Minutes of a meeting of Clifton Parish Council held on Thursday 11 th June 2009 in Clifton Community and Sports Centre, Whiston Crescent, Clifton at 7. 30 pm

Present: Mr B. Livesey; Mr D. Bullen; Mrs I. Cook; Mr M. Ephgrave; Mrs P. Livesey; Mr S. Melia' Mr I. Pacey.

Mr B. Padgett; Dr R. Puritz; Mr J. Stevens; Councillor T. Rogers and 3 members of the public.

The Chairman introduced Mr C. Andrews who made a short presentation explaining the purpose of Green Infrastructure Plans. He note that work on the plans for the towns within the area were almost completed and that it had been agreed that further individual plans for the larger villages should also be drawn up. Work on the Clifton Plan was due to start in the autumn and at this stage Mr Andrews was seeking the support of the Parish Council in principal. The Parish Council unanimously agreed that it should support the project. Mr Andrews was thanked for this presentation and withdrew.

1 Public Forum: (a) Mrs Hurst , 6 Fairfax Close raised concerns about the dangerous bend near Samuel Whitbread Community College following the accident there earlier in the year and asked if bollards could be erected to prevent further incidents. The Parish Council is aware of the problem and will continue in efforts to improve safety.

(b) Mr J. Hurst, 6 Fairfax Close raised concerns about the present state of the pond. This was noted.

2. Apologies: Mr S. Fish and Councillor J. Clarke

3. Minutes: . The minutes of the meeting held on 14 th May 2009, 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: War Memorial: It was reported that the carving of names on the memorial stone was now complete. It was also noted that there was a broken tile on the roof and Dawsons should be notified about this.

4.2 Allotments :- Nothing further to report. The Clerk had written to Mr Brace and Mr David Hale.

4.3 Anti-glare- MBJ had measured the windows and intended fitting it shortly. It was agreed that MBJ should be reminded that this job was still incomplete..

4.4 Playing Field Committee were in favour of installing a Lincat hot water boiler and were seeking further estimates.

4.5 Village of the Year It was noted that the village had been visited by three judges from the Rural Communities Charity,, Mrs J. Robinson, Ms J. Ridge on Tuesday. 19 th May and the results would be announced on Wednesday 17 th June at Sharnbrook Village Hall. Mr Livesey, Mr Bullen, Mr Padgett and the Clerk would be attending this.

4.6 Resignation of Mr Alan Burnage and formal presentation of picture. There was nothing further to report.

4.7: Resignation of Mr T. R. Cobb ; It was noted that a letter of thanks had been sent to Mr Cobb. Central Beds had been advised of the vacancy but owing to the recent elections papers to advertise this vacancy had yet to be received.

4.8 Byelaws . It was noted that a further letter had been received from the OPDM enquiring whether the Parish Council had formally accepted the bye-laws.

4.9 Assistant to Caretaker: It was reported that Mr Ansell Carter had recently had an operation for a replacement knee cap. A retired school caretaker, Mr John Pasquet was acting as temporary assistant to cover for him. At the suggestion of the Chairman and Mr Melia he will be paid £100.00 per month. This proposal was confirmed by the Council.

5. Outstanding Matters: This would be presented at the Committee meetings.

6. Correspondence

6.1 Mr Jason Shacklock: 22 Whiston Crescent: Letter concerning events prior to booking of Community Centre for Football Presentation evening on Saturday, 16 th May. After discussion it was was agreed that a holding letter should be sent to Mr Shackland and the matter investigated thoroughly with all parties concerned.

