One for the anoraks this morning (though given the weather outside that's appropriate ho ho). Full parish council takes places tonight and it will approve the minutes of the last full parish council and the committees two weeks ago. Here are all the minutes. Note the report of the Persimmon/Woods Hardwick presentation on Home Farm in the planning minutes
FULL PARISH COUNCIL 17 October
In Attendance: Mrs R J Davey-Hunt
1.
To
receive apologies for absence: PCllrs: D Allan, A Bastable, A Morris, Mrs
Laura Moore.
2.
To receive declarations of personal and/or prejudicial interests in
any matter. PCllrs G Young, M Phillips and L Pollock declared an
interest in the matter relating to the Party in the Park Accounts, Finance
& Grants Committee report.
PCllr P Meadows declared an interest in the planning application
relating to the Carpenters Arms.
3.
To confirm the minutes of the last meeting dated 19th September
2012;
RESOLVED that the minutes of that meeting (previously
circulated) be confirmed as a true record.
4.
Clerks Report
4.1. With Members’ agreement, the Christmas tree will be
ordered during the first week in November, and the associated electrical works
commissioned. As in previous
years, the grasscutting contractor will be asked to dress the tree. The lights will be switched on [unless
otherwise instructed] on 1st December. It was suggested that ‘switching on event’ is organised for
1st December, the matter to be discussed at the next meeting of the
General Purposes Committee.
5.
Health and Safety
5.1. The Health and
Safety Annual Review dated 14th
August 2012 is now complete. It
was RESOLVED that the document is
approved by this Council, and signed by the Chairman, Mrs Delise Ball. The outstanding actions are:
5.1.1. Hotchcroft – consider the overall safety and security of this park
due to its poor location, access/egress and lighting. Also, it was noted that the park appears neglected and
little used, there are low overhanging branches and areas of slippery moss on
the paths. It was confirmed
that the branches in the area have been lopped, and RESOLVED that the pathway is checked by In Trim Garden and Grounds
Maintenance. Further, it was RESOLVED that members would look at the
area and comment
5.1.2. Church Clock – ensure council members accessing the church clock
adopt the risk assessment recommendations and safety procedures provided by the
church. The clerk contracted the PCC, and it appears that the Church have no
risk assessment in place. The
Clerk has therefore contacted Judicium advising of the layout of the church
tower and Judicium has undertaken to write a risk assessment on this Council’s
behalf.
5.2. Play area
inspection: No report received.
6.
Reports from Committees:
6.1.
General
Purposes Committee. The Council received a report, read by the Clerk, from
the Chairman of the Committee (minutes previously circulated); it was RESOLVED that with the following
amendment, the report is approved and recommendations therein be accepted.
6.1.1.
Highway
Maintenance Four Year Programme 2013 – 17 – consultation. CBCllr K Matthews reported that he,
CB/PCllrs Mrs Sue Clark and A Bastable had considered the programme and
inspected the sites. One or two
additions were made, and the list prioritised – the response was submitted and
accepted.
6.1.2.
Item
2 Photographic Competition.
The second recommendation in item two to be withdrawn (no gift to be
given to the judge of the competition).
6.1.3.
CBC writes
by email inviting comment on its consultation on the Draft Health and Wellbeing
Strategy for Central Bedfordshire, copy of the draft strategy and
questionnaire attached. Deadline for comments; Monday 29th October 2012. Also, there are two consultation events
taking place on: 15th October - Dunstable Fire Station, Dunstable, and 25th
October - The Rufus Centre, Flitwick. PCllr P Meadows, having read the document, advised members
that the document is good – it includes issues such as obesity, dementia,
mental health etc., however, it could add the use of music for Alzheimer’s
sufferers. It was RESOLVED that the Clerk should submit a
response to include the comments made by PCllr P Meadows.
6.2.
Burial
Grounds Committee.
The Council received a report from the Chairman of the Committee (minutes
previously circulated); it was RESOLVED
that the report is approved.
6.3.
Environment
Committee. The Council received a report from the Chairman
of the Committee (minutes previously circulated); it was RESOLVED that the report is approved [with the following amendment]
and recommendations therein be accepted.
