Silverdale Parish Council

Thursday 6th May 2021
12799. CONFIRMED minutes of the Annual Meeting of the Silverdale Parish Council held online using Zoom on Thursday 6th May 2021 at 7pm
12800. Present:
Chairman – M.J Fletcher (Mike), Vice Chairman – J. Bennett (John), Parish Councillors – T. Bond (Terry), A. Houghton (Tony), E. Unsworth (Liz), J. Ferguson (Jim), S. Higham (Sue), Clerk – L.D Challenor (Denise), Deputy Clerk – K. Lambert (Katie)
12801. Election of Council Chairman – Cllr Bennett proposed the continuation of Cllr M Fletcher as Chairman, seconded by Cllr Bond. No further nominations were received, Cllr Fletcher accepted the position, The Clerk to witness the signing of the Declaration of Acceptance of Office.
12802. Election of Council Vice-Chairman – Cllr Fletcher proposed the continuation of Cllr J Bennett as Vice Chairman, seconded by Cllr Higham. No further nominations were received, Cllr Bennett accepted the position.
12803. Apologies for Absence –– J. Greenwell (City and Parish Councillor), P. Williamson (County Councillor) apologies due to commitments with the local elections. P.S L Brown is on annual leave
12804. Approve Minutes of the Previous Ordinary Council Meeting – The minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held online on Thursday 8th April were APPROVED by council with an amendment to the date in 12775 from ‘March’ to ‘April’ and will be signed by the Chairman.
12805. Matters arising from the Minutes of Previous Meetings, not Covered by the Agenda a) 12717 f) Shoot at Middlebarrow Wood – Cllr Ferguson has spoken with Lucy Barron of the AONB who will take the matter up with the landowner
12806. Police Report – No report received this month
12807. Report of Relevant Matters from County Councillor Phillippa Williamson – None
12808. Report of Relevant Matters from City Councillor June Greenwell – None
12809. Election of Members to Working Groups and Council Representatives to Outside Organisations –
Active Working Groups – AGREED
a) Village Parking – Terry Bond, June Greenwell, Tony Houghton, Liz Unsworth
b) Speeding, Traffic Control and Road Safety – June Greenwell, Sue Higham, Tony Houghton, Liz Unsworth c) Playground – John Bennett, Sue Higham, Liz Unsworth
d) Street Decorations – John Bennett, Mike Fletcher, Liz Unsworth (see point 12814 c)
e) Emergency Plan – John Bennett, Terry Bond, Jim Ferguson, Mike Fletcher, Sue Higham f) Woodland Management, Wells and Quarries – Terry Bond, Jim Ferguson
g) Health and Safety – John Bennett, Tony Houghton
h) Streetscape (clock, benches, bus shelter, noticeboards) – John Bennett, Mike Fletcher, Jim Ferguson i) Highways (verges, hedges, waste removal, drains) – John Bennett, Tony Houghton
j) Footpaths and Signs – Terry Bond, Mike Fletcher, Jim Ferguson
k) Tender Documents – Terry Bond, John Bennett, Mike Fletcher
Liaison and External Meetings – AGREED
l) GDPR (Data Protection) – Sue Higham
m) AONB – Jim Ferguson
n) National Trust – Terry Bond
o) Neighbourhood Watch – Mike Fletcher
p) RSPB Leighton Moss – Terry Bond
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q) Morecambe Bay Partnership – June Greenwell
r) First Responders – Mike Fletcher
s) Mansergh Charity – Liz Unsworth
t) LAPTC (Lancaster Area Committee) – Terry Bond
u) Gaskell Hall – Mike Fletcher
v) Lancaster and District Sustainable Transport Forum – June Greenwell
w) The Silverdale Institute – Terry Bond
x) Friends of Silverdale Station – Mike Fletcher
y) Public Communication – Liz Unsworth
12810. Verbal Reports from any Meetings of Relevance Attended by Members, or the Clerk, Circulated Before the Meeting and Not Listed Elsewhere in the Agenda –
a) AONB – Cllr Ferguson attended the bi-annual general meeting, nothing of significance to report. b) BMC – Cllr Houghton attended a meeting with the BMC (British Mountaineering Council) and the National Trust to discuss their installation of 40 climbing routes along the cliffs of the shore without the consultation or consent of the landowners. Cllr Houghton questioned the advertisement of the routes and whether it included the facilities in the village and a ‘What3Words’ reference for the emergency services, both of which had not been considered by the BMC. Cllrs raised concerns regarding the installation of the climbing paraphernalia and the effects its use could have on an AONB which ought to remain untouched. The matter is with the National Trust, Cllr Bond AGREED to follow the matter up with them and report any developments back to Council.