6.2 Baldwin Associates: Questionnaire re Baulk Wood. This was referred to the Highways Committee.

6.3 Mrs B. Morris: Letter concerning Training relating to Code of Conduct on 14 th , 20 th and 27 th July. Mr Livesey and the Clerk agreed to attend on 20 th July

6.4 Notice that remainder of precept would be paid in September

6.5 Copy of Order relating to Shefford Road/Broad Street re-surfacing between 15 th – 19 th June.

6.6 RoSPA report: This was referred to the Playing Field Committee.

6.7 e-mail from CPRE re Planning Training Day 28.9.09 at Rufus Centre: Mr Pacey, Mr Padgett and Mrs Livesey expressed an interest in attending this event.

Open Space; Fieldwork

7. Community Centre and Playing Fields Management Committee: The report of the meeting held on Wednesday, 20 th May, a copy of which had been circulated to each member of the Council was presented and discussed. It was noted:-

7.1 . Appointment of Chairman and Vice Chairman: Mr J. Stevens was unanimously elected Chairman for the forthcoming year. Dr R. Puritz was unanimously elected Vice Chairman for the forthcoming year

7.2. Anti-glare on windows .It was reported that MBJ Windows had measured the windows and had stated they would be fitting it shortly. This had still not been done and the Clerk was asked to pursue the matter

7.3 ... Water heater in Gents Toilet. It was reported that the replacement part had been fitted but this had created problems with the water supply. This was being investigated

7.4Sweeping car park:. It was agreed that another visit might be necessary. The Clerk was asked to contact Verdant to arrange for this to be done.

7.5 Football Matters. A solution to the problem of the muddy slope. from the changing room was being considered. Action on this was deferred until later in the year.

7.6 Xerscape fitness equipment project. It was noted that a revised quotation from Wicksteeds had been provided to supply and install the equipment, safety surfacing, outdoor furniture and signage at a total cost of £37,360.00 + VAT Mr Melia reported that he was investigating this with the help of Sue Norman from the RCC.

7.7 Safety lights It was noted that estimates had been received but it was agreed to defer the matter to a later meeting when all relevant issues would be fully understood..

7.8 Installation of a hot water system which would eliminate the use of kettles and the urn. A quotation to install a Lincat EB3F model at a cost of £466.99 + VAT had been received from Colin Hill, Peckworth Industrial Estate and all were agreed that the purchase and installation of this should be recommended. However in view of the cost it was agreed that further quotations should be sought as soon as possible..

7.9 Electricity Meter: It was noted that at present the meter has a maximum capacity of 48 kva but this is not being fully utilised. It was agreed to investigate this

7.10 It was noted one of the tables in the hall was broken. A replacement leg had been received and Mr Stevens undertook to fit it

7.11 Dog fouling Following the resolution passed at the previous meeting Mr Stevens had obtained guidance on Dog Control Orders which he had circulated to members with a request that all read them and considered them carefully. Henlow Parish Council had successfully implemented these but the orders were not enforced. It was noted that following discussions with Mr Whittaker control orders without an enforcement method is pointless. Other parishes might be interested in employing a Dog Warden to patrol and enforce orders. Shefford had already indicated that they would welcome this and the Clerk was asked to contact Henlow Parish Council and ask if it was likewise interested..

7.12 Clifton Football Club had 2 awards and asked if these could be displayed at the Community Centre. It was agreed that this should be done. Mr Ephgrave undertook to put these up.

7.13 Flood-lighting : It had been suggested that the floodlighting on the netball court might be relocated and a quotation had been sought from Steven Knott. The football club would be willing to contribute towards the cost of using them. Mr Stevens reported he had further discussions with Stephen Knott and estimates had been obtained.

7.14The hole in the changing room floor was increasing in size). The Clerk was asked to obtain an estimate from RMS to repaint the changing room floors

7.15 Notices asking users of the Community Centre to clean tables before putting them away and also to use the proper equipment for moving chairs were to be put up in the store room.

7 .16Alternative estimates for gutters must be pursued /sought.

