Silverdale Parish Council

Monday 1st March 2021

12753.CONFIRMED minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of the Silverdale Parish Council held online using Zoom on Monday 1st March 2021 at 7pm

12754. Present: Chairman – M.J Fletcher (Mike), Vice Chairman – J. Bennett (John), City and Parish Councillor – J. Greenwell (June), County Councillor – P. Williamson (Phillippa), Police Sergeant (PS) L. Brown, T.G Bond (Terry), A.J Houghton (Tony), E. Unsworth (Liz), J. Ferguson (Jim), S. Higham (Sue), Clerk – L.D Challenor (Denise), Deputy Clerk – K.J Lambert (Katie) Cllr Greenwell experienced technical difficulties joining through Zoom at the start of the meeting but remained present via telephone until able to re-connect. Cllr Williamson also experienced technical difficulties and left the meeting halfway through unable to re-join.

12755. Apologies for Absence – None

12756. Declarations of Members’ Interests Relating to any Items Appearing on the Agenda – None

12757. Approve Minutes of the Previous Ordinary Council Meeting – The minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held online on Monday 1st February were approved by council and will be signed by the Chairman.

12758. Matters arising from the Minutes of Previous Meetings, not Covered by the Agenda 12744 – purchase of a Clerk’s laptop – on hold as a decision has yet to be made on the make and model. 12750 – new electric meter at the Millennium Clock – Cllr Bennett has liaised with British Gas and as the new meter they were hoping to install would be a Smart meter, due to the lack of mobile signal in the village, this would not be possible, so it will remain on a standard meter for the time being.

12759. Police Report – PS L Brown was in attendance tonight and was pleased to report a positive picture for the area. Two reports of damage to property have been reported, one on the Nature Reserve and the other of damage to squirrel traps. Majority of calls received have been Covid related breeches, which are being recorded as Anti-Social Behaviour. The Police are taking a proportionate approach and only issuing penalty notices if there is a blatant disregard of the Regulations. So far only one such penalty has been issued in the area. PS Brown wanted to highlight the Police’s additional duties in helping support the NHS with the vaccination programme where they have been personally visiting those households who are eligible for the vaccine but have been unable to be reached by letter or telephone. Police Sergeant Brown left the meeting

12760. Matters Raised by Members of the Public for Future Consideration – With the 3-minute allocation, Mr MHallam wished to summarise recent discussions which had taken place on Facebook regarding his proposal for a walk/cycle path alongside Park Road. Citing the examples of other areas he has visited, they take strips of agricultural land that are separated by walls from the road, add a well-drained, level surface a couple of metres wide then a post and rail fence is used to separate the agricultural side. Mr Hallam suggested such a footpath could be created on land controlled by the National Trust that borders Park Road, this could run from their car park at Eves Wood all the way to the current footpath by the entrance to The Woodlands public house. Visitors could then cross the road and walk-up Bottoms Lane past the cemetery where another strip could be negotiated around the graveyard following its boundary wall back to then run parallel with Emesgate Lane before re-joining the main village footpath.

12761. Report of Relevant Matters from City Councillor June Greenwell – Cllr Greenwell circulated a report to Cllr’s prior to the meeting but as she was experiencing technical difficulties, the only matter needing highlighting is for Cllrs agreement for her to draft a letter in further support of the Morecambe Bay Unitary Trust. CllrsAGREED this to be a worthy matter.

12762. Report of Relevant Matters from County Councillor Phillippa Williamson – Cllr Williamson attended a meeting yesterday with Chairman of the Lancashire Resilience Forum to press the committee for better communication to the public about staying local following the influx of visitors the sunnier weather brings to the area’s beauty spots. Councils will have to look for ways to work with the numbers and to help people stay safe as there is no legal time limit on exercises. Cllrs to forward any concerns re parking to Cllr Williamson and she will do her best to provide support from County Council.

12763. Reports on any Meetings Attended by Members or the Clerk – None

12764. Correspondence – Receipt of the following items of correspondence were noted:

a)SLDC weekly planning report. (Emailed 30/1, 4/2, 18/2/21)

b)Trading Standards Bulletin. (Emailed to Cllrs. 31/1/21)

c)Invitation to participate in a consultation regarding changes to Local Government structures for The Bay on 4/2/21. (Emailed to Clerk on 2/2/21 & Cllr’s 3/2/21) email received too late to be of used

d)A resident request’s that the Council assists in their attempt to stop vehicles from parking at The Cove. (Emailed request 9/2/21)

e)Information regarding the forthcoming City and County Council elections details of which will be covered in a Zoom meeting on 22nd February at 6pm. (Emailed 10/2/21)

