MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE PARISH COUNCIL
HELD IN THE VILLAGE HALL, SOUTH CERNEY
ON WEDNESDAY 13th FEBUARY 2008.

Three residents of Cerney Wick attended the meeting.

The Chairman, Cllr Stuart opened the meeting at 7.45pm.

APOLOGIES

MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 9th January 2008

Page 2350: Loss of View from Millennium Seat, Bow Wow – last line delete: “leylandii trees” insert: “hedge including the leylandii tree”

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

YOUTH PARISH COUNCIL REPORT

No representative from the Youth Parish Council attended the meeting.

MATTERS ARISING

Bollards in Berkeley Close
Cllr Mrs Land enquired if there was any further development on the redesign of the bollards outside Winchcombe Gardens. The Clerk was requested to inform Cllr Parsons (GCC) that the matter was still unresolved.

Safer Community Conference
After Cllr Stuart enquired if Parish Councillors had received his report, Cllr Walker requested that due to a malfunction of his computer he had not. The Clerk will email him a replacement. Cllr Stuart then continued his review of the conference which he found enlightening. He emphasised that under the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 Section responsibility for crime reduction and its prevention ceased to be solely that of the Police. Local councils now have a legal requirement to work in conjunction with every other appropriate agency and authority to reduce crime and the causes of crime. He invited all members of the Parish Council to attend the first meeting of the group led by KIN (“Key Individual Network”) which is comprised of Charles Kingsbury, Ian Kennedy and Cllr Michael Stuart arranged for 28th February at a time to be notified. Working with the KIN the PCSOs will form Neighbourhood Co-ordination Groups (NCGs) that will meet every three months or more often if required. Those groups will be formed by representatives of the communities and their job will be to identify actual problems that concern them. They will present the Safer Community Team with a list of their three main concerns. That list may include actual criminal activities but in other areas where such groups have already been formed, problems such as inconsiderate parking or poor street lighting have been a top priority. Whatever is put forward must to be dealt with by the Safer Community Teams and Cllr Stuart believes they have to report back to the NCG on their progress within three months. Even if nothing has been done they must give reasons. The NCG will be a long term commitment and it is intended that they will review the problems in the community at every meeting and prepare an updated requirement list for action whenever necessary.

Loss of View from Millennium Seat, Bow Wow
Cllr Nicholas in reply to a query from Cllr Harris, about his negotiations on reducing the height of the hedge and leylandii obscuring the view from the Millennium Seat towards All Hallows Church, considered he was reasonably confident of a satisfactory outcome.

CLERK’S REPORT

On Friday 11th January I attended a meeting of the SLCC at the Bingham Gallery in Cirencester. The guest speaker was Ms Sam Shippen, current Chair of the National Executive Council of the society who gave a briefing on the implications of the Well Being Power which is Part 1 of the Local Government Act 2000 and provides local authorities with a discretionary power to undertake any action to promote or improve the social, economic and environmental well being of their area.

On 15th January along with Cllr Stuart I attended a meeting of the Youth Parish Council in the Village Hall. Eight members of the YPC were present plus Claire Dowan (CDC). Cllr Stuart briefed the group on the reasons for the delay with the installation of the MUGA. He explained the hope of enlarging the Scout Hut in Berkeley Close but emphasised that the CDC had yet to be convinced. The Ward Member, Cllr Bennett would explain the opportunity to his colleagues and it was hoped he could persuade them to agree to the plan. I informed the YPC of the Parish Council’s decision to award a grant to the Youth Workers of £2,000 if they could guarantee match funding. After about 40 minutes Cllr Stuart and myself were invited to leave so that the group could continue its meeting.

On 11th February I accompanied Cllr Stuart to a meeting at CDC to discuss the compliance of the demands of the Big Lottery Fund and a draft of the legal agreement. Monitoring and inspection schedules will be explained at a further meeting scheduled for 3rd March. During January of the 22 available working days I averaged 3 hours 50 minutes per day which is acceptably more than my contract.

