent experiences caused by water coming off the fields and flooding her property. The matter of flooding in various parts of the village was discussed at length and it was noted that the District Council was monitoring the current situation and taking steps to remedy it.
6.2 Whitbread Wanderbus : Request from the Co-ordinator seeking the annual donation. It was agreed that a donation of £250.00 should be made.
6.3 Launch of Calor's Bedfordshire Village of the Year competition. It was agreed that the village should once more enter the competition.
6.4 . Michael Baldwin Associates: Henlow Common and Langford Meadows – user survey. Cllr. T. Rogers undertook to complete this on behalf of the Parish Council..
6.5 BEST Bedfordshire East Schools Trust: Notification that the schools plan to acquire trust status , supported by a charitable trust and company limited by guarantee on 1 st April 2009. They are now entering Phase 4 of the process and will publish their statutory proposals on 23 rd February which will be available to download from the website www.best-schools.org.uk. , from the schools involved in setting up the trust or from the BEST office from that date and there is a 4 week period for representations. This was noted
6.6 Crime Figures: These were to be circulated.
6.7 Beds Association: Report of Shadow Central Bedfordshire Local Strategic Partnership Board held 5 th Jan 2009
6.8 MBDC Notification that The Bungalow and Land, Hitchin Lane will now be Crystal Lodge, 10c Hitchin Lane, Clifton
Clerks and CouncilsDirect
Commentree – Winter 2009
7. Community Centre and Playing Fields Management Committee:
The report of the meeting held on Wednesday, 14 th January 2009, a copy of which had been circulated to each member of the Council was presented and discussed. It was noted;-
7.1 Redecoration of interior and damage to doors The Clerk was asked to ascertain when the decorator was intending to resume work . .
7.2 Clifton Cuisine advertisement The matter is in hand.
7.3.Trees Mr Morwood had advised some pruning of the dead wood and revising the grass mowing around the bases of the mature trees. It was thought that there was a potential danger from broken glass should the grass remain uncut and Mr. Crawley had been advised to continue mowing. Mr Mayor is to be approached about removing the dead wood. It was further noted that the latter is very busy at present and no action would be taken immediately
7 .4.Anti-glare on windows. The order to have this done has been placed with MBJ Windows . They will order the requisite materials.
7.5 . Water heater in Gents Toilet. Mr Stevens is to contact manufacturer to seek advice about the problem.
7.6 Floor peeling in other places. It was agreed to close the Community Centre during the week commencing 10 th August to strip and reseal the floor subject to there being no bookings during that period.
7.7 Sweeping car park :. It was agreed that the state of the car park should be monitored and if necessary ask for further visits.
7.8 . Football Matters (a) It was reported that there had been a friendly match at the weekend and it appeared that the changing room facilities had been used despite the understanding that the changing room would only be open for use of the toilets. Permission to use them had not been sought and it was agreed that the Clerk should write to those concerned.
(b) It was reported that there had been complaints about the muddy slope from the changing room. After some discussion it was agreed that steps would be a solution to the problem and to ask Mr Bullen and Mr Cobb for their suggestions.
7.9 Xerscape fitness equipment project . It was agreed to seek a fresh quotation from Wicksteeds.
7.10 Wash hand basin had been refitted to wall in home changing room. The Sunday football team have been billed £36.99 for this repair but this has not been paid. The Clerk was asked to send a reminder.
7.11. Mr A. Good had fitted the two new Triton showers in the changing rooms.
7.12 The Fair A query was made about the deposit payable by Mr Manning. It was agreed that since a certain amount of damage was done to the playing field involving extra payment to Mr Crawley the deposit would not be returned. The Clerk would write to Mr Manning to inform him of this decision.
7. 13 A tap in the ladies' toilets requires attention. The Clerk was asked to contact Mr Good to ask if he could repair it.
7.14 Safety lights Mr Stevens reported that he had discussed the problem with Mr Harvey. He noted that there would be no room on the switchboard for further installations. In addition the football clubs had suggested having floodlighting to enable training in the evening. After further discussion it was agreed to seek estimates for installing a new larger capacity switchboard.
