Minutes of a meeting of Clifton Parish Council held on Thursday 10 th April 2008 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 S. Fish

Mrs P. Livesey,

Mr S. Melia

1. Public Forum: It was noted that Mr T. Hyde of 33a Hitchin Lane had approached Bedfordshire on Sunday and launched a petition to remove the mini island at the junction of Broad Street and Hitchin Lane . It was agreed that this petition should be forwarded to the County Council and that Mr Hyde should be advised of this action.

2. Apologies , Apologies were received from Councillors Mr A. Burnage, Mrs I. Cook, Mr M. Ephgrave, Mr J. Stevens, Mr I. Pacey. Dr R. Puritz , District Councillor P Carne and District and County Councillor T. . Rogers .

3. . Minutes . The minutes of the meeting held on Thursday 13 th March, (a copy of which had been forwarded to each member of the Council) were agreed to be a true record and were signed.

4 Matters arising:

4.1 War Memorial :: Mr Livesey reported on the conversation he had with Mr C. Nott. The latter was seeking to obtain agreement on a revised valuation which was nearer to the sum insured. This was noted.

.4.2 Memorial bench : The Clerk reported that Mr Rees was willing to pay the costs of installing the seat. Estimates for this would be sought.

4.3 Garden of Remembrance : It was understood that permission has been received from the diocese to embark on this project and a public appeal had been launched

4.4 Pre School : Owing to the inclement weather the official Opening Day had been cancelled..

4.5 Community Centre heating : Work on this had now been completed,

4.6 Caretakers telephone : Mrs Yarwood has now got her mobile (Tel no. 07824 773983). Mr Melia was thanked for arranging this.

4.7 Ms C. Jury : It was reported that measures have been taken to minimise noise. Mr Cobb and Mr Stevens had tightened up the backboard and the latter met a Mr Conroy, who deals with tennis courts to discuss the problem. It was agreed that nets would not be effective but an alternative recommendation was made. Mr Conroy also gave a verbal estimate of £7,000.00 to move the court and was asked to confirm this in writing when submitting his estimate for fencing.. It was agreed that this matter should be further investigated.

4. 8Grass cutting : It was reported that a copy of Mr Granger's insurance cover note had been forwarded together with the required documentation to the County Council. The grant will be paid in due course. No further invoice from the Parish Council will be necessary..

4.9 Link a Ride : The Highways Committee had recommended a donation of £100.00. This recommendation was accepted and a cheque drawn.

4.10 Confident Communities : The Chairman read a letter from the County Council stating that both projects put forward had been accepted; - £4000.00 for provision of PCSO time and £4000.00 towards the cost of a second VAS sign. It was noted that there would be an excess to pay on the provision of a VAS sign and it was agreed a contribution could be made.

•  Outstanding Matters: The lists of overdue matters were circulated and considered

•  Correspondence :

6.1: Allianz Cornhill: Invitation to renew the insurance policy for 2008/09. The premium will be £3,654.95

6.2 BDO Stoy Hayword; Letter giving notice of the audit for 2007/2008 together with the forms. This audit will take place on 13 th June 2008

6.3 Affordable Village Housing

6.4 RCC: Survey of Rural Services

6.5 Internal Drainage Board Review 2007

6.6 MBDC Standard Planning Application form Consultation

6.7 MBDC: Notification of postal addresses for 198 Shefford Road

6.8 CPRE Countryside Voice

6.9 Milton Keynes ADHD appeal

6.10 Forestry Commission: Woods

6.11 CPRE: Invitation to AGM at Bletsloe Village Hall on 24.4.08 at 8.15 pm

6.12 Bedfordshire Apr/May 2008

Local Council Briefing.

7. Community Centre and Playing Fields Management Committee:

The report of the meeting held on Wednesday, 19 th March, a copy of which had previously been circulated to each member of the Council was presented and discussed. It was noted:-

7.1 Village Representative : The Annual Parish Meeting had delegated the election of a Village Representative to this meeting Accordingly Mrs Dawson was elected Village Representative.

7.2. Caretaker's Communications : In discussion with Mrs Yarwood it was agreed that she should attend meetings for a short while to discuss matters of concern with the committee and highlight any potential problems. Current areas of concern included wear on the floor in the entrance hall, gutters which still leaked and retention of water which then leaked into the building and an incident concerning the footballers at the weekend. Mr Stevens stated that the latter had been resolved , Mr Potter should be asked to come back to fix the gutters. Mrs Yarwood noted that she kept a list of “work to be done” and these were attended to as and when she had time to do these tasks.

7.3 Heating: Mr Harvey had completed the work.

7.4 Dog fouling It was reported that guidance on possible future measures had been received from Defra. The Chairman outlined the various options which might be taken to control dogs on the playing field.. He undertook to set down the steps necessary to achieve the exclusion order, the agreed option, and circulate them.

7.5. Referees Changing Room : Some work still remains to be done.

7.6 Redecoration of interior and damage to doors It was reported that letters were sent inviting quotations from 4 local firms for the partial redecoration. Doors will be re-painted with sadolin appropriate measures to avoid damage caused to the walls at a low level by chairs taken; also the floors repainting in the toilets repainted.

