MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE PARISH COUNCIL
HELD IN THE VILLAGE HALL, SOUTH CERNEY
ON WEDNESDAY 11th October 2006.

The Chairman, Cllr Stuart welcomed PC Chris Freeman to the meeting. PC Freeman commented on recent press reports regarding PCSO Pooley emphasising that the Gloucestershire Constabulary was very satisfied with how she carried out her duties. On behalf of the Parish Council Cllr Harris will propose a vote of confidence and appreciation later in the proceedings. Cllr Jay remarked that residents who reported the vandalism to the bollards in Station Road through the emergency number did not receive any feedback or follow up and felt let down by the service. Cllr Stuart reported that two windows in the village hall had been broken by youths throwing chestnuts. Unfortunately, those occupying the hall at the time did not apprehend the culprits. PC Freeman highlighted the need for the public to cooperate with police especially in reporting crime. Too often members of the public refused to come forward and this stymied police action. Cllr Stuart requested that the Police Press Officer prepare a news report for publication in the Cerney News as agreed when Cllr Stuart attended a Police Liaison meeting. PC Freeman informed Parish Councillors that the mobile police station had visited the Crown car park in Cerney Wick on 4th October and would return on the 26th October, 13th November and 24th November. PC Freeman commented that the Smartwater demonstration in the village hall on 3rd October had been poorly attended. He was enthusiastic about its benefits to the police comparing it to post coding for the 21st century. It was slow to decay and could be easily detected by ultra violet light even in public places. A further demonstration will be considered but better coordination with other groups and more noticeable advertisement would be necessary. PC Freeman finally then announced that another PCSO would be allocated to the Parish in the near future. Cllr Harris commented that the officer would be most welcome. PC Freeman left the meeting and Cllr Stuart then opened the Parish Council meeting at 7.51pm.

APOLOGIES

MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 13th SEPTEMBER 2006

Page 2149 second paragraph 1st line – delete: invite insert: welcomed

Page 2153 Correspondence item 28 1st line – delete: The Committee insert Many Councillors

It was proposed by Cllr Webb and seconded by Cllr Nicholas that the Minutes were a true and accurate record. With the exception of Cllr Stuart who was absent from the meeting and Cllr Jay who abstained, the remainder of the Parish Council was in favour.

YOUTH PARISH COUNCIL REPORT

Youth Parish Councillors Dan Mills and Dom Brown represented their group and began by requesting individual Parish Councillors to support them as marshals at their proposed Fun Run at Upper Up playing field which was scheduled to be held on Sunday 29th October starting at 1.30pm. Cllr Nicholas said that he and Cllr Caunce would be there and 6 other Parish Councillors present also volunteered. Cllr Stuart informed the YPC that PCSO Lesley Pooley had planned to be present in an official capacity. The Parish Council encouraged the YPC to advertise the event as widely as possible and suggested various positions throughout the village where this might be done. An offer from Cllr Stuart of the sandwich boards which promoted the cinema was accepted. Dom Brown will design a poster which he will email to the Clerk for duplication and lamination. Both Youth Councillors left the meeting at 8.05pm.

CLERK’S REPORT

On Thursday 21st September I attended a meeting in the Village Hall chaired by Geoffrey Clifton-Brown MP to discuss the progress of a plan by Thames Water to update the South Cerney sewerage and surface water system. There were 17 people present including Parish Councillors Stuart and Webb, District Councillors Bennett and Mrs Clark, three representatives from Thames Water, Rob Bull (CDC) and residents. The plan to refurbish the system which will cost in the region of £5 million is almost complete and work is expected to start early in 2007 and last approximately 9 months. There will be drop-in sessions where information on events will keep residents aware of what is going on. There are on-going problems with the intermittent malodorous stench in the system although Andrew Bell (Thames Water) was confident that through a process of elimination a solution will be found. Overall it was agreed with a statement by Geoffrey Clifton-Brown MP that Thames Water had kept to its promise to expedite the work and was to be congratulated.

Playahead had quoted £262.73 for two cradle seats to replace those reported damaged on the Upper Up playing field. Sutcliffe had quoted £255.92. Both suppliers had added VAT and delivery. R.O.W. Berry has quoted £50 labour to install the seats.

