MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE PARISH COUNCIL
HELD IN THE VILLAGE HALL, SOUTH CERNEY
ON WEDNESDAY 8th February 2006.

The meeting began at 7pm when the Chairman, Cllr M. Stuart welcomed Mrs H. Jones, Gloucestershire Youth Service Representative and Mrs Janet Lodge South Cerney Youth Club Leader to the meeting. He congratulated Helen Jones on her recent marriage. Cllr Stuart stated that the only way forward due to lack of funds was in partnership i.e. the Glos Youth Service, the Youth Club, the Church and the Parish Council. Mrs Jones informed the meeting that a specially equipped van should be available around Easter. Equipment would consist of a laptop computer, lots of advice leaflets and educational games. It would be in the area for one day a week during the summer holidays which were scheduled for 21st July until 4th September. Mrs Jones offered to work with partners in applying for grant funding. Cllr Caunce enquired what were the identified priorities. Mrs Jones replied that there was a need to work with a small core group of youths who would be representative of most of the 300 youth residents in the village. Another scheme might be the provision of a youth shelter or shelters. Cllr Caunce persisted and asked what else? In the short term Mrs Jones said that summer activities would be encouraged. She agreed to a suggestion from Cllr Caunce that a “taster” session with the new van would be useful during the half term break before the summer holidays. Further questioning by Cllr Caunce determined that long term aspirations are the provision of youth shelters, trips out, transport to cinemas by local bus or dial-a-ride, paint balling although this was very expensive, ice skating and ten pin bowling were all possibilities. Cllr Jay added that there was a huge number of children locally who were not involved. Janet Lodge agreed and said that the average attendance at the Youth Club was around 20, for which she was comfortably able to cater. Cllr Jay said that the Gloucestershire Youth Service was letting our children down. A discussion then followed on how best to encourage the youth to participate. Mrs Jones rejected an idea that a list of activities be put forward. She argued that the youth should be given a blank sheet as they had some very innovative ideas. Cllr Caunce suggested that we should support or sponsor a degree student on a PhD course and use the resulting thesis as the basis of a future plan. He continued that we needed a plan to go forward and asked if money would help? Janet Lodge answered: “Not really.” As children were flexible with their needs changing very quickly, any plan must also be flexible. Cllr Jay agreed that needs must be identified. He considered the Youth Council idea a plus and it could help promote the van project. Cllr Smith stated that he was very confused with the debate so far and asked Mrs Jones what could the Gloucestershire Youth Service offer? Mrs Jones repeated her reply that she could support funding grants and supply a van. A question was asked how much a youth worker would cost? Mrs Jones replied that an unqualified worker would cost £1,500 for 46 weeks a year at 3 hours per session although a minimum of two workers would be needed. Cllr Stuart concluded the debate by saying that the way forward was to use our best endeavours to get the Youth Council up and running and thanked Mrs Jones for her attendance. Mrs H. Jones and Mrs J. Lodge left the meeting at 7.38pm.

 
The Chairman, Cllr Stuart opened the Parish Council meeting at 7.40pm.

APOLOGIES

MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 11th JANUARY 2006

Page 2067: COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS 4th paragraph, penultimate line ... delete “and” insert “with”

It was proposed by Cllr Mrs Chapman and seconded by Cllr Webb that the Minutes as amended were a true and accurate record. The Parish Council was all in favour.

MATTERS ARISING

PCSO Transport
Cllr Stuart read a reply from Inspector Jacka, Cirencester Police, to the Parish Council’s suggestion that PCSO Yeomans use public transport to convey him to South Cerney. Inspector Jacka had stated that the situation was being addressed in the light of Health and Safety considerations. Cllr Squire informed the Council that Inspector Jacka had very recently retired and asked the Clerk to welcome his replacement Inspector Steven Williams and ask him what progress had been made in resolving the transport problem.