7.15 Following Mr Stevens' report on the seminar run by Friends of the Earth Energy Saving Trust. the subject of solar powered energy should be kept on the agenda
7.16 Installation of a hot water system which would eliminate the use of kettles and the urn. Mr Stevens had made enquiries about these. It was agreed to investigate whether one could be purchased through Hertfordshire Supplies.,
7 .17 The availability of the Community Centre for hire Monday – Friday from Noon until 1700 h at a rate of £8.00 per hour would be advertised in the next issue of the Clifton Chronicles
7.18 . Finance (a) Mrs Yarwood's, Mr Ansell-Carter's and Mr Ferguson's accounts had been authorised.
(b) The end of month balance is £2734.87.
7.19. Correspondence (a) .. Mr J. Shacklock, 22 Whiston Crescent, Clifton concerning dogs on the playing field in particular on Saturday. Mr Stevens informed the committee that he had purchased pooper scoopers to be used by Jack Ferguson and that he had examined the field recently, only discovering three instances of fouling. He had spoken to Mr Shacklock and was drawing people's attention to notices that dogs should be kept on leads. After further discussion it was noted that photographic evidence would be necessary to prove non compliance and it was suggested fliers should be circulated urging the public to co-operate in providing this.
(b). Mr J. Shacklock, 22 Whiston Crescent, Clifton, A complaint about empty beer cans and assorted litter in the car park and near the entrance to it following a teenage party. It was noted that since this had occurred outside the premises and there was no proof that this had been caused by those attending the party and the hirers could not be held responsible. It was noted the Community Centre had been left in a tidy state.
(c). Play Rangers The Play Rangers had applied to use the field from 10.00 – 11.30 on Monday, 16 th February.
7.20 Brought forward List : It was agreed that Item 8.1 (14.5.08) and 6.8 ( 18.6.08). could be removed.
7.21 Any other Business (a) Parking outside gates of Community Centre: It was agreed that since there was dispute about the ownership of the land the Committee suggests that it should erect bollards to prevent parking on the grass there.
(b) Rubbish outside Tractor shed : This should be removed.(c) Kitchen The milk bottles on the draining board should be removed. It was further noted that a notice should be put up advising users of the kitchen that they should provide their own scourers and tea towels.
The report was then adopted.
8 . Highways Committee: .
The report of the meeting held on Tuesday, 13 th January, 2009, a copy of which had been circulated to each member of the Council was presented and discussed. It was noted:-
8.1 War Memorial: Members noted that a letter had been sent to Allianz as directed. A reply was awaited.
8.2 Allotments It was noted that Mr D. Brace was still investigating the request to provide allotments on his land. Mr Livesey agreed to find out the length of the lease on the Church land off Broad Street. The Clerk was asked to write to Mid Beds about the availability and suitability of the old refuse site at the bottom of the Joint.
8.3 The Clerk was asked to request the urgent cutting of the hedge on the footway side of Broad Street.
8.4 Broad Street Footway: The Broad Street footway should be included in the County's 5 year Forward Programme request.
8.5 New Road The County Council are to be asked to cut the hedge in New Road as a matter of urgency.
8.6 Pedley Lane The County Council are to be asked to cut the hedge in Pedley Lane as a matter of urgency.
8.7 Pond Area . The Clerk was asked to request the urgent sweeping of the footway area around the pond.
8.8 Entrance to the Community Centre . A tree outside the vehicular entrance to the Community Centre had been cut down.
8.9 Grassed area outside the Community Centre : The Clerk is to write to Aragon about the state of this area and request that measures are taken to prevent vehicular access or to provide suitable parking facilities there.
8.10 Litter picking Day. The Council is to be asked to consider a suitable date for a Litter Pick within the village.
The report was then adopted. Mr Cobb and Mr Bullen also made a brief report on the recent speed control survey carried out made. It was agreed that the Litter Pick should take place during the weekend 14/15 th March. There was discussion about the condition of the car park at the “One Stop” shop during the icy weather and as a matter of safety concerns for the customers it was agreed to write to Tesco about this. Lack of gritting on the roads during the cold weather was also criticised.