6.3.1. Item 4.
Village Greening. Remove
‘and to enhance the University end of the village’.
6.4.
Planning
Committee and
additional planning matters. The Council received a report from
the Chairman of the Committee (minutes previously circulated); it was RESOLVED that the report is approved
and recommendations therein be accepted.
6.5.
Extraordinary
meeting of the Finance & Grants Committee. The
Council received a report from the Vice Chairman of the Committee (minutes
previously circulated); it was RESOLVED
that the report is approved and recommendations therein be accepted. .
7.
FINANCIAL
MATTERS AND ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT. Accounts for payment.
7.1. It
should be noted that the schedule of payments includes a cheque payable to
Wicksteed Leisure Limited for the new toddler play equipment and wet pour. The previous cheque was cancelled as it
included payment for the ‘call off’ spares. This invoice is not due, and should be paid as and when
spares are required.
7.2. In consideration of the above, and having
heard the comments and a proposal that the accounts schedule [previously
circulated] is approved for payment from the Chairman of the Finance and Grants
Committee; RESOLVED that those
accounts detailed in Appendix be approved for payment.
8.
CORRESPONDENCE.
8.1.
PCllr L Pollock writes as follows ‘I have been on the parish council for more than nine
years and have found it both rewarding and sometimes very demanding. The issues
which confront our community come thick and fast and it seems like only the
parish council offers a response and an influence.’
At the moment I am under considerable pressure in terms of my professional workload but I am reluctant to leave the parish council. I am, therefore seeking members' agreement to a six months leave of absence. I hope, during that time, the work-life balance issues will resolve themselves and I can take an active part again’.
At the moment I am under considerable pressure in terms of my professional workload but I am reluctant to leave the parish council. I am, therefore seeking members' agreement to a six months leave of absence. I hope, during that time, the work-life balance issues will resolve themselves and I can take an active part again’.
8.2.
PCSO Juliet Wright forwarded
the September/October crime statistics for Cranfield. Details as follows:
· 21st September – Criminal
damage has occurred at the recreation ground in Cranfield whereby graffiti has
been carried out on the shelter. This graffiti is permanent and will not
wash off. There is no cctv and no witnesses.
· 27th September – Wood End
Road, Cranfield. Power tools were stolen from an outbuilding at the
location. There is no cctv and no witnesses. A crime prevention
visit was offered but this was declined.
· 1st October – Cranfield
University. At a work place location at the university a passport and
driving licence have been stolen. The items were left out on a desk and
there were many visitors during the day. There was no cctv and no
witnesses.
· 6th October – Mill Road,
Cranfield. A burglary occurred at the location in which a jemmy was used
on the wooden front door. Numerous high value electrical items were
stolen. House to house enquires were carried out but there were no
witnesses and no cctv.
· 6th October –Washingleys,
Cranfield. A burglary occurred at the location in which entrance was
gained by an insecure gate and insecure kitchen door. A lap top was
stolen. House to house enquiries were carried out but again no witnesses
and no cctv.
· 10th October – Lincroft,
Cranfield. Theft from a rented property in which the tenant left the property
but had removed the hot water cylinder tank in the airing cupboard.
On-going investigations are being carried out.
· 15th October – Theft from
Budgens in which a large amount of alcohol was taken. There was no cctv
and no witnesses.
Anti-Social Behaviour Incidents
· 22nd September – Noise nuisance following
a party at Cranfield Football Club. No action taken.
· 27th September – Holywell
Road, nuisance motorcyclists at location. Officers attended the scene and
there was no trace of the bikes.
· 28th September – Flitt Leys,
parking obstructions were reported with residents having problems getting their
vehicles out. Officers attended the scene and on his arrival there were
no obstructions.
· 9th October – Cranfield Lower
School, incident was reported of dangerous driving in the location of the
school. Details were taken from all parties and the matter was dealt with
by restorative justice.
· 11th October – Lincroft,
Cranfield. Reports of a vehicle that may have been abandoned.
Vehicle was checked out and all in order. Registered to a local owner.
· 11th October – Millards Close,
Cranfield. Reports of on-going neighbour dispute. Both parties
visited and no further incidents reported.