Chestnut Tree, Clarks Hay
Cllr Jay enquired if a reply had been received from Matt Reid CDC Tree Officer about the work which had been done in the vicinity of the tree in Chestnut Mews. Cllr Mrs Clark (CDC) would enquire and report.

CLERK’S REPORT

On Wednesday 18th January I attended a meeting in the Village Hall to discuss the setting up of a Youth Council. Present included Cllr Stuart, Clair Dowan, CDC Youth Participation Officer and her line manager Rose Marie Lynn. Five interested local youths namely: Joe Lodge, Simon Carter, Thomas Nicholas, Sebastian Genillard and Sandy Stewart were also in attendance. Clare Dowan discussed the possible structure of a Youth Council and outlined some objectives which she thought would be of interest. It was agreed that a further meeting be organised for 6.30pm Tuesday 21st February when hopefully those present might persuade others to come along.

On Tuesday 31st January Cllr Stuart, Cllr Nicholas and myself met Jo Elliott of the Land Registry who explained the necessary procedures to register the Parish Council’s land holdings and Village Hall. Unregistered titles could be divided into three distinct sections: (a) Upper Up playing fields (b) the Village Hall, and (c) others including the Piece. Steps will now be taken to register these assets.

 Following on from the successful publication of the Village Plan and its distribution through Cerney News I propose to make it an item on next month’s agenda. So far I have had only one enquiry and that was forwarded to Cllr Caunce as it pertained to traffic calming.

During January over the 21 available working days I averaged 3 hours 25 minutes per day which is par for my contract.

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT

Cllr Stuart suggested changes to the format of the Parish Council agenda and its meeting based on discussions he had at a seminar he recently attended. Parish Councillors generally were not in favour of too radical a change and discounted any restriction to the length of time taken to discuss an item. Cllr Nicholas said that if a contentious item was discussed which was not on the agenda then there could be no resolution and no decision. Parish Councillors were in favour of shortening the time taken with the Committee reports but insisted that Councillors’ Reports remain.

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 February.

Mud on the highways
The Parish Council agreed to a recommendation from the Committee that Inspector Steven Williams, Gloucestershire Constabulary be invited to a meeting with Parish Councillors to press for action against perpetrators who pollute highways.

Robert Franklin Way Slide
Cllr Stuart reported that he will endeavour to contact Steve Hanson of the Community Pay Back group.

The Piece
Cllr Mrs Chubb will check her family records for any information on the transfer of the Piece to the Parish Council.

Tree Report
Cllr Harris presented the tree report which he and Cllr Webb had compiled. The Committee was in agreement that the report be used as the basis of a tender document for the maintenance of trees and shrubs which are the responsibility of the Parish Council. Cllr Webb volunteered to act as advisor to any queries which potential contractors might have.

Litter at Old George
Cllr Harris reported that litter was being thrown over the wall at the Old George public house on to the river bank in Bow Wow. Cllr Mrs Chubb also complained that rubbish was being thrown into the field adjacent to the public house car park. The Clerk was asked to inform the landlord.

INSPECTION REPORTS

Cerney Wick play area
Cllr Caunce reported no problems with the equipment. A working party had cut the hedge back.

 Robert Franklin Way play area
Cllr Harris reported that the base plate on the 360 degree swing was loose but he did not consider this a hazard. Cllr Harris volunteered to retighten the plate. The Clerk reported that he had been in contact with Steve Griffiths who informed him that Technix Rubber Ltd (Southampton) had supplied the honey combed safety surface. The Clerk was awaiting a response from Julie Tegg, GPFA regarding his query if she was aware of any other reported incidences with this type of surface.

Upper Up play area
Cllr Stuart reported no problems on the Upper Up play area although he would ask users of the cycle mounds to tidy up the sheets of iron and the old mattress which he considered potentially dangerous.

COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS
Cllr Caunce reported that the surrounding wall at Manor Farm House, Cerney Wick had fallen into the carriageway and asked the Clerk to report it to GCC Highways. He also asked the Clerk to remind GCC Highways that no action had yet been taken to cut back the overgrowing leylandii.