9. Planning
There was little to report. A copy of an enforcement notice served on Mr J.D. Porter for a breach of planning control at land at Silver Lake Farm, Stanford Lane, Clifton, had been received,. It was further noted that they have also appealed to the Planning Inspectorate.
10 Reports (a) Clifton Lower School: There was no report.
(b) Mid Beds District Council:. Councillor Rogers gave a brief report.
(c) Beds CC: Councillor Rogers gave a brief report. He noted that Mouchel had accepted responsibility for the errors made in the location of the pre-school building and would be doing necessary remedial works.
(d) Other: Mrs Cook reported that she had attended a meeting in Shefford and learned that Somerfield had now ceased their home deliveries and it was not the policy of Morrisons, who now taken over Somerfield stores to have home delivery rounds. The problem was discussed and it was suggested that various loval village care schemes or Whitbread Wanderbus might consider helping solve it.
11. Finance
:Current bank statements at 23.1 09 . show
Community Account £5953.18
Instant Access Business Premium Ac £91794.40
The Village Improvement Fund stands at £81,676.10) £29,000 is earmarked for the cost of lighting,
Outstanding accounts: Clifton FC: Cost of repairing wash basin in Home changing Room £36.99
Receipts: The following receipts are reported; B. St Leger: Hire of the Centre on 9.1.09 £76.00; Clifton 1 st Brownies: Hire of the hall in Nov/Dec £45.00; Henlow Village Badminton: Hire of Centre in Jan £88.00;Mrs R. Turner: Hire of Centre on 1.2.09 £48.00; Clifton Parents and Toddlers Hire of Centre in December 2008 £40.00; Mrs T, Chiswell: Hire of Centre in December £198.00; Mr G. Burkett: Hire of Centre on 30.1.09 £62.00; Mrs H. Weavers: Hire of Centre on 7.2.09 £48.00; ,Ladies Social Hour: Hire of Centre in Dec. £33.00; Barclays Bank PLC: £191.22 (from Clifton Church Hall and Pavilion Improvement Fund) J. M. and Mrs M. Fish: Hire of the Centre on 14.2.09 £62.00; Woodlands Pre School: Hire of Centre for Christmas party on 18.12.08 £62.00. Barclays Bank plc. Interest on Business Premium a/c to 31 st December £71.90
Payment of the following accounts was authorised :
J. Ferguson 1 Months Litter collection £60.00 (Ch101) (Ch101525))
Mrs J. Yarwood: Wages for February (less tax and NI ) £588.78 (Ch 101526 /527)
I. Ansell Carter; Wages for February ( less tax ) £89.00 (Ch101528)
R. Bullen: Petrol used for Speed campaign £26.00 (refund )(Ch101530)
T. Cobb: Purchase of visibility vests £10.00 (refund) (Ch101531)
J. Stevens: Refunds of materials/ travel for Community Centre purposes £106.45 (Ch101532)
B. Livesey: Refund of cost of book, rubber gloves for litter picking and filler for gutters. £15.61 (Ch101533)
Adrian Crawley: Playing Field maintenance in January £286.66 (Ch101534)
AG Plumbing Services: Supply and fit 2 Triton TS70i showers and supply and fitting of isolation valve on outside tap £411.00 (Ch101535 )
D. Harvey: For electrical work in Community Centre £195.00 (Ch101536)
Starform: Nameboard for War Memorial +VAT £57.50 (Ch101537)
Hertfordshire CC: Cleaning materials + VAT £32.18 (Ch101538)
Mid Beds District Council £1.00 : Lease of land for bus shelter .(Ch101539)
Anglian Water Services Water rates 7 th October – 19 th January £13.80 (Ch101540)
Whitbread Wanderbus £250.00
The Clerk was authorised to pay the electricity bill for January when it was received.
Transfer The Clerk was authorised to transfer £2000.00 from the Instant Access Business Premium Account to the Community Account
12. Byelaws: It was agreed to defer this to the next meeting.
Dates of next meetings : Thursday12th March 2009 at 7.00 pm followed by Annual Parish Meeting at 8.00 pm
Thursday 9 th April 2009; Thursday 14 th May 2009