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BLEWBURY PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes
Of the Parish Council meeting of Blewbury Parish Council.
Held on Thursday 1st of April 2010 in the Methodist Church
Councillors present: Mr A Cooper (Chairman), Mr M Shread, Ms J Gibson, Ms S Loy, Mr C Whatmore, Mr R Farrell, Ms C Duckett.
Also present: E Smit (clerk)
1. Apologies for absence. Ms A Barclay-Watt, Mr M Brassell
2. Declarations of interest. JG declared an interest as members of the Recreation Ground Management committee. RF declared a personal interest in the Recreation Ground as chairman of the Recreation Ground Management committee as well as being the spouse of a member of the Tennis Club. CW also declared that his wife is a member of the Tennis Club. (CD joined the meeting later and declared a personal interest in the Recreation ground as family members use the Recreation Ground)
3. Final scope and budget for the Recreation Ground Enhancement Project. Following the request from the Parish Council that urgent savings were required on the projects, new figures were sent to the chairman prior to the meeting. Serious concerns were expressed re the total expected spend on the project and during the debate it was asked if further savings could be made. A new, more slimmed down scheme would require the process to be started afresh, with more professional fees and a new planning application, so no savings would be made. It was explained that it would not be possible to build the pavilion only as the planning permission required site works to be carried out. It was also pointed out that certain ancillary works should be carried out to enable future work. Serious concerns re the proposed amount suggested for a contingency were also expressed. During the debate the benefits of continuing with the project were listed as follows: The community facility would meet the requirement for a 3rd room in the village as set out in the parish plan; The grant for £163,000 would not be repeated and it is therefore an opportunity which would not arise again. If on the other hand it was decided not to continue with the project, and therefore that nothing was done, the existing pavilion would go into disrepair very quickly. It is believed that it is already not fit for purpose and an embarrassment to the village. Should the pavilion fall into total disrepair, sporting activities would be adversely affected and there will be no sporting facilities for the existing clubs. The real need for a replacement of the pavilion was emphasized. The cost of the project was compared with similar projects (e.g. Aston pavilion) and it compared favourably. It was agreed that the PC should enter into negotiations leading to a contract with a building contractor (s) to proceed with a community facility and associated essential site works, subject to there being a further resolution before a final contract is signed. MS proposed, CW seconded, all agreed. Action: clerk & CD to clarify proposed fees with SGA.
4. Resolution: To apply for a loan for the Recreation Ground Enhancement Project. This resolution was amended to: Resolution to apply for a loan facility of up to £150,000 for the Recreation Ground Enhancement Project. SL proposed, JG seconded, all agreed. Action: clerk & AC to start loan application process.
5. Any Other Business. None
6. Details of the next meeting. 14th of April 2010
Meeting closed 20h40.