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MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE PARISH COUNCIL
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The Vice Chairman, Cllr Nicholas opened the meeting at 7.30pm.
Cllr Stuart had sent his apology for absence as he was on holiday. MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 8th August 2007 Page 2286: MATTERS ARISING – 1st paragraph, 1st line insert after: for ... inadvertently Page 2287: “Curfew” Restrictions – 2nd line delete: after ... insert: despite Page 2288: Fenplay Safety Surface – 4th line delete: requite. ... insert: requote. Page 2295: PROVISION OF SAND BAGS – 1st paragraph 5th line delete: admiral ... insert: admirable It was proposed by Cllr Walker and seconded by Cllr Mrs Chapman that the Minutes, as amended, were a true and accurate record. The Parish Council was all in favour and Cllr Nicholas signed the Minutes. YOUTH PARISH COUNCIL REPORT Joe Lodge (YPC) apologised on behalf of the group as no one had been available to attend the August meeting. He explained that YPC members had been otherwise committed to summer activities. The group had been involved with Claire Dowan (CDC) on a plan for the future and how the YPC might develop. Currently it was researching the possibility of providing a youth shelter but a longer term plan was to have a permanent youth club building. Cllr Nicholas read part of a letter detailing changes in the criteria for the award of grants from CDC for future projects. The Clerk was asked for forward an email from Mary Mychaleckyj (Youth Worker) for the attention of the YPC. Mary had asked if there was funding available and Cllr Nicholas explained that the Parish Council will inform her of the YPC funds and that the Parish Council itself had funds available through allotment for the advancement of the Parish Plan. Joe informed the Parish Council that there were now seven members of the YPC but a questionnaire was being prepared to promote the activities of the group and encourage others to join. Cllr Caunce enquired if feed back could be gathered on the use and proposed changes to the Upper Up bicycle humps and bumps area. Cllr Harris would also welcome any comments about the future use of the Scout Hut. Joe Lodge replied that mostly the observations were positive but there was criticism about the height of the roof which was generally considered to be too low. Joe enquired if there was anything to report on the provision of the MUGA. The Clerk replied that Cllr Stuart, Cllr Webb and himself had met with a supplier Steven Woodd from Kompan Ltd who had supplied costings. Cllr Stuart was actively sourcing grant funding for the project. Joe then left the meeting. CLERK’S REPORT On 14th August I asked Gloucestershire Highways if they would analyse the sludge in the open ditch in Station Road. As it was suspected that the deposits were contaminated with sewage they referred me to the Environmental Health at CDC who had previously suggested the Highways or the Environment Agency. Eventually I spoke to Rob Bull at CDC who advised that any sewage left for 6 months or more would become inert and therefore not dangerous. He did agree to investigate if there was a budget available at the District Council for such an analysis. Kate Bishop, Environmental Public Protection Manager at CDC informed me that if the Parish Council wanted to analyse the detritus it would have to make its own arrangements but did arrange for me to meet with Hilary Beach (CDC) and inspect the ditch. On Friday 31st August I met with Ms Beach, Cllr Mrs Chubb and Cllr Stuart to discuss the sludge in the ditch. Ms Beach agreed that the sewage sludge, which Cllr Mrs Chubb confirmed had been in the ditch for nearly 9 months, would more than possibly be classed as inert. It would be the responsibility of the contractor who extracted the deposit to dispose of it according to the law governing that procedure. Martyn Midgeley, Gloucestershire Highways emailed that provisionally the meeting to discuss the junction of Cerney Wick Lane, Station Road and Spine Road had been rearranged for Friday 28th September at 12.30. Consequently, I booked the Committee Room in the Village Hall if a follow on meeting was required. Lady Fanshawe informed me, after receiving the letter from the Parish Council, enquiring about the availability of the keys to unlock the sluice gate, that Peter Spielberg had reacted immediately to