2013/03/04
4th March 2013
10269 Un-confirmed Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of the Silverdale Parish Council held in the Silverdale Institute on Monday, 4th March 2013.
10270 Present: Chairman – Councillor T.G. (Terry) Bond, Councillors H.M.E. (Harriet) Bradfield, 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, County Councillor S.M. (Sarah) Fishwick, City Councillor K. (Kath) Graham and 43 members of the public.
10271 Apologies for Absence: Councillor A.J. (Tony) Houghton and PC 2866 Tony Marsh.
10272 Receipt of Declarations of Members’ Interests Relating to any Items Appearing on the Agenda
Interests were expressed in the agenda items as follows: Councillor Williams – item 13, in that he has submitted a tender for the cleaning of the public toilets; Councillor Palmer – item 21, in that he has carried out some contractor work for the AONB; Councillor Ribbons – item 22, in that he may be interested in submitting a tender for the maintenance of the website.
10273 Minutes of the Previous Meeting
The Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting held on Monday, 4th February were approved then signed by the Chairman.
10274 Receipt of Information about Matters Arising from the Minutes of Previous Meetings, not Covered by the Agenda
The Clerk referred to item 10262, regarding the North West Air Ambulance donation, and advised that they have thanked this Council for the donation.
10275 Matters Raised by Members of the Public for Future Consideration
Several members of the public spoke about the possibility of a skate park being sited on the Silverdale Institute field. The comments made are summarized as follows:
- a petition objecting to the proposed site for the skate park has been circulated and signed by nearly 50 members of the public;
- some of the residents opposed to the proposed site for a skate park felt that:
(i) the parish council has not considered the impact of a skate park on neighbouring residents e.g. possible loud noise, foul language, graffiti, litter, drug and alcohol use and subsequent police involvement;
(ii) local residents should have been consulted about the proposals;
(iii) other sites should be considered;
(iv) the look of some skate parks is unattractive;
(v) users of the skate park might cause a disturbance toLevens Wayif they access the park this way;
(vi) there is a relatively small number of potential users of a skate park in the village;
(vii) it would take up a lot of space on the field thus restricting other uses;
(viii) skating is in fashion at the moment and a skate park might soon become redundant;
(ix) local property values might fall;
(x) extra traffic would use Spring Bank;
3. questions were asked about the upkeep of the site;
4. there are considered to be no facilities for young people in the village – it would be safer for skaters to use a designated park rather than the roads;
5. skate parks are more successful if sited within public view;
6. noise dampening concrete can be used;
7. as Warton and Arnside villages are also looking to provide skate parks this suggests that skate boarding is popular and that young people from neighbouring villages are less likely to use a skate park in Silverdale;
8. Halton skate park, for example, is considered to be well run and amongst other facilities enjoyed by children of all ages;
9. many skate parks have been visited which have been observed as being trouble-free and with no evidence of attracting drug users;
10. it would be helpful to see photographs of, and information on, the type and size of skate park the parish council has in mind.
The Chairman responded, by way of clarification, explaining that the parish council had been approached by the young people themselves. Silverdale Institute hasn’t reached a decision about a skate park as yet – it is understood that they will do so at their next committee meeting – if they agree to a skate park a planning application would be need to be granted approval before one could be built. Other sites have been considered e.g. the playing field (which is owned by the parish council) – activity is restricted to children under 14 years of age, the school – this can’t be used for insurance reasons, the field next to the school and the field next to the cricket pitch – these are rented long-term to tenants of the National Trust. The height of the proposed equipment is 1metre and looks like the equipment at the skate park in Kirkby Lonsdale.
10276 Update from the Community Police Officer
PC Marsh was not present at the meeting but he had e mailed his report to the Clerk: (1) 26 incidents have been reported in the last month, of these 4 have been recorded as crimes – a theft from Emesgate Lane, shop lifting at the Co-operative store (enquiries on-going), the theft of a chimney pot planter from Stankelt Road and a theft from Cove Road. In addition there has been an attempted non-dwelling burglary atSt John’sChurch– the suspect has been arrested and is on bail. Of particular note are the theft of the planter and the attempted burglary at the church. These are both part of a much wider series of offences which have occurred across the county. Garden ornaments and stone finials are currently being targeted by thieves and the police would like to remind residents to secure any such items if possible. Suspicious activity should be reported to 101/ 01524 63333 (or 999 if an emergency); (2) in relation to the PACT priorities – parking has been monitored as has the situation by the Co-operative store and the clock tower. The village has been patrolled to deter anti-social behaviour. No incidents have been reported about theCove Roadplay area.