c) Cumbria View Children’s Home – Following complaints made to Cllr Houghton of a resident playing a speaker at various locations around the village at excessive volume, Cllr Houghton highlighted the matter to the Manager of the home which seems to have resolved the issue.
12811. Correspondence – Receipt of the following items of correspondence were noted: a) SLDC weekly planning update. (Sent to Cllrs – 1/4, 7/4, 21/4, 28/4/21)
b) The North West Coastal Path update – Comments up to 4/3/21 available to view. (1/4/21) c) A letter of objection to the changing of the entrance to the ladies toilets and appearance of the building. (1/4/21)
d) The University of Salford inform the Council of their hope to do some filming on the beach covering a WW1 scene. (Emailed 6/4/21)
e) A resident writes about repeated damage to their wall from HGV’s and seeks a solution. (Emailed 6/4/21) f) NALC writes about remote meetings and asks for support to continue with them. (Emailed 12/4/21) g) NALC informs of their involvement in the proposals for Local Government reform. (Emailed 13/4/21) h) North West Electricity gives 6 months’ notice of their intention to remove a streetlight opposite No. 40
Lindeth Road and other repair works in Silverdale. (Emailed to Cllr’s 13/4/21) – Parish Council do not pay for any running costs of this streetlight so assume the responsibility to be with the Highways Department at City Council. The Clerk to forward a copy of the correspondence received to Highways to ensure the matter is highlighted to them.
i) A list of Census support centres. (14/4/21)
j) LALC seeks nominations for the Queens Award for Voluntary Service. (Emailed 15/4/21) k) A local archaeologist introduces her services if ever needed, having seen some people using metal detectors in Silverdale. (Emailed 20/4/21)
l) LALC forward information on the NALC survey on Rural Broadband. (Emailed 25/4/21 m) Highways supply details of their Surface Dressing Schedule for 2021. (Emailed 26/4/21) n) The latest update showing progress in the England Coast Path in the North West. (Emailed 27/4/21) o) A resident writes to object to the suggestion that the Ladies toilets on Bank House Lane should have a more
visible entry. (Emailed 27/4/21) – comments noted and will be considered when the final decisions are being made.
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p) A resident writes about problems he has had with pedestrians believing there is a footpath public running through his property. (Emailed 30/4/21) – Cllr Ferguson awaits response from resident as to the footpath’s number /location.
12812. Planning Matters
a) It was noted the following planning applications were dealt with under the provisions of Standing Order 25; 1. 2100279/FUL 23A Cove Road – Erection of an outbuilding to create ancillary accommodation in association with 23A Cove Road. (Emailed 6/4/21, formerly responded 12/3/21) no objections
b) The Following Planning Applications were considered – None
12813. Clerks Report of any Action (other than consideration of Planning Applications) Taken Under the Provisions of Standing Order 25 – None
12814. Working Groups – update
a) Speeding, Traffic Control & Road Safety
1. SPIDS – Following a quote from Highways of £2,780 the working party feel this to be a little excessive and so are looking at alternative, lighter SPIDS to work with existing infrastructure and will report the findings at the next meeting before any spend is authorised.
2. 60MPH Speed at Red Bridge Lane / Station (emailed 27/04/21) – Following further concerns raised by residents it was AGREED by Council to request for the area to undergo a review by Highways and that it should be included in the overall Traffic Management Plan for Silverdale report due to be completed following findings from the parking plan after the final May Bank Holiday.
3. New charges at Gait Barrow car park (emailed 28/04/21) – Council was not consulted on the new charges however note that they are only advisory. Cllr Ferguson observed an increase in parking on the verges. b) Toilets
1. Improvements – Electrical inspection has now been carried out and a report of the other remedial works plus costs to follow.
2. Purchase of temporary signage – Cllr’s AGREED to spend up to £100 for temporary signage to improve visibility of their location for visitors. Cllr Houghton to research further as aluminium signs would be preferable and to report to The Clerk for purchase.