EMERGENCY DRAINAGE AND REINSTATEMENT WORK

Minutes of Emergency Meeting
It was proposed by Cllr Jay and seconded Cllr Walker that the Minutes of the Emergency Meeting were a true and accurate record. The Parish Council was in favour although Cllr Caunce, Cllr Mrs Chapman, Cllr Mrs Chubb, Cllr Mrs Land and Cllr Mrs Tunbridge all abstained as they had not attended. Cllr Stuart signed the Minutes.

Ratification of decision to award the contract for the pipe installation
It was proposed by Cllr Jay and seconded by Cllr Walker that the Parish Council agrees to ratify the decision to award the contract for the installation of the pipework to James Harris Contracting. Cllr Harris abstained and the remainder of the Parish Council was in agreement.

Ratification of decision to award the contract for the reinstatement of the path to the specification of GCC PROW
It was proposed by Cllr Walker and seconded by Cllr Webb that the Parish Council agrees to ratify the decision to award the contract for the reinstatement of the bridlepath to James Harris Contracting. Cllr Harris abstained and the remainder of the Parish Council was in agreement.

The Chairman, Cllr Stuart was extremely proud of the reaction of the Parish Council to the emergency and particularly wished to thank Cllr James Harris for his expertise in carrying out the work and also Cllr Steve Walker for his invaluable contribution to the operation.

REPORT OF THE PLANNING COMMITTEE HELD ON MONDAY 11th FEBRUARY

Cllr Mrs Chapman, Cllr Mrs Land, Cllr Nicholas and Cllr Webb had attended the meeting. Cllr Nicholas had opened the meeting at 9.00pm.

Matters Arising

Cllr Nicholas considered the response from Mike Napper Major Developments Officer at CDC to questions from the Parish Council regarding approved planning applications for Winchcombe Gardens and 22 Broadway Lane as inadequate and incomplete. The Clerk provided previous correspondence relating to the enquiries so that clarification of the situation might be resolved.

Cllr Webb stated that the outstanding planning condition of the Four Pillars hotel application relating to the cycle path was still not settled.

Planning Applications Received

In deference to the delegation from Cerney Wick the following application for consideration was promoted in the agenda order. Cllr Caunce and Cllr Mrs Chapman declared a prejudicial interest as close neighbours of the site and left the room.

CT.0893/B
Applicant: Ian Fairbrother, Forge Cottage, Cerney Wick
Erection of village hall at Cerney Wick Playing Field, Cerney Wick (R)
After reading the Design & Access Statement Cllr Nicholas noted the lack of quality of materials to be used adding that the proposed structure would not enhance the visual amenity of the area. Cllr Jay argued that as it would be a community asset it cannot be compared with residential buildings and the Parish Council should support the initiative which was laudable. It was agreed between the Cerney Wick delegation and the Parish Council that the application would be withdrawn. The Cerney Wick Village Hall Committee would then seek pre-application advice from a planning officer at CDC and the GRCC before submitting a revised plan.

Cllr Caunce and Cllr Mrs Chapman returned to the room.

Cllr Harris declared a prejudicial interest in the next three applications as the applicant was a business colleague and left the room.

CT.0006/4/Q
Applicant: Watermark Ltd, Isis Lakes, The Spine Road, South Cerney
Amended plan for alterations to lodge design for plot 46 including provision of a boat house at Plot 46, Lake 16 (Summer Lake), Cotswold Water Park, Broadway Lane, South Cerney (R)
The addition of a boathouse would compromise the uniformity of design in this development. A clear pattern of design is vital to the character and overall appearance of such second-home developments.
OBJECTION

CT.0006/4/W (electronic submission)
Applicant: Watermark Ltd, Isis Lakes, The Spine Road, South Cerney
Alterations to lodge design for Plot 44 on previously approved holiday lodge development at Lake 16, Station Road, South Cerney
OBJECTION as it was not possible to interpret the plans on-line. Cllr Nicholas had informed CDC but no action was forthcoming.

