MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE PARISH COUNCIL
HELD IN THE VILLAGE HALL, SOUTH CERNEY
ON WEDNESDAY 8th June 2005.

The meeting began at 7pm when Chairman, Cllr M. Stuart welcomed Lt.Col. Iain McKend RLC. The Lt.Col. began by informing the assembled Parish Councillors that he was last posted to South Cerney 15 years ago and noted how the place had changed especially the road system. Through a Power Point presentation he explained the structure of 29 Regiment and how it fitted together to form a cohesive unit of 400 personnel although two units were presently accommodated off base at Aldershot and Abingdon. So far this year the base had handled 11,557 transit people and a total of about 22,000 were expected by year’s end. He was optimistic that improved catering and accommodation facilities would be installed in the near future. He was pleased to be a Governor at Ann Edwards School. He explained the Silver Stars activities and how complaints and concerns about its activities by the local population were addressed. Cllr Stuart thanked Lt.Col. McKend for his attendance and informative presentation and he left the meeting at 7.30pm.

Cllr Jay had made an apology for his absence due to a holiday commitment. Cllr Mrs Pollard had apologised for her absence due to illness. Cllr Bennett and Cllr Mrs Clark (both CDC) had made their apologies. Cllr S. Parsons (GCC) had also made an apology.

Cllr Stuart welcomed Ms Jenni Silver, reporter on the Wilts and Glos Standard, to the meeting.


MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 11th MAY 2005
Page 1966: Last paragraph – Cllr Nicholas remarked that it was not clear which road was being referred to in the text. It was agreed that the following be added after “weekly.” third line from the bottom. ... “weekly when the Spine Road and its arteries were affected.”
It was proposed by Cllr Nicholas and seconded by Cllr Caunce that the Minutes as altered were a true and accurate record. The Parish Council was all in favour.


MATTERS ARISING
Youth Service
It was proposed by Cllr Caunce and seconded by Cllr Webb that the officer replacing Bernie Cox of the Youth Service be invited to attend either the August or September meeting and present proposals on how the service could benefit the youth of South Cerney. The Parish Council was all in favour.
Community Charge Grant
Cllr Webb was concerned that Cllr Mrs Clark (CDC) informed the Parish Meeting on 18 May 2005 that because the Parish Council had not applied to the fund created by the increase in community charges to owners of second homes in the district, no grant had been forthcoming. Cllr Webb said that her statement was misleading. In reply to a question recorded in the Minutes of 10 Nov 2004 page 1903, from Cllr Jay to Cllr Baines (CDC) about how South Cerney Parish might benefit from the increase, Cllr Baines agreed to enquire from CDC how the extra council tax collected on holiday homes would impact on the precept and how many properties in the Parish contribute to the council tax. The reply from Cllr Baines (CDC) is recorded in the Minutes for the 8 Dec 2004 page 1910 under Matters Arising. He explained that second homes in the area had no effect on the precept. The extra income produced through the reduction in discount from 50% to 10% would be for the benefit of the District Council, County Council and the Police. Cllr Webb declared that because of this information no application by the Parish Council had been considered and it was therefore disingenuous of Cllr Mrs Clark (CDC) to infer that the Parish Council had been negligent.
Matters Arising from Annual Parish Meeting
The Chairman ordered that Matters Arising from the Annual Parish Meeting should be made an agenda item for the Parish Council meeting scheduled to be held in July.
Flood Forum
As neither Cllr Bennett (CDC) nor Cllr Mrs Clark (CDC) would be attending the next meeting of the Flood Forum to be held on Friday 17th June the Clerk was asked to request Cllr Baines to act as representative for South Cerney. Parish Council members voiced their dismay and disappointment that both representatives would be unable to attend. Arrangements had been made for Cllr Nicholas to attend and Cllr Bennett (CDC) had informed the Clerk that permission for Cllr Nicholas to speak on behalf of South Cerney would be sought.
Interactive Speed Signs and Pedestrian Crossing
The Clerk was asked to enquire from John Whittaker GCC Highways if any progress had been made towards completing these projects.