10277 Report from County Councillor Sarah Fishwick
Councillor Fishwick reported that: (1) the roll out programme for superfast broadband is due to start in September; (2) most pot holes and drainage problems have now been dealt with; (3) she has advised Lancashire County Council (Lancs. CC) of the broken gate to the footpath at the back of Churchfields; (3) she has asked Mr Andy Ashcroft, Public Realm Manager, to look into the provision of a grit bin and grit for St. John’s Avenue and has asked that he respond directly to the Clerk.
10278 Report from City Councillor Kath Graham
Councillor Graham reported that: (1) the Head of Regeneration and Planning has given his report on Gibraltar Farm; (2) she has spoken with the Planning Officer regarding The Royal and has been advised that the Parish Plan can only be afforded limited weight because it is not an adopted document and was written 10 years ago; the planners can only look at the application in hand (for the 2 houses on the land) and so the use of the public house cannot be taken into consideration.
10279 Reports on any Meetings Attended by Members or the Clerk
None.
10280 Correspondence
Receipt of the following items of correspondence was noted and any action determined as indicated:
a) a resident writes to request a grit bin be placed on the island inSt John’s Avenue;
b) a resident writes to object to the Institute land being considered as the site of the skateboard park;
c) the Local Government Boundary Commission write about the electoral review recommendations which can be viewed on www.lgbce.org.uk and consultation.lgbce.org.uk. Comments by email on reviews@lgbce.org.uk by 18/3/13;
d) Glasdon product leaflet;
e) Cumbria County Council invite comments on the draft Cumbria Minerals and Waste Local Plan;
f) Keer toKentpublication;
g) SELRAP AGM agenda, 11/2/13.
10281 Planning
(1) It was noted that the following planning applications had been dealt with under the provisions of Standing Order 25a and comments made as indicated:
13/00049/FUL 5 The Green. Demolition of existing porch and flat roof extension and erection of new single storey extensions to the side and rear. NO PLANNING OBJECTIONS;
13/0004/TPO 2 The Row. Tree works including altering the shape and height. NO PLANNING OBJECTIONS;
13/00079/LB 17 The Row. Listed Building consent for the erection of a single storey extension to rear of dwelling and installation of doorway to the first floor. NO PLANNING OBJECTIONS;
13/00080/FUL 17 The Row. Erection of a single storey extension to the rear. NO PLANNING OBJECTIONS.
(2) The following application was considered and comments made as indicated:
13/00085/FUL Land North of 12, Lindeth Road. Erection of a 3 bed detached dwelling with a detached garage. NO PLANNING OBJECTIONS.
(3) It was noted that the following decisions had been advised by Lancaster City Council (Lancaster CC):
01/13/0067 Bleasdale House School. Erection of canopy to entrance area of stand alone buildings. GRANTED.
10282 Urgent Action Taken in Accordance with Standing Order 25 (other than Planning)
25 (a) Parish Council Property and Functions
None.
25(b) Non-Parish Council Property and Functions
None.
10283 Public Toilets
1. It was noted that only one person had tendered for the cleaning of the toilets and filling up of the dog waste bag dispensers (total £2,420) – Mr Paul Williams. RESOLVED to accept Mr Williams’ tender.
2. It was noted that the PHS contract for the supply and emptying of sanitary bins will terminate on 24th April; RESOLVED to take out a 1 year contract with UK Washrooms.
10284 Children’s Playground
RESOLVED to defer agenda item 14 until after the meeting of the Playground Charity Trustees.
10285 Finance
(a) It was noted that no money had been received by the Council since the last meeting.