c) Street Decorations – it was AGREED by Cllr’s that the former working party ‘Christmas Lights’ be incorporated into a new working group entitled Street Decorations with the intention of improving the overall look of the village, particularly during the summer months. Cllr Fletcher has approached the Horticultural Society, WI and Silverdale St Johns who are keen to participate. An exploratory meeting will be organised and proposals put forward for consideration by Council.
12815. Playground Matters
a) Report on any urgent actions that have been taken and to consider any other issues raised in either the Parish weekly inspections or the Quarterly Inspections by Lancaster City Council – The next quarterly inspection has been received by City Council to which Cllr Bennett has summarised and circulated to Cllr’s ahead of the meeting. Main issues reported;
1. Cable Runway – deterioration noted on the seat and chain. Cllr Bennett has contacted Playdale for a quote to replace at the same time as the wire to ensure equipment’s safety for at least another 10 years. Price quoted is £376.70 (ex-VAT). Cllrs AGREED to the spend and suggested the seat and chain be retained as an emergency spare.
2. Algae / Moss on the wet pour – Cllr Bennett will be seeking advice from City Council on best way to remove without damaging the wet pour
3. Bolts caps missing from some of the equipment – D Wain has a bag of spares and will be instructed to replace.
4. Rot on the Activity Trail – some areas have severe rot, noted on report as low-risk, Cllr Bennett will monitor and update council if removal is required.
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5. Overflowing Bins – the steel bin closest to the gate is the only one which is appears to over fill, despite its proximity to the large, Black City Council bin outside the gate. Suggestions to relocate the bin to another area of the park.
6. Zip Wire Launch Deck – evidence of rot and surface slippery when wet. Report suggests a grip sure surface to be added to the deck. Cllr Bennett to research options as Playdale are not able to carry out repairs on this model.
7. Top Stones along Entrance Wall– chipped in places, have been repaired several times over the years, options for an alternative to be sourced and discussed at the next meeting, preferable something which would discourage the children from climbing over it.
b) Trees – Cllr Bond noted that he will need to do an inspection of the trees in the Playground soon. c) Weekly Inspection Sheets – concerns were raised that Council are not regularly receiving the weekly inspection sheets from the Parish Contractor, despite the insistence communicated on a number of occasions. Cllr Bennett to have a further conversation with D Wain that this is a contractual obligation and mandatory with a confirmation email from The Clerk. Matter to be monitored and discussed at the next meeting.
d) New Playground Equipment – following recent discussions with parents in the Playground, Cllr Unsworth has but forward a suggestion to add another swing for the older children, perhaps a basket swing and additional seating for the supervising adults. Whilst Cllr Bennett agrees this to be a good idea, the current equipment in the park is reaching the end of its life and will all need replacing in the not-so-distant future. Council have been setting money aside each year to build up a fund large enough to facilitate this, which will need to be in the region of £50-£70k. Currently there is nearly £30k in the fund so with this in mind, new equipment at this stage is not possible. Cllr’s AGREED to meet at the Playground on Saturday 8th to review the current equipment and collate a schedule of maintenance works needed in the short term.
12816. Consideration of the NALC Survey on the Progression Towards Having 5G Infrastructure Installed in the Area and Whether a Health Risk for Residents. (Emailed 27/4/21) – Cllr Bond to take the matter forward and complete the survey by the deadline of May 21st. It was noted how a 5G frequency does not have a long range so coverage will require a number of sites to be affective however given the current status of any network in the village, no other option is viable. Cllr Bond to report back at the next meeting.
12817. Finance
a) For the monthly check of monies received by the Council, bank statements were circulated to Cllrs ahead of the meeting and Cllr Ferguson has verified the following;