CLERK’S REPORT
On Wednesday 18th May I attended the Annual Parish Meeting in the Village Hall. There was a full turnout of Parish Councillors, District Councillors and the County Councillor supplemented by 29 members of the public. On Thursday 19th May I attended the RIAT (Royal International Air Tattoo) briefing at RAF Fairford. Significant changes to the organisation were explained. For example the new Trust and Company had no longer a direct link with the RAF Benevolent Fund. The RAF Charitable Trust now owns the company RAF Charitable Trust Enterprises and Air Chief Marshal Sir Michael Knight is the new Chairman of the Trustees. Building for the event will start on Monday 20th June and on 13th July the first participating aircraft will arrive. On Thursday 14th July the park and view area will open. On 15th July the traders’ showground will be open from 12 noon until 4 pm. Later that evening around 10 pm early bird public car parks will open for business. On the event days 16th and 17th the showground will open to the public from 7.30 am until 9.30 pm. The flying display will take place from 10 am until 6 pm followed by an evening concert. The site will be dismantled on Monday 19th July. Admission this year remains £35 per adult or £29.95 in advance and children under 16 will be admitted free if accompanied by an adult. One notable request was made by a District Councillor who informed the organisers that a contribution from them would be appreciated in view of the 200 extra officer hours needed during the event. The organisers were extremely grateful for the help given to it by the community. The community help line is 01285 713000. On Sunday 22nd May I met with Cllr Smith who kindly showed me how to archive emails. On Tuesday 24th I accompanied Cllr Stuart to the official opening of the Cotswold Water Park’s new visitors’ facility at Keynes Park. In the evening Cllr Smith and I met with Mrs Gardiner who explained how the Parish Council’s accounts balanced. During May I averaged 4 hours 15 minutes per available working day. Again somewhat higher than my contract allows but accounted for by the extra meetings attended during the month.


PLAYING FIELDS AND VILLAGE MAINTENANCE COMMITTEE REPORT
Cllr Squire reported on the deliberations of the Playing Fields and Village Maintenance Committee which had met on 6th June.

Election of Officers
Cllr Mrs Chubb had proposed and Cllr Caunce seconded a motion that Cllr Squire, if he agreed, continued as Chairman of the Playing Fields and Village Maintenance Committee. Cllr Squire had no objection and was duly unanimously elected as Chairman.
Cllr Mrs Chubb had proposed and Cllr Caunce seconded a motion that Cllr Stuart, if he agreed, continued as Vice Chairman of the Playing Fields and Village Maintenance Committee. Cllr Stuart had no objection and was duly unanimously elected as Vice Chairman.

