Edwinstowe
Parish Council
Working to
make a difference
Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of the Council held on Tuesday 16th
February 2010 at 7.00 pm in the Council Chamber, Village Hall, Edwinstowe
Present: Cllrs J Sansom, Benham, Hopkinson, Ward, Benison, A Sansom
Benson
15 Members of the Public
Welcome by the Chairperson
09/148 DISCLOSURES OF INTERESTS BY MEMBERS (AND EMPLOYEES) IN ITEMS
ON THE AGENDA
Cllr L Ward for Planning Application 09/01802/FUL
Apologies were received from Cllr Starbrook – family commitments,
Cllrs J & M Pepper currently have a special dispensation. The apologies
were received and approved. No apologies were received from Cllr Woodhead
or D/Cllrs Bird and Moore.
09/149 CHAIRPERSON’S ANNOUNCEMENTS
i. CCTV meeting update
The Chair has met with Janet Brozyna who manages Edwinstowe Health Centre.
There is to be a meeting in early March, involving all the relevant
parties, to agree the Service Level Agreement and finance arrangements
to move the issue forward. Clerk to email interested Councillors, Clare
Tobin from NCC, Ian Harrison and Mark Henry from N&SDC and Janet
Brozyna, Alison Beales and Colin Chadburn representing the Health Centre.
09/150 TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE ORDINARY MEETING OF THE COUNCIL
HELD ON
19th January 2010
The minutes were approved and signed as accurate by the Acting Chair.
09/151 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION/QUESTION TIME ----- (20 MINUTES) - commenced
at 1908 hrs
Residents spoke of the importance of keeping the footpath alongside
Bright Beginnings through to Fourth Avenue open. Many elderly residents
have used the footpath for 50/60 years and stated it is used constantly.
Letters from NCC were given to the meeting that had not been sent to
the Parish Council.
One resident whose property is adjacent to the footpath reported the
damage that he and other neighbours are experiencing. He also stated
that the petition had been organised by Cllr Ward. This was disputed
by another resident.
A resident who works with the Fire Service uses the footpath when there
is an emergency call. It is his quickest route to the Fire Station.
A petition was given to the Council with 182 signatures in support
of keeping the footpath open.
Comments were made regarding obstructive parking around the village
particularly on Rufford Road and outside Parkway Motors on Mansfield
Road particularly over weekends.
A resident commented that they had not seen a police officer in the
village for months and asked what has happened to the bikes that had
been provided at a cost of £500.
There had been trouble at the Community Centre on Abbey Road recently
– two men had forced their way into the kitchen. The police did
attend.
The poor condition of the grass verge outside Bright Beginnings was
raised. This was due to vehicles parking on the grass when children
were being dropped off or collected from nursery. No parking were requested.
Clerk to contact Highways Department to request possibility.
09/152 MEMBERS QUESTION TIME ----- (20 MINUTES) – commenced 1918hrs
Cllr Benson reported that he used to live adjacent to the footpath and
had never experienced any problems. The footpath is used by many residents
walking to the Village Hall, Bright Beginnings, St Mary’s school
etc.
Cllr Ward totally refuted the comment that he had organised the petition.
Cllr Benham asked whether the police had been requested to attend the
meeting and why they were not present. The Acting Chair replied that
they had provided a report which would be read to the meeting later
on.
Reference the various parking problems around the village Cllr Benham
asked who the problems should be reported to. The Acting Chair replied
that if the vehicle is causing an obstruction it is the police anything
else to be reported to NCC.
Cllr A Sansom suggested residents take photographs as evidence and
send through the Parish Council to the relevant organisations. However
the best way is for residents to contact either N&SDC or NCC directly
as this would mean greater numbers of complaints would be received.
Cllr Benson reported on the recent problems concerning the new play
area in Friars Park. Part of the planning condition was that an area
be laid out for open grass and play areas. The village has lost the
Lansbury Road play area and it is our responsibility to provide somewhere
for young people to play.