It was noted by
members that there were incidents occurring within Cranfield that do not appear
on the crime report. Some of the
incidents talked of in the village are serious. The Clerk undertook
to ask if there is a reason for this.
8.3. Andrew
Pearson (PCC) writes to advise
that although the church architect needs to be involved in the repair of the
church wall, it is the Parish Council that needs to contact him providing a
quote/specification for the work.
Contact details: Michael
Clews, Acanthus Clews Architects, Acanthus House, 57 Hightown Road, Banbury,
Oxon, OX16 9BE
9.
REPORTS FROM REPRESENTATIVES, CENTRAL BEDFORDSHIRE COUNCILLORS
9.1.
CB/PCllr Mrs Sue Clark reported:
9.1.1.
that she, PCllrs Mrs
Delise Ball and R Baker met with Patrick Connelly to discuss the work carried
out following the near completion of the traffic calming measures. Action is to be taken to check all
gullies in the coming week (commencing 22nd October), and a
‘snagging’ list has been passed to Mr Connelly who undertook to return to site
to inspect once all work is completed.
It was RESOLVED that an article should be put into Cranfield Express to
update residents on the above actions.
9.1.2.
that, included in the CBC
Parking Strategy is the following:
No parking on verges unless there is no alternative Parking on footpaths is permissible providing there is
room for buggies, wheelchairs etc. Minimum requirements for parking relating to new
builds will be: one bedroom, one parking space; two bedrooms, two parking
spaces; 3 bedrooms, three parking spaces, four bedrooms, four parking spaces. Minimum widths for garages
9.2.
CBCllr K Matthews
reported:
9.2.1. The educational standard for the lower and middle
schools has greatly improved.
Central Bedfordshire’s middle and primary schools has seen the area’s
best ever results at Key Stage 2.
Overall the number of children achieving at least level four in maths
and English has increased by ten per cent. The numbers achieving level five or
above are equally impressive, with increases of ten per cent in maths and 14
per cent in English. Around 94 per
cent of schools in Central Bedfordshire saw improvements, with over 50 per cent
seeing increases of at least ten per cent on the number of pupils achieving
level four or above in maths and English. At stage 1, Central Bedfordshire is the best performing in
the country, and one of the top ten authorities in the Country overall.
9.2.2. The lower school needs to expand, various locations
are being considered; consultants are looking into the feasibility of the
sites.
10.
HIGHWAYS. Written
reports passed to the Clerk for action.
DATES OF NEXT MEETINGS: Meeting
of the General Purposes,
Environment, Burial Ground, and Planning Committees: 7th November at
7.30pm; meeting of the Full Parish Council, 21st November 2012 at
8.00pm.
COMMITTEES 7 NOVEMBERPLANNING COMMITTEE
In
attendance: six members of the public, John Hove, Mr Paul Stones [Persimmon Homes],
Paul Burrell [Pegasus Group], Jason Leonard and Gary Surkitt [Woods Hardwick]
and Annabel Gammell [CBC] Steven Smith and Jeff Streule [Denison Instruments],
and Mrs R Davey-Hunt, Clerk,
Apologies
for absence: PCllr/ (CBCllr]: Mrs Sue Clark and L Pollock.
Before the meeting started, representatives from Persimmon Homes,
Pegasus Group and Woods Hardwick presented a proposed new planning application
which would enable the Home Farm Development to move forward. It was explained that the land upon
which the footpath linking the village to the new development is not owned, nor
is there an option to buy, on the land belonging to Denison Instruments.
The alternative scheme, which puts the community facility facing onto Court
Road, and the footpath taking a long diversion around the Denison land, was put
to members for consideration. It
was noted that the development is reduced by 20%, as the houses intended for
the Denison land are not included in the new application; it follows that if
the application was approved, the planning gain would also be reduced by
20%. Further the allocation per
house has since been reduced, thus this would bring down the planning gain
further.
The proposed timeline for the new application is: Public consultation before Christmas;
submission of application in the New Year.
1.
General Planning Matters. The
applications were deferred to the meeting of the Full Parish Council.
