MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE PARISH COUNCIL
HELD IN THE VILLAGE HALL, SOUTH CERNEY
ON WEDNESDAY 14th October 2009.
 

Two members of the public were present.

The Chairman , Cllr Stuart opened proceedings at 7.30pm.

MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 9th SEPTEMBER 2009

It was proposed by Cllr Kimberley and seconded by Cllr Mrs Chubb that the minutes were a true and accurate record. Members of the Parish Council were all in favour. Cllr Jay and Cllr Stuart abstained as they had not attended the meeting.

YOUTH PARISH COUNCIL REPORT

Jasmin Tresardern and potential new member Chris Wearing represented the Youth Parish Council. Jasmin had the difficult task of explaining that Sinead Peare had left the group through pressure of studies. Cllr Jay remarked that the modern demands placed on students at ‘A’ level was enormous although there were also advantages to be gained for example with recognition through the Duke of Edinburgh’s award scheme. Members of the Parish Council agreed with Cllr Kimberley and Cllr Stuart who stated that the Parish Council would totally support the reformed group. Cllr Stuart added that it was a golden opportunity for Jasmin to work with Mary Mychaleckyj from Young Gloucestershire. Cllr Mrs Land will liaise with Jasmin on play equipment later in the month. Cllr Stuart agreed with Cllr Caunce who said that past members of the group had done a fantastic job. Cllr Stuart finished by saying that he was proud of Jasmin and praised her for the courage shown in coming to this meeting with the ownerous task of explaining the circumstances in which the group had found itself and hoped that in the near future she would be returning to report on the new arrangements.

MATTERS ARISING

Cllr Stuart thanked Cllr Nicholas for deputising for him at the last meeting. Sue Black had been very busy contacting groups and advertising her Village Agent’s work. Cllr Mrs Chapman reported that the hedges she had mentioned had been cut. Cllr Harris reported that the missing planks at the Fanshawe Weir were not the responsibility of the Environment Agency. Peter Spielberg, Lady Fanshawe’s estate manager was on the case. Cllr Nicholas reported that communication with Mr Rob Stephens from the Educational Glebe Office on the provision of new allotments was progressing.

CLERK’S REPORT

On Tuesday 22nd September I accompanied Cllr Stuart to a meeting at CDC of the Play Portfolio group. Katie Spencer gave a report on the service delivery of Play Gloucestershire to communities in the District during the summer. The group was concerned on how to fund the scheme when the Big Lottery funding ceases. Other initiatives discussed included a Young Volunteer Scheme for children which is proving particularly helpful for those with anger management and various other issues. Cllr Stuart expressed his thanks for all of the hard work the Play Rangers have done in South Cerney.

On Tuesday 29th September Cllr Stuart, Cllr Webb and I met with our agents Chris Graham and Stuart Milsom of Moore Allen and Innocent to inspect the recent refurbishment of the path at the western end of Upper Up playing field. Path levels were confirmed and it was obvious that further grading would be necessary to lessen the possibility of future flooding. More gravel was needed for most of the path from the end of the cricket pitch towards the Shire Ditch. On physical inspection it was determined that the drainage pipe which had been installed was not of the proper design or laid at a sufficient drop and would need to be replaced. Mr Graham will prepare a work specification and ask suitable contractors for a quotation if agreement cannot be reached with Bruton Knowles, agents for Thames Water to refurbish the path, in accordance with agreements reached in March 2009.

On Friday 9th October I attended a meeting of the Gloucestershire branch of the SLCC in Filton. Bruce Poole a clerk from Bleadon in Somerset gave a talk on “Maintaining Good Relationships with Councillors”. A programme of events for the next 12 months was discussed and various schemes will be circulated to those members who did not attend to canvas their opinion.

During September of the 22 available working days I averaged 3 hours 36 minutes per day which is exactly the time allowed for in my contract.

REPORT OF THE MEETING OF THE PLAYING FIELDS & VILLAGE MAINTENANCE COMMITTEE HELD ON MONDAY 12th OCTOBER 2009

Cllr Caunce, Cllr Mrs Chubb, Cllr Harris, Cllr Kimberley, Cllr Nicholas, Cllr Stuart and Cllr Mrs Tunbridge attended the meeting.

Cllr Caunce had opened the meeting at 7pm.