the crisis. The key is always available through Lady Fanshawe although control of the sluice is in conjunction with the Environment Agency. Lady Fanshawe was concerned about a ditch which had been filled in when her neighbours, the Greenbergs, excavated a pond in a field adjacent to her land. For the first time in 40 years her yard had flooded as a result of the contractor filling in the ditch. Currently she is employing a surveyor to determine the responsibility for her dilemma. Later Mr Spielberg telephoned to report that on the day of the flood he had been in regular contact with the Environment Agency and acted on its advice throughout the crisis. He emphasised that he frequently greased and oiled the mechanism and lock on the apparatus. On the evening of Wednesday 29th August I attended a meeting of the South Cotswolds Neighbourhood Area Police and Community Consultative Meeting at Rencomb Village Hall. There was a good turnout with approximately 45 people attending. The meeting was chaired by Mrs Vera Clouston a member of the Police Authority for nearly 5 years. An analysis of crime and its detection in the area compared to the past year was given by Inspector Steve Williams. PCSO Pooley and Police Sergeant Phil Mohamed in charge of community policing in the south Cotswolds also attended. Another permanent PCSO will be joining Lesley Pooley shortly on her patrol. It is now possible to contact Community Support Officers through www.gloucestershire.police.uk or by emailing callcentre@gloucestershire.police.uk. The next meeting of the group is scheduled for 28th November and will be held in the Watermoor area of Cirencester. The actual venue has yet to be determined. On 4th September I accompanied Cllr Nicholas and Cllr Webb to a meeting at CDC with Dr Andrea Pellegram and Kevin Field Development Control Officer to discuss concerns about the imposition and enforcement of planning conditions attached to granted applications. It was a very enlightening meeting with Kevin Field primarily, explaining in detail the reasoning behind the procedures employed. The Officers agreed to consider a suggestion from Cllr Nicholas that instead of the wheel washing condition it might be perspicacious to request a commuted sum to keep the road clean. Mr Field explained that Mike Napper a Planning Officer in charge of many of the applications considered was presently engaged in a public enquiry but would attend to outstanding matters presently. Overall the PC delegation was encouraged by the responses of Dr Pellegram and Mr Field. This afternoon I had a telephone call from Derek Sutton, Bloor Homes’ Estate and Adoption Manager enquiring if the Parish Council would take over the management of the public open space on Winchcombe Gardens, the new development off Berkeley Close. I explained that if certain conditions could be agreed it was possible that the Parish Council would consent. I asked him to either make the Parish Council a monetary offer or ask how much it would settle for to take over the ground maintenance. He would report back to Paul Baker, Regional Survey Director at Bloor Homes, who would probably ask for a meeting to discuss the business. Stuart Milsom, our agent dealing with the sewerage contractors, telephoned to enquire whether the Parish Council would be interested in financial compensation or “work in kind” for the disruption caused by Murphys to the Upper Up playing fields and its facilities. I advised that more than likely “work in hand” would be more appealing. Mr Milsom then asked if the Parish Council could draw up a “wish list” of such work and he would negotiate a deal with Thames Water Ltd. After some discussion the Parish Council agreed to such a list with the following proviso. On honouring previous commitments by Thames Water to dredge the open ditch in Station Road the Parish Council’s wish list is as follows with no particular precedence attached. 1. Tarmac on gravel base to provide hard standing for a MUGA (multi user games area) which the Parish Council intends to provide on the Upper Up playing field. 2. Tarmac on gravel base to improve the surface of the car park (although there was a suggestion that a honey-combed plastic/resin base sown with grass to create a hard standing for vehicle parking would be considered). 3. Foot bridge over ditch to connect the footpath from Upper Up towards the Cotswold Water Park at Shorncote (western end of playing field). 