Lidlington 'Summit'

More in depth feedback from the Lidlington 'Summit' last week.

Marston Vale Parish Liaison Group

Synopsis of meeting held Monday 26 March 2012

Present:

Dee Blackmore, Iain Clapham, John Ludford, Lyn Lyman,

Jean Peall, Andrew Penn, Laurence Pollock, Hugh Roberts,

David Toland

1 Lighting

Most Parishes still have some responsibilities for Street

Lighting. Lidlington is just above the 14MW threshold so is on

an expensive rate. Marston has only 9 lights but is looking to

Amey. Andy Muskett suggested as a possible supplier of service.

2 Grass Cutting

Many parishes using Warners – prices are competitve. Possiblity of grouping discount?

3 Litter Picking

Smaller Parishes – Cllrs are doing it themselves. Cranfield use

an Individual/Contractor. Lidlington looking for a solution to

the now onerous "Employment trap" - work cannot be carried out as low key spare time job due to health and safety/risk mamagement etc.

4 Dog Mess

Problem rising in all Parishes. There seems to be a void in the

market to provide clearing of this now “Hazardous Waste”

5 106 agreements

Central Beds still failing to properly involve PCs, we need to

break down their misguided “Nanny knows best” approach.

Experience shows they have no idea what our local communities

want instead imposing what we DO NOT WANT!

6 Highways

Some discussion on best contacts. Some PCs get things done for

them which others are told are verboten under Health & Safety (or

other current excuses)

7 Faster Broadband

The joint meeting at Cranfield was very useful. Consensus that

Marston Vale is very poorly serviced by BT and radical

alternatives are needed. Paper surveys would be useful.

7 Church Authorities

Universal agreement that they are unresponsive to local need.

Have become totally remote and non-co-operative.

8 Neighbourhood Plans

David & Hugh Marston councillors are attending training. Some scepticism re amount

of effort vs potential rewards. Marston proceeding but may cooperate

with adjoining PCs.

9 Rights of Way

Broad agreement that much can be done to improve ROW network

between parishes and collaboration ( eg A421 review) would be

most useful.

10 Future Meetings

Agreed to hold next liaison at Cranfield's refurbished Village

Hall early July? Date to be confirmed. Cranfield to Chair?

Invites to Parishes adjoing the Cranfield and Marston Ward ?

Note: Cranfield PC will discuss this proposal at its meeting on Wednesday