2. Home
Farm. See above
3. Parking. PCllrs P
Meadows and D Allan attended a meeting with CBC to discuss the management of
parking in the village. At the
meeting it was agreed that the attendees would write a report on where lines
can be placed to indicate where cars can park. It will include the marking of pavements to show how far
onto the pavement they can encroach.
PCllr D Allan explained that people will park on the pavement anyway,
but that by marking a line on the pavement, it can be controlled to enable safe
passage of pedestrians, buggies and wheelchairs. The report will be presented to Members in January 2013.
4. Budget
Items – as last year.
5. Reports:
5.1. CB/PCllr
Mrs Sue Clark advised that there will be a
meeting with DLA on behalf of Bellway Homes, relating to the Central Motors
site, on 13th November, to discuss the plans. The meeting will be held at Holywell
Middle School, from 4.00pm to 6.00pm.
6. Correspondence:
6.1.
CBC writes to
advise of the new postal addresses for the conversion at 11 Mill Road, as
follows:
6.1.1.
Local Government Act 1985,
Street Naming and Numbering - Flat 1 (f/f rear): Flat 1, 11 Mill Road,
Cranfield MK43 0JG. Flat 2 (f/f
front): Flat 2, 11 Mill Road, Cranfield MK43 0JG. Site plans and correspondence forwarded to all members on
the 16th October 2012.
7.
Agenda Items. Parking
(January committees)
GENERAL PURPOSES
In Attendance: Ms Mrs R J Davey-Hunt
and Mr P Haddon
Declarations of interest CBCllr/PCllrs: There were no declarations.
Apologies for Absence PCllrs: Mrs
Sue Clark, L Pollock
1.
Consultation:
Draft Local Council Tax Support Scheme for Central Bedfordshire. Cllr Maurice
Jones (CBC)
writes regarding the consultation which is in line with Government regulations,
using the current rules for Council Tax Benefit as a starting point. Deadline for responses is 14th
November 2012. PCllr L Pollock submitted to members for approval, a draft
response as follows:
1.1.
CBC’s consultation documents states that the housing benefit scheme
should:
·
be affordable – so that council tax payers and
services don’t suffer
·
require people to make a fair contribution – those
who can pay, should pay
·
encourage people to earn a living - incentivise work
·
protect the most vulnerable.
It is noted also that the
areas where support could be withdrawn are:
·
receive Income Support or Jobseekers Allowance (unemployed or unable to work)
·
receive Employment and Support Allowance (suffering serious illness or injury)
·
have low earnings or income (in poverty).
1.2.
The proposed response:
·
This Council notes these criteria and cannot support
the proposals that justify themselves by supposedly ‘incentivising’ ill, jobless and
poorly paid people to work. Individuals
in these categories should continue to receive support.
·
This Council does not support the charging of council
tax when the property is in possession of the mortgagees if this adds to the debtor’s
hardship.
·
This Council suggests that if CBC presses ahead, any
contribution levied should be a maximum of 25 per cent, not a minimum.
It was RECOMMENDED
that
the proposed response be approved with the following additions:
·
Addition:
This Council does not support the charging of council tax when the
property is in possession of the mortgagees if this adds to the debtor’s hardship.
·
Addition: Illness to include both physical and
mental.
2.
Short Breaks Statement
consultation. CBC writes regarding the Short Breaks Statement consultation September
2012- November 2012. The Statement produced by Central Bedfordshire
is in draft and has been circulated to all members via e-mail on the 6th
September 2012 [the full details of the consultation are provided in the main
document]. PCllr
P Meadows advised members that the statement is generally good; however it
should not exclude mental illness.
It was RECOMMENDED that this response be approved and forwarded
to Central
Bedfordshire Council.
Deadline for comments Friday 23 November 2012.
3.
Photographic Competition. Peter
Haddon and PCllr A Morris will set a date for the competition once issues are
resolved. Now looking for a judge
for the children’s pictures;
although adults can submit pictures, they will be for exhibition only.
4.
MUGA – PCllr J Brocklebank advised that a site visit has been arranged for
Saturday 10th November.
There will be in attendance, two representatives from Colts FC, Kevin
England, BFA; and PCllr J Savill. Lisa White, CBC is unable to
attend weekend meetings, however she advised that CBC will support the council
in this matter, however, no funding will be available.