(b) RESOLVED to authorise payment and sign cheques for the following accounts:
Landscape and Woodlands (tree survey) £273.60 (798)
Mr P. Williams (toilet cleaning) £175.00 (799)
Mr T. Bond (dog waste bags) £4.20 (800)
Mr A. Bodenham (toilet supplies) £71.86 (801)
Playdale playgrounds (cradle swing) £162.00 (802)
Envirocare (parish contractor) £318.00 (803)
SELRAP (membership) £15.00 (804)
United Utilities (toilets) £345.19 (805)
LALC (membership) £269.59 (806)
Lancaster CC (AONB donation s. 137) £700.00 (807)
(c) Audit Matters:
1. The Clerk confirmed that Mrs Jean Colwell will carry out the internal audit for 2012/13;
2. Members reviewed the risk assessment document (to which the ceramic panels outside the Co-operative store have been added) and it was noted that no changes were necessary;
3. Members reviewed the effectiveness of the internal audit (its scope, independence, competence of the Internal Auditor, relationship of the Auditor with this Council and internal audit planning/ reporting) and noted that it was in order.
10286 Skate Park
The Chairman reported that he had addressed the Silverdale Institute committee at their February meeting and that they are writing to the local residents. He is awaiting their decision. RESOLVED that Councillor Williams draft an article for the parish magazine giving details of the proposed skate park.
10287 Christmas Tree
It was noted that the price quoted for the purchase and planting of a Christmas tree (Norway Spruce) for the Children’s playground is £300 (4-5 metres); RESOLVED to research cheaper (Christmas) trees.
10288 St. Johns Avenue
It was noted that a resident of St. John’s Avenue has written to request a grit bin to be placed on Parish Council land and that Lancs. CC have advised that St. John’s Avenue is not a priority gritting area. RESOLVED that the Clerk reply to say that before permission is granted to purchase a bin (at the expense of the residents) placed at the edge of the land (so as not to interfere with grass cutting) the Council would like to know what plans the residents have for filling and maintaining it.
10289 Tree Survey
It was noted that:
1. United Utilities will carry out some tree felling but no date has been set for the work to be carried out; a United Utilities surveyor will remove more trees (also identified as in need of removal) in return for the wood;
2. a stewardship grant can be applied for from the Forestry Commission or Natural England subject to having the land registered on the Rural Land Registry;
3. some trees have been felled at the top end of the playground. This has been carried out without the authorization of the parish council and is in the area immediately adjacent to Potters Field bungalow on Elmslack Lane.
10290 Burton Well Scroggs
It was noted that another working party will start work on clearing some trees and scrub at Burton Well Scroggs in March/ April.
10291 AONB Donation
RESOLVED to donate £700 to the AONB under section 137 (proposed by Councillor Williams and seconded by Councillor Bradfield – carried by a majority of 3).
10292 Website
RESOLVED to keep the same wording on the invitation to tender for the Silverdale Parish Council website as was used for the last invitation; it was noted that the contract is due for renewal on 1st June.
10292 B4RN
It was noted that the Chairman, Councillors Ribbons and Houghton had attended an open meeting at Arkholme regarding the B4RN project and that broadband provision under the project is 4 times faster than that provided under British Telecom, however, the project will not reach the Silverdale area until 2017, at the earliest, and the mechanics of reaching Silverdale are problematic. RESOLVED that this Council approach the AONB about getting involved and helping to take the project forward to the parishes covered by the Arnside / Silverdale AONB as soon as possible.
10293 Suspension of Standing Orders
RESOLVED to suspend the business of the Council under Standing Order 26 in order that an extraordinary meeting of the Silverdale Children Playground Charity Trustees could take place.
10294 Children’s Playground
The meeting was reconvened.
RESOLVED to spend up to £1,500 (under section 19) on the playground for the provision of a membrane and rubber chippings for the aerial runway.
Items for Information
1. The Chairman reported that a letter had been sent by the Chair of Silverdale School governors thanking this Council for supporting the children in the making and display of the ceramic panels.
10295 Future Agenda Items
1. Funding for repairs to the playground. (Councillor Bradfield)
10296 Date of the Next Meeting
It was noted that the date of the next meeting is Thursday, 4th April 2013. Items for the agenda and copies of reports to reach the Clerk before Wednesday, 27th March.
Sue D. Hayward
Deputy Clerk to the Council