Cllr Caunce asked the Clerk to inform Cotswold Water Park that a handrail was missing on the wooden bridge on BSC22, Cerney Wick, where the path meets the canal towpath and needs to be replaced.

The Committee agreed to a proposal from Cllr Harris that a tree survey on Parish Council land in the village be updated. Cllr Harris will ask Cllr Webb to accompany him on the survey.

The Committee agreed that James Harris Contracting should replace the six vandalised trees, one diseased tree and plant two extra trees along the pathway at Upper Up play area one of which Cllr Harris reported had been allocated.

Cllr Mrs Chubb reported that the Huxley Court sign was missing. Rob Bull at CDC informed the Clerk that it had been refurbished and replaced.

Cllr Jay reported that soil at the base of the Horse Chestnut at Chestnut Mews, opposite the entrance to Meadow Way, which had a Tree Preservation Order attached, had been removed. The Clerk had reported the incident to Matthew Reid at CDC.

The Clerk reported that he will meet with Land Registry personnel on Tuesday 31st January at 11am in the Village Hall.

CORRESPONDENCE

An apology had been received from Zoe Goodman CDC Waste Manager that South Cerney had not been informed of the Gloucestershire Waste Partnerships pilot recycling competition. The Clerk had forwarded emails received from Muriel Watkins, Somerford Keynes Parish Clerk, to Committee members. These expressed disappointment that such short time was allowed to participate in the advertised competition.

FINANCE
Cllr Smith reported on the deliberations of the Finance Committee which had met on 6th February.

MATTERS ARISING

Upper Up Car Park
The Finance Committee agreed to reject the verbal quote of £25,000 plus VAT to resurface Upper Up car park with tarmac as an uneconomical project at this time.

Cllr Smith inspected the invoices and agreed the Clerk’s travel expenses for January.

It was proposed by Cllr Jay and seconded by Cllr Nicholas that the Parish Council makes the above payments. The Parish Council was all in favour.

2nd Homes Council Tax Fund
Cllr Jay remarked that the application form was straightforward and that little information was necessary besides the cost of the scheme. If the stipulated criteria was applied, completing the application within the time allowed should not be a problem. Cllr Squire and the Clerk agreed to attend to this task.

PLANNING

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

Planning applications received by Cotswold District Council

CT.1454/4/G
Applicant: A. Russell, Wildmoor Waters, The Willows, Wildmoorway Lane, South Cerney GL7 5UZ
Erection of anglers’ lodge at Wildmoor Waters, Wildmoorway Lane, South Cerney
NO OBJECTION

CT.2475/1/Y
Applicant: Glen Brooks, G.B. Cooker Spares, Braydon Lane, Cricklade, Swindon SN6 6HQ
Additional/Amended Plans: Erection of industrial units for B1/B2 and B8 use on land at Broadway Lane, South Cerney
NO OBJECTION

CT.2648/3/M
Applicant: R. Mackenzie-Hill, Watermark, Isis Lake, South Cerney
Advertisement consent for 2 (two) non-illuminated signs at Lake 11, Spine Road, South Cerney
The Committee considers that these signs will be a distraction to vehicle drivers as they approach a dangerous junction which already has too many advertisements.
OBJECTION