CT.2648/4/B
Applicant: Watermark Ltd, Isis Lakes, The Spine Road, South Cerney
Amendment to previously approved scheme of holiday lodges Plots 25-50 only (R) Electronic Submission: South Cerney with Cerney Wick Parish Council objects to this application because, although this application is stated only to relate to plots 25-50, the ‘overall layout’ drawing shows a new vehicular entrance on to Cerney Wick Lane. The proposed re-positioning of plots 25-50 will inevitably result in the development spreading right round to the southern edge of Lake 11, with lodges positioned in the southern corner. That could add support to an application for a new entrance on to Cerney Wick Lane. Further, this application introduces a new entrance with gate house and barriers on to Cerney Wick Lane which could be the main entrance to the lodges. This will increase the traffic problems at the junction of Cerney Wick Lane, Spine Road (B4696) and Station Road. There will, as a matter of course, be more traffic accessing the Spine Road from the leisure complex through that junction.
OBJECTION

It was proposed by Cllr Caunce and seconded by Cllr Walker that the Parish Council ratify the decisions of the Planning Committee for the preceeding three applications. The Parish Council was in favour.

Cllr Harris returned to the room.

Cllr Nicholas declared a prejudicial interest as the applicant was his neighbour. Cllr Webb who had made the response on behalf of the Committee to CDC took over the report for this application.

CT.2592/B
Applicant: Stephen Ward, The Old Barber Shop (Eboracum), High Street, South Cerney
To replace existing flat roof with pitched roof and to enlarge utility room at The Old Barber Shop (Eboracum), High Street, South Cerney (R)
NO OBJECTION

It was proposed by Cllr Caunce and seconded by Cllr Mrs Land that the Parish Council ratifies the decision of the Planning Committee for the preceeding application. The Parish Council was in favour .

Cllr Nicholas returned to the room and resumed his report.

CT.0532/V
Applicants: Mr & Mrs C. Hillier, South Cerney House, Station Road, South Cerney
Demolition of existing dwelling. Erection of two storey dwelling with erection of triple garage, swimming pool outbuilding and associated works at South Cerney House, Station Road, South Cerney (R)
NO OBJECTION

Cllr Mrs Chapman declared a prejudicial interest in the next item as the applicant was her friend and left the room.

08/00340/FUL (electronic submission)
Applicant: Mr I. Fairbrother, Forge Cottage, Cerney Wick
Proposal: Two storey rear extension and sunroom at Wayside Cottage, Cerney Wick
NO OBJECTION

It was proposed by Cllr Webb and seconded by Cllr Walker that the Parish Council agrees with the decision of the Planning Committee for the preceeding application. The Parish Council was in favour.

Cllr Mrs Chapman returned to the room.

CT.1454/4/S
Applicant: Cotswold Water Park Society Ltd
Installation of a community woven willow sculpture at Lakeside Car Park, Station Road, South Cerney (R)
NO OBJECTION

CT.3592/G 07/03183/FUL & 08/00242/MIAM (electronic submission)
Applicants: Mr & Mrs K. B. Sanders, Rowan House, The Langet, Upper Up, South Cerney
Minor fenestration changes at Rowan House, The Langet, Upper Up, South Cerney (R)
NO OBJECTION

CT.4067/2/X 08/00153/FUL (electronic submission)
Applicants: Mr & Mrs Tipper, 17 Oak Way, South Cerney
Erection of conservatory to rear elevation at 17 Oak Way, South Cerney
NO OBJECTION

CT.4498/1/C (resubmission)
Applicant: Cotswold Water Park Society Ltd, Keynes Country Park, Shorncote, Glos.
Installation of external decking area to existing restaurant at Gateway Visitor Centre, Spine Road, South Cerney (R)
NO OBJECTION

08/00107/FUL (electronic submission)
Applicants: Mr & Mrs Willard, 23 Broadway Lane, South Cerney
Proposed side two storey hip roof extension, porch and demolition of existing garage at 23 Broadway Lane, South Cerney
NO OBJECTION

08/00210/FUL (electronic submission)
Applicant: Cotswold Water Park Society, Ms L. Greene, Keynes Country Park, Spratsgate Lane, Shorncote, Glos
Proposal: Siting and installation of two 3 metre tall laser cut and painted steel Bittern sculptures adjacent to Sustrans Route 45. Location: Route 45, Off Spine Road West, between South Cerney and Cerney Wick, Cirencester. Easting / Northing: 401970 / 195181
NO OBJECTION

It was proposed by Cllr Jay and seconded by Cllr Caunce that the Parish Council agrees and ratifies the decisions of the Planning Committee for the preceeding applications. The Parish Council was all in favour.

