Return to Blewbury Home Page Return to List of Minutes
BLEWBURY PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes
Of the Parish Council meeting of Blewbury Parish Council.
Held on Wednesday, 11th March 2009 in the Vale Room
Councillors present: Mr A Cooper (Chairman), Mr C Whatmore, Mr R Farrell, Ms Jane Gibson, Ms C Duckett, Dr P Whitehead, Ms A Barclay-Watt.
Also present: 1 member of the public, PCSO D Baker, PCSO L Gardner, Mr Colin Lamont (County Councillor)
Matters resolved:
Actions arising from the meeting:
1. CW & ABW to inspect KAP trees
2. ABW to order gravel before the April meeting
3. Clerk to write a letter to resident of Eastfields
4. Clerk to contact Justin Holloway re rabbit cull and write to residents in the area
5. AC & RF to investigate possible investments
6. Clerk & AC to review insurance cover
7. CW to remind VHMC about risk assessment
8. Clerk to contact Jag Cook re risk assessment.
9. Clerk to contact Liz Farr re Scout Hut agreement
10. Clerk & AC to nominate PCSO Clements for community policing award
11. Clerk to respond to the letter re the litter bin
12. Clerk to investigate the possibility of a bin on Tickers Folly
13. CD to get notes from MB to draft response re cemetery plans
14. RF & Anthony Stiff to identify a suitable area for the tree for the Pound
15. JG to get management Committee Structure information from MB
16. Clerk to contact Simon Ringrose re the felling of the hawthorn in Rumseys Lane
17. CW to respond to salt box request
18. Clerk to circulate incinerator protest meeting details
19. Clerk to contact county councillor & school governors etc re reports for the annual parish meeting
Actions carried forward from prior meetings:
1. Response to cemetery plans to be drafted
1. Apologies for absence: Mr M Brassell
2. Declarations of interest. JG and RF both declared an interest as a member of the Recreation Ground Management committee. AC declared an interest as a resident of Bridus Way and CD declared an interest in allotments as her husband is the chairman of the BVGA.
3. Minutes of the meeting held on the 11th of February 2009 were accepted and signed as a true record.
4. Police liaison. PCSO Baker and PCSO Gardner reported that burglary to an outbuilding took place and a vehicle has been interfered with. The SID machine was also used to monitor speed in the village. An operation against poaching and illegal hunting has been planned to take place in the near future. The recent vandalism in the KAP area was also mentioned. The next NAG meeting would take place on April 7th at 19h00 in Unit 6, Milton Park. The Council reminded the PCSO’s about the parking situation on Westbrook Street as well as the new entrance to Ladycroft Park.
5. County Councillor’s report. Mr Lamont reported on the pedestrianisation of Queen Street in Oxford, as well as future plans to make Oxford more pedestrian friendly. Bus stops in Queen St will be moved to nearby streets. Mr Lamont also reported back on the proposed incinerator. Some changes were made to plans in response to public consultation, including changes to the main building and tree planting surrounding the area. As there will not be enough domestic waste to keep the incinerator going, it will also be taking in trade waste from West Berkshire. In response to a question re the proposed reservoir, Mr Lamont reported that plans for the reservoir have been postponed until 2016, partly due to the overestimation of the need for the reservoir, and the uncertainty re EU directives. The requirement for new houses was also not yet clear and this could potentially have an impact on future water supply.
6. Matters arising.
6.1. 12/12/07 Future Didcot cycle links. ABW reported that the proposal was rejected by Mr Napper. As this might become even more important in the future, alternative cycle links would be investigated. It was pointed out that the provision of cycle routes was part of the Core strategy and the transport strategy.
6.2. 13/02/08 Memorial seat and stone. Nothing to report.
6.3. 10/09/08 Play area. The damage to the KAP picnic table was mentioned. The Lengthman has already fixed it. Following an enquiry to the insurer, it was ascertained that the PC could be liable if someone was hurt while climbing trees. Although the PC felt that tree climbing was a part of normal behaviour in children, the advice from the insurers meant that it should be investigated further. Action: CW & ABW to inspect KAP trees.
6.4. 11/02/09 BVS Village day. ABW mentioned that litter picking would be the main activity. The BVS was also keen to start an “Environmental Flying Squad” to help clear up if anything happens. There was a request for some gravel. Action: ABW to order gravel before the April meeting.
