MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE PARISH COUNCIL
HELD IN THE VILLAGE HALL, SOUTH CERNEY
ON WEDNESDAY 14th MARCH 2007.

The Chairman, Cllr Stuart opened the meeting at 7.30pm.

Three members of the public Mr D. Roberts, Mrs J. Roberts and Martin Midgeley from Gloucestershire Highways were also present.

APOLOGIES

MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 12th FEBRUARY 2007

Cllr Nicholas took exception to the verb tenses used in reporting the deliberations of the Monday evening Committee meetings.

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It was proposed by Cllr Mrs Chapman and seconded by Cllr Mrs Chubb that the Minutes, as amended, were a true and accurate record. Cllr Stuart abstained as he had not attended the meeting. The remainder of the Parish Councillors were all in favour. Cllr Stuart then signed the Minutes.

YOUTH PARISH COUNCIL REPORT

Dominic Brown gave this report. He stated that it was planned to install a multi user’s games area (MUGA). Cllr Stuart, Cllr Nicholas, Cllr Jay and the Clerk will liaise with the group over where the equipment might be sited. YPC Brown reported that members of the group had attended council tutoring with Clair Dowan at CDC to improve its communications. The YPC was planning to hold a “Red Nose” cyclothon on static exercise bikes over the Easter holidays and if plans were finalised before Wednesday 21st it could be advertised in the Cerney News. Cllr Stuart asked Dominic if he would enquire from Claire Dowan if senior school pupils including members of the YPC could use their school bus passes on public transport out of school hours if they wished to attend after school events.

PEDESTRIAN CROSSING AND OTHER HIGHWAY MATTERS

Pedestrian Crossing

Cllr Stuart welcomed Martin Midgeley from Gloucestershire Highways to the meeting. His report which argued that a crossing at the junction of Broadway Lane and High Street was not necessary had been widely publicised throughout the village. Copies of the report had been placed on the notice boards, delivered to interested parties and published on the web site. Generally his reasoning was accepted although there was a lengthy discussion on the differing priorities of Parish and County councils. It was argued that whereas the Parish Council was acting on local knowledge to encourage safe use of the road system, the County had to take account of the overall effectiveness and cost of such schemes. Cllr Nicholas reported that a crossing patrol lady had recently been appointed for morning duties although possibly she was operating in the wrong place causing some pedestrians to take a detour to cross the road. Cllr Harris stated that a patrol crossing person focused the attention of both motorists and pedestrians on the crossing place. When questioned on any planned change to the junction of Broadway Lane and High Street, Mr Midgeley stated that it would be very expensive to change the layout which was not justified. Changes to road systems were prioritised according to a hot-spot list and only two incidents had been reported at the junction since 2002. Cllr Nicholas stated that he was not interested in reactive planning which illustrated the differing priorities of Parish and County councils.

Cllr Parsons (GCC) supported Mr Midgeley stating that money was a scarce resource and all schemes must be prioritised. Traffic accidents were very high on the list and Gloucestershire Highways was particularly proactive in reducing accidents and maintaining road safety.

Preston Toll Bar Junction

Regarding the junction at Preston Toll Bar, Mr Midgeley explained that there are possible business residential developments in the near future (next 5 to 10 yrs) for Cirencester (e.g. Kingshill South, Siddington Farm) that may provide either direct highway improvements or significant s106 monies that may change the junction layout – but this is all dependant on developers and planning permissions. Gloucestershire Highways is actively working with the developers so that they know our aspirations for this junction.

In the interim period it is proposed to install a VAS on each A419 approach to the junction. The signs will light up when activated by speeding traffic to show a “crossroads warning sign” and the message “SLOW DOWN”. It is hoped to have these erected by the summer.

Cllr Nicholas noted that there was a sign for traffic leaving South Cerney Road stating “traffic to front and right has priority” and queried why was there not a sign for traffic in the middle of the junction stating “you have priority over South Cerney Road traffic”. Mr Midgeley argued that to erect a sign in the middle saying something along these lines could be construed as confusing and perhaps negligent. “As soon as you tell traffic in the middle they have priority, you take the chance that traffic in the middle forgets that A419 traffic from Dobbies has ultimate priority. It is safer that drivers in the middle make eye contact with drivers leaving South Cerney Road and work it out for themselves rather than blindly obeying road signs.”

Mr Midgeley was also asked if traffic from South Cerney Road be allowed to use the bus lay-by when it joins the A419 to head into Cirencester. He replied: “that at the moment there is a giveway line and sign at the end of South Cerney Road but if drivers ignore this and use the bus lay-by as an acceleration lane there is little we can do without closing the bus lay-by (by turning the lay-by to kerbs and grass verge). This has an implication on how the bus will stop, a significant construction cost and to some extent is not justified on safety grounds.”

