Parish Council minutes 16 March 2004

These minutes are published for information purposes only, and are not an official record of the meeting.

Present:

Apologies:
Received from Cllr Mrs Sherwood and Cllr Wood.

Public Participation

i. Mrs Emma Procter summarised the present standing of Cygnets Playgroup, their requirements as regards the village hall and emphasised their wish to work with the Parish Council.

ii.Mrs Cathy Hopwood expressed concerns following the recent fire at Lionel Hitchin (Essential Oils) Ltd and asked what steps were being taken to ensure future safety.

In view of the serious nature of the comments, and this particular occasion, with the permission of the Parish Council, the Chairman replied that she had been in touch with the Health and Safety Inspector and was awaiting a copy of his report. She had stressed that safety for the village was of the utmost importance, and she would report further as soon as the report was received.

Parish Plan Committee Report

Attending by invitation, Mr Syd Chapman have a brief report on the success of the Open Day held by the Parish Plan Committee at the Village Hall and noted that from comments received (copy left for Parish Council) a picture was emerging of the requirements sought by parishioners. This would be presented to the Parish Plan committee at their next meeting, after which they would await the result of the Grant application which was being submitted before any further action was taken

Minutes of a meeting of the Barton Stacey Parish Council held on Tuesday 16th March 2004

1.MINUTES OF COUNCIL MEETING HELD 17TH FEBRUARY 2004

The minutes of 17.02.04 were accepted as a true record. Proposed by Cllr Glenister, seconded Cllr Hearn and agreed unanimously. It was also agreed that with the use of the ` Rolling Action Plan, tabulated minutes were no longer necessary.

2. ROLLING ACTION PLAN

Items listed on Rolling Action Plan were all discussed including the Annual Diary of Events which was accepted as presented for the time being (Proposed Cllr Hearn and seconded Cllr Glenister. All in favour)

3. FINANCE

i) The Monthly Financial Report was accepted, with a balance of £8,866.40 at 16th March 2004. This followed payment of Test Valley Gardencare (443.20), Nick Goodall (3801.00, £3770 as quoted plus £31 for material for emergency repair to roof)), Audit Commission (141.00) and HAPTC (172.00). There had been no receipts.

ii) It was suggested that surplus funds should be transferred to High Interest account . The Clerk to research and liaise with Cllr Rippon, reporting back at next meeting.

iii) Draft Financial Regulations to be circulated to all members.

iv) Cllr Glenister requested that maintenance of Parish Council assets such as Village Hall, Playing Fields and Pavilion be reviewed within the next 3 months.

4. COUNCILLOR’S ISSUES

Cllr Rippon

Concern re exiting speed of all vehicles from The Drove – Could speed bump be installed Still no road sign for Newlands and could the road be tarmacadamed. Damage from hedge cutting reported to majority of speed signs around village.

Cllr Green

Bad state of pavement in Bullington Lane from Lionel Hitchin to 6 Kings Elm, and volume of dog excreta on path. DDA work at village hall to be carried out during summer holiday period. Election being held 10th June so Village Hall closed on that date.

Cllr Mrs Prideaux

Concern over toxic smoke emitted from Lionel Hitchin.

Cllr Lovell

Action needed over transfer of extension graveyard ground to PCC – covenants in place to be removed and formal transfer to PCC to be completed to enable consecration to take place. Proposed Cllr Hearn and seconded Cllr Mrs Prideaux that Cllr Lovell should look into this matter, reporting on legality and costs etc. at next meeting. Agreed unanimously. Licence for field at Roberts Road due for renewal and people still walking dogs there, despite letter circulated. Dog signs to be replaced.

Cllr Wood

On his behalf a report was submitted stating that the tree on the ROW between Difford and Bransbury had been cleared as had those blocking the path from Bransbury to Bransbury Common.. He also reported the presence of earth moving vehicle and cabin on field which used to be a tennis court.

Cllr Neal

asked if he might clarify the new regulations coming into force with regards to green waste – noting that they are as a result of central Government law. Following discussion , and strong comments from councillors, it was agreed that Composting and recycling in the Village should be considered as an Agenda item at the next meeting. Concern was expressed over the additional cost to parishioners and Cllr Neal was asked to take the Parish Council objections back to the Borough and formally represent their point of view.

