Silverdale Parish Council

7th March 2011

9573 Un-confirmed Minutes of an Ordinary Meeting of the Silverdale Parish Council held in the Silverdale Institute on Monday, 7th March 2011.

9574 Present:  Chairman  –  Councillor T.G. (Terry) Bond, Councillors A.J. (Tony) Houghton, S.L. (Shirley) Mason, J.S. (John) Taylor and P.N. (Paul) Williams, the Clerk  –  L.D. (Denise) Challenor, the Deputy Clerk  –  S.D. (Sue) Hayward, ECSO 7301 Gerald Hurtley, County and District Councillor S.M. (Sarah) Fishwick and 5 members of the public.

9575 Apologies for Absence:  Councillors A.W. (Arthur) Graves, (Eve) Holden and A. (Anne) McNaughton and PC 2866 Tony Marsh.

9576 Receipt of Declarations of Members’ Interests Relating to any Items Appearing on the Agenda
 Councillor Williams expressed an interest in agenda item 16 in that he is employed (as a member of the public) to clean the toilets.

9577 Minutes of the Previous Meetings
 The Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting held on Monday, 7th February were approved then signed by the Chairman.

9578 Receipt of Information about Matters Arising from the Minutes of Previous Meetings, not Covered by the Agenda
 The Clerk referred to item 9565 (c), regarding the works carried out by Cooper Electrical to the public toilets, and advised that Lancaster City Council (Lancaster CC) has agreed to pay the additional costs.

9579 Matters Raised by Members of the Public for Future Consideration
 Members of the public spoke regarding the following:
 1.  The availability of the plans to the children’s playground and a query regarding to whom matters concerning the playground should be addressed.
 2.  Concern as to the future of the Silverdale Shuttle bus service and whether or not this Council would budget for the provision of this service (and possibly consider offering a free bus pass to villagers given the consequent rise to the precept) should current funding sources be cut at any time.
 3.  The lack of a street sign at Shore Green.
 4.  A focus meeting, held in February, about the future of Silverdale library at which the possibility of a different location for the library had been discussed and at which, apparently, Ms Ann Marsh (Planning and Performance Manager (Education Lifelong Learning and Cultural Services Directorate)) had stated that there is no intention to close the library. Members were asked to seek clarity on the future of the library.
 5.  The children’s playground – a list of jobs considered to be in need of immediate attention (with photographs) was submitted. Concern had also been raised by a visitor regarding the metal posts in the arboretum in that there could be a health and safety issue and Members were asked if any investigations had been made regarding the suitability of the posts within a play area. It was also stated that the playground features on www.holgates.com and, as this domain name has, apparently, been taken on by another company, perhaps it was worth approaching the new company to see if they would be willing to contribute to the maintenance of the playground, particularly as, it seems, many of their clients use it.

9580 Update from the Community Police Officer
 A written report from PC Marsh was read by the Chairman: (1)  no crimes had been  reported in Silverdale since the last meeting, (2)  reported incidents include suspicious activity around empty properties and at the rear of the Silverdale Hotel. The police thanked members of the public for their vigilance, (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.

 It was noted that PC Marsh has a notice board (suitable for indoor use) which could replace the one previously used at the Co-operative store.  RESOLVED that the Chairman make enquires at the store as to whether or not the notice board could be fitted near the one used by the Neighbourhood Watch.
 Members expressed concern that a representative from the police has not been available to attend many meetings in the last year.  RESOLVED that this matter be raised at the Annual Parish Meeting, further RESOLVED that the Clerk contact Inspector Vickers direct and invite him to attend.

 RESOLVED that the police continue with the same PACT priorities; it was noted that there is a problem with double parking on Shore Road at weekends at which times it would be impossible for emergency vehicles to gain access and the police were asked if the area could be checked during busy periods.

9581 Report from County and District Councillor Sarah Fishwick
  County and District Councillor Fishwick reported that: (1)  she is making enquiries about an information session being held at Silverdale station in connection with the closure of Arnside viaduct, (2)  budget provision has been made for the Silverdale Shuttle bus service for 2011/12 as together the shuttle, Carnforth Connect and Carnforth High School services meet the 40% usage criteria, (3)  she will notify Lancaster CC of the need for a sign at Shore Green, (4)  Cumbria County Council is to cut its contribution towards the funding of the bus service from Lancaster to Kendal which is a concern as the bus is the only means by which one can travel to Kendal by public transport, (5)  the Lancaster District Local Strategic Partnership is to cover the potential shortfall in funding for the Police Community Support Officers, (6)  Lancaster CC swimming pools are to remain open but  entrance charges are to be increased (7)  Lancaster CC has set its budget for 2011/12.