Matters Arising from previous Minutes

Bus Shelters in Station Road. The Clerk reported that he had ordered a new panel from Garrick Outdoor. The light fitting had been replaced by Southern Electric in the shelter by the Limes.

Upper Up path reinstatement. Cllr Stuart reported on a recent exercise by Murphy (Thames Water contractors) to complete the outstanding reinstatement of the Upper Up path over the playing fields. Chris Graham and Stuart Milson of Moore Allen and Innocent (Parish Council agents) inspected the work on Tuesday 29th September and collected data on parts of the work considered unacceptable. Cllr Webb and the Clerk accompanied the Chairman during the inspection. Subsequently Chris Graham wrote to Bruton Knowles (Thames Water agents) outlining failings that inspection had identified: (a) No gravel has been placed on the section of path extending to 200 metres from the cycle humps back towards the cricket pitch. The Terram is still showing through and is a trip hazard; (b) The manholes are still significantly proud of ground level; (c) The single drainage pipe that has been installed is not deep enough, is a grey plastic downpipe connected into a black pipe, does not have any drainage holes and does not fall consistently into the stream; (d) The ground levels between the cycle humps and the ditch have not been changed so that there is a natural fall towards the ditch; (e) We consider that there are still potential drainage problems with this area.

Actions to be Taken: It was previously advised that all works to be completed by Thames Water and Murphy by 1st October. An email confirmed that this was the case but regrettably the net result is unsatisfactory. Accordingly, a detailed specification will be prepared and three quotations obtained for the remedial works. Bearing in mind weather conditions and timing generally, included with the specification will be a requirement that works are undertaken within the next month and certainly before weather conditions change.

Cllr Stuart read a draft letter to the Directors’ Office at Thames Water outlining the dissatisfaction of the Parish Council with the overall behaviour of Murphy and Bruton Knowles. The Clerk was asked to copy the correspondence to Geoffrey Clifton-Brown MP and our agents MAI.

Shorncote Link. Cllr Stuart reported that Mike Barton, PROW gloucestershire County Council confirmed that Thames Water had agreed that they will not be discharging water into the field where the damage had occurred to the new footpath. Instead they will use the more westerly field from where the water can flow into the brook quite easily.

Wildmoorway Lane project. Cllr Stuart stated that work will start on Monday 19th October with the cutting back of the overgrown trees followed by the digging/clearing of the ditch. These works should take some four weeks depending on weather conditions. However, funding will be needed to improve the surface of the path.

Stile-free footpaths. Funding has been granted for the replacement of all timber stiles in the Parish with metal kissing gates on footpaths, hopefully starting on Mr William Seymour’s land in the near future. The stone slab stiles will remain. A total of 53 new units will be added to the existing kissing gates.

Overgrowing hedge in Bow Wow. Cllr Stuart agreed to speak to Peter Spielberg regarding the state of Lady Fanshawe’s hedge in Bow Wow.

Youth Shelter. Cllr Stuart reported that the footings underneath the youth shelter at Upper Up had not been repaired by Park Leisure.

Upper Up car park refurbishment. Cllr Stuart suggested that the Parish Council considers dividing up the car park to provide gated access to parts of it. Access could be by combination lock for members of the clubs operating from the playing fields. Cllr Stuart volunteered to contact the club organisers and ask for their reaction to such a plan.

Barracks Footpath. Cllr Nicholas had spoken to Mrs Slator and discussed the possibility of an agreement to divert the newly opened footpath. Mrs Slator was not at all keen but would consider the proposal. Apparently, the owners do not wish to have the footpath diverted to the centre line of their paddocks and would prefer to have it where it has always been. Arrangements had been made for PROW contractors to install a metal kissing gate at the school end and to clear the young trees where required. No fencing is planned to define the path which might be considered an invitation for youngsters to cut across the paddock forcing a new entry into the playing field through the hedge. Possibly the owners might permit a diversion to the very end of the field alongside the river where there is already a good post and rail fence which would mean a longer walk to get to the playground area and that route is inclined to be very wet in winter with the river often flooding the bank. Parish Councillors agreed with Cllr Nicholas who did not consider the question urgent and it would be acceptable to wait and see how the use of the path develops over time.