Clarks Hay Crossing

A discussion on the artist’s impression showing an extension to the footpath into the carriageway outside the United Church continued. It was argued by Parish Councillors that if the scheme was to work safely motorists must be made aware of the potential hazard to traffic and pedestrians. Mrs Jennifer Roberts complained that the white lines used to delineate the footpath on either side of the road were being ignored by inconsiderate drivers. The white lines were not obvious enough and needed to be repainted. The Clerk would inform Dave Flagg, Signs & Lines Technician at Gloucestershire Highways. Mr Midgeley would ask for an engineers’ report on a design for actuality of the Clarks Hay scheme.

Cllr Stuart thanked Mr Midgeley for his attendance. Mr Midgeley then left the meeting.

CLLR PARSONS’ (GCC) REPORT

Cllr Parsons informed the meeting that repairs to the road surface of Ham Lane would be carried out in the near future after Thames Water had completed its work. Repairs to Broadway Lane had been brought forward and would be completed in this calendar year because of the deterioration of the carriageway.

Cllr Parsons reported that he had a special project to increase the benefits of the aggregate tax. He was concerned at the low level at which the tax was being returned to local communities. He estimated that in relation to tax collected the return was very small and he wanted this return to increase. He explained that distribution was in the gift of central government.

Cllr Jay enquired as to the entitlement for youth service provision for village children. Cllr Parsons would investigate and report back.

Cllr Squire enquired if there was any County Council’s grants available to repair damage to the churchyard caused by vandals. Cllr Parsons (GCC) advised him to enquire from GRCC and Cllr Mrs Clark (CDC) suggested that he contact the District Council.

MATTERS ARISING

There were no matters arising that had not been dealt with by the committees.

CLERK’S REPORT

Nomination papers for prospective candidates in the forthcoming election were distributed to 8 members of the Parish Council and 6 others who had requested them.

During February, of the 20 available working days, I averaged 4 hours per day which is more than my contract allows.

PLAYING FIELDS AND VILLAGE MAINTENANCE COMMITTEE REPORT

Cllr Squire reported on the discussions of the Playing Fields and Village Maintenance Committee which had met on 12th March. Cllr Mrs Chubb, Cllr Harris, Cllr Squire and Cllr Stuart had attended the Monday meeting. Cllr Squire had opened the meeting at 7.10pm.

Apology
Cllr Caunce had sent his apology for absence as he was celebrating one of his children’s twelfth birthday.

Matters Arising from previous Minutes

Past Chairman’s Tree
Cllr Mrs Chubb had noted that reference had been made in the Minutes to Tom Parker. This was incorrect and should be corrected to read Jim Parker.

Overgrowing Hedge in Bow Wow
Advertising “A” Boards
Cllr Squire had reported that only the cutting back of the overgrowing hedge in Bow Wow remained outstanding. Gillian Portlock, Gloucestershire Highways was aware.

Manhole Cover
Cllr Harris reported that the manhole cover outside “Content” in Station Road had not yet been repaired. Cllr Stuart reported that the manhole cover outside Londis had not yet been repaired. The Clerk will remind Gillian Portlock.

Overgrowing Bushes on Robert Franklin Way play area
Cllr Squire had a meeting with R. F. J. Lobley BEM and totally agreed that the bushes overgrowing from the play area should be cut back.
Since Monday, Cllr Harris had inspected the area and now quoted £175 plus VAT to carry out the work.

Cllr Harris then declared a prejudicial interest as a potential contractor and left the room.

At full council it was proposed by Cllr Jay and seconded by Cllr Mrs Pollard that the Parish Council accepts the quotation from James Harris Contracting. The Parish Council was all in favour.

Cllr Harris returned to the room.

Bus Shelter Graffiti
Cllr Stuart had arranged with Steve Hanson, Payback in the Community team supervisor for his team to paint out the graffiti in the bus shelter. Cllr Stuart would supply the paint.

Fire Hydrant Sign
Cllr Mrs Chubb reported that the fire hydrant sign outside Boxbush Farm had been replaced.

Bus Stop Sign
Cllr Jay complained that the bus stop sign at the bus shelter had not yet been repaired. The Clerk assured him that all services who might be responsible had been contacted.

INSPECTION REPORTS

Cerney Wick
Cllr Caunce had reported that Cerney Wick residents had pruned the pyracanthus hedge on the northern side of the play area.

