Silverdale Parish Council

7th February 2011

9551 Un-confirmed Minutes of an Ordinary Meeting of the Silverdale Parish Council held in the Silverdale Institute on Monday, 7th February 2011.

9552 Present:  Chairman  –  Councillor T.G. (Terry) Bond, Councillors A.W. (Arthur) Graves, A.J. (Tony) Houghton, S.L. (Shirley) Mason, A. (Anne) McNaughton, J.S. (John) Taylor and P.N. (Paul) Williams, the Clerk  –  L.D. (Denise) Challenor, the Deputy Clerk  –  S.D. (Sue) Hayward, County and District Councillor S.M. (Sarah) Fishwick and 2 members of the public.

9553 Apologies for Absence: Councillor (Eve) Holden and PC 2866 Tony Marsh.

9554 Receipt of Declarations of Members’ Interests Relating to any Items Appearing on the Agenda
 Councillor Williams expressed an interest in agenda item 15 in that he is employed (as a member of the public) to clean the toilets and Councillor Houghton expressed an interest in item 16 in that he owns a piece of land on which there is a watering place.

9555 Minutes of the Previous Meetings
 The Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting held on Thursday, 6th January were approved then signed by the Chairman.

9556 Receipt of Information about Matters Arising from the Minutes of Previous Meetings, not Covered by the Agenda
 The Chairman referred to item 9545, regarding the Annual Parish Meeting, and it was noted that the Deputy Clerk had invited a representative from Network Rail to speak but that there has been no reply as yet, RESOLVED that the Clerk contact him again.

9557 Matters Raised by Members of the Public for Future Consideration
 A member of the public spoke about the planning application for West Lindeth House explaining that, whilst she had no planning objections, she was disappointed that, apparently, a section of limestone wall is to be replaced by fencing and expressed concern at the possible loss of this original feature and implications for future developments. She asked if this Council would consider commenting on this aspect of the planning application.

 Another member of the public referred to the temporary timetable that has been produced (subject to revision) to cover the period when the viaduct is closed at Arnside and wondered if it ties in with the Silverdale Shuttle bus service.

9558 Update from the Community Police Officer
 A written report from PC Marsh (for December and January) was read by the Chairman: (1)  in December no crimes had been reported in Silverdale, in January 2 crimes had been reported – the theft of a cash box from the BT kiosk on Emesgate Lane and damage to a window frame on Lindeth Road, (2)  reported incidents include complaints about damage being caused to Gait Barrows National Nature Reserve by mountain bike riders, (3)  in relation to the PACT priorities the Silverdale area has been patrolled regularly in order to deter anti-social behaviour and inconsiderate vehicle use, (4)  a review of neighbourhood policing is being undertaken and members of the public are invited to give their views via a questionnaire on the Lancashire Constabulary website www.lancashire.police.uk

 RESOLVED that the police continue with the same PACT priorities.

9559 Report from County and District Councillor Sarah Fishwick
  Councillor Fishwick reported that: (1)  Lancashire County Council (Lancs. CC) has been consulting on its budget; Lancaster City Council (Lancaster CC) is to set its budget in March, (2)  the Silverdale Shuttle bus service appears to be provided for in the budget as long as it continues to be used; the Silverdale Shuttle bus service timetable is to be adapted to fit in with the temporary train timetable when Arnside viaduct is closed.