Matters Arising
Safety Surface Feedback
The Clerk reported that the four replies he had from Fenplay customers were positive. The most critical pronounced that “you get what you pay for” whilst the most positive was enthusiastic about the performance of the surface and suggested that its site be inspected to see what a good result the surface provided. After some lengthy discussion the Parish Council was minded to make emergency repairs only to the tower slide at Robert Franklin Way and to remove it and its safety surface during the autumn, reinstating the resulting hole with grass.
Cllr Harris declared a prejudicial interest as a potential supplier and left the meeting.
Cllr Squire calculated that, excluding Robert Franklin Way play area, it would cost approximately £11,395, based on previous quotations plus 5%, to replace the rubber safety tiles at the other two play areas with Fenplay. Although James Harris Contracting had quoted to remove and dispose of the tiles for £875, Ali Swainston, Head Ranger at Keynes Country Park had informed the Chairman and Clerk at a recent meeting that he would be prepared to do the work free of charge in exchange for the tiles. The Clerk was asked to get confirmation of this deal in writing. In the meantime the Clerk was to enquire from G. E. Taylor of The Play Service how much it would cost to supply and install Fenplay Softfall at Upper Up and Cerney Wick. If a contract is agreed to by the Parish Council at its next meeting in July when precisely would the work start? Tenders for the removal and disposal of the tiles at Upper Up and Cerney Wick should be sought for and their removal coordinated with the installation of the new material. Cllr Stuart volunteered to ask the Probation Service if it was prepared to raise the tiles. Other suppliers should also be contacted to requote for the uplifting and disposal of the tiles.
Cllr Harris rejoined the meeting.
Barrier on old railway track
Tim Pain, Chief Executive of the Cotswold Water Park had written to confirm that its Estates Department would shortly repair the chicane on the old railway track.
Rural Road Sweeping
The Clerk had forwarded a complaint from Cllr Mrs Chapman to Cllr Bennett (CDC) about the muddy state of Cerney Wick Lane between the entrance to Lake 11 and the Spine Road. Cllr Bennett (CDC) had contacted the owner/manager of Lake 11 who agreed to erect a sign at the nearby cross roads to inform complainants of his telephone number to which incidents could be reported. On behalf of the Committee, Cllr Squire would like to thank Cllr Bennett (CDC) for his good work.
Pathway South Cerney/Siddington/Cirencester
Cllr Stuart reported on an evening meeting he had with Cllr Nicholas and members of the Canal Trust. The party walked the canal route towards Siddington from The Lock House on Cirencester Road to the bridge over the river Churn. The Canal Trust would support the Parish Council in its endeavours to persuade GCC PROW to create a path from South Cerney to Siddington. When Cllr Stuart met with Tim Pain (Cotswold Water Park) he informed him that he would give the Parish Council “one hundred and fifty percent support” for such a project.
Upper Up Humps
Cllr Stuart thanked Cllr Harris who had voluntarily operated the mini digger at Upper Up to excavate the humps and bumps. The Committee agreed to a suggestion from Cllr Caunce that the Clerk write and thank Ermin Plant Hire for its generous loan of the equipment.
Steps from Bow Wow to old railway line
Cllr Stuart reported on a meeting he had with Mr Mould and Mike Barton (GCC PROW) regarding the ownership and responsibility for the maintenance of the steps from Bow Wow to the old railway line. Mr Barton proposed to create a “permissive footpath” over the steps and if successful GCC PROW would become responsible for their maintenance.
Extending the Upper Up path to Keynes Park
The extension of the pathway from Upper Up through the reed beds to Keynes Park was also discussed and Cllr Stuart was hopeful of a successful outcome eventually.
Upper Up Vandalism
The Clerk was asked to inform the PCSO of recent vandalism which had occurred to the cricket pavilion at Upper Up and the continuing drinking taking place on the playing fields, evidence of which was the discarded cans and bottles being found there.
BSC1 and BSC20
Cllr Stuart reported that Tim Pain (Cotswold Water Park) had informed him that the Environment Agency was about to dredge the drainage ditch alongside the SSSI after which GCC PROW would carry out major work on the footpaths.
Lakeside Car Park
Mr Tim Pain (Cotswold Water Park) informed Cllr Stuart that the Lakeside car park would undergo extensive redevelopment early next winter. In response to a request from Tim Pain, Cllr Harris, Cllr Squire and Cllr Stuart volunteered to attend a meeting to discuss the plan.
Other Car Parks
Mr Pain (Cotswold Water Park) was aware of the problems incurred through car parks being secured and he was working on a scheme at the Gateway car park which he described as “lock up later” that might alleviate the inconvenience although the security of the area was of prime importance. Mr Pain was happy to report that the car park at the Arches on the Spine Road would remain permanently open and recent unsocial behaviour had stopped since the undergrowth surrounding the parking area had been cleared back.
Road Scalpings
It was proposed by Cllr Stuart and seconded by Cllr Webb that the Clerk enquires from Cllr Parsons (GCC) why GCC Highways charge its Public Rights of Way maintenance section for supplying road scalpings whereas neighbouring Wiltshire County Council gives them free to its PROW team.


INSPECTION REPORTS
Robert Franklin Way play area
Cllr Harris was concerned about the movement of the footings in the 360 degree swing when in use. The Clerk had enquired from the John Hicks, Safety Inspector if these had been checked during use when the yearly inspection had been carried out. John Hicks confirmed that he had rigorously tested the equipment and found nothing untoward. He advised that a long screw driver be inserted alongside the concrete plug to see if the wooden support had deteriorated. The problem may well be that the ground is drying out and when it becomes wet again the problem will cease. The Clerk had also contacted Macventure Play Co which supplied and installed the equipment. Chris Jones who now works for the installers will advise Steve Griffiths who will inspect the equipment at his earliest convenience although he is in north Wales working on a large project at the moment. Cllr Harris also reported that one of the wooden safety spindles on the tower slide was missing. The Clerk had asked Ian Fairbrother if he could make an urgent repair. Trees alongside the river Churn bridge parapet had been cleared on Saturday 4th June.
Cerney Wick play area
Cllr Caunce reported that the equipment at Cerney Wick was in good working order. Rabbits were becoming a nuisance in the grassy part of the play area.
Upper Up play area
Cllr Stuart reported that Adrian Gibbs had sprayed all the edges of the play surface and the car park. The Clerk was asked to check with Mr Gibbs to ascertain if the pathway to the other end of the play area had also been treated. The Cricket Club store bin had been moved and was now almost out of sight.


COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS
Cllr Stuart reported that entrance fees at Keynes Park would be based on per person visiting instead of per car.
Cllr Harris asked the Clerk to report the continuing appearance of advertising signs at the end of Station Road near its junction with the Spine Road to the Enforcement Officer (M. Grace) at CDC. He also asked that Cotswold Water Park be informed that an advertisement had been affixed to its fence at the Lakeside car park.
Cllr Squire reported that some of the older headstones in the churchyard would need to be straightened up. He confirmed that the ecclesiastical insurers would reimburse the cost of realigning headstones.
Cllr Nicholas reported that the hedge next to Drift Cottage in Station Road was overgrowing the pavement and the occupiers of the cottage should be asked to cut it back.
Cllr Stuart informed the Committee that judging by a panel from the Village of the Year competition would take place at 3pm on 23rd June. Later that evening at 7pm the Open Evening would be held which was designed to encourage participation in the Village Plan. He encouraged all members of the Parish Council to attend both events.