I discussed with Guy Wakefield his reply to the Parish Council’s reaction to the initial offer from Bloor Homes. He verbally confirmed that his original offer of £15,000 was still on the table, if acceptable. He explained that the offer was based on what was agreed for the Limes, i.e. the Limes was a development of 29 houses with 3 socially owned whereas the Bloor development in Berkeley Close was 23 houses with 50% socially owned.

A&B Fencing had verbally quoted £526 plus VAT to refurbish the three bar wooden fence at Upper Up car park. It was pointed out that as the current installation was to Imperial dimensions the replacement fence using metric measurements would not match exactly and there would be some misalignment.

During August of the 17 available working days I averaged 4 hours per day which is approximately 10 per cent above par for my contract.

MATTERS ARISING

The Clerk was reminded to enquire from Gloucestershire Constabulary its opinion of the web site BetterDrivingPlease.com

The Clerk was asked to contact Alf Reynolds, GCC Road Safety Officer and request the loan of the speed gun.

Cllr Jay was adamant that positive action be taken to control pets, especially dogs, which fouled the play area. Besides being against the law it was dangerous and antisocial not to clear up after a pet had fouled a public play area or any other place. He was of the opinion that dogs must be kept on a lead while accessing the playing field. Cllr Smith argued that there was no law which ordered that dogs must be kept on a lead although there was one which said that dogs must be under control. Cllr Stuart stated that it was time the Parish Council’s byelaws were updated in order to reduce dog mess on Upper Up and throughout the village. Cllr Jay would ask the Clerk to make the item an agenda item for next month’s meeting adding that it should be the intention of South Cerney Parish Council (subject to appropriate legal advice) to introduce a “Dogs must be kept on a lead” policy for its gardens and play areas. Cllr Smith agreed to contact Richard Bellis, GAPTC for information on how the law affects our authority and report back to the next Parish Council meeting in November. Cllr Mrs Clark (CDC) stated that the law regarding control of dogs was currently under review.

PLAYING FIELDS AND VILLAGE MAINTENANCE COMMITTEE REPORT

Cllr Squire reported on the discussions of the Playing Field and Village Maintenance Committee which had met on 9th October.

Matters Arising

Cllr Caunce reported that he had invited members of the YPC, through their forum on the web site, to meet with him to discuss a risk assessment to be carried out prior to the planned Fun Run on the Upper Up playing fields. Unfortunately, no member of the YPC had yet made contact.

Speed Limits
Cllr Stuart reported that one of the interactive speed signs was now in operation and asked the Clerk to enquire when the other two might be operational. Cllr Stuart asked the Clerk to ascertain the results, if any, of the Parish Council’s request to Gloucestershire Police to have a speed check on the Cirencester Road.

Robert Franklin Way Slide
Cllr Harris reported that Hills would be providing a skip free of charge.

Reinstatement of river bank in Bow Wow
Cllr Harris reported on a meeting he had with Jennifer Watkins, Senior Highway Representative at Gloucestershire Highways and a GCC Works Team Leader to discuss the refurbishment of the river bank. A Gloucestershire Highways team would make sure that all road markings and notices were legal.

INSPECTION REPORTS

Cerney Wick
Cllr Caunce reported that everything on the playing field was in order.

Robert Franklin Way
Cllr Harris noted that an attempt had been made to build a small fire in the carriage of the train unit. An unnoticed loose locking nut had been replaced. Cllr Harris also made minor repairs to the tower slide unit. The goal posts needed soil. Dog mess had been removed from the fenced off play area which specifically bars dogs from entry.

Upper Up
Replacement cradle seats were still awaited. A team from the Payback in the Community had spread soil, delivered by Cllr Harris, between the Senior Swing, Slide and Activity Area. Cllr Stuart had planted grass seed on 7th October. A plastic bath dumped near the Cycle Mounds needs to be removed. The fence on the north side of the car park had been pushed over. Cllr Stuart considers that this presents a security hazard and should be repaired urgently. The surface of the car park is very poor and needs attention. Cllr Stuart remarked that he could only find one dog mess on the playing field and wondered what all the fuss was about. The concrete shed used by the Cricket and Football clubs is no longer needed and should be removed. The Pay Back in the Community team could demolish it but a skip would be needed to remove the debris. A resident who had purchased a tree had asked for permission to plant daffodils at its base.