 9560 Reports on any Meetings Attended by Members, or the Clerk
 None.

9561 Correspondence
 Receipt of the following items of correspondence was noted and any action determined as indicated:
 a)  Mr David Morris MP supplies a copy of a letter from Lancs. CC regarding the subsidised bus services Carnforth Connect/ Silverdale Shuttle.
 b)  Mr David Morris MP writes to inform the Council that funding for access improvements is available through the National Stations Improvement Programme but that adding Silverdale would need to be at the expense of a station already included.  RESOLVED that the Clerk write to Mr Morris MP to thank him for his correspondence but explaining that the Secretary of State for Transport’s answer to his parliamentary question is not entirely accurate, further, this Council is sorry that Mr Morris MP is unable to attend the Annual Parish Meeting and would welcome his attendance at one of the monthly meetings if he would like to suggest a date.
 c)  Ms Jennifer Reman from the Biological Heritage Sites Project writes to request permission to survey Burton Well Scroggs in July 2011 to assess its condition, she will provide a report containing management advice and useful information.  RESOLVED to give permission.
 d)  Land Registry write to inform that they hold no records in respect of Bank Well.
 e)  The Fields in Trust write about their programme to protect 2012 outdoor recreational sites and invite communities to participate by nominating a recreational site to be included in the programme.  RESOLVED that the Clerk request more information with a view to nominating the Institute field (and the playing field if it is possible to nominate 2 sites).
 f)  Lancaster CC write to invite tree planting sponsors (£150 each) and ask for suitable sites. RESOLVED not to accept this invitation.
 g)  Lune Valley Rural Housing Association’s accounts, Minutes of the AGM 2009 and Annual Report 2010.
 h)  LALC inform of two workshops: Quality Parish Scheme, Chairmanship Workshop.
 i)  Clerk and Councils Direct publication.
 j)  Lancs. CC supply a Notice of Confirmation, copy of Order and relevant Order Map of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 – Part III, Public Rights of Way (Definitive Map Modification (No. 4)) Order 2010. It is requested that they be displayed on the notice board (as there is limited space on the notice board permission has been given for the Notice etc to be displayed at the library).
 k)  LCR – Local Councils publication.
 l)  Skipton and East Lancashire Rail Action Partnership write to request further support and hope that Members will write individually.
 m)  LALC supply minutes of their 223rd meeting.
 n)  Clerk and Councils Direct yearbook 2011.
 o)  South Lakeland Local Development Framework Land Allocations – notice of consultation on emerging options from 21/1/11. Inspect on www.southlakeland.gov.uk/landallocations or at local libraries, responses by 15/4/11.
 p)  Draft Risk Management Plan 2011-13 is now produced and can be accessed on www.lancsfirerescue.org.uk . Responses by 27/2/11.
 q)  Response from Ms Susannah Bleakley regarding the Headlands to Headspace scheme. It was noted that the scheme is the Morecambe Pay Partnership’s bid to the Heritage Lottery fund and includes proposals for a number of projects including improvements to the access at Silverdale station and the RSPB reserve at Leighton Moss and the repair and re-purpose of the old shelter on the station platform.  RESOLVED to support the scheme in view of the proposed improvements to the station.

9562 Planning
 (1)  It was noted that the following planning applications were dealt with under the provisions of Standing Order 25a and comments made as indicated:
 10/00678/FUL  2 Northern Terrace, Moss Lane.  Erection of a garage.  It was noted that Members had been unable to comment as insufficient information had been provided by Lancaster CC.
 10/01318/VCN  Silverdale Golf Club.  Variation of condition 2 on approved application 04/00217/FUL to omit all windows to east elevation and lower the eaves height and to omit metal sheeting from walls and render block work walls and replace with timber boarding to walls fixed to timber framing.  NO PLANNING OBJECTIONS.
 10/01292/CU  Slackwood Farm.  Change of part of building to a plant room; installation of UPV panels and underground LPG tank. Sewage plant, access track and terrace.  NO PLANNING OBJECTIONS provided the development blends in with the surroundings and the track to the LPG tank, if needed, is not unattractive.
 (2)  The following planning applications were considered and comments made as indicated:
 11/00002/FUL  4 Castle Bank.  Erection of a first floor extension and a replacement detached garage.  NO PLANNING OBJECTIONS.
 11/00016/REM  West Lindeth House, 2 Stankelt Road.  Reserved matters application for the erection of 2 dwellings with integral garages, sewage plant and access improvements.  NO PLANNING OBJECTIONS but Members noted their concern that all the limestone boundary walls be retained and maintained at their original height and in their original style; Members also noted that the sewage provision is not shown on the plans (although the original application did show this).
 (3)  It was noted that no decisions had been advised by Lancaster CC.

9563 Urgent Action Taken in Accordance with Standing Order 25 (other than Planning)
 25(a)  Parish Council Property and Functions
 It was noted that the Clerk had arranged for the drains to the public toilets to be unblocked at a cost of £50 + VAT.
 25(b)  Non-Parish Council Property and Functions
 None.