FINANCE
Cllr Nicholas reported on the deliberations of the Finance Committee which had met on 6th June.

Election of Officers
Cllr Jay and Cllr Smith had informed the Clerk that both were prepared to stand again as Vice Chairman and Chairman respectively if there were no other nominations.
It was proposed by Cllr Nicholas and seconded by Cllr Webb that Cllr Smith, in his absence, remains as Chairman of the Finance Committee. The Committee was all in favour.
It was proposed by Cllr Nicholas and seconded by Cllr Webb that Cllr Jay, in his absence, remains as Vice Chairman of the Finance Committee. The Committee was all in favour.

Matters Arising
Community Internet
Cllr Squire reported that Raymond Fenton would provide a computer and connect it to Broadband at reasonable cost. The United Church would be willing to let people use its facilities.
Personnel Committee
Cllr Webb informed the Committee that the Personnel Committee had unanimously agreed new terms and conditions which would be offered to the Clerk. Approval would be sought at the next meeting of the Parish Council.

Grass Cutting
Grass cutting cuts for this current year and those of last year. Please note that the VAT element is inconsistent as some contractors are registered and others are not.

Outstanding
R. Hewer Notice board repair £120.00

Payments In
R. Hewer Notice board repair £45.00
South Cerney Cricket Club Water supply £4.93
South Cerney Cricket Club Insurance renewal £282.43
£332.36
Payments Out
Petty Cash Bus Shelter Cleansing (June) £40.00
Petty Cash Litter Picking (June) £100.00
M. McKee Clerk’s Travel (May) £91.49
M. McKee BT Telephone and Internet access (May) £23.00
Adrian Gibbs Ground maintenance (May) £1,457.00
Busy Fingers Copying Photocopying £35.20
R. W. Gardiner Ground maintenance (May) Cerney Wick £70.35
Centreline Architectural Sculpture Repair and re-erection of War Memorial £4,003.31
Michael Stuart Reimbursement of flowers’ purchase £20.00
Chairman’s Allowance
Tony Squire Reimbursement of refreshments (S.137) £189.52
in advance of Memorial Dedication ceremony
Mrs J. Gardiner Accountancy charges £130.00
£6,159.87
Cllr Webb inspected the invoices and agreed the Clerk’s travel expenses for May.
It was proposed by Cllr Webb and seconded by Cllr Mrs Chapman that the Parish Council agrees to make the above payments. The Parish Council was all in favour.

Annual Accounts
The Clerk reported that he had accompanied Cllr Smith to an analysis of the accounts by Mrs Gardiner, the Internal Auditor. The accounts were all in order. Cllr Stuart remarked that the footpath refurbishment at the Langet should in fact be at Upper Up. The Clerk would alter the location appropriately. Cllr Smith volunteered to show the accounts to any interested resident during the period 16th August to 30th August when the Clerk would be unavailable.
It was proposed by Cllr Smith and seconded by Cllr Mrs Chubb that the Chairman, Cllr Stuart approves the accounts on behalf of the Parish Council. The Parish Council was all in favour and Cllr Stuart signed the accounts.


PLANNING
Cllr Nicholas reported on the deliberations of the Planning Committee which had met on 6th June.

Election of Officers
Cllr Webb proposed and Cllr Mrs Chapman seconded a motion that Cllr Nicholas, if he agreed, continues as Chairman of the Planning Committee. Cllr Nicholas had no objection and was duly unanimously elected as Chairman.
Cllr Mrs Chapman proposed and Cllr Mrs Pollard seconded a motion that Cllr Webb, if he agreed, be elected as Vice Chairman of the Planning Committee. Cllr Webb agreed and was duly unanimously elected as Vice Chairman.

