Edwinstowe
Parish Council
Working to
make a difference
Minutes of Ordinary Meeting
of the Council held on Tuesday 22nd June 2010, at 7.00pm in the Council
Chamber, Village Hall, Edwinstowe, for the purpose of transacting the
following business.
Welcome by the Chairperson
10/048 DISCLOSURES OF INTERESTS
BY MEMBERS (AND EMPLOYEES) IN ITEMS ON THE AGENDA
None
Apologies were received from
Cllr Hopkinson – holiday, Cllr Woodhead – work commitments
and Cllr A Sansom – ill health. The reasons were approved and
accepted.
10/049 CHAIRPERSON’S
ANNOUNCEMENTS
The newsletter is currently being written. Alice and Sarah would be
grateful for any volunteers to help produce it. The newsletter will
cover what has happened over the last year and also two separate sheets
one written with the police and the other to promote the website. Let
Alice know if you are interested.
10/050 TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE ORDINARY MEETING OF THE COUNCIL
HELD ON
18th May 2010
The draft minutes had been circulated to all councillors; they now contain
a footer requesting that any queries or amendments be made to the office
before the next meeting. No comments had been received. Cllr Benham
proposed accepting, Cllr Benson seconded – agreed unanimously.
10/051 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION/QUESTION
TIME ----- (20 MINUTES) - commenced 1905hrs
Concerning the planning application for the Hammer & Wedge, residents
had written letters of objection to the Parish Council reference the
increase in customers that the proposed extension could attract and
therefore potentially exacerbating existing problems. The Chair responded
that she had spoken to the applicant and he had stated that he was withdrawing
his plans as they were a resubmission of a previous application that
was due to expire on 9th August 2010. However on checking with N&SDC,
the plans had not been withdrawn and were pending consideration. Advice
from N&SDC was that if the applicant has completed the foundations
of the proposed extension, there would be no need to resubmit the plans.
Cllr Benson declared an interest.
Concerning the condition
of the buildings at the bottom of West Lane, a resident requested whether
the Parish Council would write a letter to Edwinstowe House asking that
they be ‘smartened up’.
Reference a planning application
on Henton Road and the minutes of the previous meeting, a resident was
concerned that someone stating they were ‘from the Parish Council’
had visited his property saying the parish council had received many
objections to his plans. After speaking to the Clerk, his understanding
is that this is not the case and he would like to know what action the
council are going to take.
10/052 MEMBERS QUESTION TIME
----- (20 MINUTES) – commenced 1910hrs
Cllr Benson requested that if he is unable to attend the forthcoming
meeting at Sherwood Pavillion, another councillor could attend in his
place.
Cllr Brooks asked for confirmation
of the purpose of the ‘Members Question Time’ – is
it where councillors can raise issues not on the agenda? The Chair confirmed
that it was.
Cllr Tattersall expressed
concern that a councillor was reporting objections to a planning application
without the agreement of the council.
Closed at 1913hrs
10/053 MATTERS ARISING FROM
THE MINUTES
NONE
10/054 ANY BUSINESS REMAINING
FROM PREVIOUS MEETINGS
i Youth Council
This was originally raised by Cllr Benison. The Clerk has met with the
Clerk of Ollerton Town Council where they have recently set up a Youth
Council. The ages range from 9 – 16 years, they meet during school
hours and are brought to the Town Hall by their teachers. We need to
ensure that we include all the schools that Edwinstowe children attend.
In September, the Clerk will contact all relevant schools and ask them
to advertise on their websites for interest. There will also be a section
in the newsletter asking for interested parties to contact the Council
Office.
Ollerton Town Clerk feels
the Youth Council should have a similar constitution to a Parish Council
in that it should have its own Chairman and Clerk and should run alongside
the Parish Council. Councillors involved with the Youth Council should
have CRB checks.
Cllr Benson suggested that
as schools already have committees, could they feed through to the Parish
Council in current format instead of setting up a separate Youth Council.