Robert Franklin Way
Cllr Harris reported that the play equipment was in order although soil was required in the goal post area. Concrete rubble needed to be cleared off grass and from in front of the fence outside Ash Moon before top soil is laid on the old tower slide site.

Upper Up
Cllr Stuart reported that the play equipment was in good order and several youngsters had been seen working on the cycle mound jumps during the previous weekend. Five rails of the recently renewed fence by the car park had been vandalised. The Police had been notified that a reliable witness could identify the culprits and was prepared to give evidence. Graffiti, similar to that which appeared in the bus shelter, had been painted on to the cricket pavilion. A window in the building had also been smashed.
Cllr Stuart updated the Parish Council on a message from Inspector Williams which stated that evidence was being collated and action will be taken against those persons responsible. Cllr Stuart continued his report stating that a Salvation Army clothing/textile recycling bin had been installed on the car park.

Cllr Harris declared a prejudicial interest as a potential contractor and left the room.

It was proposed by Cllr Jay and seconded by Cllr Mrs Pollard that the Parish Council agreed that James Harris Contracting is requested to carry out urgent repairs to the fence at his normal daily rate. The Parish Council was all in favour.

Cllr Harris returned to the room.

CORRESPONDENCE

Cllr Harris declared a prejudicial interest in the next items as a potential contractor and left the room.

Quotations for the repair of the stone posts and chain surrounding the War Memorial had been received. After scrutiny the Committee recommended that the Finance Committee accepted the cheaper quote from James Harris Contracting.

It was proposed by Cllr Webb and seconded by Cllr Mrs Pollard that the Parish Council accepted the lower quote from James Harris Contracting for £45 plus VAT. The Parish Council was all in favour.

Quotations based on the tender document for tree maintenance throughout the village had been received. After scrutiny the Committee recommended that the Finance Committee accepted the cheaper quote from James Harris Contracting.

It was proposed by Cllr Webb and seconded by Cllr Mrs Pollard that the Parish Council accepted the lower quote from James Harris Contracting for £335 plus VAT. The Parish Council was all in favour.

A storm damaged Lime tree in Silver Street needed to be removed. James Harris Contracting had provided a verbal quotation for £75 plus VAT which was accepted by the Committee. The cost was within its budgetary allotment.

Cllr Harris returned to the Committee Room.

COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS

Cllr Harris asked the Clerk to inform the Enforcement Officer, CDC that advertisements were still appearing appended to the chain link fence and free standing at the junction of Station Road and B4696 Spine Road.

Cllr Squire reported at the Parish Council meeting that the signs had been removed.

Cllr Harris asked the Clerk to inform Roger Sollis CDC that two contractors’ boards had been dumped at the northern access to Robert Franklin Way play area near to the dog bin.

Cllr Harris reported at the Parish Council meeting that he had removed the boards.

Cllr Harris was concerned that a permissive right of way at the end of Ham Lane had been gated to prevent access. Numerous residents were prepared to state that the path had been in use for many years as a walk. The Clerk had contacted Sarah Burge at GCC PROW for forms to start proceedings to create an official right of way. Cllr Squire volunteered to coordinate the application.

Cllr Harris reported that a fence was needed on the north side of Robert Franklin Way play area upstream of the river Churn bridge to protect children from falling down the bank and possibly entering the river. The Clerk will inform the Water Park of the potential danger.

Cllr Stuart reported that Mr T. Groves, Ash Moon had complained that vandals had used infill from the redundant tower slide site to bombard his fence. Mr Groves verbally threatened to take legal action against the Parish Council and its officers if it did not repair the damage. Cllr Harris informed the Committee that a series of events outside of the Parish Council’s control had delayed the filling in of the hole with top soil. The Clerk advised that the Parish Council was not responsible for the damage caused and Mr Groves must make any repair to his fence as he sees fit.

A discussion by the Parish Council followed. Cllr Jay agreed that the Parish Council was not liable. Cllr Nicholas concurred but if the Parish Council agreed to replace the damaged fence it would not create a precedent. It was proposed by Cllr Nicholas and seconded by Cllr Harris that the Parish Council replaces Mr Groves’ damaged fence panel. After a vote there were 3 Parish Councillors in favour and 5 against. One Parish Councillor abstained. The motion was therefore defeated. The Clerk will inform Mr Groves of the decision of the Parish Council.

Cllr Stuart had been informed by Mike Barton GCC PROW that the footbridge on the canal tow path bridging the river Churn had been completed.

