For the record

The full minutes of the July Parish Council meeting:

In Attendance:  Mrs R J Davey-Hunt, Clerk,  1 member of the public.

Parking – Flitt Leys Close.

Before the meeting started, Mr David Bowie (CBC) presented a solution to the access problems experienced by a resident of Flitt Leys Close.  It was proposed that the kerb is dropped to allow a much wider turning circle for the resident to access his drive/garage and an ‘H bar’ laid down.  Problems occur when vehicles are parked opposite to his access, and it was suggested that this council may wish to consider yellow line/s at this site.

Members of the Council were informed that CBC is in the final stages of introducing a global ban on parking on verges and footways.  The ban will be applied to areas identified by town/parish councils, following the gathering of evidence to prove the need over a three/four week period - parish councillors would be required to issue warning notices on CPC headed paper.   Once the evidence has been accepted, signs will be placed in the area by CBC; it is at this point that the ban becomes effective on the specific area, and tickets can be issued (£70 fine).  Once the traffic order, which is in its draft stage, is finalised – all will be ready to go. 

Mr Bowie assured members that there is a strategy in place which calls for more off street parking which will apply to the development of Flitt Leys Close.

Yellow Lines - Mr Bowie asked members to list the areas which would benefit from yellow lines.  He carries out ‘odds and ends’ twice yearly, therefore any requests would be completed within twelve months maximum.  Further, if this council wishes to identify areas where parking on the footway is acceptable, CBC will formalise this by marking the area with a white box.  In this way, the distance left for the passage of wheelchairs, pushchairs etc., can be controlled.

This matter to be brought to the September meeting of the planning committee.

^1.            Apologies for absence.  CB/PCllrs:  L Pollock, Mrs Sue Clark, K Matthews

^2.            To receive declarations of personal and/or prejudicial interests in any matter.  There were no declarations.

^3.            To confirm the minutes of the last meetings dated 19^th June 2013 and; RESOLVED that the minutes of those meetings (previously circulated) be confirmed as a true record. 

^4.            Clerks Report

4.1.    Trim a Tree  have quoted for the reduction of the hedge at Lincroft Play Area from 7ft to the height of the metal fence, and to trim the sides, in the sum of £190.00 ex VAT.

4.2.    CBC writes in response to this Council’s enquiry,  to advise that there should be no posting of notices on any highways street furniture, unless there has been prior approval [which is very limited].  A copy of CBC’s policy ‘Temporary Signing on the Highway’ was attached to the e-mail for information.  Correspondence forwarded to all members on the 15^th July.

4.3.    Cranfield University writes in response to this Council’s query relating to permission to site a skate park in Broad Green Play Area.  John Street the Director of Estates will deal with this, however he is currently on annual leave until 16th July.  A similar request to CBC regarding the Millennium Park has received no reply.

4.4.    Peter Christmas – Groundwork Luton, writes in response to this Council’s queries as follows:

4.4.1.    it will be better for the Parish Council to confirm the site for the skate park before Groundwork undertakes the consultation and sketch design process.  However, to assist the decision-making process regarding the site, Groundwork would (at no cost to the Parish Council) provide a member of staff to undertake one visit to Cranfield to advise on the suitability of alternative potential sites in preparation for the September public meeting -  and representatives of Groundwork would  attend the September public meeting and be on hand to help answer questions / address fears from the public.

4.4.2.    If the public meeting is successful in deciding upon a site, the consultation and sketch design process could then commence.  In advance of the September public meeting, we would submit a formal costed proposal to the Council for consultation and sketch design, and would aim to agree dates for consultation sessions in advance so that the process can then begin promptly. 

4.4.3.    It should be possible to complete the consultation and sketch design process within 6-8 weeks of the public meeting, i.e. to meet the December deadline for the Sport England bid.