Planning applications received by Gloucestershire County Council

CT.2648/3/A
Applicant: Hills Minerals & Waste Ltd, Roundhouse Cottages, Bridge Street, Frome BA11 1BE
Variation of conditions 4 and 10 of CT.2648/3/A to enable dry working at Cerney Wick Farm Quarry, Cerney Wick (R)
South Cerney with Cerney Wick Parish Council objects to the application for variation of conditions 4 & 10 of planning permission CT.2648/3/A to enable dry working, for the following reasons:
Many of the issues and concerns expressed by Gavin Jones, GCC Principal Planning Officer, in his letter of 20th May 2005 do not appear to have been addressed in the Hills Environmental Statement. In particular, no account is taken of what would happen if the proposed balancing pond/lagoon system did not in fact protect the level of the water table at the eastern end of the site, close to North Meadow.
The Environmental Statement makes no reference to the likely effect of dry working on the river Churn water levels and flows. This would have considerable implications for the water table level in the locality.
There should be a condition requiring the applicant to finish working the Dryleaze Farm extension to Shorncote Quarry before they commence workings at Cerney Wick Farm, including full completion of landscaping.
Condition 24 of the extant permission should be emphasised, to impose stringent requirements for wheel washing in order to prevent the current serious problem of mud on the Spine Road. The Parish Council is concerned that all traffic accessing the site, at every stage of the development, should only do so direct from the Spine Road, to avoid having to travel along any of the lanes around Cerney Wick.
The Parish Council is also concerned about dust from the site, since realistically the proposals in paragraph 6.16 (page 6) of the Environmental Statement may well not be enforced. Concern is also expressed about the loss of public footpaths across the site.
OBJECTION

05/0116/CWREG3/CAPS (see CT.1454/4/F below)
Applicant: Head of Corporate Property Services, GCC, Shire Hall, Gloucester GL1 2TG Extensions and adaptations to changing block and associated works at South Cerney Outdoor Education Centre, Lake 12, Cotswold Water Park, Spine Road, South Cerney (R)
The Committee recommends that the Parish Council ratifies its support of this application as it is a highly valued facility and its upgrading is totally justified.
NO OBJECTION

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

Planning Applications granted or not objected to by Cotswold District Council

CT.0144/5/B
Single storey rear extension at 41 Robert Franklin Way, South Cerney

CT.1454/4/F
Extensions and adaptations to changing block and associated works at South Cerney Outdoor Education Centre, Lake 12, Cotswold Water Park, Spine Road, South Cerney
No Objection

CT.4086/E Listed Building Consent: Reinstatement of lath and plaster ceiling in top floor bedroom and replacement of fibreboard ceiling in first floor bedroom with plasterboards and skim at 2 Edwards College, South Cerney

CT.5946/J
Erection of single storey pitched roof side extension and rear conservatory at Tobermory, Cerney Wick

SEWERAGE PROBLEMS

Cllr Stuart described the chaos experienced on the 18th January by residents in Robert Franklin Way and Station Road when the sewerage pipe fractured again. Repairs were carried out very quickly but he considered that the work was not coordinated. In future, he insisted, when the next break occurs someone must appear to take command. Cllr Squire volunteered to attend a meeting arranged by Chris Orphanides for 10.30am on 24th February in the Village Hall to discuss the offensive sewage odour with a representative from Thames Water and Hilary Beech CDC Environmental Health Officer.

The Parish Council agreed with Cllr Stuart who stated that the CDC Environmental Health Officer should monitor the clean up of the sewage. Cllr Mrs Clark (CDC) volunteered to contact Ralph Young, Head of Environmental Health at CDC and report back.

Cllr Harris reported that Mr Ray Jenkins from Watermark had informed him that sewage in its private system was being pumped but there was uncertainty of where it was going.

2nd HOMES COUNCIL TAX FUND

Cllr Stuart had asked Les Haines (CDC) to ear-mark money for a youth shelter from the Crime Reduction fund. Cllr Squire had met with Les Haines who had no recollection of such an arrangement although it was possible that a grant of £2,000 may be available for a youth shelter. Cllr Stuart suggested that it might be possible to convert the shelter at the tennis court within a budget of £2,000. Cllr Harris was opposed to the idea that a youth shelter be sited on Robert Franklin Way play area as he considered it an unsuitable location. Anywhere such a shelter was proposed must be sensitively sited so that residents in its vicinity were not upset. Cllr Stuart disagreed, and argued that the positioning of a shelter within sight of residential property was a necessity. Cllr Stuart had spoken with George Taylor on the cost of supplying a MUGA (Multi User Games Area). Depending on its size and which units were required the cost would be approximately £15,000 for a 10 x 15m with units at one end or alternatively £30,000 for a 30 x 10m with units at either end.