Cllr Stuart reported that he had attended a conference on the future of the Cotswold Water Park on Friday 2nd March at the Millennium Building, Keynes Country Park. The long awaited implementation of a Master Plan for the Cotswold Water Park was now at last under way. The Master Plan is an all-embracing document, one that takes into consideration just about every possible aspect of the area in question. As it is effectively destined to become the roadmap for the future, it was felt that it was of vital importance that key players, should be given the opportunity to meet the Master Planners, Scott-Wilson to enable the contributors to put their views forward.

Cllr Squire enquired, on behalf of the Parochial Church Council, if the Committee had any objection to a temporary cross being erected over the Easter period on the Old Cross Memorial site at the junction of Clarks Hay, Station Road and High Street. The Committee had no objection and the Parish Council agreed.

Cllr Harris had enquired if the maintenance of trees within the curtilage of the churchyard was the responsibility of the Parish Council. The Clerk had received the following advice from Richard Bellis, GAPTC. “If the churchyard has not been formally closed by an Order in Privy Council i.e. it still has capacity for graves and is used for burials, the Parish Council is not responsible for any maintenance in the churchyard. The churchyard is in the ownership of the PCC who, as landowner, is responsible for anything relating to the land whether burials, maintenance or whatever. However, the Parish Council can contribute to the maintenance of the churchyard using Section 214(6) of the Local Government Act 1972. The benefit of this is that the responsibility for the churchyard and its condition still remains with the PCC but the Parish Council can demonstrate that it values the facility and the environment of the churchyard. I would recommend however that the Parish Council only gives funding to the PCC as the PCC is responsible for the health and safety of the users of the churchyard and any work activities in it. Thus it will be responsible for ensuring there is adequate public liability insurance, that any contractors are approved by it and work in accordance with the instructions laid down by the PCC and any insurance claim would be against the PCC and not the Parish Council. For this reason I would also suggest the Parish Council provides funds direct to the PCC for the grass cutting rather than letting the contract itself as this means that the contractor is employed by the PCC again for health and safety/ insurance purposes.”

The Clerk was asked to inform Lady Fanshawe that the Lime tree in the triangle bounded by the bowling green, churchyard and the entrance to Chapter Manor was apparently unstable and could be in danger of falling over.

There being no further business Cllr Squire had closed the meeting at 8:18pm.

FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT

Cllr Jay reported on the discussions of the Finance Committee which had met on 12th March. Cllr Jay, Cllr Squire and Cllr Webb had attended the Monday meeting. Cllr Jay had opened the meeting at 8.25pm.

Apology
Cllr Smith had sent his apology for absence due to work commitments.

Matters Arising
The Committee agreed to a proposal by Cllr Jay that an item be published in Cerney News to inform village organisations that they could apply to the Parish Council for grant funding not exceeding £500 if the project involved is supported through its inclusion in the Village Plan.

After discussion on the sum to be made available, an amendment was proposed by Cllr Nicholas and seconded by Cllr Mrs Pollard that no limit be imposed on the amount of grant available. There were 4 Parish Councillors in favour and 4 against. The Chairman used his casting vote in favour and the motion was carried. It was then proposed by Cllr Jay and seconded by Cllr Webb that an item explaining the availability of grant funding and the amendment be published in the Cerney News. The Parish Council was all in favour.

Spreadsheet
Cllr Jay considered that the Finance Committee and its Chairman be congratulated on the prudent budgetary control which had been exercised over the last 11 months. The spreadsheet was a useful device in monitoring on-going expenditure.

Correspondence

Quotations for the repair of the stone posts and chain surrounding the War Memorial had been examined and the recommendation of the Playing Field and Village Maintenance Committee considered. The Committee recommended that the Parish Council accepted the cheaper quote from James Harris Contracting.

Quotations based on the tender document for tree maintenance throughout the village had been examined and the recommendation of the Playing Field and Village Maintenance Committee considered. The Committee recommended that the Parish Council accepted the cheaper quote from James Harris Contracting.

There being no further business Cllr Jay had closed the meeting at 8:55pm.

PLANNING COMMITTEE REPORT

Cllr Webb reported on the discussions of the Planning Committee which had met on 12th March. Cllr Mrs Chapman, Cllr Mrs Pollard, Cllr Squire and Cllr Webb had attended the Monday meeting. Cllr Webb had opened the meeting at 9:00pm.

Apology
Cllr Nicholas had sent his apology for absence as he would be on holiday on the day of the Committee meeting.