7. Open Forum.
A member of the public pointed out the state of Eastfields lane (the Bessels Way end) and asked if gravel for that path could be included in the next Village Day. She also asked that the PC address the problem of overgrown vegetation encroaching on footpaths, especially in Eastfields. Action: Clerk to write a letter to resident of Eastfields.
8. Councillor vacancy
Statements of the candidates were put to the council and voting took place by secret ballot. Sheila Loy was co-opted with a majority vote. The council was delighted to have 4 good candidates from various backgrounds. The clerk was asked to thank all the candidates and to encourage them to make themselves available when the full election takes place in 2011. The clerk mentioned that the committees would have to be reviewed at the next meeting to replace EA. Action: CW & clerk to publicise the councillor vacancy.
9. Risk Management.
9.1. 10/12/08 Annual rabbit cull. It was agreed to accept the quote of the person who provided the most extensive report. Action: clerk to contact Justin Holloway and write to residents in the area.
9.2. 11/03/09 Review of investment policy and annual investment strategy. A new policy has been drafted which conforms to NALC guidance (Section 146). One change was made to enable longer-term investments.
· The full council shall approve the investment strategy each year.
· While not ignoring yield, priority will be given to security & liquidity.
· Investment will be in sterling and with notice periods relevant to market conditions.
· Investments will be made only with Banks with long term credit ratings of Aa1 (Moody’s) or AA (Standard and Poor’s) with short term ratings of P1 (Moody’s) or A-1+ (Standard and Poor’s).
· Any change to the credit status of a bank with which money is deposited will be reported by the Clerk to the Council at the next meeting of the Council.
· A report on the performance of Council’s investments will be made annually at the January meeting of the Council by the chairman of the Finance Committee. This investment policy will be reviewed at least annually at the January meeting or at any other meeting at the request of any member of the Council
The Parish Council noted that the Barclays credit rating was downgraded which meant that it was not currently compliant with the investment policy. Alternatives will be investigated. RF proposed to adopt the reviewed policy, JG seconded. All agreed. Action: AC & RF to investigate possible investments. It was proposed that RF & AC be given a mandate to investigate and go ahead with an investment(s) of capital which meet the criteria above. JG proposed, CD seconded. All agreed.
9.3. 11/03/09 Review of insurance cover. Action: Clerk & AC to review insurance cover.
9.4. 11/03/09 Village Hall risk assessments due in April. Action: CW to remind VHMC about risk assessment.
9.5. 11/03/09 BVGA annual risk assessment. Action: Clerk to contact Jag Cook re risk assessment.
10. Planning & Housing.
10.1. 10/12/08 Housing allocations. Following recent correspondence in this regard, the PC was satisfied with its response to the consultation document. Item closed.
10.2. 11/02/09 LDF consultation response. See 10.1. Item closed.
10.3. 02/02/06 Planning Committee Report: Refer to monthly planning report. CW reported that although the PC did not object to the application from Little Dibleys, some comments were made. No objection to the Bridus Mead and Summersby applications. The Chailey House application to erect a polytunnel was discussed. The PC did not have any objection.
10.4. 02/02/06 Exception Site. Nothing to report.
11. Ladycroft Park. RF mentioned that it was not clear if the ditch at the back of the Park which has been dug was there to enable the bank to be built up. Planning permission would have to be sought. It was also reported that the site licence has still not been issued. RF discovered that the fire officers only dealt with common parts and did not consider boundaries (e.g. distance to fencing etc). RF also mentioned that consultation will be taking place re the “fit and proper person” to run a park. The new entrance was also discussed. RF pointed out that as there was an entrance before, the Vale might not object, but he would speak to the Vale’s enforcement officer.
12. Finance & Administration
12.1. Access to fire proof cupboard and scout hut. It was recommended that as there has been no answer from the district commissioner re the agreement, the clerk should contact Liz Farr. Action: clerk to contact Liz Farr re Scout Hut agreement.
12.2. Small Grants. The Small Grants committee recommended that a £50 be given to the Blewbury Village Gardens Association (allotments) for improvements to the site.
12.3. Money received from ITV. Nothing to report.
12.4. New bond or investment. Discussed with 9.2 above.
12.5. Funds to be allocated to reserves. Resolution: To carry over to the next financial year as earmarked reserves the amounts budgeted but unspent on projects that are in hand but not complete.