f)NALC’s information about the Design Code. (Emailed 13/2/21) – insufficient time given to complete

g)Notice of SELRAP AGM 9th March 2021. (Emailed 15/2/21)

h)The House Briefing for stakeholders: Building Regulations & Fire Safety. Online on 16/3/21. (Emailed 15/2/21)

i)An Invitation to Powering Up Recovery: Lancashire forum on 1/3/21. (Emailed 16/2/21)

j)Keer to Kent publication – currently circulating amongst Cllrs

12765. Planning Matters It was noted that the following planning applications were dealt with under the provisions of Standing Order 25;

a)20/00640/FUL Land between 7 & 11 St John’s Avenue – Erection of one 2 storey dwelling (C3), alteration of levels and installation of drainage infrastructure. (Emailed to Cllrs. 31/1/21) No objections

b)21/00073/FUL 3 Wallings Lane – Removal of septic tank and installation of a sewage treatment plant. (Emailed to Cllrs. 4/2/21) No objections

c)21/00086/FUL 16 The Row – Demolition of existing conservatory and erection of a replacement single storey rear extension. (Emailed 9/2/21) No objections

12766. Clerks Report of any Action (other than consideration of Planning Applications) Taken Under the Provisions of Standing Order 25

a)Fallen tree in need of removal – D Wain liaised with Cllr. Bond to remove.

b)Arthur Graves – instructed to remove brambles at the corner of Stankelt Road upon entrance to the village. Will invoice for 1 hr at £30.00

12767. Working Groups

a)SPIDS – Cllr Fletcher spoke with County Highways yesterday and they have yet to confirm the position of the new poles which are required as new SPIDS are much heavier. Cllr Fletcher to liaise with Cllr Williamson to see if she could expedite this decision.

b)Parking – thanks given to the working group for all the time and effort spent so far. Discussions were focused on short term measures needed to support the village during the coming months, in particular the Easter holidays. Cllr Bond has written to the Community Connectors asking for assistance and is awaiting their response as well as from the following sites – National Trust, Silverdale School, St Johns Church, Quarry at Browns Housing. The Masonic Lodge have declined access however Silver Sapling field will open up with an attendant for parking on a donation’s basis. A proposal to purchase 30/50 ‘No Waiting’ cones was also put forward by Cllr Houghton as a more cost-effective option given that City Council now outsource their coning to a private firm. The areas of most concern are Shore Road and the centre of the village opposite The Royal. Cllr Houghton has paced these areas and estimates 30/50 cones should be sufficient. The need for signage was also discussed with various options put forward however it was AGREED by councillors given the time constraints of the evenings meeting to collate prices and options after the meeting and present them for decision at a working group meeting ahead of the Easter holidays on Thursday 25th March.

c)Mobile Phone Survey Results – Cllr Unsworth circulated to Cllrs prior to the meeting a detailed 30 page report of the results gathered from the mobile phone survey of residents. As Cllrs had nothing further to add to the report, Cllr Unsworth will now forward to the relevant contacts along with the Director for Growth and Regeneration at LCC, which Cllr Greenwell will confirm the details of. Cllr Greenwell also suggested the report be sent to the relevant GP surgeries who use a SMS service so that they are aware of the issues the residents face.

d)Toilets – Cllr Ferguson circulated to Cllrs prior to the meeting a proposal of remedial works to improve the access, general appearance and signage of the toilets. Cllrs AGREED to put the works out to tender and review again once prices have been gathered. Long term, the building does not lend itself well for disability access and baby changing. Plans for a new, simple building have been offered to be drawn free of charge to allow Council to use if future grants become available for such works to be carried out. It was noted that the toilets are not a Parish asset and perhaps permission would need to be granted before such works could be carried out. Cllr Higham to investigate adding the toilets to Google Maps so visitors can make use of the facility.

12768. Finance

a)For the monthly check of monies received by the Council, statements were circulated to Cllrs ahead of the meeting from Electricity Northwest for the Playground Wayleave of £127.05.

b)The payments to the following accounts were approved and required cheques signed;

•British Gas (clock) – £19.30 BACS

•British Gas (toilets) – £31.17 BACS •Waterplus (toilets) – £47.66 BACS

•i-clean (toilets) – £244 CHQ 22217

•Westmorland Tree Care Ltd (tender Ash tree felling) – £1,044 CHQ 22218

•Lancaster City Council (AONB ponds) – £312 CHQ 22219

•LALC (subscription) – £326.96 CHQ 22220

•Kedel Ltd (plastic wood/benches) – £288.18 CHQ 22221

•Great Oaks (contractor) – £643.20 CHQ 22222 •John Bennett (paint for playground) – £16.20 CHQ 22223