 9582 Reports on any Meetings Attended by Members, or the Clerk
 1.  Playground Management Committee
 Councillor Williams had attended a meeting at which a number of jobs in need of urgent attention had been discussed. It was noted that a fundraising quiz is to be held in the Silverdale Hotel at 8.30pm on 25th March.

9583 Correspondence
 Receipt of the following items of correspondence was noted and any action determined as indicated:
 a)  A resident writes to ask the Council to obtain a copy of the playground plans for his perusal.  It was noted that the Council now has some copies of the plans.
 b)  North West Air Ambulance writes to ask for a donation.  RESOLVED to donate £100.
 c)  Lancashire Playing Fields Association write to ask for the Council’s continued support and a subscription of £15 or more.  RESOLVED to pay the £15 subscription.
 d)  Lancaster CC write about taking over the mowing of some of the verges from Lancashire County Council (Lancs. CC) and enclose maps to show which ones; all other verges will continue to be mown by Lancs. CC. 
 e)  South Lakeland District Council provide notification of a housing conference on Localism (meeting the need for affordable housing) on 18/3/2011, 10 – 3.30pm, at Kendal Town Hall.
 f)  NALC write about the Localism Bill.
 g)  Lancs. CC write about sites suitable for minerals or waste uses and provide a map. It was noted that no sites are near Silverdale.
 h)  RoSPA provide their playground inspections brochure and order form.
 I)  Amended Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 Part III Public Rights of Way Definitive Map Modification (No 4 ) Order 2010, to be displayed.  RESOLVED that the Deputy Clerk ask Mrs Jill Mason if she can display the Order in the library window.
 j)  Lancashire Fire Service Performance report and Action Plan 2010 – consultation outcome. 
 k)  Keer to Kent.
 l)  Clerk and Councils Direct.
 m)  LALC Newsletter, election literature, HMRC Parish Council and Community Council Clerks PAYE implementation. It was noted that parish councils must now register under  PAYE.
 n)  Douglas Tonks Ltd write to offer payroll services regarding the PAYE implementation.
9584 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:
 11/00036/FUL  Silverdale Bowling Club, Cove Road.  Erection of replacement wooden scoring hut.  NO PLANNING OBJECTIONS.
 11/00067/FUL  5 Shore Green.  Erection of a new garage and open entrance porch.  NO PLANNING OBJECTIONS.
 (2)  The following planning applications were considered and comments made as indicated:
 11/00107/FUL  32 Wallings Lane.  Erection of an extension to the side for a swimming pool and entertainment area with gallery, a detached squash court and a detached garage. It was noted that the Council was unable to discuss fully this proposal as the plans were incomplete (a section of building is not marked); also, there are outstanding issues in terms of enforcement and these need to be resolved prior to the application being considered. Members consider the proposed development to be intrusive and over-intensive.
 11/00117/FUL  Croziers Croft, Moss Lane.  Creation of a new driveway.  NO PLANNING OBJECTIONS.
 11/0019/TPO  4 Yew Tree Gardens.  Pruning of a horse chestnut and fir tree.  NO PLANNING OBJECTIONS.
 11/0016/TPO  18 Wallings Lane.  Felling of a conifer tree.  NO PLANNING OBJECTIONS.
 (3)  It was noted that no decisions had been advised by Lancaster CC.

9585 Urgent Action Taken in Accordance with Standing Order 25 (other than Planning)
 25(a)  Parish Council Property and Functions
 1.  It was noted that the Clerk had arranged for:
 (a)  some additional tiling to be carried out to the public toilets (where tiles have fallen off the wall due to dampness) at a cost of £150,
 (b)  the drains to the toilets to be jetted (£70 + VAT) and a camera survey to be carried out (£50 + VAT) on 9th March; it was further noted that Councillor Houghton would attend the appointment if possible.
 (c)  a quote for the repair of the damaged bus shelter at the end of The Row, following the issue being raised in minute 9570. It was noted that the quote had just been received and was either: (i)  £100 + VAT – to repair with plain wood then stain, or (ii)  (possibly up to) £350.00 + VAT – to repair with original style boarding. The Council advised to repair with the cheaper option.
 25(b)  Non-Parish Council Property and Functions
 None.