12.6. Payments for approval to be made under ancillary powers and within budgeted amounts.
|
Description |
Amount |
|
E Smit |
£486.36 |
|
K Pottle |
£189.16 |
|
E Smit (expenses) |
£57.49 |
|
Ringrose Tree Services Ltd |
£207.00 |
|
Mrs A King |
£250.00 |
|
Blewbury Village Garden Society |
£50.00 |
|
TOTAL |
£1,240.01 |
Following the recommendation of the Small Grants Committee, the £50 payment to the BVGA was added to the payments which appeared on the agenda. All payments were approved. JG proposed, PW seconded. All agreed.
13. Correspondence.
13.1. Items requesting a reply
13.1.1. Didcot Community Forum. Noted.
13.1.2. Community Policing Awards. The PC recommended that PCSO Clements be nominated for the award. Action: Clerk & AC to nominate PCSO Clements for community policing award.
13.1.3. Letter re litter bins. Following a lively discussion, the clerk was asked to respond. Action: clerk to respond to the letter re the litter bin. Clerk to investigate the possibility of a bin on Tickers Folly close to the Croquet Club.
13.1.4. Vale Core Strategy Preferred Options Evidence Base. Noted.
13.2. Items for information
13.2.1. Oxfordshire PCT Health News. Noted.
13.2.2. Toddler Group thank you. Noted.
13.2.3. Harwell-Chilton Campus Local stakeholder group meeting. Noted.
14. Cemetery Development Plan.
14.1. Quotes and project management. JG & CD volunteered to join the cemetery committee following EA’s resignation. Action: CD to get notes from MB to draft response re cemetery plans.
14.2. Dead trees. The dead trees were removed. Item closed.
15. Parish Plan
15.1. Tree for the Pound. The clerk reported that Ms Hartley has been in contact and the tree (a 10 ft hornbeam) will be planted soon. Action: RF & Anthony Stiff to identify a suitable area for the tree for the Pound.
16. Recreation Ground
16.1. 28/11/06 Management Committee Structure. The PC felt that it was very important that this matter be moved along. Confirmation was needed that MB was able to take on this role. Action: JG to get management Committee Structure information from MB.
16.2. 09/07/08 Pavilion progress report. A meeting for Friday the 13th was scheduled with the architect. Further dates re the consultation with the clubs and a public exhibition would be decided and put in the Bulletin as appropriate. It was also mentioned that the Tennis Club would need an answer very soon re the extension of the Tennis Court. Potential obstacles to the development have been identified by a third party. It was proposed that AC and CW be given a mandate to seek legal advice should it be necessary. JG proposed, CD seconded. All agreed. It was mentioned that Ilsley PC has a similar issue and it might be worth contacting them.
16.3. 14/01/09 Budget forecast for capital spend. Nothing to report.
16.4. 12/11/08 Memorial bench. Nothing to report.
16.5. 10/12/08 Dead tree near tennis court entrance. The tree was removed. Item closed.
17. Allotments. Nothing to report.
18. Footways, Footpaths and rights of way.
18.1. 02/09/05 Village upkeep review. Nothing to report
18.2. 03/03/07 Bridus Way. Discussed with item 11Ladycroft park
18.3. 12/12/07 Footpath 24. The clerk was notified that work has started on this footpath.
18.4. 09/07/08 Footpath 20 “Moreton Path”. The clerk reported that the OCC has written to the Ladycroft Park manager but with no response.
19. Roads, Road safety and public transport
A request was received for salt box at the Nottingham Fee. Action: CW to respond to salt box request.
20. Village Hall Management Committee report
The next meeting was due on the 17th of March.
21. Environment
21.1. Hawthorn on Rumseys Lane. As Oak Leaf Tree has not carried out the work which was ordered in December, it was decided to rather give the work to Simon Ringrose who could carry out the work in the near future. Oak Leaf confirmed that as they were unable to carry out the work they were happy for the PC to cancel the contract. Action: Clerk to contact Simon Ringrose re the felling of the hawthorn in Rumseys Lane.
22. District Councillors report. See item 11.
23. Any Other Business: The clerk mentioned the incinerator protest meeting, as well as that information re the Culham visit would be distributed to the interested councillors. The Council was thanked for dealing with the overgrown vegetation at Corrydon House. Action: Clerk to circulate incinerator protest meeting details. The clerk confirmed that the Annual Parish meeting will take place on the 20th of May. Action: Clerk to contact county councillor & school governors etc re reports for the annual parish meeting.
24. Details of the next meeting. The next Parish Council Meeting will be on the 8th of April 2009.
The meeting closed at 21.45