7.7 Section 106 Agreement – Stockbridge Road Development : The Chairman had circulated details of Hags keep fit equipment which was considered possible for installation on the playing field. He had approached Mrs Chiswell who had been enthusiastic. Members should consider the matter further in order that a project could be planned and estimates sought.

7.8 Hall Floor The Numatic TT3450T Mains Scrubber Dryer is now in operation. obtained. Mr Stevens had supplied the Clerk with the necessary part numbers for ordering from the manufacturer.

7.9 Youth Club It was noted that no help was forthcoming and the proposal was shelved indefinitely.

7.10 Caretaker's telephone; A telephone had been obtained for the caretaker; this was given to her..

7.11Raj Miah was prepared to advertise the Community Centre in the Clifton Cuisine. Mr Stevens would prepare the advertisement but required some photographs of groups using the premises.

7.12 Car park : Sweeping is required. Mr Crawley would do this.

7.13 Trees At the request of the football clubs it was reported that Mrs Livesey had trimmed the the lower branches of trees near the Yew Tree Walk end of the playing field. Since the trees involved were in the Conservation Area it was agreed to consult Mr Morwood about further pruning and shaping.

7.14 Anti-glare on upper windows: Advice and a quotation should be sought

7.15The heater in the meeting room needs attention.

7.16 Replacement padlocks had now been fitted.

7.17 Finance (a) Mrs Yarwood's, Mr Ansell-Carter's and Mr Ferguson's accounts were authorised.

(b) The balance sheet showed a balance of income over expenditure of £993.62. It was noted that the Clifton Cuisine had now paid their account.

(c) The Forward Plan was presented and the contents noted.

7.18 Correspondence : (a) Ms C. Jury Letter dated 11 th March 2008 detailing further aggravation caused by the re- basket ball court. The Chairman read this and the matter was discussed at length. The Chairman and Mr Cobb had spent time making adjustments to minimise the noise but it would be necessary to ask for an engineer from SMP to call. Enquiries were also being made about the possibility of erecting nets. It was also agreed that a quotation for cost of the re-location be asked for.

(b) The Chairman had received a request from the Strict Baptist Church to borrow 10 tables and 50 chairs from the Community Centre on 4 th April. Proposed by Mrs Cook and seconded by Mr Ephgrave that these should be loaned at a cost of £25.00.

7.19 Any other Matters ; It was noted that there was money due to the Community Centre from a Clifton Village Hall charity. After discussion it was agreed that this should be spent to supplement the crockery and cutlery as required.

The report was then adopted.

8.Highways Committee: .

The report of the meeting held on Thursday 20 th March, a copy of which had previously been circulated to each member of the Council was presented and discussed. It was noted:-

8.1 War Memorial: There was nothing further to report.

8.2 Drain by the War Memorial: It was reported that since there had been no progress report on the proposed work Mr Rogers had been asked to investigate. The Clerk had requested a report.

8.3: Bollards on the splay of the AdmiralPH A report had been requested .

8.4 New Trees Mrs Livesey reported that new trees were now planted. She had contacted Mr Alderman as they had not been adequately caged against the risk of vandalism.

8.5 Litter bin : The order for a litter bin by the butcher's shop had been placed with Mid Beds District Council. Mr Rogers had reported that he had an old bin which he could install but it was agreed that the order for a bin from Mid Beds should not be cancelled. A new one is required in Broad Street opposite the Clifton Cuisine

8.6 Bilberry verges The County Council had been asked to resolve the matter concerning the parking bollards in Bilberry as Mr Granger was unable to use his large mower and charges the Parish Council £15.00 extra per cut . Since the mowing season is shortly to begin the matter is now urgent.

8.7 Road signs: It was reported these had been replaced

8.8 Yew Tree Walk :. Mrs Livesey noted that she had removed elder from one side of the path. The Clerk had cut the brambles from the school grounds growing over the footpath and the Chairman requested that thanks to both ladies was recorded...

8.9 Pre School The new Pre-School building was now on site. The official opening is to be held on Saturday 12 th April. Parish Council had agreed that their contribution was to be used to partly fund the ramp for the disabled access and this had now been made.

8.10 Cars parking on the verge: Mr Livesy was continuing to place “polite notes” on the windscreens of cars parking on the verges throughout the village. .

8.11 Grass cutting. Mr Livesey reported that Mr John Humphreys had visited the village to measure the area of grass now cut and an increase in the grant had been agreed..

8.12 Traffic Calming Survey The Chairman reported that he had met Alan Trille earlier that day and they and colleagues had surveyed the village. The latter would be making a feasibility study together with estimates of prices involved and would draw up proposals for measures to be taken around the War Memorial

8.13Bedfordshire County Council: Submission of account for £2,000.00 towards the cost of the VAS in Stanford Lane . Mr Livesey had checked this and it had been established that the account was sent in error. The account had been paid from money in the Town and Parish Council Highways Agreement allocation.