5.
Christmas tree and associated costs.
The cost last year to install, dress and light the Christmas tree was: Tree: £300.00, Electrical
connection/disconnection: £75.00.
It was RECOMMENDED that orders are raised for the supply and
installation of a Norway Spruce Christmas tree, and for the electrical supply
to be connected. Costs not to
exceed the budgeted amount.
6.
Budget items:
It was agreed that the following items should be considered for
inclusion in the 2013-14 budget.
6.1. New notice boards, and refurbishment of old
boards
6.2. Refurbishment of University bus shelter
6.3. Photographic competition
6.4. Timetable holders for bus shelters
6.5. Street lighting
6.6. Communications
7.
Reports:
7.1. PCllr L Pollock advised
by e-mail (circulated to all Members) that Professor Sir John O’Reilly will be
leaving Cranfield University in February 2013 to take up a position for
the UK government as Director General of Knowledge and Innovation in the Department for Business.
the UK government as Director General of Knowledge and Innovation in the Department for Business.
8.
Correspondence.
8.1.
NALC
writes to advise that no precept should be formally approved until after the publication of the Draft Local
Government Finance Report (early December, 2012). Each local council should
also wait for the Tax Base figures to be issued by the Billing Authorities on
1st December, 2012. All documents
forwarded to members on the 30th October 2012.
8.2.
Maria Macrae
writes highlighting her concerns regarding the recently installed traffic
calming measures in the village.
Her letter was prompted by the recent road traffic accident which
occurred at the lodge Road roundabout. Ms Macrae says that the scheme does not cover the
right places; the Lodge Road end of the village has been forgotten. She suggests that smaller humps through
the entire village High Street would be enough to slow the traffic to 30mph
whilst keeping it flowing and asks to be informed as to whether anything is
going to be done with the road going out of the village towards MK; the traffic
through the village has obviously had priority for some reason. Finally, it was suggested that the
roundabout at Lodge Road entrance needs a rethink before someone is killed. E-mail forwarded to all members on 2nd
November 2012.
8.3.
Mr Maurice Rust writes to comment
on the recently installed traffic calming measures; the main points are as
follows:
8.3.1.
The steep incline and declines to the
raised tables are dangerous – they need to be extended urgently before they
cause accidents particularly in icy weather or when covered in snow. Mr Rust asks why Central Bedfordshire
Highways department constructed the platforms so high and with such short
narrow inclines and declines; and why construct two raised humps in Crawley
road so close together yet there is no speed humps in Bourne End Road, or
from Mill Road Junction leading
the length of Bedford Road out towards Marston Hill, the area of Court Road
around the Lower School area , the High Street leading from the village Green
out of the village to Lodge Road
roundabout, all these roads are straight through roads where traffic speeds
build up.
8.3.2.
The newly constructed mini roundabout
at the junction of Mill Road, Crawley Road and Crane Way is very effective but
why did they not construct a mini roundabout at the junction of Crane Way and
Bedford Road. This junction is often a bottle neck with vehicles travelling
from Bedford turning into Crane Way and from Crane way turning right into
Bedford Road. It was felt
important enough to construct a mini roundabout at the junction of Lodge Road
and the High Street so why not at Bedford Road and Crane Way, this road
junction is far busier than Lodge Road particularly with all the University
traffic that uses this road junction.
8.3.3.
At the village green the buses now
stop in the road causing a blockage, the bus shelter is now in the wrong place
so people waiting for the buses have to stand in the pouring rain; why was a bus
pull-in not constructed. Letter
circulated to all Members on 3rd November.
8.4.
Mr John Hawkins writes regarding the traffic
calming in Crawley Road as follows:
Whilst I agree that the two raised tables/calming measures that have
been constructed at the far end of Crawley Road serve their purpose, however once
over the tables the traffic then speeds up until it reaches the junction of
Mill Road/ Crane Way, and likewise in the other direction. What is needed, is for at least two
further raised tables to be constructed between Mill Road/ Crane Way and the
raised tables that have been constructed at the lower end of Crawley Road, as
was previously on the plans, this then would have controlled the traffic speed
and therefore a more effective traffic calming scheme implemented. Although after speaking to a neighbour I was informed that a table was to be erected by the playing field but
was rejected by a Parish Councillor who lives close by, who I suppose is out
to work all day and is not affected by the traffic. In conclusion we now have a traffic calming scheme that is
not fully fit for purpose in Crawley Rd/Broad Green.