4.4.4.    there would usually be three sessions with potential users of the skate park to work up the sketch design; it is best to hold these quite close together, for example weekly, to maintain momentum and interest.  One of these sessions could perhaps be in October half term, and could involve a visit to Houghton Regis or Flitwick skate parks, to help generate ideas and discussion.  There should also be meetings with other stake-holder groups, for example police or concerned residents, and possibly a public engagement event to promote the potential skate park and get feedback on a draft design. 

4.4.5.    the Parish Council would be kept informed throughout the process, and a final draft sketch design would be presented; within the pricing there would be allowance for one revision to take account of feedback from the Parish Council.

4.4.6.    Whilst the sketch design is being finalised Groundwork would work with the Council on the bid to Sport England, for submission once the design and cost estimate is complete.

4.4.7.    For the purposes of the bid, the Parish Council will need to confirm with CBC that planning permission is needed, and it is recommend that the discussions with CBC commence as early as possible so that the design process can take account of any guidance from the planners.  It is also recommend that the Parish Council explore possible match funding from Cranfield University, as the Sport England bid alone would not be sufficient.  Also it may be worth speaking to CBC about any funding possibilities, for example Community Infrastructure Levy.

4.4.8.    if the above information is acceptable, Groundwork  I will prepare a formal costed proposal for the consultation and sketch design work. 

                                        It was agreed that PCllrs Mrs Delise Ball, M Phillips, G Young and Mrs Laura Moore will meet with representatives of Groundwork Luton to view potential sites for the skate park, and that representatives of Groundwork Luton will attend the September meeting.  It was also agreed that the consultation and design sketch can go forward if the quotation for fees does not exceed £4000.00.  Should the fees exceed this figure, the matter to be brought back to Council.  The Clerk undertook to commence discussion with CBC regarding planning permission, and to contact the University and CBC to seek match funding.

^5.            Health & Safety 

5.1.    Broad Green, Wharley End, Ailwyn’s Acre – all satisfactory

5.2.    HSRG

5.2.1.    one swing seat broken the other needs ‘u’ bolt

5.2.2.    awaiting replacement of square wire bins

5.2.3.    both gates to play area ripped off hinges and broken latches.  Repaired (twice)

5.2.4.    Lincroft - awaiting new swing, awaiting new square bins

5.3.    Risk Assessment – Annual Review.  Alison Langley offers the following dates for the annual review:  Monday 29th, Wednesday 31st July, or Thursday 1st August – mid-morning.  The Clerk and PCllr G Young to meet with Ms Langley.  Dates forwarded to PCllr G Young for agreement.

5.4.    The bus shelter in Lodge Road was hit by a car on the 16th July.  The police attended the scene.  When alerted to the accident on 17^th July, the Chairman and Clerk organised emergency action to ensure that the structure is removed or stabilised as soon as possible.  A crime number has been allocated - JD/25073/2013.

^6.            Reports from Committees:

6.1.    General Purposes Committee.   The Council received a report from the Clerk (minutes previously circulated); it was RESOLVED that the report is approved and recommendations therein be accepted.  

6.2.    Burial Ground 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 the recommendations therein be accepted. 

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 and recommendations therein be accepted.

6.4.    Planning Committee and additional planning matters.  The Council received a report from the Chairman of the Council (minutes previously circulated); it was RESOLVED that the report is approved and recommendations therein be accepted.

^7.            CORRESPONDENCE. 

7.1.    There was no correspondence.

^8.            FINANCIAL MATTERS AND ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT.  Having heard the comments and a proposal that the accounts schedule [previously circulated] is approved for payment from the Vice Chairman of the Finance and Grants Committee; RESOLVED that those accounts detailed in Appendix A be approved for payment. 

^9.            REPORTS FROM REPRESENTATIVES, CENTRAL BEDFORDSHIRE COUNCILLORS.

9.1.    CB/PCllr Mrs Sue Clark reported:

9.1.1.    In a recent meeting to determine the future of the Landfill Liaison meeting, it was agreed that the meeting would continue to be hosted and run by FCC. Nigel Rogers has now confirmed this and it is planned to hold an autumn meeting of the committee.