7.17. Finance Mrs Yarwood's, Mr Ansell-Carter's and Mr Ferguson's accounts had been authorised.

7. 18 Correspondence; James Slack: Football Development Officer, Bedfordshire Football Association Ltd, asking whether the Community Centre facilities were available for hire for a six day coaching course. After discussion it was agreed that use of the meeting room and amenities should be offered at a rate of £90.00 per day

7.19 Any other Business (a)Rainbows It was noted that the Rainbows are interested in using the Community Centre on a regular basis. They have a store cupboard the size of the one used by the Brownies to be accommodated. A suggestion was made that this cupboard might be stored in the outside store and this possibility should be investigated.

(b) Election Day 4 th June 2009: Mrs T. Chiswell is unable to use the Community Centre that day as it is a polling station. It was agreed to credit her a sum of £38.00 in lieu of that booking.

(c) Cooker It was reported that it had been necessary to replace the cooker. Since the purchase of a larger cooker had previously been mooted Mr Stevens and Mr and Mrs Livesey had looked at these but had agreed that it was more economical to purchase two single cookers which would provie more oven space and more boiling rings. The second cooker would be installed to the left of the other in place of the cabinet and the work surface repositioned over the refrigerator. Mr Melia would speak to a friend about the possibility of removing the cupboard.

(d)Cracks over Fire escape doors: Mr Fish reported that there had been no movement. It was agreed these should be left in place until after the summer.

(e)Mr Oliver reported on the recent Football Presentation and the booking of the Community Centre by the football club. Difficulties had arisen owing to a lack of communications between various parties and two bookings made too close to one another. After some discussion It was agreed to learn by experience and not accept bookings so close in the future.

(f) Main gates Mrs Yarwood noted that some people were experiencing difficulties opening and closing the main gates. The main problem appeared to be that the bolt hole inset in the tarmac was worn out and needed replacing. Dr. Puritz agreed to ask Mr Bullen if he could help with this repair.

(g) Caretaker's concerns Mrs Yarwood pointed out that (a) she had no contract with the Council. This should be attended to.

(h) There had been complaints that the hall was cold on entry.. This was noted and it was suggested that this would be a case for needing to use discretion.(i) The under counter water heater in the bar needed attention from a plumber as it was tripping the electrics in the Community Centre. Mr Harvey had advised that this was a plumbing matter and the Clerk was asked to contact Mr Good.

(j) Football pitch It was noted that the football season was now over. Mr Crawley should be notified in order that he can re-seed the goal areas and also reminded about weed spraying..

The report was then adopted. It was noted that the Rainbows were happy with the suggestion to keep their cupboard in the outside store and would be contacting the Committee shortly.

8 . Highways Committee: .The report of the meeting held on May 21 st 2009, a copy of which had been circulated to each member of the Council was presented and discussed. It was noted:-

8.1 Election of Chairman and Vice Chairman: Councillor Pacey was unanimously elected Chairman for the forthcoming year. Councillor Mrs P. Livesey was unanimously elected Vice Chairman .3. Election: Councillor Mrs P. Livesey proposed by Councillor Pacey, seconded by Councillor Livesey and.

8.2 War Memorial: Mr and Mrs Livesey visited Squires where the new stone was being carved in accordance with the Parish Council's wishes. They reported that work on carving the inscriptions had begun but the stone would not be installed by the end of the month as originally projected. The Bishop of Bedford was unable to attend on June 7 th and an alternative date must be fixed. Tentative arrangements for the presentation to Mr Burnage and provision of refreshments had been made.

8.3 Allotments. There was nothing further to report. The Clerk is to write to Mr Brace and also contact Mr David Hale to find out if there had been progress in acquiring a site..

8.4 Hedgecutting in Broad Street, New Road and Pedley Lane: It was noted that action would be unlikely until after the nesting season, The hedge in Broad Street did not appear to be overgrown at present but the situation will continue to be monitored.

8.5 Trees: Mrs Livesey noted that the Parish Council had not been advised when two large maple trees had been felled in Whiston Crescent following complaints by a resident. Cars were now parking on the verge, but hopefully replacement trees would be planted in the autumn.