•AONB S137 (further donation) – £350 CHQ 22224 – 6 votes in favour of additional donation but sent with expectations. Cllr Fletcher to collate public and Cllr’s reports and liaise with ANOB as to what works need to be carried out.

c)Insurance claim (emailed to Cllrs 8/2/21) – the insurance company has written to say Mr Scurr must prove the Parish has been negligent in their duties in order for them to pay for its replacement. The tree was identified as having Ash Die Back however was not deemed a danger at the time. It was AGREED that as a gesture of goodwill the Parish would look to get the shed made useable. The Clerk to obtain two quotes which include timescales to put forward to Council at the next meeting.

d)Review of the General Risk Assessment – there is currently no emergency cover for the tending of the toilets. The Clerk to confirm with whomever has the successful tender that cover would be provided in the event of illness or holiday. It was AGREED by Cllrs that as the hot water is only used for cleaning purposes, the temperature check should be carried out and recorded every month rather than weekly.

e)Asset Register Review – Circulated to Cllrs prior to the meeting. An additional bench to be added as another has been kindly donated after the register had been circulated.

f)Chatty Benches – Cllr Greenwell to contact the Community Connector for guidance on the matter as cannot be seen to promote any activity which is outside the guidance from central government. g)Parish Magazine Charges – the matter to be carried forward until a date for additional charges has been confirmed.

12769. Toilets

a)Servicing Tender for 21/22 – From the two tenders received and circulated to Cllr’s prior to the meeting it was AGREED based on cost for D Holt of iClean to continue the servicing for the year at a cost of £3,018.64. The Clerk to confirm that this will be a continual service and that appropriate cover would be provided in case of holiday or illness.

b)Screwfix Foundation Grant Application – it was AGREED by Cllrs that the application would not be put forward for consideration as the works needed on the toilets to improve the disability access would cost more than what grant would be available if successful.

12770. Streetscape

a)Benches – materials have arrived and are ready to fit at The Shore. Awaiting suitable date from D Wain. Another memorial bench has been kindly offered by Mr and Mrs Yates which is to be placed at The Shore following agreement from the landowner. AGREED by Cllrs for the Clerk to purchase the same as the one previously donated.

b)Noticeboards – Cllr Bennett has approached two joinery firms to provide quotes to supply the 4 new proposed boards. Once the quotes have been received, Cllr Bennett will put them forward to Council for discussion.

c)Waste Bins – Cllr Bennett circulated a diligent and comprehensive report prior to the meeting on the position and condition of the waste bins throughout village. Cllrs Fletcher, Bennett and Ferguson to form a working group to discuss the report and put forward a proposal of works to Council for consideration.

12771. Playground Matters

a)Zip Wire – Cllr Bennett undertook a further thorough examination of the zip wire and found there to be no signs of fatigue or rusting. Cllr Bennett will come back to Council with regards the provision of a safety chain once a quote has been obtained.

b)Flat Swings – Cllr Bennett measured the lower links of the chains with a digital calliper gauge and found them to be 32% worn. The recommended level for replacement is 40% so Cllr Bennett believes there may be another couple of years left on the chains before replacement is needed but will keep a monitor.

c)Wet Pour – Cllr Bennett currently working with D Wain to find an effective method to clean the algae and moss off the wet pour.

12772. Items for Information

a)Felling of trees as Woodwell – Phase 1 to begin next week

b)Corner House – communications currently in progress with regards access.

c)New Councillor and Clerk Training – expenditure authorised, dates to be confirmed

12773. Suggestions for Future Agenda Items – none proposed

12774. Date and Time of Next Meeting – Due to the Bank Holiday, the date of the next meeting is Thursday 8th April 2021. Items for the agenda and copies of reports to reach the Clerk before Wednesday 31st March.

 

AGENDA SILVERDALE PARISH COUNCIL
Councillors are hereby summoned, and members of the public are invited, to attend a Parish Council Meeting on 1st March 2021 at 7.00pm online by obtaining a link from the clerk, for the purposes detailed in the following Agenda:

1 To receive apologies for absence.

2 To receive declarations of Members’ interests relating to any items appearing on the agenda.

3 To approve the Minutes of an Ordinary Council Meeting held on 1st February 2021.

4 To receive information about matters arising from the Minutes of previous meetings, not covered by the Agenda.

5 To receive a report from the Police if available.

6 To hear matters raised by Members of the Public for future consideration. Note: Members of the Council are not permitted to respond, except to ask questions for the purposes of clarification only.