Closed at 1926 hrs
09/153 MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES
Cllr Benison questioned the cost of the gas for the pavillion as it
was considerable. It was confirmed that the invoices had been calculated
on estimated readings and a considerable credit had been raised. The
Clerk will now take regular meter readings.
09/154 ANY BUSINESS REMAINING FROM PREVIOUS MEETINGS
i 4th Avenue Footpath 23
More information has come to light following the last meeting including
letters received tonight from members of the public. The Acting Chair
read a section of the letter sent to the resident of Mansfield Road
– ‘….the consultation regarding the extinguishment
of the above-mentioned footpath has now ended. Over one hundred and
eighty people have written in objecting to the proposal…..’
Clerk to contact Tim Hart to ascertain what the implications are concerning
the end of the consultation period and to confirm the decision of NCC.
The Parish Council carried out a letter drop requesting opinions from
residents who live in the vicinity of the footpath and 5 residents contacted
the Parish Council in support of the closure.
The Clerk contacted Tim Hart at NCC who has received seven letters
of objection and a petition with 182 signatures requesting the footpath
remains open. Due to the amount of support received it is his view that
the footpath will remain open.
It was reported that the Local Area Commander was unaware of any problems
of anti social behaviour etc in the area.
Cllr A Sansom felt the problems were being caused by a minority of
youths and we should not give in but work with residents and the police.
Previously the Parish Council had only been in possession of the negative
side of the argument and now have a better picture of the situation.
The Parish Council should support keeping the footpath open. Vote 6
for 1 abstention. Clerk to email decision to Tim Hart
Once the final decision has been made, it is vital to publicise it
in the local press, on the website and around the village.
ii Meeting Dates 2010/2011
The meeting dates for 2010/11 will shortly be set. Do the Councillors
still want no meeting in August and December this year? It was stated
that is was traditional not to hold meetings in August and the December
meeting is usually poorly attended. The Council agreed not to hold meetings
in August and December. Proposed meeting dates to be sent out with March
agenda.
iii Parish News Letter frequency
It was agreed in October 2008 that the Parish Council would produce
two newsletters per year. Do the Council agree to reduce the frequency
back to one per year as before? Unanimously agreed to return to one
newsletter per year and to ensure that the newsletter be put on the
website.
iv Summer 2010
It had been agreed in 2006 (Minute reference 06/115) that the summer
event would be held every other year. Do the Council feel that it is
important for the Parish Council to hold an annual summer event. It
was felt that assuming the event was held during the school holidays
it was a good idea but it may be necessary to look at sponsorship/funding
etc. Agreed.
v Health & Safety Retainer
All Councillors had received a copy of the proposal from a local Health
& Safety consultant. It was explained that for £100 per month
the consultant would work with Sarah and Alice to train and support
them with all aspects of Health & Safety for as long as required.
Health & Safety is extremely important and it is vital that all
the aspects and areas are covered. The agreement can be cancelled at
any time. Cllr Benson moved that the meeting approved the proposal as
it is so important. Cllr Ward felt it was an unnecessary expense as
the information is available through NALC, N&SDC and NCC. Clerk
to research what is available and the suitability.
vi Play Area Responsibility
An email had been received from Phil Beard the Parks and Amenities Manager
at N&SDC concerning the ownership of the play areas in the village.
According to David Best (Estates Manager N&SDC), the Parish Council
owns the Henton Road play area and the District Council has no interest
in the Fourth Avenue site even though they maintain the equipment. The
Parish Council lease the Fourth Avenue site from CISWO. Cllr Benison
requested that the Parish Council look at the maintenance and updating
of the equipment at Henton Road. Agreed for Cllr J Sansom, Benison and
the Clerk to visit the site in the near future.