Clerk to write to schools
ii Henton Road Dog Walking
Area
The Clerk has met with Boughton’s Blooms to discuss options for
the dog walking area. A scheme has been produced – available to
view in the Council Office – at a cost of £1,650. The existing
bench would be removed and replaced by three benches – look at
possibility of sponsorship – a suggestion was made a bench could
be installed in memory of John and Margaret Pepper. It was felt that
the park should be locked each night due to the proximity of residents
properties and the opening times be displayed on each gate. Cllr Starbrook
volunteered to be a key holder. Clerk to get quote for new gates
There is a poplar tree in
the corner of the park which needs to checked for safety by Mike Catchpole,
Trees & Woodlands Officer at N&SDC Clerk to arrange meeting
iii Christmas Lights &
Date of Event
Thursday 2nd December was suggested as the Christmas Light Switch On
event. Cllr Benson proposed accepting the 2nd December, Cllr Benham
seconded – agreed unanimously.
The current contract with
LITE/EML has expired and we have received one quote so far from an alternative
supplier – cost £6.8k per year for 3 years. This is too
expensive in the current economical climate and alternative options
should be investigated. The Clerk has approached Centre Parcs to ascertain
whether they would be able to help and is awaiting a response.
It was suggested that the item is deferred and a working group be set
up to discuss Christmas Lights. Clerk to send memo to all councillors
and get alternative quotes
iv Future of Big House
County Cllr Ward was asked for an update. The Big House is currently
under the second consultation. Cllr Benson asked how far along the process
was and what issues were delaying the consultation, Cllr Ward responded
that there were some changes concerning the finances, however these
were near completion.
v Abbey Road Street Light
The Chair read an email from Antonio Biondi of Nottinghamshire County
Council: -
“… I have looked into this and can confirm a column may
be installed in the area indicated by the PC. As stated by Doug Stevenson
this area is not adopted highway therefore the column will require a
metered supply from the Electricity Company (E-on) and all the energy
and maintenance costs will be the responsibility of the PC.
Although the County Council can provide and install the column the PC
will have to apply to E-on for the metered supply as the energy bill
payer. E-on can also undertake the provision and installation of the
column and I therefore suggest the PC ask E-on to provide a quote for
all the works as this has proved the best practice with previous requests
from other PC's.”
Cllr Tattersall stated that this had been looked at previously when
the same response had been received. The Chair was concerned that if
the Parish Council agree to provide a streetlight in this area, a precedent
would be set and other requests would be received from other parts of
the village.
There are conifer hedges
either side of the entrance which are quite high and make the area quite
dark. As the streetlight would have cost implications for the parish
Council, it was suggested that the Clerk contact N&S Homes and NCC
to request repairs be made to the road and footway. It was also thought
that hedges should be kept below 12 feet high. Clerk to contact N&S
Homes, NCC concerning repairs to carriageway and also ascertain correct
height of hedges
It was also stated that Lisa
Lancaster, Community Safety Officer at N&SDC is currently working
on this issue and trying to push it through.
vi. Response from Sustrans
– cycle path from Center Parcs to Edwinstowe Village
The Clerk had enquired with Sustrans concerning the possibility of a
cycle path from Centre Parcs to the village – the response from
Sustrans was that there was already a cycle path ‘…running
right by Edwinstowe.’ However, this path is from Sherwood Forest.
Clerk to contact Area manager for Nottinghamshire to discuss further
vii. Junction with Rose Cottage/A614
– response from Mark Spencer
An email has been received from Mark Spencer: -
‘…I will continue to lobby Richard Jackson at County Hall
over a number of junctions on the A614 including Rose Cottage. I will
also talk to the Transport Minister about safety on A614.’
viii. Car Park Barrier
Local retired residents who live around the Village Hall car park have
made numerous complaints concerning large numbers of youths and vehicles
congregating in the car park creating a disturbance and leaving rubbish.
N&SDC have agreed to install a barrier in the Mansfield Road car
park to stop vehicles using the top end of the car park. As reported
at a previous meeting, we are not able to have a mosquito at present.
The Parish Council will be
required to pay approximately £250 towards the barrier.
Councillors asked how many
hours of traffic warden time that we receive in Edwinstowe. Clerk to
check with N&SDC for confirmation of number of hours and possibility
of increasing the number.
ix. Confirmation of use of
‘road’ in Naish’s Field
A letter has been received from Nic Broomhead, Head of Country Parks
and Conservation Service stating: -
‘… The stone roads have been created for two specific reasons.
First, it was a condition of the sale of the land from Thoresby Estate
that a hard surface track was provided to the land which they retained
adjacent to Naish’s Field which neighbours the allotments.