8.6 Grassed Area at entrance to Community Centre. Councillor Bullen reported that he had inspected the area with a representative from Amey. She suggested that 10 bollards would be needed and wooden ones would enhance the area and undertook to investigate the matter reporting back with costings and funding issues. Some discussion ensued concerning the need to provide more parking space in the area following a letter to Mr Livesey from the Residents Association..

8.7Pot holes It was reported that numerous potholes had been noted in Church Street, Stockbridge Road, Newis Crescent by the junction with Miles Drive and action would be taken to fill these. A temporary repair to those around the cobbles at the entrance of Fairfax Close before the imminent re-surfacing of Shefford Road might also be carried out.

8.8Village of the Year; Mr Livesey reported briefly on the visit of the judges on Tuesday, 19 th May and thanked all those who had been involved. It was noted that the winning village would be announced on Wednesday 17 th June and four representatives from the Council would be attending. The Clerk was asked to thank Central Bedfordshire for the excellent way in which the village was swept before the visit of the judges.

8.9 Free Tree Clifton's acceptance of the offer of a free tree had been noted and the Committee was advised that this would be planted on a site of the Council's choice during the autumn. Suggestions for a site should be requested through the Clifton Chronicles

8.10 Litter bin : Owing to the stony nature of the land near the village sign it was agreed that Central Beds should be asked to provide and install a bin at the Council's expense.

8.11 Bollards outside Admiral PH . It was reported that Mr C. Siddle from Central Beds was investigating the cost to replace the concrete bollards with those similar to the recently installed bollards at the site of the War Memorial. Mr Bullen reported that he had been advised that these would cost £235.00 per bollard. He had obtained information about similar bollards from the internet which cost £125.00 and undertook to make further investigations

8.12 Pedestrian access to Clifton Fields It was noted that there were no signs that this was being used by vehicles. Mr Bullen undertook to monitor the situation.

8.13. Correspondence (a) Mrs Livesey submitted a letter from the Chairman of Woodlands Pre School giving an report of the current state of the planning application concerning. Members of the Planning Committee had attended a site meeting at the invitation of Ms Jowett and their views were noted.

(b) Mr Livesey submitted a letter from the Residents' Association concerning the provision of a litter bin by the seat near the village sign and parking by the Community Centre.

8.14 Brought Forward List: Members noted the list. It was agreed that Item 3.15 (Rustic Seat) should be deleted and no further action taken.

8.15 . Forward Planner ; The Forward Planner was submitted and expenditure noted.

8.16 Other Matters ;

(a). Section 106 Agreements : Mrs Livesey asked for clarification on the position concerning monies due to the Parish Council through Section 106 Agreements.

(b)Planters The planters had now been replanted. Mr Bullen was thanked for his help in this matter. It was also agreed that there should be hanging baskets on the War Memorial and Mr Bullen would put the necessary hooks in place.

(c)Big Bike Ride: The Committee's attention was drawn to a charity event “The Big Bike Ride” taking place at Woburn on Sunday, 5 th July 10.00 am – 4.00 pm.

(d)Grass cutting/ weed spraying : It is necessary to find out when accounts for grass cutting and weed spraying in the village should be submitted.

(e)SID Checks: Mr Bullen reported that that the speed indicator devices had been located and he was proposing to carry out further checks in the village in approximately 3 weeks time

The report was then adopted. In addition it was noted that the potholes had been repaired. A quotation of £1771.00 + VAT to provide small cannon bollards outside the Admiral had been received. It was proposed by Mr Bullen, seconded by Mrs Livesey that this estimate be accepted and the bollards ordered. All were in favour that this should be done.

9. Planning: The undermentioned plans had been returned to Central Bedfordshire Council :

CB/09/00621/FULL All Saints Lower School: Retention of Clifton Pre School temporary building (majority no objection )

CB09/00656/FULL Land rear of 2 Fairfax Close:Erection of 1 no. 4 bed dwelling with garage and associated access. (Majority object)

Central Bedfordshire approved the under mentioned applications:-.