8.4.1.
The Clerk undertook to reply to all correspondence relating to the traffic
calming, confirming the following points:
·
The
traffic calming measures were funded by a fixed s106 obligation agreement
(agreed by CBC Planning Department), which came from development at the Tech
Park/University. The funding was specifically dedicated to traffic
calming measures for High Street and Bedford Road.
·
The
Lodge Road roundabout is not part of the traffic calming measures; it was
constructed as part of the Home Farm development and agreed by Central
Bedfordshire Council and the Highways Department.
·
This
Council is presently talking to Central Bedfordshire Council with regards to
the 'niggles' which remain following installation of the traffic calming
measures, and it is hoped that 'making good' will be undertaken as soon as
possible.
·
Any
complaints/comments regarding the recently installed traffic calming measures,
Lodge Road roundabout, or queries regarding the s106
agreement, should be addressed to Central Bedfordshire Council.
8.5.
Louise Ashmore writes
to advise that NALC has launched a national enquiry – the document ‘What next
for localism’ received and forwarded to all members on the 3rd
November. Submission of ideas or
comment on ideas already submitted is invited.
8.6.
Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue will be holding a series of forums to discuss the
Community Risk Management Plan 2013-2017 and invites representatives of this
Council to attend on Monday 19th November 2012 18:30 – 21:00 at Fire HQ.
Southfields Road, Kempston MK42 7NR.
Invitation forwarded to all Members on 2nd November 2012.
8.7. Dr E
Cotton writes to invite
representatives of this Council to the Village Hall AGM which will be held on
Monday 12th November at 8.15pm in the hall when the VHMC will be
pleased to present our accounts for the past year, a report on their activities
and plans for future developments.
9.
Agenda Items:
ENVIRONMENT
In Attendance: R D
Davey-Hunt (Clerk),
Apologies for absence:
CBC/PCllrs: Mrs Sue Clark
and L Pollock
Declarations
of Interest:
1.
Tree inspection and maintenance contract.
1.1.
A quotation has been received
from Apex Trees – all figures exclusive of VAT.
1.1.1. The
Maintenance contract is quoted on a menu basis as follows:
Removal of
a tree Max £1300.00 Min £80.00
Raising a
crown Max £ 140.00 Min
£15.00
Pruning Max £ 543.00 Min
£15.00
Wound
treatment Service not
provided
Pests and
disease control Service
not provided
Replacement Max £ 180.00 Min
£40.00 (per tree)
1.2.
Quotation Received from Trim a
Tree
1.2.1. The
Maintenance contract is quoted on a menu basis as follows:
Removal of
a tree Max £385.00
Raising a
crown Max £ 85.00
Pruning Max £ 275.00
Wound treatment Service not
provided
Pests and
disease control Service
not provided
Replacement Max £ 185.00 (per tree)
1.3.
Quotation Received from Steve
Dear Trees:
Removal
of a tree
Raising
a crown
Pruning
Wound
treatment
|
This would be carried out at
£450.00 plus VAT per day = 2 Man team
Transit and Chipper
Remove all arisings from
site
|
Pests
and disease control
|
A charge would be made for
the cost of chemicals used.
Labour would be free of
charge (on the understanding that the contract to carry out the necessary
tree works required is obtained by us)
|
Replacement
|
This would be the cost of
the tree / shrub and £25.00 + VAT per hour for planting.
|
1.4. It was RECOMMENDED that the quotation from Trim a Tree is accepted; it was
further RECOMMENDED that a minimum price quotation
is requested.
2.
Digley Report and RFQ’s. PCllr J
Savill advised members that he is in the process of colour marking the report
so that it may be sent out to suppliers/contractors for quotation. The main contractors/ suppliers
are: Playdale, Wicksteed, and
Caloo.
3.
Budget Items: It was agreed that the
following should be considered for inclusion for the 2013-14 budget:
3.1.
