Silverdale Parish Council

6th June 2011

9659 Un-confirmed Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of the Silverdale Parish Council held in the Silverdale Institute on Monday, 6th June 2011.

9660 Present:  Chairman  –  Councillor T.G. (Terry) Bond, Councillors H. (Harriet) Bradfield, A.J. (Tony) Houghton, S.L. (Shirley) Mason, K. (Keith) Palmer, N. (Nigel) Ribbons, P.N. (Paul) Williams and A. (Angela) Woods, the Clerk  –  L.D. (Denise) Challenor, the Deputy Clerk  –  S.D. (Sue) Hayward, City Councillor K. (Kath) Graham, Geographic Police Inspector 1263 Vickers, PS 3490 John Bond, PC 2866 Tony Marsh and 7 members of the public.

9661 Apologies for Absence:  County Councillor S.M. (Sarah) Fishwick.

9662 Receipt of Declarations of Members’ Interests Relating to any Items Appearing on the Agenda
 None.
9663 Minutes of the Previous Meetings
 The Minutes of the Annual Meeting held on Monday, 9th May were approved then signed by the Chairman.

9664 Receipt of Information about Matters Arising from the Minutes of Previous Meetings, not Covered by the Agenda
 Members referred to item 9641 and RESOLVED that Councillor Williams be appointed
 to represent this Council on the Lancaster and District Sustainable Transport Forum.

 The Clerk referred to: (1)  item 9643, regarding Ridgway Park School, and noted that Mr  David Morris MP had not responded to this Council’s request that concerns about the school be taken up with the relevant Minister.  RESOLVED that the Council’s letter to Chief Superintendent Bayley be displayed in the library window (due to lack of space on the Council’s notice board), (2)  item 9648, regarding the public toilets, and advised that the Council is tied in contractually for 3 years with the Phs Group. RESOLVED that the Clerk request that Phs do not issue another Duty of Care certificate as this is an extra cost which this Council considers unnecessary, (3)  item 9649 (b), regarding training for new Councillors, and reported that Councillors Ribbons and Woods are hoping to attend (dependant on venue), (4)  item 9652, regarding the election process, and reported that she had received a reply from Ms Daphne Snelson, Elections Manager.  RESOLVED that Councillor Graham also raise this Council’s concerns with Lancaster City Council (Lancaster CC), (5)  item 9656, regarding the estimated electricity bill from British Gas, and advised that a revised bill had been sent showing a small credit on the account.

9665 Matters Raised by Members of the Public for Future Consideration
 A member of the public showed the Council a banner which has been made by a villager to commemorate ‘Beating the Bounds’, he suggested that this Council have the banner framed. The banner will be hung in the Gaskell Hall at least until the end of the year.

 Another member of the public mentioned a number of incidents which have taken place in recent months apparently involving young people from Ridgway Park School. He had contacted the police regarding his concerns and had been advised that Ofsted is the appropriate agency to contact; Ofsted had advised contacting the local Council.

9666 Update from the Community Police Officer
 PC Marsh gave a verbal update: (1)  one incident has been recorded in the village – an assault which took place on Emesgate Lane, (2)  other deployments have involved suspicious circumstances, parking obstructions and lost property, (3)  in response to issues raised at the last meeting: (a)  PC Marsh has made his supervisors aware of the Council’s concerns over the lack of police attendance at Council meetings. He advised Members that the Constabulary’s resources are stretched but that a police representative would attend when able. A written report will always be provided. Likewise, it is not always possible for the police to offer a weekly police surgery on Wednesday mornings in the car park at The Royal, but a representative will attend when able, (b)  not all crimes reported to the police are disclosed to the Council. The decision as to whether or not to disclose crimes is based on the need to protect vulnerable aggrieved parties, the wishes of the aggrieved, and safeguarding issues. In general though all crimes are reported, (c)  the police are working closely with Ridgway Park School and other agencies to improve the situation and are aware of the impact that recent events have had in the village. The police ask that any letters by residents are sent direct to Lancashire County Council (Lancs. CC), (4)  in relation to the PACT priorities the village has been patrolled in order to deter anti-social behaviour, inconsiderate vehicle use and wild camping. No complaints concerning camping have been received over the last month.

 Inspector Vickers introduced Members to PS Bond who is the new Sergeant for the area.

 Members noted their perception that the number of incidents involving young people from Ridgway Park School has escalated over recent months. Inspector Vickers shared the concerns of the Council regarding the safety of the young people and advised that the police meet with staff from the school monthly and attend various other cross-agency meetings regarding the school. He advised the Council that the most appropriate organisations to contact with concerns are Lancs. CC Children’s Services, Social Services and Ofsted and added that most incidents are confined to the area of the school.