4. A large steel builders container to house tables and chairs and other street fair furniture to be placed behind the Vicarage (near the Parish Church). If any of the above scheme(s) are acceptable to Thames Water the Parish Council Playing Field and Village Maintenance Committee needed to be aware of the specifications before work begins. During August, of the 22 available working days, I averaged 3 hours 30 minutes per day which is about par my contract. REPORT OF THE PLAYING FIELDS AND VILLAGE MAINTENANCE COMMITTEE HELD ON MONDAY 10th SEPTEMBER Cllr Caunce, Cllr Mrs Chubb, Cllr Harris, Cllr Nicholas, Cllr Mrs Tunbridge and Cllr Walker attended the meeting which Cllr Caunce opened at 7pm. Apology Matters Arising from previous Minutes Replacement Curfew Restriction Sign VAS Station Road Station Road Ditch River Churn Bank Reinstatement Review of Recent Floods INSPECTION REPORTS Robert Franklin Way Upper Up Cerney Wick UPPER UP BIKE RAMPS REPORT Cllr Caunce, Cllr Harris and Cllr Walker had met with five users of the bike ramps to discuss with them the installation of concrete launch areas to facilitate the use of the installation. According to the users, too much time at present was being taken up refurbishing the launch areas and a solution was needed to make them more durable. Cllr Nicholas was concerned that concrete could become a safety hazard but was assured that the design and installation would make that unlikely. Nevertheless, it was necessary that any alteration to the present design should be monitored carefully with all sharp edges rounded off to minimise risk. Cllr Nicholas added that it was incumbent on the Parish Council to demonstrate due diligence in its management of the amenity. Cllr Mrs Chubb suggested that the GPFA be contacted for advice. Cllr Harris stated that another potential scheme was the use of hard plastic and he would like the users to explore this possibility. Overall, the Parish Councillors attending the meeting were comfortable with the plan. Cllr Caunce will arrange another meeting with the users to review the safety aspects. Cllr Nicholas added at the Wednesday meeting that he was also concerned for the safety of inexperienced children using the ramps unsupervised. Cllr Harris suggested that a new ramp, for use by beginners could be built. The Clerk will contact with GPFA for advice. CORRESPONDENCE
COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS Cllr Jay had reported that the concrete seat near the junction with the Lennards and Station Road had been critically damaged and was a hazard. Cllr Harris reported that he had removed it. Cllr Harris stated that it was time to consider the installation of a bus shelter on the north side of station road opposite Grey Stones or, according to Cllr Mrs Tunbridge, renamed South Cerney House. The Clerk was asked to make it an agenda item for the next committee meeting. Cllr Harris reported that the new bridleway from Kingfisher Place to the old railway line at Lake 16 was overgrowing. The Clerk will report its condition to Phil Cluley at GCC PROW. Cllr Harris reported that the dead single hawthorn tree, opposite The Cottage, in Station Road needed to be removed. Cllr Mrs Chubb asked that a replacement be planted. The Clerk was to ask contractors to quote for the contract. Cllr Mrs Tunbridge was very concerned at the speed of some vehicles entering and exiting the village through Silver Street. The Clerk was asked to contact the Road Safety Unit at GCC to arrange for the loan of a speed gun. The Clerk reported on Wednesday that a gun had been provisionally promised for loan on Tuesday 18 September. There being no further business Cllr Caunce had closed the meeting at 8:27pm. REPORT OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE HELD ON MONDAY 10th SEPTEMBER Cllr Jay, Cllr Mrs Land, Cllr Nicholas and Cllr Webb attended the meeting. Cllr Jay opened the meeting at 8:35pm. Apologies Matters Arising Payments Outstanding Payments Received Funding Availability Spread Sheet Analysis
It was proposed by Cllr Nicholas and seconded by Cllr Mrs Tunbridge that the Parish Council agrees to make the above payment. The remainder of the Parish Council was all in favour. Cllr Harris returned to the room. Cllr Jay had inspected the invoices and agreed the Clerk’s travel expenses for August. Risk Assessment Analysis CORRESPONDENCE