Planning Applications Received by CDC

CT.0006/4/R
Applicant: Mr Robert Andrews, 14 Kingfisher Place, South Cerney
Single storey rear extension at 14 Kingfisher Place, South Cerney
NO OBJECTION

Cllr Mrs Clark (CDC) who had attended the Regulatory Committee meeting informed the Parish Council that permission for the next two applications had been granted. Although some traffic calming conditions had been imposed the implementation of traffic lights had not been considered but the situation would be reassessed in 2012. Cllr Nicholas criticised Cllr Mrs Clark (CDC) for not representing the views of the Parish Council. Cllr Mrs Clark (CDC) resented this accusation.

CT.2648/3/R
Construction of an office building for the use of Watermark in association with their surrounding leisure facilities (resubmission) (R)
Road junction at Cerney Wick Lane/B4696 (Spine Road) will be unfit for purpose and should be redesigned to accept inevitable traffic increase. The junction should be fundamentally improved and upgraded with better illumination/interactive traffic lights in the interests of safety. The Parish Council is concerned as to the colouring or texture of the concrete roofing tiles and walls.
OBJECTION

CT.2648/3/S
Cable tow waterski course with clubhouse/restaurant/swimming pool/shops/health club (resubmission) (R)
Road junction at Cerney Wick Lane/B4696 (Spine Road) will be unfit for purpose and should be redesigned to accept inevitable traffic increase. The junction should be fundamentally improved and upgraded with better illumination/interactive traffic lights in the interests of safety. The Parish Council is concerned as to the colouring or texture of the concrete roofing tiles and walls.
OBJECTION

CT.3930/G
Applicant: Mr B. Wronski, The Lodge, Lake 75, Cotswold Water Park, South Cerney
Erection of detached garage, workshop and equipment/maintenance store at Lake 75, Cotswold Water Park, South Cerney
NO OBJECTION

CT.3930/H
Applicant: Mr B. Wronski, The Lodge, Lake 75, Cotswold Water Park, South Cerney
Erection of two (2) storey side extension to existing dwelling at Lake 75, Cotswold Water Park, South Cerney
NO OBJECTION

CT.8622
Applicant: Samuel Roze Ltd, Summerfield, Church Road, Biddestone, Chippenham, Wilts
Erection of dwelling at 22 Broadway Lane, South Cerney
If permission allowed, the building would be detrimental to the visual amenity of the area, incongruous, and disruptive to the rhythm of the street scene.
OBJECTION

It was proposed by Cllr Jay and seconded by Cllr Mrs Chapman that the Parish Council accepted the deliberations of the Planning Committee. The Parish Council was all in favour.

Planning Applications granted

CT.0329/E
Erection of single storey extension to one bedroom unit at Hales Farm, South Cerney

CT.0649/2/X
Amendment to permission CT.0649/2/N for the enlargement of approved utility room, enlargement of dormer windows and amended window design to west elevation at Mayfair, The Langet, Upper Up, South Cerney

CT.3887/3/J
Erection of single storey rear extension at 45 Boxbush Road, South Cerney

There being no further business Cllr Webb had closed the meeting at 9:25pm.

CORRESPONDENCE

COUNCILLORS' REPORTS

Cllr Squire stated that the families concerned were responsible for the repair of damaged headstones and graves in the churchyard. Cllr Squire expects that it will cost in the region of £5,000 to repair the recent bout of vandalism and to defray this expense, donations will be requested.

Cllr Mrs Pollard reported that vehicles were parking inconsiderately in the vicinity of the Mitie factory in High Street. The Clerk was asked to report her complaint to PCSO Pooley.

Cllr Harris asked Cllr Mrs A. Clark (CDC) to investigate a change of use of one of the lodges on Lake 15 which was being used as a sales office for a local estate agent.

Cllr Harris asked the Clerk to inform the Enforcement Officer (CDC) that informal car sales were once again taking place outside the garage next to the Eliot Arms in Clarks Hay.

Cllr Harris noted that the bin used for plastic recycling collection on Upper Up car park was encroaching on to an area which inconveniences vehicles using the car park.

CERNEY NEWS

Suggested items for the Parish Council’s page of Cerney News included:

Notification of the grants available to local organisations if supported by the Village Plan

Residents to be encouraged to vote in the local elections on May 3rd

Notification of forthcoming events to be sent to Raymond Fenton for publication on the web site

 Update residents on when Thames Water expect to start work on the sewerage system. Cllr Nicholas will inform the Clerk of any development after he has attended the Flooding Forum on Friday 16th March

Residents are to be encouraged to report all acts of vandalism and unsocial behaviour to the authorities and Parish Councillors.

There being no further business Cllr Stuart closed the meeting at 10:07pm.