7 To receive a report of any relevant matters by City Councillor June Greenwell.

8 To receive a report of any relevant matters by County Councillor Phillippa Williamson.

9 To receive verbal reports from any meetings attended by Members, or the Clerk (verbal reports are only acceptable where no decision, or action, is required).

10 To consider the following items of correspondence received since the last meeting and to determine what, if any, action should be taken:
a) SLDC weekly planning report. (Emailed 30/1, 4/2, 18/2/21
b) Trading Standards Bulletin. (Emailed to Cllrs. 31/1/21)
c) Invitation to participate in a consultation regarding changes to Local Government structures for The Bay on 4/2/21. (Emailed to Clerk on 2/2/21 & Cllr’s 3/2/21)
d) A resident requests that the Council assists them in their attempt to stop vehicles from parking at The Cove. (Emailed request 9/2/21)
e) Information regarding the forthcoming City and County Council elections details of which will be covered in a Zoom meeting on 22nd February at 6pm. (Emailed 10/2/21)
f) NALC’s information about the Design Code. (Emailed 13/2/21)
g) Notice of SELRAP AGM 9th March 2021. (Emailed 15/2/21)
h) The House Briefing for stakeholders: Building Regulations & Fire Safety. Online on 16/3/21. (Emailed 15/2/21)
i) An Invitation to Powering Up Recovery: Lancashire forum on 1/3/21. (Emailed 16/2/21)
j) Keer to Kent publication.

11 To note that the following Planning Applications were dealt with under the provisions of Standing Order 25:
• 20/00640/FUL Land between 7 & 11 St John’s Avenue. Erection of one 2 storey dwelling (C3), alteration of levels and installation of drainage infrastructure. (Emailed to Cllrs. 31/1/21)
• 21/00073/FUL 3 Wallings Lane. Removal of septic tank and installation of a sewage treatment plant. (Emailed to Cllrs. 4/2/21)
• 21/00086/FUL 16 The Row. Demolition of existing conservatory and erection of a replacement single storey rear extension. (Emailed 9/2/21)
b) To consider the following Planning Applications: None

12 To receive the Clerk’s report of any action (other than consideration of Planning Applications) taken under the provisions of Standing Order 25:
Fallen tree needed removing – Dave Wain liaised with Cllr. Bond to remove.

13 Working Parties
a) SPID update.
b) Parking –update; to include authorising the purchase of 30 cones at £150.
c) To comment on the Mobile Phone survey results.
d) Toilets. To receive the working party’s assessment of work that needs to be done to improve the access and condition of the toilets.

14 Finance
a) To conduct the monthly check of all money received by the Council (bank statements to be inspected by a Member who is not a Bank Signatory) Wayleaves (for playground account) £127.05.
b) To authorise payment and sign cheques for the following accounts:
• British Gas, toilets, £31.17 bacs
• British Gas, clock, £19.30 bacs
• Waterplus, toilets, £47.66, bacs
• iclean, toilets, £244, cheque 22217
• Westmorland Tree Care Ltd, tender Ash felling, £1044 cheque 22218
• Lancaster City Council, AONB ponds, £312, cheque 22219
• LALC, subscription, £326.96, cheque 22220
• Kedel Ltd. plastic wood/benches, £288.18 cheque 22221
• Great Oaks, contractor, £643.20, cheque 22222
• John Bennett, paint for playground, £16.20 cheque 22223
• AONB S137, consider further donation, £350 cheque 22224
c) To decide what action to take in respect to the insurance claim. (Emailed to Cllrs 8/2/21)
d) To review the general Risk Assessment. (Attached)
e) To review the Asset register. (Attached)
f) To decide whether to provide “chatty benches” to encourage lonely individuals to sit on them for conversation with like minded people. This would simply be providing signage and leaflets showing selected seats. (see email of 27/1/21)
g) To consider the forthcoming Parish Magazine charges and decide what action to take.

15 Toilets
a) To consider the tenders received.
b) To form the details to apply to the Screwfix Foundation for a grant for the toilets if considered appropriate.

16 Streetscape
a) Benches – To receive an update.
b) Noticeboards – To receive an update.
c) Waste Bins – To review a report into their current location/condition and consider what action should be taken.

17 Playground – To receive a report on any urgent actions that have been taken and to consider any other issues raised in either the Lancaster CC quarterly, or Parish weekly inspections.

18 To note any “Items for Information” (no decisions or action permitted)

19 To receive items for consideration for a future agenda.

20 To note that the date of the next meeting is Thursday 8th April 2021. Items for the agenda and copies of reports, to reach the Clerk before 31st March.
Signed:
L D Challenor
Denise Challenor, Clerk to the Council, 01524 761824