The Chair reported that the Clerk had had a brief meeting with Malc
Spray from Connexions looking at the possibility of providing activities
for the young people in the village; such as a boxing club and holiday
activities. Due to the problems of anti social behaviour in the village,
a youth shelter may not be a suitable option. As Connexions was part
of NCC Cllr Ward was in full support. Clerk to investigate restrictions
on s106 monies and arrange another meeting with Malc Spray
09/155 CHAIRPERSONS CORRESPONDENCE
Commander’s Update
The Parish Council has received the latest Commander’s Update
from Chief Superintendent Dave Wakelin which states; ‘…..I
am extremely please to announce more officers coming to the division.
More than 80 officers will strengthen front line policing across Bassetlaw,
Newark & Sherwood, Mansfield and Ashfield by 31 March. Around 49
have been earmarked for Bassetlaw, Newark & Sherwood and I will
ensure they are focussed on the areas that will have the biggest impact
on people’s quality of life.’
Report from PCSO’s
1. A local youth has been arrested and is currently on bail for the
theft of the tractor from the Welfare garage.
2. Friar’s Park Play Area – the police are proactively working
with residents and have taken details and advised any young people who
have been hanging around the play area. When the play area is complete
and opened, it will need signs stating ‘for use by children 12
years and under’. This give the PCSO’s the power to move
older children away.
3. East Lane and Mansfield Road Car Parks – the previous problems
from East Lane car park have moved to the car park behind the Village
Hall. Police are working with residents however, when the police are
in attendance, there is either no-one about or anyone who is there is
sitting quietly. There were no complaints over the previous weekend.
4. Two section 59 notices have been issued recently. These notices are
issued when a vehicle is being used irresponsibly and can be attached
to the vehicle, user or owner of the vehicle or a combination of these.
The two notices served were attached to all. If there is another occurrence
within one year, the vehicle could be seized and crushed.
5. The PCSO’s are patrolling outside the Co-op which is helping
with anti social behaviour and also as a result of the recent robberies
of local stores.
6. A resident has been arrested for fly tipping and has had his van
seized and crushed. He has now bought a new van.
7. There is a new number for non-emergency incident reporting 0300 300999.
Cllr Benham stated that from personal experience, an effective way
to report an incident is by email.
Cllr Benison stated that reference the Commander’s report, on
the Notts police website they are reporting that crime figures are down
in the area, however after researching on the website, crime in Edwinstowe
is on the rise. Can we contact the Commander and request some of the
extra officers be provided for Edwinstowe? Clerk to send email to Chief
Superintendent Wakelin with request
New Visitor’s Centre
The latest design of the Visitors Centre is available on the NCC website.
It is smaller than the previous plan and will therefore cost less. The
bridge that crossed Swinecote Road linking the centre with the forest
is not included and there is concern over how visitors will cross this
busy road. Cllr Ward will monitor any developments and try to establish
whether the County Council are now reconsidering closing Swinecote Road.
Robin Hood Film
The Acting Chair was contacted recently by Paul Holland from NCC. Due
to the upcoming release of the new Robin Hood film, NCC are keen to
promote Robin Hood around the county. They will provide banners for
the lamp posts on the High Street for as long as we would like them
– free of charge. There will also be activities around the county
in libraries, churches etc between end of March and the beginning of
June.
09/156 RECEIVE PETITIONS
Petition of 182 signatures received in support of keeping footpath 23
open.
09/157 TO RECEIVE REPORTS MINUTES & RECOMMENDATIONS FROM WORKING
GROUPS
None
09/158 ANY APPOINTMENTS TO COMMITTEES AND OTHER BODIES
None
09/159 RESOLUTIONS OR RECOMMENDATION
Approval of standing orders & confidential agenda change (Page
6)
The changes to the Confidential Agenda were approved unanimously
09/160 FINANCES
1. To review the cash book balance
2. Matters arising from the balance
None
3. Financial correspondence
None
4. Financial matters
The Clerk is currently in the process of reviewing the financial spreadsheets
to ensure the information is relevant and what is required by the Parish
Council. A meeting of the Finance Working Group will be arranged shortly
to approve and discuss the spreadsheets which will then be circulated
to all Councillors.