5. COUNCILLOR’S RESPONSIBILITES

The list of suggestions which had been circulated was considered and amendments to be made as follows: Cllr Glenister. To be responsible for Information and Communication, acting as communicator for the Parish Council and maintaining the Website in line with the appraisal carried out in February 2003. Also liaison with local press. Cllr Green to continue as link and contact with both Tuesday Club and Village Hall Committee. Cllr Lovell to head up Planning Committee (Guidelines to be drawn up). Cllr Mrs Merison to keep a watching brief on all parish grounds. All others to remain as suggested.

6. SCHOOL PATH

The summary of past action which had been circulated was discussed, and it was noted that what was required was what was required was simply to have the footpath registered as a public right of way. It could be possible to involve County Councillor in some way. Proposed by Cllr Hearn and Seconded by Cllr Rippon that Cllr Wood meet with Cllr Lovell to discuss and advise the Clerk on how to take this matter forward. Agreed unanimously.

7. SPORTS AND RECREATION GROUNDS

i) It was proposed by Cllr Lovell and seconded by Cllr Hearn with full agreement that the Strategy committee meet within two weeks with Mr Gibson to discuss the Sports Field, Pavilion and the Village Hall, reporting back at next meeting.

ii) Details of various quotes for quarterly inspections had been circulated and were discussed. Cllr Mrs Prideaux proposed that the Parish take out a contract with Recreational Supply Services as they had installed the play area. Seconded by Cllr Lovell and agreed unanimously. A letter to be sent to RSS re repairs to gates making an offer of £250 to wards the cost. This was proposed by Cllr Glenister , seconded by Cllr Lovell and agreed unanimously

iii) Dog Signs to replace those taken from Roberts Road to be erected, secured with bolts and welded., and the four signs obtained from TVBC to be put up at footpath entrances to Recreation Ground. The Clerk reported that due to the excess payable on the insurance policy a claim for lost signs was not worth while.

8. DDA COMPLIANCE

Quotations received were considered and it was proposed by Cllr Rippon, seconded by Cllr Hearn and agreed unanimously that the contract for alterations to the Hall be given to Simbor Carpentry and Joinery and proposed by Cllr Rippon, seconded by Cllr Mrs Prideaux and agreed unanimously that the contract for installation of hearing loop be given to Stagecraft Ltd

9. PLANNING MATTERS

i)Pipe Dump application. Action and results were considered and Cllr Neal reported that whilst temporary approval had been granted, as a result of representations made and action taken, a number of restrictions had been applied. Members of the Planning Committee had been made aware it was not considered safe despite the recommendation by Highways. Complaints received locally should be reported. Cllr Lovell objected to representation being made on behalf of the Parish Council without either discussion or a resolution. He also believed that there would have been more control over the planning conditions had they been properly negotiated with the Planning Officer, such as wheel washing facilities to mitigate mud on roads and some sort of permanent planting and landscaping scheme around the eastern, southern and western boundaries of the land. Cllr Neal, as Chairman of the Planning Committee, expressed the opinion that the result was as good as could have been expected in light of the fact that this was only a temporary planning application.

ii) Planning Application had been received for 4 The Green (Dormer Windows) (TVN 08882/2) and the Council resolved to make no objection.

10. CHAIRMAN’S INITIATIVES

i)The Chairman had received a letter to which she would reply expressing concern over the safety of Lionel Hitchin (Essential Oils). She would make sure that the Health and Safety report was received as the Parish Council needed to know of possible dangers from inflammable materials in the factory and what action was being taken. If necessary an approach would be made to environmental health for enforce health and safety regulations.

ii) Mr and Mrs Bearpark of Barton Stacey PO and Stores had asked for support from the Parish Council for their proposed development. Proposed by Cllr Lovell, seconded Cllr Hearn and agreed unanimously that a letter be sent emphasising benefits to local community.

iii) Parish Plan Grant Application. Following discussions it was proposed by Cllr Hearn, seconded by Cllr Lovell and carried on a vote of 3 – 2 that this application be endorsed. Because of audit implications if the grant was received the Parish Council would set down rules to administer cash received.

There being no further business the meeting closed at 10.15 p.m.

The Next parish Meeting would be held Tuesday April 20th, 2004