Cllr Harris was not in favour with the planting of flowers at Upper Up. He argued that it would turn the area into an urban park which, in his view, was contrary to its intended theme. A proposal was not considered but it was agreed to discuss the issue at Parish Council, at which time after a short debate, Parish Councillors concurred with Cllr Harris.

Cllr Stuart produced a dog fouling notice, in cartoon form, he had sourced on a recent holiday to the Lake District where the local council threatened dog owners whose pets fouled the neighbourhood with a fine of £1,000. He suggested that CDC might be encouraged to increase its £75 penalty to a more meaningful amount. The Committee discussed the issue of dog fouling on Upper Up but there was no consensus on further action as enforcement would be problematic.

Cllr Stuart proposed and Cllr Mrs Chubb seconded a motion that the committee agrees to purchase and install two replacement cradle seats for £305.92 including VAT. The Committee was all in favour. The Committee recommended that the Finance Committee accepts this proposal.

Cllr Harris proposed and Cllr Stuart seconded a motion that the committee agrees to instruct A& B Fencing to refurbish the fence to the north of the car park at Upper Up for £618.05 including VAT. The Committee was all in favour. The Committee recommended that the Finance Committee accepts this proposal.

Public Open Space at Bloor Homes’ development in Berkeley Close

Guy Wakefield had responded to the Parish Council’s reply to his first offer by lowering his verbal contribution to £12,462.37 from his initial £15,000. At the Monday Committee meeting, Cllr Caunce asked for an explanation on how a sum of £174.48 for an annual grass cut had been assessed. Before any realistic discussion could continue it was necessary that Bloor Homes provide a detailed plan and specification of its proposals. The Clerk informed the Committee that Guy Wakefield would be prepared to honour his initial offer if acceptable. Cllr Stuart was not in favour of taking on any responsibility for the area as the proposed calculations for a commuted sum were out of touch with reality.

Smartwater Demonstration

Cllr Stuart was disappointed at the lack of interest shown in the Smartwater demonstration recently held in the Village Hall. He had been joined by Cllr Webb, Brian Corke, Peter and Rowena Merson and two residents from Harnhill.

Correspondence

Councillors’ Reports

At the Monday Committee meeting, Cllr Caunce reported on alleged sheep worrying incidents in Cerney Wick, presumably carried out by a large dog. Cllr Harris suggested that pet owners be advised to keep their animals under control in the presence of livestock, especially sheep.

At the Monday Committee meeting, Cllr Caunce was also concerned that he may have a prejudicial interest in decisions regarding Watermark some time in the future. He was advised to contact Richard Belliss (richardb@grcc.org.uk).

Cllr Harris referred to an offer from Mr Mould, Lower Mill, Bow Wow to install low level lighting in the vicinity of the footbridge and wondered if this was an opportune time to remind him of his proposal. Cllr Squire volunteered to speak on the subject to Mr Mould.

Following some recent critical press reporting of PCSO Lesley Pooley, Cllr Harris recommended that the Parish Council consider a vote of confidence in PCSO Pooley and her valuable contribution to upholding the law in South Cerney and Cerney Wick Parish. At the Monday meeting the Committee was all in favour.

Cllr Harris proposed and Cllr Jay seconded a motion that this Parish Council has total confidence in PCSO Lesley Pooley and support her in her duties within the community. With the exception of Cllr Mrs Chapman and Cllr Smith who abstained the remainder of the Parish Council was in favour.

Cllr Mrs Chubb complained that when Station Road was closed for the repair of the sewerage pipe, some irresponsible motorists had moved the barriers to circumvent the road closure. Station Road had been closed to traffic from around 7pm on Thursday 28th September until late afternoon Wednesday 4th October. The Parish Council agreed that a letter be sent to both Gloucestershire Highways and Thames Water informing them that it was unacceptable for the main road through the village to be closed for such a long time. Gloucestershire Highways were to be asked to inspect the repair as Cllr Mrs Chubb complained that traffic noise had increased when vehicles crossed over probably due to it being uneven.