• £2,136.16 – HMRC VAT refund
• £82,453.45 – Balance on the Current Account on 28th April 2021
b) The payments to the following accounts were approved and required cheques signed; • British Gas (clock) – £13.03 BACS
• British Gas (toilets) – £24.75 BACS
• Great Oaks (contractor) – £643.20 CHQ:622237
• E Unsworth (reimbursement for signage) – £33.89 CHQ:622238
• iclean (toilets) – £251.55 CHQ:622239
• Malcolm Richardson (internal audit) – £108 CHQ:622240
• D Wain (contractor – 3mths) – £760 CHQ:622241
• D Wain (Ash tree tender) – £1,300 CHQ:622242
c) Audit – .
1. The Annual Accounts for 2020-21 were emailed to Cllr’s prior to the meeting and have been APPROVED and signed by the Chairman.
2. The Internal Auditor Report has been received with no further observation added.
3. Annual Return – sections 1 and 2 were APPROVED and signed. The period for the Exercise of Public Rights to view the documents will run from 1st June to 15th July 2021.
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d) Electricity Supply Contract (clock & toilets) – A quote was obtained from the current providers British Gas based on a 3-year contract for a Standing Charge of 45.030p/day and unit price of 22.045p/kWh. Previous rates were 32.256p/day and 16.010p/kWh. Cllrs found the increase questionable, the Deputy Clerk to forward details of recent commercial prices for comparison before a new contract is agreed.
12818. Appraisals
a) Deputy Clerk – following the completion of her trial period at the end of May Cllr’s AGREED for K Lambert to become a permanent member of staff and for her salary to rise to £10.82 from 1st June 2021. b) Clerk – to note Cllr Fletcher as Chairman has carried out the appraisal of The Clerk prior to tonight’s meeting. Cllr Bennett wished to thank both The Clerk and The Deputy for their efforts in the smooth running of Council matters.
12819. Application for a County Council Grant for use on Public Right of Ways – Cllr’s AGREED to formally apply for the £500 per annum grant to assist in the minor works needed on the public footpaths and to review again in a years’ time that conditions of the grant are manageable. Cllr Fletcher to forward contact details to The Clerk to enquire for further details and to apply.
12820. Surface Water Drainage Report by Cllr Ferguson – Cllr Ferguson has complied a report and circulated to Cllrs ahead of the meeting as to the condition of the drains at Lindeth Road and on Emesgate lane outside the Gaskell Hall and by The Old Forge. Drains are full of gunge and debris, compounded by the lack of road sweeping in the village. Cllrs note this has been an ongoing issue for many years and is a matter that urgently requires for a review by City Council’s Highways Department not only to clear the drains but to investigate how/where the water is drained to. Matter to be taken up and pushed by our County Councillor with the three areas indicated in the report to be made the priority.
12821. Changes to the Remit of Silverdale United Charities – Before approaching the Charity Commission, Cllr Bond seeks approval on behalf of the Charity to add two supplements to Clause 19 GENERAL BENEFIT of their remit; a) Grants towards individuals or families who have specific needs and are without the finances to attend to these. AGREED
b) Grants towards (non-commercial) clubs or societies which serve the village, which wish to develop their activities or resources and are without adequate finances to do so. AGREED
The name will also be changing to Silverdale United Trust as it has been discussed that ‘Charity’ may discourage some people / groups from coming to them for support.
12822. Quotations received from D Wain
a) Mr Scurr’s Shed – Mr Scurr is happy for repairs to be made to the smaller shed only, quote of £210 from D Wain was AGREED and that works must be made a priority.
b) Bus Shelter – £630 AGREED for painting with a Cuprinol protective coating and repairs to the roof and side panels.
c) Memorial Benches – £60 AGREED to be a reasonable cost for the installation of the memorial seats and will be passed on to the benefactors for reimbursement.
12823. Suggestions for Future Agenda Items – None
12824. Date and Time of Next Meeting – The date of the next meeting is to be Monday 7th June 2021. Items for the agenda and copies of reports to reach the Clerk by Monday 31st May.
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SILVERDALE PARISH COUNCIL