Grasscutting
3.2.
Play equipment (skate park)
3.3.
Play equipment repairs
3.4.
Village greening/planting
3.5.
Entry and exit at Broad Green
4.
Reports
4.1.
Rugby Posts. Quotations received as
follows:
4.1.1.
Wicksteed: supply and installation of ‘Wildcats
Premier Multi-Sport System – Chevron Goal c/w Rugby Posts for Broad Green has
been received in the sum of
£10,534.00 excluding VAT.
4.1.2.
Miracle Design & Play - Supply and Install Goal
Unit consisting of: football/rugby goal unit. Project total £ 9,444.03
4.1.3.
DCM Surfaces quotation: Supply and install Socketed Aluminium Football Rugby
Combination - Goals, including football nets –
all for the sum of £3,705.00. Quotation circulated to all members on
3rd November.
4.1.4.
PCllr Mrs Delise Ball suggested that the placing of rugby posts would be a
possible safety hazard if installed in Broad Green. The High Street Recreation Ground would not be suitable as
it may interfere with the football pitches which are heavily used by Colts
FC. It was therefore proposed and RECOMMENDED that the installation of rugby posts is disregarded.
4.2.
Broad Green Hedge: Quotations received for work
to reduce the height of Broad Green Hedge:
4.2.1.
Steve Dear Trees: Reduce
Hedge to height of gate post.
Remove all arisings from site.
£650.00, VAT £130.00.
4.2.2.
Trim a Tree: Reduce hedge to height of gate posts,
make tidy, take away cuttings and dispose. £790.00, VAT £158.00.
4.2.3.
It was RECOMMENDED that the quotation from Trim a Tree, in the sum of £790.00
is accepted. PCllr Delise Ball
asked that the contractor awaits an inspection of the hedge before he leaves
the site.
4.3.
A petition has been received
asking that this Council installs a skate park in the village. PCllr J Savill reported that at the last Surgery,
discussions were undertaken with representatives of the youth of the village;
they agreed that a basic skate park would be acceptable. It was RECOMMENDED that the installation of a skate park be agreed in
principle – on the site of the old tennis courts in the Recreation Ground
- on condition that the young
people requesting the park undertake to
raise the money for the insurance (approximately £350.00). PCllr Mrs Delise Ball undertook to work with them to help them fulfil the condition.
5.
Correspondence.
5.1.
CBC writes to advise that its Leisure Services
section is undertaking the production of a suite of documents which together
will comprise a comprehensive Leisure Strategy for the whole of Central Bedfordshire.
Work is still underway on Chapter 1, the Built Facilities Assessment, as well
as Chapter 2, Open Space and Recreation and Chapter 4, Physical Activity. To support the preparation of Chapters
2 and 4, the completion of a short survey is requested. The deadline for
submission is Tuesday 6th November 2012. Correspondence and survey document circulated to all members
on the 16th October 2012.
5.2.
Jonathan Talbot, Youth
Worker, Groundwork Luton & Bedfordshire, writes advising that he has
been approached by Lewis Jobbing regarding the possibility of a skate park in
Cranfield, and asks if it would it be possible to have a discussion with the
Council regarding the project. It
is possible that Groundwork may be in strong position to support the project. It was RECOMMENDED that Mr Talbot is invited to the meeting of the Environment
Committee in December to discuss the project.
5.3.
Jonathan
Woods – Access Development Team Leader, CBC, writes to invite this Council to
comment on its Outdoor Access Improvement Plan
Consultation. The Plan will act as
the cornerstone ‘strategy’ for the Council’s countryside sites and outdoor
access management and for the delivery of services, establishing work streams
and projects for a 10 year period from 2013 to 2023. The OAIP will form part of a suite of documents, which will
plan, deliver and manage countryside access and greenspace in Central
Bedfordshire. These include the Leisure Strategy, Green Infrastructure Plans
and the Development Strategy. The Council's
Countryside Access Team will be on hand to talk to the public about the
proposals at: Flitwick Library on the 6th December (10am - 4pm). The full plan, a summary document and a
questionnaire are available on the website www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/consultations
. Deadline for comments
12:00 midday, 18
January 2013. Correspondence
forwarded to all Members on the 3rd November.