It was proposed by Cllr Webb and seconded by Cllr Harris that the Parish Council applies for the larger grant of £30,000. The Parish Council was all in favour.

Cllr Squire and the Clerk would formulate a proposition for a grant to provide a MUGA for presentation to the 2nd Homes Council Tax Fund.

CORRESPONDENCE

COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS

Cllr Squire will circulate a report of a meeting he attended at CDC on 7th February.

Cllr Squire asked the Clerk to request Talland Riding School on Cirencester Road not to leave black plastic rubbish bags on the verge outside its premises over a weekend. Animals are raiding such sacks and the resulting mess is being scattered along the adjacent carriageway.

Cllr Squire asked Cllr Parsons (GCC) to enquire from John Whittaker GCC Highways when the change of speed limits on Cirencester Road, the interactive speed warning signs and the crossing in High Street might be completed. Cllr Parsons (GCC) agreed to make enquiries.

Cllr Jay asked that the damage to the bridge parapet over the river Churn in Clarks Hay be reported. Cllr Mrs Clark (CDC) volunteered to make the necessary enquiries.

Cllr Jay observed that crossing the Spine Road to the Cotswold Outdoor centre was extremely hazardous for pedestrians and was convinced that it was only a matter of time before a serious accident occurred there. It had been suggested that the underpass be used to traverse the road but this was unsatisfactory as it was flooded more often than not.

Cllr Jay reported that the South Cerney Trust had agreed to supply a picnic table for the play area in Cerney Wick.

Cllr Jay complained that no action to repair the stile at Boxbush bridge or the footpath sign had yet been made.

Cllr Webb asked the Clerk to request Zycko Ltd, Broadway Lane not to leave black plastic rubbish bags on the verge outside its premises over a weekend. Animals are raiding such sacks and the resulting mess is being scattered along the adjacent carriageway.

Cllr Webb asked if any reply had been forthcoming from Avent regarding the damage to Jim Parker’s tree. As none had been received the Clerk was asked to inform Transco about the actions of its subcontractor.

The routing on the gate of the bridleway at the Robert Franklin Way play area was still awaited. The Clerk was asked to inform the Cotswold Water Park Society that this was still outstanding and to remind it of previous requests for this work to be carried out.

Cllr Harris asked the Clerk to inform the Cotswold Water Park Society that the footpath sign at the end of Wildmoorway Lane with its junction with Robert Franklin Way was broken at ground level. Another sign at Churn Pool in Cerney Wick was also broken. The footpath sign at the entrance to Lake 10 was broken and propped up but needed to be repaired.

Cllr Harris asked the Clerk to report that the tarmac on the footpath at Lower Mill was lifting up.

Cllr Mrs Chubb complained that the path at the back of the houses from Station Road to the wooden bridge at Boxbush was very rough. The Clerk would report her observations to the GCC PROW officer.

Cllr Caunce had attended a meeting on highway matters at CDC on 23rd January. One scenario worthy of note he reported, had been that inspection of broken or damaged pavements obviated negligence.

Cllr Caunce asked the Clerk to inform PCSO Yeomans that vehicles were still parking on the restricted areas outside Ann Edwards school causing inconvenience to other road users.

Cllr Parsons (GCC) informed the Parish Council that during a recent clean up operation 57.2 tonnes of debris had been collected and returned to Hills.

Cllr Stuart asked the Clerk to inform GCC Highways that the hedge on the cusp of Broadway Lane and Sudeley Drive was causing the tarmac of the footpath there to lift up.

Cllr Stuart asked the Clerk to inform Michael Grace, CDC Enforcement Office about the signs which had been erected outside the Eliot Arms, Clarks Hay. Cllr Mrs Clark (CDC) volunteered to make the necessary enquiries.

There being no further business the Chairman, Cllr Stuart closed the meeting at 9.38pm.