Councillors are hereby summoned, and members of the public are invited, to attend the Annual Parish Council Meeting on 6th May 2021 at 7.00pm, by Zoom on the internet (please contact the clerk for a link), for the purposes detailed in the following Agenda:

1 To elect the Chairman of the Council, and to witness the signing of the Declaration of Acceptance of Office.

2 To elect the Vice Chairman of the Council.

3 To receive Apologies for Absence.

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

5 To receive a Police Report; if available.

6 To receive a report of any relevant matters from the County Councillor P Williamson.

7 To receive a report of any relevant matters from the City Councillor J Greenwell.

8 To elect members of committees and representatives to other organisations. (List provided below)

9 To acknowledge reports from any online meetings of relevance attended by Members, or the Clerk circulated before the meeting and not listed elsewhere in the Agenda.

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 update. (To Cllrs.1/4,7/4, 21/4, 28/4/21)
b) The North West coastal path update. Comments up to 4/3/21 available to view. (1/4/21)
c) A letter of objection to the changing of the entrance to the Ladies toilets and appearance of the building. (1/4/21)
d) The University of Salford inform the Council of their hope to do some filming on the beach covering a WW1 scene. (Emailed 6/4/21)
e) A resident writes about repeated damage to their wall from HGV’s and seeks a solution.. (Emailed 6/4/21)
f) NALC writes about remote meetings and asks for support to continue with them. (Emailed 12/4/21) NALC informs of their involvement in the proposals for Local Government reform. (Emailed 13/4/21)
g) North West Electricity gives 6 months notice of their intention to remove a street light opposite No 40 Lindeth Road and other repair works in Silverdale. (Emailed to 13/4/21)
h) A list of Census support centres. (14/4/21)
i) LALC seeks nominations for the Queens Award for Voluntary Service. (Email 15/4/21)
j) A local archaeologist introduces her services if ever needed, having seen some people using metal detectors in Silverdale. (Emailed 20/4/21)
k) LALC forward information on the NALC survey on Rural Broadband. (Emailed 25/4/21)
l) Highways supply details of their Surface Dressing Schedule for 2021. (Emailed 26/4/21)
m) The latest update showing progress in the England Coast Path in the north west. (Emailed 27/4/21)
n) A resident writes to object to the suggestion that Ladies toilet on Bank House Lane should have a more visible entry. (Emailed 27/4/21)
o) A resident writes about problems he has had with pedestrians believing there is a footpath public running through his property. (Emailed 30/4/21)

11 Planning Applications
(a) Dealt with under the provisions of Standing Order 25:
• 2100279/FUL 23A Cove Road. Erection of an outbuilding to create ancillary accommodation in association with 23A Cove Road. (Emailed 6/4/21formerly responded 12/3/21)
(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.

13 Working Parties
a) Speed.
• To consider the quote of £2780 from Highways to provide and place 6 posts for the SPID’s. (emailed 17/4/21)
• To consider what measures may need to be taken about the growing risk people in Red Bridge Road/Station area, as it gets busier and has a 60 mph speed limit. (See email of 27/4/21)
b) Parking
• To note and if desired act upon the new parking charges at Gait Barrow. (Email 28/4/21)
c) Toilets
• To update on improvements to be made.
• To consider ordering some improved temporary signage at a cost of circa £100.
d) Decorations
• To consider forming a new group to discuss street decorations for any events/Christmas.