Planning Applications Granted

CT.0006/4/T
Erection of single storey extension at 24 The Limes, South Cerney

CT.0006/4/V
Construction of two (2) storage buildings each containing seven (7) lock-up cupboards at Lake 16, Broadway Lane, South Cerney

CT.1939/K (Listed Building Consent)
Replacement of three front first floor windows at Glebe Cottage, Church Lane, South Cerney

CT.0223/C
Alteration of existing vehicular access at Drenewyd, High Street, South Cerney

CT.0333/R
Refurbishment and alterations to detached barn at Ivybarn House, Cerney Wick Condition of note: 2. The development shall only be used/occupied for purposes incidental to the residential use of the dwelling currently known as Ivybarn House, Cerney Wick. Reason: An additional separate unit of accommodation may not be permitted in this location because of the outbuilding’s close proximity to the existing dwelling house and due to the site’s location remote from facilities and services, in accordance with Cotswold District Local Plan policies 19 and 46, PPS1 and PPS7.

CT.0333/S (Listed Building Consent)
Refurbishment and alterations to detached barn at Ivybarn House, Cerney Wick

CT.2090/X (Listed Building Consent)
Erection of a timber posted pergola to the rear entrance at Old George Inn, Bridge Road, South Cerney

CT.2090/Y
Erection of a timber posted pergola to the rear entrance at Old George Inn, Bridge Road, South Cerney

CT.3592/G
Erection of single storey front extension at Rowan House, The Langet, Upper Up, South Cerney

CT.6495/B (Listed Building Consent)
Conversion of garage to form playroom with new window and external doors at The Manor House, Church Lane, South Cerney

Planning Applications Refused

CT.1454/4/Q
Removal of condition 4 attached to permission CT.1454/4/G (relating to the non-provision of cooking, refrigerator and freezer facilities) at Anglers Lodge, Wildmoor Waters, Wildmoorway Lane, South Cerney

Planning Applications Withdrawn

CT.1454/4/R
Retrospective application for the relocated clubhouse to provide a fish bait store and anglers’ shower/disabled wc and a fishing lodge at The Willows, Wildmoorway Lane, South Cerney

CT.7835/B
Replacement of existing outbuilding to form lettable two (2) bedroom holiday cottage at The Long House, Cerney Wick Correspondence Cllr Nicholas had declared a prejudicial interest as the appellant was his friend and left the room.

39. CT.1498/C: Invitation to respond to planning appeal of proposed new dwelling at The Ridges, Station Road, South Cerney

The Committee did not consider that it was necessary to make a written representation to the appeal in support of the Cotswold District Council.

Cllr Nicholas returned to the room.

As there was no further business Cllr Nicholas had closed the meeting at 9.35pm.

REPORT OF THE PLAYING FIELDS AND VILLAGE MAINTENANCE COMMITTEE HELD ON MONDAY 11th FEBRUARY

Cllr Caunce, Cllr Mrs Chubb, Cllr Harris, Cllr Nicholas, Cllr Stuart, Cllr Mrs Tunbridge and Cllr Walker attended the meeting. Cllr Caunce had opened the meeting at 7.04pm.

Matters Arising

CCTV Inspection
Cllr Stuart reported on a meeting he had with Gillian Portlock and Dave Flagg, Gloucestershire Highways, at 9am on Wednesday. The CCTV inspection on the drain would start on 18th February from Albertine in Upper Up to the Old Post Office in High Street. Old roots would be reamed away and Ms Portlock would request the team to do some exploratory work at the garages at Upper Up. Responsibility for removing the obstructions and the silt in the ditch in Station Road had been defaulted to Thames Water. An attempt to survey the drains in Silver Street, in the vicinity of Berry Farm would be made next week. The reinstatement of the river bank in Bow Wow had been approved. Cllr Stuart also reported the continuing appearance of signs outside the fence of Spring Lake at the end of Station Road. Ms Portlock would investigate. Finally, Cllr Stuart reported that the carriageway had subsided outside Chapter Manor

VAS
Cllr Stuart reported that all VAS signs were now operating correctly.