Planning applications received by Cotswold District Council

CT.0650/F
Applicant: Estate of late Miss Grace Johnson
Conversion of building to two (2) dwellings and erection of four (4) dwellings and car ports (revised scheme) at Old Post Office, High Street, South Cerney
The design and construction of car ports in the Conservation Area was alien.
OBJECTION

CT.4067/2/T
Applicant: Mrs Holgate, 16 Sudeley Drive, South Cerney
Minor amendment: Enlargement of rear window to form french windows at 16 Sudeley Drive, South Cerney (R)
NO OBJECTION

CT.4073/H
Applicant: Ridgway Fisheries, c/o Trade Direct Windows Ltd
Additional/Amended Plan: Replacement of approved 15 touring caravan pitches with 15 log cabins, associated parking and installation of sewerage treatment facility
NO OBJECTION

CT.5888/C
Applicant: Steve Wrigley, Innisfree, Cerney Wick
Erection of replacement single storey extension and re-modelling of garage at Innisfree, Cerney Wick
NO OBJECTION

It was proposed by Cllr Webb and seconded by Cllr Caunce that the Parish Council accepts the deliberations of the Planning Committee. The Parish Council was all in favour.

Planning applications granted by Cotswold District Council

CT.0006/4/F
Erection of rear conservatory at 18 The Limes, South Cerney

CT.0006/4/G
Erection of single storey extension at 11 Kingfisher Place, South Cerney, Glos.

CT.3140/B
Demolition of dwelling and replacement with new single storey dwelling at Crosslane Cottage, Broadway Lane, South Cerney

CT.4067/2/S
Change of use – A1 to D1 – hair dressing to dentist practice, provision of disabled access, shop front and air-conditioning unit at 7 Sudeley Drive, South Cerney, Cirencester, Glos.

Planning applications withdrawn

CT.3424/F
Erection of detached triple garage/car port (revised scheme) at Lower Churn, Bow Wow, South Cerney

CT.3887/3/E
Erection of a single storey side car port at 7 The Lennards, South Cerney

CT.4313/1/B & CT.4313/1/C
Link extension from the existing domestic outbuilding to the existing domestic house at Ivy Cottage, Cerney Wick, Cirencester, Glos. GL7 5QH

Councillor’s Reports
Cllr Stuart displayed a simulated picture of a proposed construction which adequately demonstrated shape, size, material type and colour. The Parish Council agreed with his request that the CDC be requested that clients supply CAD (computer aided design) pictures of proposed buildings when making an application.

Correspondence
Cllr Nicholas completed a questionnaire pertaining to the new Statement of Community Involvement which the Clerk would return to CDC. His recommendations included that Village Plans and Appraisals should be taken into account and specific details as to colour and materials to be used should be notified. CAD pictures of a finished structure would also help. Difficult to reach groups, for example teenagers to 25 year olds should also be included in the consultation. Interestingly the LDP (Local Development Plan) may amend regulations in force through the Local Plan.

COUNCILLORS’ PORTFOLIO REPORTS
Cllr Webb on behalf of the Village Hall Committee thanked the Parish Council for its generous contribution which helps subsidise Village Hall expenditure.
Cllr Smith volunteered to create accounts of expenditure to help with the control of Committees outgoings.

PERSONNEL COMMITTEE REPORT
The Clerk left the room while the Parish Council discussed the report of the Personnel Committee.
Cllr Webb read the following: The Personnel Committee comprising Cllr Jay, Cllr Mrs Pollard, Cllr Stuart and Cllr Webb held a meeting on Wednesday 26th May 2005. The reason for the meeting was to discuss the new pay structure and contract of employment for the Clerk of the South Cerney Council using the following publication covering the salaries and condition of service of full-time and part-time clerks and other officers of Town and Parish Councils (referred to as Local Councils). This includes: Guide to good employment practice in local councils; Model contract of employment and job description; New pay structure.
After a lengthy discussion on all of the three subjects were reached an unanimous agreement to adopt them in total. This means the new pay structure of the Clerk will start on scale LC2 Range ‘b’ Step 31 back-dated to 1st April 2005. We also agreed to provide the Clerk with all the necessary equipment to carry out his duties.
We recommend this to the Parish Council.
The Parish Council was all in favour.
The Clerk rejoined the meeting and both he and the Chairman, Cllr Stuart signed the new agreement.


CORRESPONDENCE

COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS
Cllr Squire asked the Clerk to enquire from our insurers Allianz Cornhill how much it would cost to insure the War Memorial.
Cllr Squire asked the Clerk to inform English Heritage that the mortar in stonework of the Preaching Cross at the junction of Clarks Hay, Station Road and High Street was crumbling and needed attention.
Cllr Stuart informed the meeting that Martin Hutchings (CDC) would shortly accept the handover of the public art project at Jubilee Gardens. The Parish Council was in favour of Cllr Stuart requesting that the CDC commute a sum for ground maintenance of the area based on how much our contractor A. Gibbs would charge for such work. The Clerk was to notify our insurers of our increased responsibility in the area.

There being no further business Cllr Stuart closed the meeting at 10pm.