Second, the additional stone roads were created in order to facilitate
parking of cars on both of the fields during the Robin Hood Festival.
This is to ensure that we have sufficient capacity in wet weather to
prevent ad-hoc parking on adjacent roads which annoys local residents.’
There was a discussion whether the use of the field during the Robin
Hood Festival had been mentioned at the Annual Parish Meeting and who
held keys for the barriers. Cllr Brooks asked whether County Cllr Ward
could chase this up. County Cllr Ward informed the meeting that he was
unable to chase at present as there is a matter before the courts concerning
the access roads. Cllr Brooks asked what the issue was and why Edwinstowe
Parish Council had not been kept informed of the situation. County Cllr
Ward reported that the issue was a complaint from a local resident.
Clerk to chase with Nic Broomhead
x. CCTV – response
from Library and Health Centre
A letter had been sent to the Health Centre and the Library concerning
the proposed changes to the CCTV system on the High Street. The following
responses had been received: -
The Health Centre;
‘The Parish Council’s letter is being considered but it
will not be possible for us to give you a response in the immediate
future. As soon as a decision has been made we will contact you.’
The Library;
‘’…As District Manager for Newark Libraries I understand
why you have contacted me about this, unfortunately I do not have the
remit or budget for community safety issues and therefore cannot comment
on the suitability or your proposals.
I would like to help you
with this and in an effort to help you proceed with this matter, I have
contacted an NCC Community Safety Officer and he has advised that you
contact, in the first instance, the Newark and Bassetlaw Community Safety
Partnership…..’
The Chair reported that we will now go ahead with our plans (as discussed
at a previous meeting) and arrange a meeting with the company who currently
provide the cameras to look at all available options with the current
system. The Chair also asked for permission to approach outside companies.
Agreed unanimously
10/055 CHAIRPERSONS CORRESPONDENCE
Reference the complaint received from the resident of Henton Road who
had been approached by someone saying they were from the Parish Council
and that the Parish Council had received numerous objections to his
recent planning application, the Clerk had contacted N&SDC Planning
Enforcement Team to try to establish who had made the complaints and
the exact nature of the complaints.
The Enforcement Officer had
advised the Clerk to send an email requesting that only complaints made
via the Parish Council email address or on headed paper signed by the
Clerk, Administrator or the Chairman are complaints agreed by the Parish
Council. Also details of any other complaints 'on behalf of the Parish
Council' are forwarded to the Parish Council.
Information concerning this
objection has been requested from N&SDC Planning Enforcement.
10/056 RECEIVE PETITIONS
NONE
10/057 TO RECEIVE REPORTS
MINUTES & RECOMMENDATIONS FROM WORKING GROUPS
The police were unable to attend due to a shift change but had provided
a report: -
• Currently concentrating on late night patrols and are targeting
youths gathering in the forest
• Two were arrested for burglary on the High Street on 21st June,
arrested due to local knowledge and investigative skills.
• Alcohol was seized from underage drinkers last weekend
• We now have a community volunteer who has been helping with
door to door enquiries after burglaries, safer neighbourhood questionnaires
on the High Street and handing out leaflets to pubs offering guidance
during the world cup.
Cllr Benison reported that
there is a gang in the village and people are too scared to report incidents
to the police; however, he has passed names and details to the police
but until a complaint is received the police cannot do anything.
10/058 ANY APPOINTMENTS TO
COMMITTEES AND OTHER BODIES
i Website Working Group
There is a need for a Working Group – please inform the Clerk
if you are interested. It was suggested that the basis of the Working
Group could be the Finance Group and Cllr Benison. It was also suggested
that two the local schools are approached for ideas etc. Clerk to write
to Head Teachers
As mentioned earlier we will
be promoting the website in the forthcoming newsletter.
10/059 RESOLUTIONS OR RECOMMENDATION
i. Henton Road Play Equipment
Decision
The Working Group met and reviewed the three options/quotes for Henton
Road play area. The proposal from the Working Group is to accept the
quote from a company called Sovereign (available to view in the Council
Office). The equipment is guaranteed for 20 years.
Cllr Benson proposed accepting
the quote and Cllr Tattersall seconded. Agreed unanimously
Youth Provision
The Parish Council is still obligated to provide a provision for older
children in the village. Quotes have been received for a skateboard
park but so far have proved too expensive. A proportion of local young
people have been asked their preference and the majority have requested
a BMX track. The proposed area is the piece of land between Robin Hood
Colts football pitches and the land next to the Barratt’s estate.