Permissive Path
Cllr Stuart reported that he was having ongoing discussions with Mr Westell of Aggregate Industries on the installation of a suitable barrier. An opinion from PROW officers on the suitability of a restrictive barrier, was awaited.

Bore Hole Lease
The Clerk reported that he was in negotiations with the Environment Agency regarding an increase of rent based on the conditions of the original lease.

INSPECTION REPORTS

Upper Up
Cllr Stuart reported that one of the top fixing bolts on the Senior Swing was loose. Cllr Walker volunteered to tighten the bolt. Cllr Stuart noted that new bolts would be needed to hold the tops of the chains, as those in place were showing signs of wear. Murphy contractors are in the process of reinstating the cycle mounds. Cllr Harris agreed to give an opinion on the work in progress. The surface of the car park is deteriorating and as those local contractors contacted to improve the surface have been reluctant to provide quotations for the work, Cllr Stuart has been in contact with two firms which provide bespoke surfaces. It may be possible, in conjunction with the Football Club development, to enhance the car park surface.

Robert Franklin Way
Cllr Harris reported that all was in order.

Cerney Wick
Cllr Caunce asked the Clerk to write to the Cerney Wick Village Committee to point out that the hedge at the entrance side needed to be cut back as it was overgrown. Otherwise the play area was in order.

DOG BINS
Cllr Caunce proposed that the Committee agreed to a request from Mrs Wilhelmina M. Burgess of Sunnyside, Church Lane, Cerney Wick that a receptacle be placed on the roadside by the kissing gate near her property. The Committee agreed and the Clerk was asked to inform Mrs Burgess. The Committee agreed to a suggestion from Cllr Harris that a bin be placed opposite the bellmouth at Kingfisher Place, near to the entrance on the north side of the lane leading to the old railway bridge. It was agreed that a further bin is placed at the entrance to Gypsy Lane path, near to the motorcycle barrier, off Broadway Lane. Cllr Stuart advised that care should be taken in the planting of the spike to hold the bin as he strongly suspected that there were services in the vicinity. Cllr Caunce will email the clerk with the suppliers coded descriptions of the bins to be ordered.

COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS

Cllr Harris asked the Clerk to report that Watermark had erected another advertising sign, outside its wire linked fence, at the corner of Station Road.

Cllr Mrs Tunbridge reported that Mr R. Cunliffe had informed her that new flooding problems had appeared after the downpour in the middle of January, notably outside of Atkyns Manor and in the vicinity of Berry Farm, Silver Street. Cllr Stuart had raised the problem with Gillian Portlock, Gloucestershire Highways, when he met with her on Wednesday morning.

Cllr Stuart asked the Clerk to enquire from Hartell NB Construction if they would quote for the refurbishment of the Upper Up car park. Neil Hartell had sent a letter introducing his company as a potential contractor to the Parish Council.

RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE FINANCE COMMITTEE

Cllr Stuart reported on a meeting he had attended with Cllr Jay, Cllr Harris and Dr Simon Pickering to reconnoitre suitable biodiversity schemes within the village. The planting of a hedge to the west of the cricket field at Upper Up was a project which had been identified and would possibly be suitable for a £500 grant. Overall the scheme had been costed at £643.90 which left a shortfall of £143.90 if the application for a grant was successful. It was proposed by Cllr Stuart, seconded by Cllr Mrs Tunbridge that the Committee recommends the expenditure of £143.90 to the Finance Committee for its consideration. The Committee was in agreement.

A quotation from Tree Maintenance Ltd to carry out a survey of trees in the parish as detailed in our letter of 6th January for £290 (ex VAT) for its banding of up to 40 trees had been received. As the contractors noted that 33 trees had been selected Cllr Harris would select a further 7 and notify the Clerk of their location. The Committee recommends that the Finance Committee accepts the quote from Tree Maintenance Ltd.