9586 Tenders
 It was noted that 4 tenders had been submitted for some or all of the parish council maintenance contracts as follows (an additional tender had been submitted by Mr Paul Holgate for the contracts, but, as it arrived on 7th March was too late to be considered):
 1.  Grass cutting to St. John’s Avenue and Woodwell: Mr Michael Knight – £860, Mr Paul Hardman – £600, Distinctive Landscapes Woodworks – £630 (less 6% discount if grass cutting and playground maintenance awarded together), Mr Neil Pharaoh (Envirocare) – £300.  RESOLVED to accept Mr Pharaoh’s tender.
 2.  Parish Contractor: Mr Michael Knight – £1,500, Distinctive Landscapes Woodworks – £1,800, Mr Neil Pharaoh (Envirocare) – £1,740.  RESOLVED to accept Mr Knight’s tender.
 3.  Playground maintenance: Mr Michael Knight – £2,240, Distinctive Landscapes Woodworks – £3,159 (less 6% discount if grass cutting and playground maintenance awarded together), Mr Neil Pharaoh (Envirocare) – £3,100.  RESOLVED to accept Mr Knight’s tender.

9587 Queen Elizabeth II Fields
 Members RESOLVED not to pursue an application under the Queen Elizabeth II Fields Challenge, it was noted that the scheme is a way of ensuring that recreational land is protected and is not a grant aid programme.

9588 Finance
 (a)  Councillor Taylor 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: £956.60 – BACS payment from Lancaster CC for electrical works to the public toilets.
 (b)  RESOLVED to authorise payments and sign cheques for the following accounts:
 Mr Terry Bond (further equipment for painting the railings)            £181.80  (600473)
 Mrs S. Hayward (holiday pay)               £148.88  (600474)
 Mrs D. Challenor (holiday pay)               £180.16  (600475)
 Mr Paul Williams (toilet cleaning and sundries)             £179.90  (600476)
 United Utilities Water plc (toilets)                £158.11  (600478)
 Cooper Electrical (remaining balance – electrical works to toilets)             £155.00  (600479)
 Hygiene Cleaning Supplies Ltd                 £41.65  (600481)
 North West Air Ambulance (donation)              £100.00  (600482)
 Lancashire Playing Fields Association (subscription)               £15.00  (600483)
 (c)  It was noted that Mrs Jean Colwell will carry out the internal audit and Members were reminded that the work of the Internal Auditor was reviewed on 4th October 2010 and found to be sufficiently independent, unbiased, objective and competent thus meeting the requirements for internal audits.

9589 Litter Bin
 RESOLVED that the Council provide a litter bin at the bus stop at Silverdale station.

9590 Public Toilets
 RESOLVED to authorise the cost of shelving for the storage of cleaning materials etc in the public toilets; it was noted that Councillor Williams will make the purchase and fix the shelves at an approximate cost of £30. 

9591 Silverdale Library
 It was noted that Councillor Williams had attended the focus meeting about the future of the library at which attendees were advised that the cost of the proposed works to refurbish the current library building is £140,000 and other locations for the library are, therefore, being considered (including the new church rooms should that development go ahead); in the meantime the works are on hold. Apparently, Lancs. CC have advised that the future of the library is not under threat.  RESOLVED that the Clerk write to Lancs. CC to clarify the position.

9592 Watering Places and Quarries
 It was noted that the Deputy Clerk is dealing with the registration of the watering places and quarries and that she is in touch with Blackhurst Budd solicitors regarding the transfer of ownership of Bank Well. She is seeking advice from Lancs. CC as to whether or not their Legal Services department can help with the applications to the Land Registry (for no charge), given that registration is not straightforward as there are no deeds for any of the watering places or quarries.

9593 Items for Information
 None.
9594 Suggestions for Future Agenda Items
 1.  The monitoring of the work of the Parish Contractor/ contractor for playground maintenance (including the weekly inspections of the playground).  (All)
 2.  Review of the expenditure to the public toilets.  (All – June agenda)
 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.)
 
9595 Date of the Next Meeting
 It was noted that the date of the next meeting is Monday, 4th April 2011. Items for the agenda to reach the Clerk before Friday, 25th March and copies of reports to reach the Clerk before Monday, 28th March. 

 
 Sue D. Hayward
 Deputy Clerk to the Council