This ground is not currently used and, if the track went ahead, would
be fenced off so it could be locked each night. Before anything is finalised
a proper consultation needs to take place with residents and young people
in the village.
Additional funding would
be required for any project. Clerk to research funding options. Agenda
item on next Finance Working Group
10/060 FINANCES
1. To review the cash book balance
Papers had been circulated prior to the meeting
2. Matters arising from the balance
There were no matters arising
3. Financial correspondence
None
4. Financial matters
None
5. Grants
Application received from Citizen’s Advice Bureau for £500.
This is in the budget. Cllr Ward declared and interest and did not vote.
Agreed unanimously
6. Cheques for approval
Reference the cheque for Pet’s Paradise – a shop owned by
Cllr Starbrook, Cllr Benison queried why the cheque had not been put
before the council for approval before it had been issued and that ‘Councillors
should not benefit from a decision made by the Council.’ As Cllr
Starbrook had not declared an interest, she was contravening Standing
Orders and the Code of Conduct. Clerk to research and bring back to
next meeting
Retrospective
Payee Description Amount (incl VAT)
Swinton Insurance Van Insurance £484.60
Sherwood Community Bus April Account £80.00
Viking Stationery Stationery £53.43
SAS Trade & DIY Equipment £83.70
CPRE Membership £29.00
Village Hall Mgt Committee Gas - £487.21, Electric - £222.28
£709.49
Pet’s Paradise Plants for Village £45.75
N&SDC Cemetery Waste £558.45
N&SDC Pavillion Waste £279.23
British Telecom Phone & Broadband £321.52
SAS Trade & DIY Equipment £98.73
Town & Country May £1,285.45
UK Fuels May £183.54
Thoresby Estate River Maun Licence £35.00
Intervend Water Machine Maint. £5.88
Sherwood Community Bus May Account £80.00
Boughton’s Blooms Hanging Baskets incl. new baskets £1,064.00
The cheques were approved
and signed by the Chair
10/061 TO RECEIVE REPORTS
CONCERNING THE PARISH FROM COUNTY AND DISTRICT COUNCILLORS – MUST
BE SENT OUT WITH AGENDA TO ALLOW COUNCILLORS TO TAKE PART IN ANY DISCUSSION
No District Councillors in attendance and no apologies given. No reports
from District or County Councillors had been received prior to the agenda
being distributed.
It is important that the
Parish Council know what is happening at district level, Cllr Brooks
asked whether a letter could be sent to the District Councillors requesting
a report, at least bi-monthly, to inform the Parish Council. This is
also important at county level. All approved except for Cllr Ward. Clerk
to send letter to District Councillors
10/062 CORRESPONDENCE
See attached sheet
10/063 REPORTS from councillors
TO BE SENT OUT WITH AGENDA
10/064 PLANNING MATTERS
See attached sheet
10/065 DATE OF NEXT MEETING – 13th July 2010
Meeting closed at 2030hrs
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
09/062 15th June 2010 Correspondence
for Information (COPIES ARE AVAILABLE TO VIEW IN COUNCIL CHAMBERS)
NCC – Highways Advance Notification of work by Severn Trent A6075
Mansfield Rd to junction of West Lane 25th July 2010 Noted
NCC – Libraries Draft Library Service Contribution Policy Consultation
21st May – 16th July 2010 Noted
N&SDC Friends of Sherwood Heath, Cockglode & Rotary Woods Minutes
Noted
NCC – Highways Travel & Transport Brief Noted
Notts Police Commanders Update Noted
Dukeries Homestart Management Committee Meeting Minutes Noted
NCC – Highways Urgent Road Closure Third Avenue Edwinstowe
14 – 18th June 2010 Noted
Correspondence for Discussion/Action (COPIES ARE AVAILABLE TO VIEW IN
COUNCIL CHAMBERS)
NCC – Highways Severe Winter Weather 2009/2010 Opinions/Suggestions
The meeting agreed to write a letter to Highways concerning our experiences
during the severe weather during winter 2009/10. It was agreed to include
better gritting especially on Henton Road as this is a bus route, gritting
of pavements especially near old people’s bungalows and the repair
of potholes – some of which have still not been repaired. Clerk
to write letter