There being no further business Cllr Jay had closed the meeting at 9:10pm. REPORT OF THE PLANNING COMMITTEE MEETING HELD ON 10th SEPTEMBER Cllr Mrs Chapman, Cllr Mrs Land, Cllr Nicholas and Cllr Webb had attended the meeting. Cllr Nicholas opened the meeting at 9:12pm. Apology Matters Arising Planning Applications Received by Cotswold District Council CT.0108/2/A OBJECTION It was proposed by Cllr Caunce and seconded by Cllr Jay that the Parish Council ratifies the decision of the Planning Committee. The Parish Council was all in favour. Cllr Nicholas declared a prejudicial interest in the next application as the applicant was a friend of his and left the room. Cllr Webb took over as Chairman for this item. CT.1498/C After some discussion Cllr Webb called for a vote. It was proposed by Cllr Caunce and seconded by Cllr Walker that the Parish Council does not object to this application. Eight voted in favour and one against. The motion was therefore carried. NO OBJECTION Cllr Nicholas returned to the room and resumed as Chairman of the Committee. Planning Applications Granted by Cotswold District Council CT.2443/R CT.2861/H Planning Applications Withdrawn CT.0333/P CT.0333/Q CT.2090/V CT.5684/Q Correspondence
There being no further business Cllr Nicholas had closed the meeting at 9.45pm. FLOOD PREVENTION Cllr Jay reiterated that the Parish Council had no facility to provide direct assistance in times of flooding. Advice on where to get help would, of course, be given but generally it was up to individuals to protect their properties. Cllr Nicholas stated that the main objects were the dredging of the river Churn through Bow Wow and solving the Clarks Hay problem. Cllr Harris highlighted the drain or small stream which ran through Franklin’s property in Bow Wow which he considered to be badly maintained and a probable cause of recent flooding. Cllr Nicholas will enquire, at the next meeting of the Flood Forum on Friday 14th September, from representatives of the Environment Agency if a roadshow was available to promote awareness for residents. 2007 RISK ASSESSMENT Cllr Jay proposed and Cllr Harris seconded a motion that the Parish Council adopts the conclusions and recommendations of the 2007 risk assessment. The Parish Council was all in favour. GLOUCESTERSHIRE HIGHWAYS PROPOSED STREET LIGHTING PLAN The Parish Council agreed to a suggestion from Cllr Jay that wider consultation was necessary before a reasoned response could be made. When Cllr Webb argued that the costs of the proposed changes were not justifiable, Cllr Nicholas pointed out that the Parish Council had previously voted in favour of the outline plan. Cllr Jay stated that the Parish Council was here to discuss which lights operated and which could be could be left off through the period. The Parish Council agreed that a consultation be arranged to be held in the Village Hall to ascertain the thoughts of residents. Cllr Jay volunteered to attend and the Clerk will book the venue for early October. Cllr Walker requested that Col. McKend, Commanding Officer at Gloucester Barracks be sent a copy of the map and correspondence as security patrols from the camp regularly used the village especially through the hours of darkness. This was agreed. TRI-SERVICE EMERGENCY CENTRE It was proposed by Cllr Nicholas and seconded by Cllr Jay that the Parish Council supports a petition to the Prime Minister to acknowledge the vital role played by Gloucestershire’s TriService Emergency Centre in co-ordinating the response to recent flooding in the county. We call upon the Prime Minister to scrap plans to remove the county’s 999 Fire Control from the TriService Centre and relocate it to the Regional Fire Control at Taunton, Somerset. A discussion ensued on the benefits of a local service as opposed to one at a more remote location. Cllr Nicholas said that he was reliably informed that the TriService operation was considered a success by those involved although the trend overall was for a service with less availability. Cllr Webb opposed the report that the TriService operated successfully during the recent flood crisis. This was not the case he said, as accounts of the backlog of unanswered 999 calls demonstrated and urgent messages being transmitted by fax communications. Modern technology provides enough expertise to manage the emergency services through the region. Cllr Webb approved the plan to introduce a new system for control from Taunton. The system works well in Wales he argued. Cllr Nicholas ended the debate saying that the Parish Council