 RESOLVED that the Clerk write to Social Services and Ofsted regarding the safety of the young people at Ridgway Park School.

 RESOLVED that the police continue with deterring inconsiderate parking and anti-social behaviour by patrolling the village (including the playground) as their PACT priorities.

9667 Report from County Councillor Sarah Fishwick
 Councillor Fishwick was not present at the meeting but had reported the following to the Chairman: (1)  overgrown vegetation by The Parrock, Stankelt Road, (2)  the introduction of a 20 mph limit (without speed cushions) around all primary schools by Lancs. CC.
9668 Report from City Councillor Kath Graham
 Councillor Graham reported that : (1)  she has attended a number of training courses since being elected as City Councillor, (2)  she has been liaising with Councillor Fishwick regarding issues relating to Ridgway Park School, (3)  there are ongoing problems with the septic tanks at Lindeth Close.

9669 Reports on any Meetings Attended by Members, or the Clerk
 None.

9670 Silverdale Library
 It was noted that Lancs. CC have advised that the library will be moved to a different location before the winter; if necessary a portakabin or mobile library service will be used. The Chairman and Councillor Fishwick are hoping to suggest some possible locations to Lancs. CC.

9671 Correspondence
 Receipt of the following items of correspondence was noted and any action determined as indicated:
 a)  Npower write to give the Council the opportunity for a 3 year fixed term contract for the electricity used at the public toilets.  RESOLVED not to take up this offer.
 b)  Artist Ruth Livesey writes to ask for financial support (Section 137 grant) to provide a permanent sculpture to be erected in a corner of the school playing field in June. Costings are not available and the funding would be agreed on the basis of “if needed”.  RESOLVED to defer this to another meeting pending the receipt of more information.
 c)  Lancs. CC write to inform that a range of applications have been received to participate in the pilot projects maintaining Public Rights of Way.
 d)  Lancs. CC write to reassure the Council that there is no intention not to continue to deliver a library service in the village. They are liaising with Mr Hutchings about the church hall project.
 e)  Lancashire Fire and Rescue write to inform that the consultation is over and invite contact regarding the outcome rmp@lancsfirerescue.org.uk . A Risk management plan 2011-13 is enclosed.
 f)  LALC inform of a “Freedom of Information & Data Protection” workshop at Preston on 4/8/11, 7-9pm. Minutes of the 224th meeting and LALC news bulletin are enclosed.
 g)  Bay Search & Rescue inform that the Council’s donation of £200 has been used to purchase a ‘Satnav’ system for the command and control Landrover. Booklet enclosed.
 h)  Clerk and Councils Direct magazine.

9672 Planning
 (1)  It was noted that no planning applications had been dealt with under the provisions of Standing Order 25a.
 (2)  The following planning applications were noted and/or considered and comments made as indicated:
 11/00421/RENU  Ridgway Park.  Renewal of application 08/00780/RENU for the erection of a single storey extension to existing summer house.  NO PLANNING OBJECTIONS.
 11/00419/RENU  Ridgway Park.  Renewal of application 08/00779/RENU for the erection of an extension to existing school building.  NO PLANNING OBJECTIONS.
 11/00442/RENU  5 Wallings Lane.  Renewal of unexpired permission 08/00690/FUL for the demolition of existing shed and erection of a single storey extension to form a games room and landscaping works.  NO PLANNING OBJECTIONS.
 11/00430/FUL  7 Levens Way.  Erection of a garage to the side.  It was noted that Members were unable to comment as no site plan had been provided.
 Tree Preservation Order 490 (2011) on several at 5 Maryland Close.
 (3)  Gibraltar Farm Lancaster CC update.  It was noted that a Lawful Development Certificate has been granted.  RESOLVED that the Chairman contact the Camping and Caravanning Club for information on regulations for temporary holiday sites/rallies.

9673 Urgent Action Taken in Accordance with Standing Order 25 (other than Planning)
 25(a)  Parish Council Property and Functions
 It was noted that:
 1.  the quotation from the insurance company Aviva (through Came and Company Parish Council Insurance) has been accepted for a 3-year contract with 4 months free.
 2.  Mr Michael Knight has been asked to remove a dangerously rotten seat from the War Memorial area and that he is pricing the timber necessary to repair it.
 25(b)  Non-Parish Council Property and Functions
 None.