9564 Tenders
 (1)  RESOLVED that the tender document for grass cutting, the Parish Contractor and playground maintenance (as circulated with the agenda) be revised, for example, to reduce the number of grass cuttings for St. John’s Avenue to 15, to specify the clearing of weeds and debris around the benches etc and to include the number of seats owned by this Council.
 (2)  RESOLVED to advertise the tender for the cleansing of the public toilets with effect from 1st April 2011.

9565 Finance
 (a)  Councillor McNaughton conducted the monthly check of all money received by the Council and found the records to be satisfactory. It was noted that there had been the following receipts: £25 – from Allianz insurance towards the clock repair after the lightening strike, £82.80 – rent from Wayleaves for having electricity pylons on Council land.
 (b)  RESOLVED to authorise payments and sign cheques for the following accounts:
 Mr Paul Williams (toilet cleaning)     £175.00  (600462)
 Mr Arthur Graves (clearing the toilet drains)      £60.00  (600469)
 Npower (toilet electricity)        £99.04  (600470)
 British Gas Business (clock electricity)      £93.57  (600471)
 (c)  RESOLVED to authorise the payment of £956.60 to Cooper Electrical  (600472), being the amount specified in their quote for carrying out the works necessary for the electrics in the public toilets to comply with current regulations. It was noted that Cooper Electrical had submitted an invoice for £1111.60 as some additional works had been found to be necessary (the light fittings, when tested, were not earthed properly) and 2 light bulbs had been fitted. RESOLVED that the Clerk contact Lancaster CC to ascertain whether or not they would reimburse any of the additional costs (having already agreed to cover the original quote).

9566 Internal Audit
 RESOLVED that the Clerk approach Mrs Jean Colwell with a view to her carrying out the internal audit.

9567 Drains to the Public Toilets
 RESOLVED not to arrange for a camera to survey the drains of the public toilets. RESOLVED that Mr Paul Williams check the sewage level in the manhole from time to time.

9568 Watering Places and Quarries
 RESOLVED that the watering places and quarries should be registered with the Land Registry, it was noted that most of the proof of ownership is held in a record book dating back to 1817 and that this, along with other necessary documents, will need to be taken to the Land Registry in person.

9569 Arnside Viaduct Closure
 It was noted that Arnside viaduct will be closed from 26th March for 16 weeks and that a temporary timetable has been produced (subject to revision).  RESOLVED that the Chairman contact Silverdale Events Update with the timetable for inclusion in a newsletter. It was noted that concerns about the timetable should be addressed to Councillor Fishwick Sarah.Fishwick@lancashire.gov.uk who will pass them on to the appropriate person.

9570 Items for Information
 1.  The Clerk advised that: (a)  she has received a joint letter from the Headteachers of Carnforth High School and Central Lancaster High School regarding the proposed redesignation of the schools as providing education for 11-18 year olds, with effect from September 2011; a consultation document is available and the consultation period ends on 18th February. Any comments should be passed to the Headteachers(s), (b)  Lancaster CC are in the process of carrying out a housing needs and demand survey for the Lancaster district.
 2.  The Chairman reported that there is a campaign for a cycle/ footpath on the viaduct across the estuary from Arnside to Grange (ATOG).
 3.  Councillor McNaughton reported that: (a)  a wall at the Golf Course end of The Row has been damaged and that stones from the wall are scattered on the road, (b)  the bus shelter on The Row has been damaged (probably caused by the recent strong winds).

9571 Suggestions for Future Agenda Items
 1.  The possibility of ‘Bay Rescue’ providing a service for the Silverdale area.  (All)
 2.  The provision and financing of a litter bin at the bus stop at Silverdale Station.  (Councillor Williams)
 3.  The provision of a bench on the playing field (a member of the public has kindly offered to donate funds for one).  (Councillor Williams – playground agenda)
 4.  The co-option of new members from time to time to take part in discussions.  (Suggested at the October 2010 meeting.)
 5.  Green grants.  (Suggested at the August 2010 meeting.)
 6.  War Memorial improvement works.  (Suggested at the August 2010 meeting.)
 
9572 Date of the Next Meeting
 It was noted that the date of the next meeting is Monday, 7th March 2011. Items for the agenda to reach the Clerk before Friday, 25th February and copies of reports to reach the Clerk before Monday 28th February.

 Sue D. Hayward
 Deputy Clerk to the Council