Matters Arising from the previous meeting: -
The discrepancy between the finance minutes and Sherwood Fields Minutes
was made up of three invoices. Details can be obtained from the Council
Chambers.
With reference to the report read out by Cllr Ward at the last meeting
the following points were made: -
a. Precept calculations can be based on number of electors or residents;
it is up to each council to decide.
b. The precept for 2010/11 is equal to £51.29 per household per
year. This is less than £1 per week per household.
c. Reserves – it is up to each Council to decide how much they
need to keep in the reserve accounts and could have 100% of the precept.
The percentage depends on what the Council owns i.e village hall, cemetery,
play areas etc. 33% of the annual precept would be the minimum recommended
but for a council the size of Edwinstowe 50% is more realistic. Suffice
to say Edwinstowe does not have anywhere near that much in their reserve
accounts.
d. There has been a lot of talk about proposed cutbacks by the County
Council and it is unclear how that will affect services for Edwinstowe
and this could have implications on the precept.
e. At the last meeting Cllr Ward made comments concerning the reserves
held by Edwinstowe Parish Council as follows: - ‘…the minutes
state that one of the reasons for this increase is because Edwinstowe
has no reserves, where are they? At the last precept meeting Edwinstowe
had healthy reserves which is why it was possible to have a ZERO% increase
last year so where have they gone?’
The Clerk has produced a reconciliation clearly showing the amount
in the reserve accounts on 1st April 2008 and all the transactions to
date. (copy can be viewed at Council Offices) There was just over £10k
in the reserve account and as the instructions had been not to increase
the precept for 2009/10, it had been necessary to use this £10k
for the 2009/10 running costs.
Cllr Benson reported that when the precept was not increased last year
the council was aware that there would be implications as the wage bill
increases every year.
Cllr Ward felt it was unfair to raise the precept as there is a credit
crunch and 15% is absolutely appalling.
Cllr Benham stated that £51.29 per household per year for the
services that the residents of the village receive was not unreasonable.
5. Grants
None
6. Cheques for approval
The list of cheques was signed by the Acting Chair.
Retrospective
Payee Description Amount (incl VAT)
Cash Petty Cash £110.47
Village Hall Mgt Committee Electric to 08.01.10 £115.72
Autoglass Replace Van Windscreen £83.54
Dr Abbas Fee for Doctors Letter – Keith Battison £50.00
Viking Direct Stationery £164.90
SAS Trade & DIY Equipment £72.15
Connaught Gas Heating Annual Maintenance £287.46
Notts Fire Service Extinguisher Maintenance £11.75
Intervend UK Ltd Rental £7.05
Community Bus November/December £180.00
B&Q Cement £9.36
LITE Christmas Lights £2,451.80
Severn Trent Water Mansfield Rd Toilets £73.16
09/161 TO RECEIVE REPORTS CONCERNING THE PARISH FROM COUNTY AND DISTRICT
COUNCILLORS (to be sent out with Agenda – copies available to
view in Council Offices)
No District Councillors were in attendance.
County Councillor Ward reported that serious consideration is being
given to the installation of traffic lights on the A614 at the Rose
Cottage junction. A feasibility study is currently being carried out.
The Chair reported that despite information received to the contrary,
work was currently being carried out on Peafield Lane where the cycle
path crosses the road. A large hard standing area was being provided
to enable people to wait safely to cross the road. Also, workmen have
been in the area that is prone to floods opposite the cricket pitch.
09/162 CORRESPONDENCE
See attached sheet
09/163 REPORTS from councillors TO BE SENT OUT WITH AGENDA –
copies available to view in Council Offices
None
09/164 PLANNING MATTERS
See attached sheet
09/165 DATE OF NEXT MEETING – 16th March 2010 – Cllr Ward
gave his apologies
Meeting closed at 2028hrs
In view of the confidential nature of the business to be transacted,
it is advisable, in the public interest, that the public and press be
temporarily excluded and they are instructed to withdraw