9674 Maintenance Contractors
 1.  It was noted that the Chairman had met with Mr Paul Holgate regarding various outstanding matters and that Mr Holgate: (a)  has committed to donating and planting replacements for the damaged trees in the playground in the autumn, (b)  will meet with Councillor Ribbons to discuss the siting of the new seat provided by Mrs Turnbull (once the seat is in place a bin will be fitted nearby), (c)  carried out weekly inspections of the playground, copies of which will be sent to the Council, (d)  has given the Chairman a replacement invoice for the trees in the War Memorial Gardens, (e)  has detailed the works carried out to the bus shelter at the end of The Row.
 
 RESOLVED that the Clerk write to Mr Holgate to ask that he does not fit a tree seat in the playground (due to lack of funds).  RESOLVED that the cost of any remedial work, found to be necessary to seats, be deducted from his invoice for works carried out in the period 1st March – 17th May 2011 (yet to be received).
 2.  It was noted that the Clerk has not, as yet, received a full report on the condition of the seats from either Mr Holgate or Mr Knight but that Mr Knight has reported that two of the seats inspected (to date) were found to be rotten.

 3.  It was noted that Mr Neil Pharaoh has advised the Clerk that he found the grass at St John’s Avenue and Woodwell to be about 30cm high when he took over the grass cutting contract on 18th May.

9675 Finance
 (a)  Members 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 receipt: £4,557 – BACS payment from Lancaster CC (annual contribution towards the running costs of the public toilets).
 (b)  RESOLVED to authorise payments and sign cheques for the following accounts:
 Broker Network Ltd (insurance)     £1601.88  (000611)
 Mr Steve Lamb (2010/11 website maintenance)     £180.00  (000612)
 Phs Washrooms (sanitary bins for toilets)      £242.90  (000613)
 Mr Andrew Bodenham (toilet cleaning supplies)       £41.68  (000614)
 Mr Paul Williams (toilet cleaning)       £175.00  (000615)
 Mr Michael Knight (parish and playground contractor – half month)   £155.87  (000616)
 Mr Arthur Holgate and Son Ltd (contractor 18/5/10-28/2/11) £3373.20  (000618)
 Mr Arthur Holgate &Son Ltd (repair to bus shelter)     £120.00  (000619)
 United Utilities (water rates for toilets)      £343.25  (000620)
 Hygiene Cleaning Supplies           £59.53  (000621)
 Mr Paul Holgate (replacement trees, War Memorial)  £1800.00  (000622)

9676 Dog Fouling and Sheep Worrying
 RESOLVED to discuss agenda items 15 and 16 together.
 RESOLVED to take action as follows:
 1.  The Clerk will contact Lancaster CC regarding the possibility of obtaining supplies of free ‘poop scoop’ bags, it was, however, noted that any bags can be used and that these can be disposed of in ordinary litter bins.
 2.  The Chairman will write an article for the parish magazine asking dog owners if they would kindly use bags to remove dog excrement and dispose of the bags in a bin.
 3.  Councillor Bradfield will contact the Headteacher of Silverdale School regarding the possibility of the children being involved in a campaign to promote responsible dog ownership and awareness of the problems faced by farmers regarding sheep worrying e.g. by designing and displaying posters.
 
9677 Standing Orders and Financial Regulations
 It was noted that the Standing Orders and Financial Regulations had been reviewed at the last meeting and that no changes were found to be necessary.

9678 Items for Information
 1.  Councillor Mason advised that the footpath which runs in front of the houses on Churchfield is very overgrown.
 2.  The Chairman reported that: (a)  the area around the clock is in need of weeding, (b)  the clock has been serviced, (c)  there are a number of locations where overhanging trees are causing problems for pedestrians.
 3.  Councillor Palmer noted: (a)  the bin at Jenny Brown’s Point is in need of emptying, (b) Japanese Knotweed has been found at Leighton Moss.

9679 Suggestions for Future Agenda Items
 1.  Covering the cost of framing the banner commemorating ‘Beating the Bounds’.  (All)
 2.  The provision of a larger public notice board/ the number of notices displayed on telegraph poles etc.  (Councillor Williams)
 3.  The co-option of new Members from time to time to take part in discussions.  (Suggested at the October 2010 meeting.)
 4.  Green grants. (Suggested at the August 2010 meeting.)
 5.  War Memorial improvement works.  (Suggested at the August 2010 meeting.) 

9680 Date of the Next Meeting
 It was noted that the date of the next meeting is Monday, 4th July 2011.  Items for the agenda to reach the Clerk before Friday,  24th June and copies of reports to reach the Clerk before Monday, 27th June.
 Sue D. Hayward
 Deputy Clerk to the Council