Cllr Mrs Chubb reported that after the recent sewage leak the smell emanating from the open ditch in Station Road was obnoxious. The Clerk was asked to enquire from Thames Water if it was prepared to either remove by mechanical means the contaminated herbage and mud from the ditch or to pay for the cost of clearing the ditch as effluent was now lodged in the herbage creating the awful smell.

Cllr Stuart reported that Roger Sollis (CDC) had informed him that if the Parish Council was in agreement a Salvation Army clothing recycling bin would be installed on the Upper Up car park. On Monday evening the Committee was in full agreement. The Parish Council concurred with its decision.

Cllr Stuart informed the Committee that Mike Barton (PROW) had forwarded photographs of apparatus which could be installed to obstruct bicycle users from accessing footpaths. He expects to be able to erect such barriers in the next financial year on the footpath between Station Road and Bow Wow bridge. After some discussion the Parish Council decided that it was not in favour of such obstructions as it would not solve the problem of cyclists using the alternative path through another area of Box Bush estate.

Cllr Stuart reported that Thames Water utilities was in the final design stage of the line the new sewerage link to Shorncote would take. Work was expected to start in the first week of the coming new year and completion of the Upper Up phase expected sometime in the following March. Chris Graham from Moore Allen and Innocent was acting on behalf of the Parish Council as agreed and the Clerk had collected documents which should be signed on behalf of the Parish Council. Having said on Monday, Cllr Nicholas agreed to scrutinise them prior to them being signed. Cllr Nicholas reported that most probably there would be no financial gain but the Parish Council could expect reinstatement of the land when work was completed. On the question of land drains Cllr Nicholas recommended that Chris Graham liaised with the Cricket Club. When complete it was advisable not to plant large trees near to the line of the pipework. It would be prudent if Chris Graham was to consult with Cllr Harris on how the pipe may affect the Shire Ditch.

It was proposed by Cllr Nicholas and seconded by Cllr Smith that the Parish Council continue to instruct Chris Graham, Moore Allen and Innocent to act to protect the interests of the Parish Council in negotiations with Thames Water. The Parish Council was all in favour. Cllr Nicholas recommended that the documents relating to the pipework over the playing field should be signed. The Chairman, Cllr Stuart then signed the documents.

Cllr Stuart recommended that the Parish Council writes to the Managing Director of the Four Pillars hotel building project on the Spine Road to request that contractors using the site, Builders Ede use a wheel wash before accessing the highway.

Cllr Squire reported that Lady Fanshawe had called the police when intruders had entered her property recently. The police response was made within 15 minutes.

FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT

Cllr Smith reported on the deliberations of the Finance Committee which had met on the 9th October.

Matters Arising
Cllr Jay informed the Committee that the South Cerney Trust had declined to make a contribution to the supervision of the refurbishment of the river bank in Bow Wow as it considered the project was managed by the Parish Council although it was much in favour of the scheme.

YPC Meeting
Cllr Jay reported on a meeting of the YPC he had attended during which he explained the procedure that is followed for payments made by the Parish Council. He presented the YPC with a ream of paper but pointed out that incidental expenses should be recorded and verified before the Parish Council would approve payment.

Public Open Space at Bloor Homes’ development in Berkeley Close
Cllr Stuart queried if the Committee wanted to commit its successors to maintaining the proposed public open space at Bloor Homes’ development in Berkeley Close. The costings provided by Guy Wakefield were totally unrealistic and more meaningful figures were needed if the Parish Council was minded to considering approval.

Land purchase at Limes
Mr Kevan Kelsey had enquired whether the Parish Council would consider the sale of land it maintained at the Limes. Cllr Nicholas informed that the Parish Council that the land was subject to a restrictive covenant which effectively prevents it being used for any purpose other than as a public open space.