8.14 Memorial bench . This had now been received in the village. Mr Rees should be informed of this and a copy of the invoice forwarded to him together with an estimate for the installation which should be obtained from S. P. Savage.

8.15 Telegraph poles: These had been removed.

8.16 Matter referred from Council (a) Mid Beds Link a Ride: Letter giving brief annual report and requesting support from towns and parishes. It was agreed that a donation of £100.00 be made.

8.17 Correspondence: (a).Letter dated 20.3.08 from Mrs C. Duff, 3 Grange Street . She has had an offer from a young man to construct a replacement island and asked permission for this work to be undertaken. It was agreed that the cost of materials should be refunded and a receipt for VAT purposes obtained .

(b) Beds County Council : Letter and details of Enhanced Partnership Scheme 2008/09. £7,000.00 has been allocated to Clifton . Submission of proposals should be by 1 st June 2008. This was noted.

8.18 Outstanding Matters The list of outstanding matters was presented and considered. Negotiations with the County Council concerning the split barriers in particular that from The Joint to Newis Crescent had been re-opened. Action to modify the bus stop outside the One Stop Shop had been refused. The entrance to Fairfax Close had been noted during the course of Mr Cobb and Mr Trille's tour of the village.

8.19 Forward Plan The Forward Plan for March 2008 was presented and details noted

8.20 Other matters (a) : VAS sign: This needs re-adjusting.

(b) Bench near One Stop Shop requires a repair to the seat

(c) Memorial Garden Mrs Livesey noted that she and Mr Livesey were working there pruning shrubs and generally tidying it.

(d) It was suggested that consideration might be given to installing a seat on the S bend.

The report was then adopted. In discussion of it the Chairman was questioned about proposed measures to protect the War Memorial when reconstructed, the state of the surface of Broad Street and Shefford Road was criticised and it was noted that the exterior of the litter bin outside the Clifton Cuisine was missing.

9. Planning

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

08/00313/FULL: Single and two storey rear extension at 45 Stockbridge Road (Mr and Mrs Scorah)

08/00453/FULL: First floor extensions to front and rear over existing flat roof at 72c Broad Streeet.

The undermentioned plan has been returned to Beds County Council with no objection but with the comment that occasional conifers would give a little camouflage through winter.

* BC/CS/2008/5: Landscaping scheme at Clifton Sewage Treatment Works (Anglian Water Services.)

*Note This plan had since been withdrawn

The minutes of the extra-ordinary meeting to determine the Parish Council's response to Mid Beds LDF “Talk to Mid Beds were signed. Mr Livesey and Mr Cobb had drafted the response which had been delivered in person. They were congratulated on this detailed comprehensive work.

10 Reports (a) Clifton Lower School: Mrs Livesey gave a short report

(b) Mid Beds District Council:. There was no report

(c) Beds CC: No report was presented.

(d) Other; The Clerk reported briefly on a presentation at the Rufus Centre on the Local Area Agreement held for Town and Parish Councils

11 Finance

:Current bank statements at 31.3.08. show

Community Account £ 3681.73 at 23.3.08 with £3,683.70 worth of non presented cheques

Business Premium Account £11045.39

Business Reserve account £69812.71

The Village Improvement Fund stands at £71,676.10. £20,000 is earmarked for the cost of lighting, £771.90 was used for grass cutting which has exceeded estimated expenditure.

Outstanding accounts:: None – VAT repayment of £657.09 applied for

Receipts: The following receipts were reported; : Mrs J. Saggers: Hire of Centre on 12.4.08 £30.00: J. R. Milne Hire of Centre for exhibition £50.00; Clifton Badminton Group £216.00; Ladies Social Hour : Hire of Centre in March £36.00; Beds CC: Grant for weed killing £211.00; Clifton Elder People Hire of Community Centre in 2008/09 $195.00; Barclays Bank plc ¼ Interest on Business Premium A/c £64.12

Payments Payment of the undermentioned accounts was authorised:-

J. Ferguson 1 Months Litter collection £55.00 (Ch 101402 )

Adrian Crawley: Playing Field maintenance in March £430.83 ( Ch101403 )

Mrs J. Yarwood: Wages for April(less tax and NI ) (Ch 101404/405)

I. Ansell Carter; Wages for April (less tax) £ ( Ch101406)

B. Livesey: Refund of cost of printing for exhibition £30.00 (Ch 101407)

Southern Electric: Electricity supply March £239.05 (Ch 101408)

D . Granger Grass cutting in village +VAT £332.35 (Ch 101409)

FireX:: Service and replacement cylinder +VAT £139.83 (Ch 101410)

Wicksteed: Seat for Glow Worm see saw + carriage/VAT £40.54 (Ch101411)

Brookers: Replacement padlocks + pipe lagging for goal unit + VAT £99.71 (Ch101412)

*Mid Beds Link-a-Ride £100.00 (Ch 101413 )

Inland Revenue:£955.11 (Ch 101414)

The Clerk was given authority to transfer £3,400.00 from the Business Premium Account to the Community Account.

12. Dates of next meetings : Thurs 8 th May 2008

Thurs 12 th June

Thurs 24 th July

* Section 137 payment.