14 Playground Matters
• To receive a report on any urgent actions that have been taken and to consider any remaining issues raised in either the Lancaster CC quarterly, or Parish weekly inspections.
• To update on maintenance and repairs done and to consider who to approach to do all the repairs needed. (Report emailed 24/4/21)

15 To consider the NALC survey on the progression towards having 5G electronic communications infastructure installed in the area and whether it could be a health risk for residents. (Emailed 27/4/21)

16 Finance
(a) To conduct the monthly check of all money received by the Council this month: VAT refund from HMRC of £2136.16 and the Current Acc. balance as at 28/4/21 £82453.75

(b) To authorise payment and sign cheques for the following accounts:
• British Gas, bacs, clock, 15/4/21, bacs,£13.03
• British Gas, bacs, toilets, 20/4/21, £24.75
• Great Oaks, contractor, £643.20 cheque 622237
• E Unsworth, reimbursement/signage, £33.89 cheque 622238
• Iclean, toilets, £251.55, cheque 622239
• Malcolm Richardson, internal audit, £108 cheque 622240
• D Wain, Parish contractor, 3mths, £760 cheque 622241
• D Wain, Ash tree tender, £1300, cheque 622242

(c) Audit Matters. (All documents emailed 29/4/21 in 3 emails)
• To approve the Annual Accounts for 2020 to 2021 and acknowledge the receipt Internal Auditors Report, with any observations.
• To approve and sign section 1 and section 2 of the Annual Return.

(d) To authorized the new contract for the electricity supplies to the clock and the toilets.

17 Appraisals
• To consider the progress our Deputy has made during her trial period which finishes at the end of May and whether to welcome her as a permanent member of staff with a rise of salary to £10.82 per hour as from 1st June 2021.
• To note that the clerk has had an Appraisal with the Chairman and receive comments.

18 To consider applying to County Council for the grant to cover minor works on the “Public Rights of Way”.

19 To consider the issues raised in Jim Ferguson’s highway drainage report and how to improve the situation. (Report emailed 5/4/21)

20 To consider changes to the remit of Silverdale United Charities. (Emailed 27/4/21)

21 Quotes for Repairs from Contractor D Wain (See email regarding both sent 30/4/21)
• To authorise the repair to Mr Scurr’s shed at a shared cost if required.
• Bus Shelter to authorise the extra expenditure of £130.

22 To receive items for consideration for a future agenda.

23 To note that the date of the next meeting is Monday 7th June 2021. Items for the agenda, to reach the Clerk before 31st May.
Signed:

Mrs L D (Denise) Challenor
Clerk to the Council, Tel. 01524 761824

Active Working Group Teams
Village Parking: June Greenwell, Terry Bond, Liz Unsworth, Tony Houghton
Speeding, Traffic Control and Road Safety: Tony Houghton, Sue Higham, June Greenwell, Liz Unsworth
Playground: John Bennett, Sue Higham, Liz Unsworth
Street Decoratons: Mike Fletcher. Liz Unsworth, John Bennett
Emergency Plan: Terry Bond, John Bennett, Jim Ferguson, Sue Higham, Mike Fletcher
Woodland Management, Wells and Quarries: Terry Bond, Jim Ferguson
Health and Safety: Tony Houghton, John Bennett
Streetscape (clock, benches, bus shelter, noticeboards: John Bennett. Mike Fletcher, Jim Ferguson
Highways (verges, hedges, waste removal, drains): Tony Houghton, John Bennett
Footpaths and signs: Mike Fletcher, Jim Ferguson, Terry Bond
Tender documents review: Terry Bond, John Bennett, Mike Fletcher

Liaison and External Meetings
GDPR (Data Protection): Sue Higham
AONB: Jim Ferguson
National Trust: Terry Bond
Neighbourhood Watch: Mike Fletcher
RSPB Leighton Moss: Terry Bond
Morecambe Bay Partnership: June Greenwell
First Responders: Mike Fletcher
Mansergh Charity: Liz Unsworth
LAPTC – Lancaster Area Committee: Terry Bond
Gaskell Hall: Mike Fletcher
Lancaster and District Sustainable Transport Forum: June Greenwell
The Silverdale Institute: Terry Bond
Friends of Silverdale Station: Mike Fletcher
Public Communication: Liz Unsworth