Web site use
Cllr Squire enquired if there was any objection to information being published on the web site about the restoration of the window in the church. The Parish Council had no objection.

Playing Field and Village Maintenance Committee recommendations
The Clerk informed the Committee that the previous committee had recommended the Finance Committee agrees to the provision and installation of two cradle seats on Upper Up play area and the refurbishment of the wooden fence on the north side of Upper Up car park. The Finance Committee was all in favour.

It was proposed by Cllr Jay and seconded by Cllr Nicholas that the Parish Council agrees to purchase two cradle seats for £255.92 installed by R.O.W. Berry for £50. The Parish Council was all in favour.

It was proposed by Cllr Nicholas and seconded by Cllr Jay that the Parish Council agrees that A&B Fencing refurbish the wooden fence to the north of Upper Up car park for a cost of £526 plus VAT. The Parish Council was all in favour.

Cricket Club funding request
Due to an overspend on maintenance work carried out to its playing surface the Cricket Club had written to ask that the Parish Council consider making a financial contribution to defray the cost. Cllr Nicholas requested that the Cricket Club be asked to provide an explanation as to how the expenditure occurred. Cllr Jay reminded the Committee that such a commitment had not been budgeted for and must therefore be discussed during the coming precept negotiations.

PLANNING

Cllr Nicholas reported on the deliberations of the Planning Committee which had met on 9th October.

Matters Arising

Second Homes Occupancy
Cllr Mrs Clark (CDC) reported that the enforcement of planning conditions on the occupancy of second homes had been agreed to be served. The occupants concerned had 6 months to abide by the order but could appeal within that period against the decision. A further 7 residences are being investigated.

Advertisement at Eliot Arms
The Clerk was to enquire from the Enforcement Officer if the large temporary advertisement on the front elevation of the Eliot Arms was in breach of regulations.

Planning applications received by Cotswold District Council

CT.1179/G
Applicants: Mr & Mrs G. Vinnicombe, Bermuda, Cirencester Road, South Cerney
Two storey rear extension and dormer to front at Bermuda, Cirencester Road, South Cerney
NO OBJECTION

CT.5804/V
Applicant: MoD
Additional/Amended Plans for new residential accommodation for servicemen and women at Duke of Gloucester Barracks, South Cerney (R)
The Committee does not object to the landscaping proposals, but it would reiterate its objections to the poor design and quality of materials used for these buildings.
OBJECTION

It was proposed by Cllr Smith and seconded by Cllr Harris that the Parish Council approves the decisions of the Planning Committee. The Parish Council was all in favour.

Planning applications granted by Cotswold District Council

CT.1454/4/K
Provision of two (2) 2.1 metre diameter wind turbines to changing block at South Cerney Outdoor Education Centre, Lake 12, Spine Road, South Cerney

CT.3377/E & CT.3377/F
Amendment to the location of the proposed garage by moving it two (2) metres to the north at The Cottage, High Street, South Cerney

CT.4498/Z
Amendment to conference facilities area at Lake 6, Cotswold Water Park, South Cerney

CT.5684/N
Display of non illuminated wall mounted sign, fence mounted sign and fascia sign and externally illuminated hanging wall mounted sign and hanging pub sign at The Eliot Arms Inn, Clarks Hay, South Cerney

CT.5684/P Listed Building Consent
Erection of new advertisements, part illuminated, on main building and post sign at The Eliot Arms Inn, Clarks Hay, South Cerney

CT.8579
Installation of flood warning kiosk on bank of river Churn to record river levels and provide flood warnings at Cordal Lodge, School Lane, South Cerney
Of particular note: The external walls of the development shall be built of oak boarding and the roof of natural slate. Reason: To ensure that in accordance with Cotswold District Local Plan Policies 15, 18 and 42 the development will be constructed of materials that are appropriate to the locality and/or the existing building. It is important to protect and maintain the character and appearance of the area in which this development is located.