would have to accept that it had limited knowledge on the fitness or disadvantage of the operation or the consequences of moving the control centre and called for a vote on the motion. Nine Parish Councillors were in favour of the petition and one voted against. The motion was therefore carried. PERSISTENT ABSENCE Cllr Walker proposed and Cllr Jay seconded a motion that this Parish Council accepts Cllr Walker’s statutory excuse for persistent absence, due to duty in the service of Her Majesty, as promulgated in the Local Government Act 1972 s.85(3). The Act stated: “A member of any branch of Her Majesty’s naval, military or air forces when employed during war or any emergency on any naval, military or air force service, and a person whose employment in the service of Her Majesty in connection with war or any emergency is such as, in the opinion of the Secretary of State, to entitle him to relief from disqualification on account of absence, shall not cease to be a member of a local authority by reason only of a failure to attend meetings of the local authority [or of a failure to attend meetings of the executive] if the failure is due to that employment.” Cllr Nicholas explained the provision of the exception regarding the absence of Cllr Walker when his duty in Iraq, due to circumstances beyond his control, would mean he would miss six and possibly more meetings. Cllr Walker accepted the invitation to leave the room as he would have a prejudicial interest in the proceedings. The support and solidarity of the Parish Council for Cllr Walker was stated by Cllr Jay and approved unanimously. It was proposed by Cllr Jay and seconded by Cllr Webb that the Parish Council accepts the reason for Cllr Walker’s absence as perfectly justifiable throughout the duration of his secondment to Iraq. The Parish Council was all in favour. Cllr Walker returned to the room. CORRESPONDENCE
COUNCILLORS' REPORTS Cllr Messenger (CDC) left a series of documents regarding the future plans for the protection of historical structures on the Severn & Thames Canal (Coates to Lechlade) and requested that Parish Councillors acquaint themselves with the content. He asked that the Parish Council considers supporting the plan and would welcome comments, critical or otherwise on the aims outlined, to be made at the next meeting of the Parish Council. Cllr Webb gave a brief report on the meeting of the Cotswold Water Park Joint Committee he had attended on 27th July, part of which discussed the Cotswold Water Park Strategic Review and Implementation Plan. He highlighted a proposal in a recent planning application, for the permission to create a depository for inert waste which could affect Cricklade, Latton and therefore possibly Cerney Wick. Policy in Wiltshire was in favour of infilling redundant pits to eventually create farm land rather than creating lakes. On the 26th September a workshop will be held at the Gateway Centre to formulate ideas and options for developing the future of the Cotswold Water Park hosted by Scott Wilson. This will be part of the Master Planning Process the purpose of which is to ensure that change, which will occur as extraction continues, happens in a structured and co-ordinated manner. Cllr Webb further commented on the dangerous state of the surface of the highway through the built up area of Broadway Lane. There were more and more complaints from residents and something must be done sooner rather than later although he was aware that the recent floods in other parts of the county might forestall any action. Other residents from the eastern part of the village were complaining about the malodorous stench which emanated from the drains from time to time. Cllr Jay stated that the South Cerney Trust had been unsuccessful in a recent bid for funds from the CDC as the application did not satisfy the criteria. Cllr Harris asked for permission to attend a conference for tree wardens. There was a small charge for refreshment included. The Parish Council had no objection. Cllr Mrs Chapman asked the Clerk to inform Mr Taffinder that hedges on his land used by South Cerney Riding School needed to be cut back. ITEMS FOR INCLUSION IN CERNEY NEWS 1. Lighting consultation 2. Cycling on footpaths 3. PCSO email contact address 4. Closure of the bridleway on the old railway line There being no further business, Cllr Nicholas closed the meeting at 10:02pm. |
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