A final offer of £6,500 from Bloor Homes for the maintenance of the public open space in Winchcombe Gardens had been received. The Committee was concerned that the reward for the responsibilities was not commensurate with the long term commitment. Questions raised included: what kind of play equipment will be installed; who will inspect it; who will maintain it; who will replace it; who will insure it; what sort of safety surface will be installed with a similar range of questions - inspection, maintenance, replacement, insurance. It is believed that by default, if the Parish Council accepts any offer, it will be responsible and therefore the Committee was not inclined to agree to the ‘final offer’.

CORRESPONDENCE

During the course of the meeting all correspondence concerning the Committee was discussed.

As there was no further business Cllr Caunce had closed the meeting at 8.20pm.

REPORT OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE HELD ON MONDAY 11th FEBRUARY

Cllr Jay, Cllr Mrs Land, Cllr Nicholas and Cllr Webb had attended the meeting. Cllr Jay had opened the meeting at 8:30pm.

Spread sheet analysis

Cllr Jay had noted that the spread sheet was consistent with its monthly percentage check on Parish Council expenditure. Employment of the Clerk was anomalous as this year it included the total expense of his employment and not only the wages paid as was the case previously.

Recommendations of the Playing Fields and Village Maintenance Committee

The Committee agreed to the recommendation from the Playing Fields and Village Maintenance Committee that it spends £143.90, subject to obtaining a grant from the biodiversity fund, in the promotion of its biodiversity scheme.

It was proposed by Cllr Jay and seconded by Cllr Mrs Land that the Parish Council agrees to the recommendation. Cllr Harris abstained. The remainder of the Parish Council were all in favour.

The Committee agreed that the Playing Fields and Village Maintenance Committee accepts the quotation for £290 from Tree Maintenance Ltd to survey trees in the parish.

It was proposed by Cllr Webb and seconded by Cllr Walker that the Parish Council agrees to accept the quotation. The Parish Council was all in favour.

A final offer of £6,500 from Bloor Homes for the maintenance of the public open space in Winchcombe Gardens had been received. The Finance Committee was concerned about the costs the Parish Council would have to incur for maintenance and future replacement of the play equipment that Bloor Homes is proposing to install. It is not clear whether the installation of play equipment is a necessary commitment and clarification from Cotswold District Council is awaited.

It was proposed by Cllr Caunce and seconded by Cllr Harris that the Parish Council agrees to make the above grant. The Parish Council was all in favour.

The Clerk was to inform Ms Emily Whitehead from Young Gloucestershire that it was the intention of the Parish Council to meet with representatives of St. James’ Place to discuss their match funding commitment and also to see how both parties might benefit from the publicity of their involvement in this and other schemes both now and in the future.

Parish Council Flood Resilience Grant application
An application for a Flood Resilience Grant was being prepared for presentation to Cotswold District Council. The Clerk had sent a copy to Cllr Bennett (CDC) for his scrutiny but understandably Cllr Bennett (CDC) had refused to comment as he was part of the Committee responsible for awarding the grant.

Correspondence

Came & Company Insurance Consultants proposed a new Norwich Union Parish Council Insurance Scheme. The Clerk was to enquire from them on its advantage over our current insurer. Any quotation would have to cover all existing liabilities and especially to include the cycle mounds at the Upper Up play area.

A request from South Cerney Street Fair for support had been received. It was proposed by Cllr Nicholas and seconded by Cllr Webb that the Committee recommends to the Parish Council that it agrees to make a payment of £100 in support of the Annual Street Fair. The Committee was all in favour.

 It was proposed by Cllr Walker and seconded by Cllr Mrs Tunbridge that the Parish Council agrees to make the above grant. The Parish Council was all in favour.

There being no further business Cllr Jay had closed the meeting at 9.00pm.