Planning application withdrawn

CT.3704/L
Erection of replacement two storey side and single storey rear extensions at Fox Cottage, Station Road, South Cerney

Correspondence
15. GCC Environment Directorate – Issues and options on the future of mineral planning in
      Gloucestershire
      Cllr Harris agreed to comment on such planning at the next Parish Council meeting

HAM LANE CLOSURE

Cllr Stuart reiterated that, according to GCC public footpaths map, Ham Lane was not a public right of way although it had been used by pedestrians in the past. Cllr Squire had been contacted on four separate occasions by residents enquiring if anything could be done to reopen the lane where it joined the Fishing Club lake. The Parish Council agreed that Cllr Squire should speak with Mrs Pearce regarding the possibility of creating a PROW on Ham Lane.

FLOOD FORUM REPORT

Cllr Nicholas reported on a Flood Forum he had attended at CDC. He was very impressed with the input from Lawrence Adams, Thames Water who had seen the job through from the start and was totally aware of the implications and deficiencies of the system. Work on the new sewerage system would start early in the new year and should be completed next September although slippage in the timetable could occur if environmental problems arise. Odour problems in the Kingfisher Place area were still being investigated.

VILLAGE PLAN PROGRESS

Dr Peter Stephenson had withdrawn from Objectives 3 & 6 due to other commitments but would continue to support the efforts of those involved.

On Item 8 Cllr Stuart has regular contact with Mike Barton GCC PROW and is trying to overcome objections to opening up a footpath between South Cerney and Siddington through to Cirencester.

Cllr Jay reported that part of Objective 9 to publicise existing footpaths had very nearly been achieved. South Cerney had partnered the Water Park Society and a new booklet of local walks was currently being printed.

Cllr Squire had measured distances between lamp posts in Broadway Lane and would report his observations to Mr B. Greenaway, Road Lighting Manager at GCC.

Regarding Item 11 Cllr Stuart asked the Clerk to enquire from Thames Water if it had any objections to the Parish Council siting a MUGA over the line of the soon to be redundant sewerage pipe. The Clerk was to contact GPFA to ascertain if it could send a representative to meet with the YPC.

CORRESPONDENCE

COUNCILLORS REPORTS

Cllr Squire requested that the Parish Council consider making a grant from its Monument Fund to help with the cost of repairing the stained glass window in the church. It was agreed that the item will be discussed at next month’s Parish Council.

Cllr Mrs Clark (CDC) informed the Parish Council that arrangements were now in place by the contractors to clean Cerney Wick Lane every Friday and at other times when required.

Cllr Jay reported that there a large willow branch had broken off its tree near Bow Wow bridge. The Clerk will report the incident to Gillian Portlock, Gloucestershire Highways.

Cllr Jay reported that the owner of Bridge House had erected signs illegally claiming the highway outside his property. Cllr Nicholas agreed to speak with him on the subject.

Cllr Webb will meet with the Clerk to compose a letter to the CDC illustrating planning conditions not being adhered to by developers.

Cllr Mrs Chapman reported that the official opening of the Playgroup’s new building will take place on 10th November.

Cllr Stuart had attended a meeting in the Village Hall on 21st September, chaired by Geoffrey Clifton-Brown MP to discuss the progress by Thames Water to refurbish the sewerage and surface water system in South Cerney. At the AGM of the GRCC on 28th September he had given a short explanation of Youth Parish Council activities in South Cerney.

CERNEY NEWS Residents were to be encouraged to report anti social and crime activities to the police by either telephoning 0845 090 1234, emailing callcentre@gloucestershire.police.uk or lesley.pooley@gloucestershire.police.uk (PCSO).

Pet owners were to be reminded to clean up after their animals fouled public areas.

Thames Water was expected to start work on the refurbishment of the sewerage and surface water system in the first week of the coming new year. The work will involve rerouting and replacing the existing rising main, renewing/refurbishing pumping stations and possible work on the gravity fed pipes. This will be at a cost of approximately £5 million. Thames Water is planning to launch a comprehensive communications programme with 'drop-in' centres in order to keep South Cerney residents informed of its plans and schedules of work. Periodic updates will be placed in the Cerney News.

The Fun Run organised by the Youth Parish Council will take place on Sunday 29th October starting at 1.30pm.

There being no further business Cllr Stuart closed the meeting at 10.25pm.