Drop Kerbs. Cllr Mrs Land ascertained that the drop kerbs had been requisitioned and as soon as finance was available Gloucestershire Highways would start the installation beginning in Clarks Hay.

Upper Up biodiversity. Cllr Nicholas was keen that the Parish Council becomes involved in further developing the biodiversity assets at Upper Up. Gareth Harris, Cotswold Water Park biodiversity officer could be helpful in promoting schemes for this plan. The Clerk will email Mr Harris suggesting that he considers meeting with Parish Councillors.

Car Parking in Berkeley Close. Cllr Caunce reported that he had emailed Mr Lancaster but had no reply. Cllr Mrs Land had distributed over 100 questionnaires to local residents and had only received six replies. There was no dissension amongst the Committee when Cllr Harris purported that car parking disputes were not the concern of the Parish Council. Cllr Nicholas stated that he did not think that public parking was Parish Council business.

Damage to Cherry tree. Cllr Harris had contacted the individual responsible for damaging the Cherry tree to the north of the junction of Riverway and Clarks Hay. He received assurances that a cheque for £75 would be sent as compensation.

Hedge at Arragon. The Clerk was asked to write to Mr & Mrs Baker thanking them for the good job which had been carried on cutting back their hedge at Arragon.

Hedge at Kewstoke. The Clerk was asked to write to Mr & Mrs Dickson and request that they cut back the hedge along the footpath to the side of their property leading from High Street to Meadow Way as it is obscuring the public light, possibly comprising the safety of users.

INSPECTION REPORTS

Robert Franklin Way
Cllr Mrs Chubb and Cllr Mrs Tunbridge had carried out the inspections. Both Councillors reported that all was in order.

Cerney Wick
Cllr Caunce reported that the play equipment was all in order. The tree on the southern boundary, mid-way along, needed its crown raising to give better visibility of the play area. Moss clearance of the safety surfaces was awaited.

Upper Up
Cllr Stuart reported that the Fenplay safety areas awaited refurbishment. Litter was still a minor problem on the cycle mounds although Cllr Stuart suspected that it was not caused by the cyclists. Park Leisure had not repaired the base of the Youth Shelter. Grass cuttings from the Cricket Club’s mowing activities was still being dumped over areas where our contractor has to cut. Although Cllr Stuart has complained to John Hunt (Cricket Club president) there does not seem to be any sanction available to stop the practice. Cllr Stuart reported that a memorial beech tree had died and would need to be replaced.

Adoption of red telephone boxes

Cllr Jay had canvassed opinion from South Cerney Trust members on the adoption of the telephone boxes. Seven out of ten had shown no interest in retaining them. Conditions of their transfer had been obtained of which the following were of interest: BT would automatically transfer the billing for the power supply on adoption; the Parish Council would be responsible for all support and maintenance of the kiosk following the transfer of the kiosk. Cllr Caunce stated that there would be an emotional attachment by certain residents to the retention of the boxes. Mr S. Wrigley commented that the kiosks needed to be used for a viable purpose. It was agreed to make the item an agenda item for the November meeting.

Recommendation to the Finance Committee

The Committee recommended that the Finance Committee agrees to the quote from Tim Bryant for the refurbishment of the Fenplay safety areas at Upper Up and the removal of moss covering the safety surfaces at Cerney Wick.

Councillors’ Reports

Cllr Nicholas was concerned with the growth of knot weed alongside the river Churn in the vicinity of the Eliot Arms. Marstons Brewery, owners of the Eliot Arms had emailed Land Registry documents proving that it did not own the affected river bank although its land does come close. As riparian ownership would be difficult to determine Cllr Nicholas was concerned that this weed, if not controlled, would eventually damage the nearby bridge. He continued that there was a means to control the growth if the weed was injected in the autumn period. In view of the potential danger to the bridge he argued that it would not set a precedent if the Parish Council was to become involved in controlling the weed. The Committee agreed to a recommendation from Cllr Caunce that the Parish Council should debate the problem at its next meeting.

At the Parish Council meeting Cllr Nicholas stated that both Gloucestershire Highways and the Environment Agency had shown a notable lack of interest in the problem of the knot weed and the potential damage it could cause if left unchecked, as he surmised that dealing with it might set a precedent in their view. Cllr Nicholas had obtained a quotation from Cotswold Water Park Society to deal with the weed in anticipation of the Parish Council agreeing that action should be taken. Cllr Parsons offered to take up the item with Gloucestershire Highways because of the closeness of the bridge.