5.4. Laura Kitson, CBC writes to advise that there is funding
available for green infrastructure projects. Green infrastructure is the
network of green spaces, access routes, wildlife habitats, landscapes and
historic features. The funding has come through ‘planning obligations’. Contributions are collected from
developers by Central Bedfordshire for green infrastructure projects at a scale
larger than the local improvements that developers would have to do as part of
their developments. The projects must also benefit new housing developments and
their residents. If
this Council is able to identify or develop suitable projects, the Marston Vale
Trust may be able to discuss the
project ideas and if considered appropriate, assist with developing
applications, and carrying out environmental projects. Details and Guidance on the funding forwarded
to all members on 7th November. Applications to Central
Bedfordshire Council by the 21st December. It was agreed that there are no projects planned which
will be suitable.
6.
Agenda items for next meeting.
In
Attendance: R J
Davey-Hunt, Clerk.
Apologies for absence: CBCllr/PCllrs: Mrs
Sue Clark and L Pollock.
Declarations of interest:
1.
Camomile
Lawn – Memorial garden. PCllr
L Pollock proposed that a budget allocation be provided for modifying the memorial
garden in the cemetery to replace the camomile. In October, Maurice Rust
suggested that slate chippings on top of a membrane would give an attractive
and low maintenance replacement.
He also identified some borders which could still be planted but could
be kept weed-free more easily if an underlying membrane was laid down. The proposed allocation figure would be
£1500.00, but it is hoped that quotations would come in below this figure –
work to be commenced in March 2013.
It was RECOMMENDED that the advice
given by Mr Rust be accepted, and that quotes are obtained for the work to be
carried out in April of 2013.
2.
Church
Wall. No
quotations have been received for work to the Church wall. One company has declined to quote, and
another has requested to know the meterage of coping stone replacement – this
contractor seems reluctant to visit the site. Rev Hugh Symes-Thompson has undertaken to find out who last
carried out the repairs to the wall, and PCllr G Young undertook to look for
contractors who are able to carry out this type of work.
3. Policy – Removal of Wreaths from War
Memorial. PCllr
Mrs Laura Moore advised members’ that there is no set guidance for the removal
of wreaths’ other than it should not be ‘too soon’ after they are laid. PCllr D Allan understood to telephone British Legion Headquarters to ask for
guidance. PCllr V Cosbie-Ross
suggested that the wreaths be removed when the Christmas tree is taken down on
the 6th January.
4. Cemetery Gates: Work to the cemetery gates has been carried out;
however, the contractor made a mistake and installed the gates to the ‘Option 2’
specification – onto steel posts.
PCllr Mrs Delise Ball has spoken with the contractor and has looked at
the gates. She reported that the
finished work looks very good, and it offers a more permanent solution. The contractor has offered to either:
4.1.
Carry out the work again to the Option 1
specification (without the steel supports).
4.2.
Leave as is and charge the work as per the Option
1 specification.
It was RECOMMENDED
that 4.2 above is approved and the work carried out remains as is.
5. Budget Items:
5.1.
£1500.00 – Replacement of Camomile Lawn with
slate chippings, planting of borders
5.2.
Church Wall - £2000.00
5.3.
Clock maintenance
5.4.
Cemetery skip - £1500.00
5.5.
Child burial area - £5000.00
5.6.
North Path – churchyard £5000.00
5.7.
Water metre, etc.
6. Reports:
6.1.
PCllr
Mrs Delise Ball reported that Anglian Water arrived at the
cemetery to cut of the water again.
Cllr Ball managed to avert the action, and arranged for AW to survey the
area and install a meter.
6.2.
PCllr D Allan reported that the church clock is
gaining a minute every day. The
Clerk undertook to write to Smith of
Derby to let them know.
7. Correspondence:
7.1.
Hugh Symes Thompson has forward an e-mail trail
which gives information relating to the proposed erection of a fence to the
southern boundary of the churchyard, to be commissioned by Mr Phillip
Dickins. Copy of the e-mail
forwarded to all members on 3rd November.
8. Agenda Items: Removal of wreaths. Church Wall.
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