CB/09/00621/FULL All Saints Lower School: Retention of Clifton Pre School temporary building (majority no objection )

CB09/00656/FULL Land rear of 2 Fairfax Close:Erection of 1 no. 4 bed dwelling with garage and associated access

It was noted that the Local Inquiry re Site at Silver Lake Farm, Stanford Lane Clifton will take place on 07/07/09 at Priory House.

10 Reports

•  Clifton Lower School: Mrs Livesey gave a short report mentioning inter alia that the headmistress Mrs M. Gravelle would be retiring next Easter.

•  Central Bedfordshire Council: Councillor T. Rogers was congratulated on his election to the new Council. He then gave a short report.

•  Other (i) Mr Stevens gave a short report from the organising committee of the Year of the Family Fun Day. He noted that organisations were asked to make a contribution of £150.00 to underwrite some of the activities and this should be paid to All Saints PCC. It was agreed that this should be done.

(ii) Mr Melia gave a short report on the Annual Meeting of the Clifton/Henlow Scout Group. He noted that the new building was now up and nearly ready for use.

11. Finance

Audit – The accounts for year ending 31 st March 2009 which showed a balance of £85,981.01 were approved and the Annual Governance Statement was completed

Current bank statements at31.5..09 . show;-

Community Account £6734.14

Instant Access Business Premium Ac £91.370.55

Outstanding accounts: There were no outstanding accounts.

Receipts: The following receipts were reported; Woodlands Pre School: Hire of Centre 3.4.09 £48.00; Mrs T. Chiswell: Hire of Centre in March £308; Mrs C. Oswick: Hire of Centre on 16.5.09 £48.00; Mrs M. Goad £55.00; Clifton FC: Hire of Centre on 16.5.09 £100.00; Clifton Rainbows: Hire of Centre on 5.5.09 £7.00; Ladies Social Hour: Hire of Centre in Mar/April £77.00: Henlow Badminton Club: Hire of Centre in May £88.00; Bedfordshire FA: Hire of meeting room/changing facilities 24/29 th May £540.00; Mr D. Gray: Hire of Centre on 6.6.09 £160.00;

Payments Payment of the following accounts was authorised:_

J. Ferguson 1 Month's Litter collection £60.00 ) (Ch101579)

Mrs J. Yarwood: Wages for June(less tax and NI ) £598.51 (Ch101580/81)

I. Ansell Carter; Wages for June ( less tax ) £94.80 (Ch101582)

J. Pasquet: 5 weeks as replacement assistant to caretaker £125.00 (Ch101592)

Adrian Crawley: Playing Field maintenance in May £292.50 (Ch101584)

Beds Association: Affiliation fee 2009/2010 £543.00 (Ch101585)

Southern Electric £259.61 (inc VAT) (Ch101586)

D. J. Granger: Grass cutting in village x 2 + VAT £703.50 (Ch101587)

AG Plumbing Services: Supplying and fitting tap to basin in ladies toilet/flow spout to heater in gents toilet. £140. 00 (Ch101588)

Mrs J. C. Lanham: ¼ salary, expenses + postages for ¼ £1335.18 (Ch101589)

Play Safety / RoSPA inspection + VAT £89.70 (Ch101590)

All Saints Church Clifton P.C.C. Contribution for Family Day £150.00 (Ch101591)

Authority was given for the transfer of £4,000 from the Instant Access Business Premium Account to the Community Account.

New Bank signatory It was resolved that Dr. R. Puritz should replace Mr T. R. Cobb as a bank signatory and the Clerk should obtain the necessary mandate forms for this.

Dates of next meetings : Thursday, 23 rd July 2009; Thursday 10 th September 2009; Thursday, 8 th October 2009