COTSWOLD WATER PARK MASTER PLAN CONSULTATION

Cllr Nicholas had circulated a condensed version of the master plan, which was of particular interest to the residents of South Cerney and Cerney Wick, to all parish councillors. He was concerned over the implementation of the plan and asked for volunteers to join him to produce a comprehensive response through the overview section in the consultation. There was in his view a lot of emphasis on tourism and second homes in the document. He was of the opinion that “enough is enough” in our parish and further second home development should be curtailed. There should be encouragement to improve the infrastructure especially footpaths and cycleways. One scheme worthy of progress was the triangular route from South Cerney/Keynes Park/Siddington. Cllr Harris, Cllr Jay in his capacity as Chairman of the South Cerney Trust, Cllr Mrs Land, Cllr Stuart, Cllr Walker and Cllr Webb would join Cllr Nicholas on Wednesday 27th February at 7.30pm to decide on a response to the consultation.

Cllr Parsons (GCC) who is Chairman of the Joint Committee stated that the plan out for consultation is an Area Action Plan for the entire Waterpark and not a disparate one. Cllr Harris would like to see the large gravel extraction companies made to put back funds for the restructuring of the park. Cllr Parsons (GCC) did not totally agree as he argued that these firms already contributed by paying their taxes which included a gravel tax. Central government then dispenses the proceeds. Cllr Parsons (GCC) did agree however, that there is a feeling from those who live in the area of being left out of the loop

LOCAL FLOOD PLAN Cllr Nicholas had identified two items of concern which should be addressed. Firstly there was no overall policy on the supply of sandbags. If a stock of sandbags was created then it was the Parish Council who must decide who would receive them. During the heavy rainfall in January, Gloucestershire Highways supplied sandbags to certain parts of South Cerney but it would only react to a demand from the Parish Council. Secondly there was a disjointed approach towards ditch clearance. CDC is responsible and should enforce riparian owners to clear ditches. CDC has the permissive power of enforcement. Cllr Bennett (CDC) stated that this was easier said than done and before any enforcement policy was implemented it was much better to try persuasion. Cllr Nicholas encouraged members of the Parish Council to survey local ditches and report those considered in need of clearance to Tim Dowan, newly appointed Flood Liaison Officer.

CORRESPONDENCE

COUNCILLORS' REPORTS

Cllr Nicholas noted that he had circulated to members of the Parish Council a condensed version of the Water Park consultation document as it applied to the parish. The long term Local Plan for the area is being replaced with the Local Development Framework which will be an encouraging process as it develops.

Cllr Parsons (GCC) had been involved in setting the County Council’s forthcoming budget and had to report that it would be necessary to impose a one-off levy for the flood damage in July.

Cllr Webb reported that some residents on the eastern side of Broadway Lane had experienced raw sewage flowing through their gardens. Thames Water had been not seemed to take any notice of the complainants. Cllr Webb was advised to get them to contact the Environmental Health department at CDC if the situation persists.

Cllr Webb noted that lorries were using the road off Broadway Lane where Zycon has its offices on their way to discharge at Lake 16. This activity was leaving a substantial deposit on the local carriageways and as there were no planning conditions to enforce wheel washing he wanted the PCSOs to take action to stop the practice.

Cllr Jay requested that the Clerk write to Roger Sollis, CDC to ask him to arrange for the collection of the rubbish in the area of the Fisherman’s Rest and La Farge works in Broadway Lane.

Cllr Harris was not impressed with the new layout of the Upper Up cycle mounds. The Clerk was asked to contact Stuart Milsom (MAI) and request him to liaise with Murphys who were rebuilding the mounds to inform them that they should be restored to a more usable condition.

Cllr Mrs Chapman reported that damage was occurring to property in Cerney Wick. The Clerk informed her that all such incidents should immediately be reported to 0845 090 1234. Cllr Parsons (GCC) reiterated that each instance should be reported as this creates a profile and if the situation persists then action by the police would be more likely.

Cllr Mrs Land reported that Mrs J. Roberts had enquired when the white lines delineating the footpath between the garage and the chemist in Clarks Hay might be completed. The Clerk will enquire from Gillian Portlock, Gloucestershire Highways. Mrs Roberts also asked what progress was being made on plans to create a traffic calming measure at the bridge over the Churn in Bridge Road.

CERNEY NEWS CONTRIBUTION

The Clerk was asked to inform residents that the deadline for responses on the Water Park consultation was 7th March.

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