9.2.    CB/PCllr A Bastable reported that planning applications submitted by Bellway Homes will come to the 11^th September Development Control Meeting.  Bellway Homes advised CBC that in 2010 the then council had said that the access road relating to the Flitt Leys development was satisfactory.  Representatives of this Council will meet with CBC during the summer to discuss.   

^10.        HIGHWAYS.  Written reports passed to the Clerk for action.

^11.        DATES OF NEXT MEETINGS.  Meeting of the Finance and Grants, General Purposes, Environment and Burial Grounds committees, 4^th September 2013 at 7.30pm.  Meeting of the Full Council 18^th September 2013 at 8.00pm.

Appendix C

Report from PCSO8150 Michele Dadd

STATS

21/06/2013 - Partridge Piece - assault occasioning actual bodily harm (oapa section 47)

25/06/2013 - Budgens store - unknown offender/s has smashed the door lock to get inside the vehicle and has proceeded to try and removed the stereo smashing it (the ip believes it was left there because they broke it).  They have searched inside the glove compartment and removed two CD's and a pair of Polaroid sunglasses.  The steering column has also been damaged. The unknown offender/s has then made off from the location in an unknown direction via unknown means.

25/06 – 26/06/2013 – Lincroft - unknown offenders have approached the property and removed the five stated plant pots with bushes inside them. Unknown offenders have then left the location by unknown means, in an unknown direction.

03/07/2013 - Bourne End - burglary in a building other than a dwelling - unknown offenders have used an unknown implement but probably a crowbar due to the size and weight of the door and the marks that are left on the frame. Offenders have stolen the items and have left by unknown means.

10/07/2013 - Townsend Close - domestic dispute/incident

11/07/2013 - Oak Barn Close - public order - fear or provocation of violence (poa 1986 s. 4) - reported dispute taking place between her and her neighbour over the kids playing football on ip`s drive way and around her cars. Ip went to see her neighbour and asked if her kids can stop playing football as they might cause some damage to her car. Offender become verbally abusive, ip went back inside the house to avoid any further abuse or violence.

16/07/2013 - High Street - common assault

		Recorded Crime					Detections
	Crime Type			19/06/12 to 16/07/12	19/06/13 to 16/07/13	% Change		19/06/12 to 16/07/12	19/06/13 to 16/07/13	% Change
	Violence against the Person			0	2	n/a		0	1	n/a
	Sexual Offences			0	0	n/a		0	0	n/a
	Robbery			0	0	n/a		0	0	n/a
	Domestic Burglary			0	0	n/a		0	0	n/a
	Burglary Other			0	3	n/a		0	0	n/a
	Vehicle Crime			1	1	+0.0%		1	0	-100.0%
	Other Theft			0	1	n/a		0	0	n/a
	Fraud and Forgery			0	0	n/a		0	0	n/a
	Criminal Damage			1	1	+0.0%		0	0	n/a
	Drugs			0	2	n/a		0	2	n/a
	Total			2	10	+400.0%		1	3	+200.0%

ASB

05/07/2013 - Mill Road - inf states that a group of youths have moved all the bollards around the road works along the loc- all ic1 - 6 youths no other desc all run off – no cones found

		Incidents				Incidents Attended
	Response Grade		19/06/12 to 16/07/12	19/06/13 to 16/07/13	% Change		19/06/12 to 16/07/12	19/06/13 to 16/07/13	% Change
	Transport		4	5	+25.0%		3	3	+0.0%
	Anti-Social Behaviour		4	1	-75.0%		3	0	-100.0%
	Public Safety/Welfare		11	18	+63.6%		9	8	-11.1%
	Crime		1	5	+400.0%		0	4	+0.0%
	Total		20	29	+45.0%		15	15	+0.0%