It was proposed by Cllr Nicholas and seconded by Cllr Harris that the quotation to deal with the weed from Cotswold Water Park Society be accepted. Parish Councillors voted eight in favour, two against and one abstention. The motion was therefore carried.

Cllr Kimberley reported that dog mess was a continuing problem in Beverstone Road and Berkeley Close. Cllr Kimberley asked the Clerk to request more signs from CDC.

Cllr Harris and Cllr Jay reported that vandals had used spray paint to disfigure the road surface in Bow Wow. Cllr Jay stated that Gloucestershire County Council would remove it shortly.

Cllr Mrs Chubb asked the Clerk to write to Gloucestershire Highways thanking them for installing the concrete path from the carriageway to the new bus shelter in Station Road.

The Clerk reported that he had spoken to the resident at Sunset Cottage in Station Road who agreed to remove the red and white tape from the Piece.

The Clerk reported that Southern Electric had been contracted to replace the vandalised light fitting in the bus shelter outside the Limes. As the electric supply was continuous, with no isolating switch, it had been necessary to use Southern Electric to do the work. The Clerk was asked to enquire from Southern Electric if it was possible to provide an isolating switch to the supply.

There being no further business Cllr Caunce had closed the meeting at 8.33pm.

REPORT ON THE MEETING OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE HELD ON MONDAY 12th OCTOBER 2009

Cllr Jay, Cllr Mrs Land, Cllr Nicholas and Cllr Webb had attended the meeting.

Cllr Jay had opened the meeting at 8.35pm.

Spread Sheet Analysis

Cllr Jay noted that the expenditure detailed on the spread sheet for period 6 was in order. Village maintenance expenditure was below budget.

Recommendations for acceptance from the Playing Fields and Village Maintenance Committee The Playing Fields and Village Maintenance Committee recommended that the Finance Committee agrees to the quotation from Tim Bryant for the reinstatement of the Fenplay safety surfaces and also the removal of the moss from the safety tiles at Cerney Wick.

The Finance Committee did not object to the above recommendation.

It was proposed by Cllr Jay and seconded by Cllr Webb that the Parish Council accepts the quotation. The Parish Council was all in favour.

It was proposed by Cllr Jay and seconded by Cllr Webb that the Committee recommends the Parish Council agrees to make the above payments. The Committee agreed.

Cllr Jay inspected and agreed the invoices and the Clerk’s travel expenses for September.

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

Cllr Mrs Land thanked the Parish Council for the contribution to DISC.

Internal Auditor’s Report
Cllr Jay had carried out an audit of the Parish Council’s accounts on a selective basis and found everything to be in order. Cllr Jay noted the severe reduction in bank deposit interest now being received. He congratulated the Clerk on his bookwork.

Correspondence
The response from CDC to the query on the disposition of Council Tax collected from Second Homes was unhelpful. According to calculations from Cllr Nicholas and Cllr Webb numbers of Second Homes given in the reply were incorrect. The Clerk was to request from Mr Smith, Revenues and Benefits Manager at CDC that a further response is considered and the explanation given in terms which can be understood.

There being no further business Cllr Jay had closed the meeting at 8.48pm.

REPORT OF THE MEETING OF THE PLANNING COMMITTEE HELD ON MONDAY 12th OCTOBER 2009

Cllr Mrs Chapman, Cllr Mrs Land, Cllr Nicholas and Cllr Webb attended the meeting.

Cllr Nicholas opened the meeting at 9pm.

PLANNING APPLICATIONS RECEIVED BY COTSWOLD DISTRICT COUNCIL

09/02654/FUL
Applicant: Mr Alan Yarrow, Debut Services (South West) Ltd, Duke of Gloucester Barracks, South Cerney GL7 5RD
Proposal: Proposed loading dock canopy at Building 34, Duke of Gloucester Barracks, South Cerney GL7 5RD (R)
NO OBJECTION subject to Parish Council ratification
It was proposed by Cllr Caunce and seconded by Cllr Kimberley that the Parish Council accepts the deliberations of the Planning Committee. The Parish Council was all in favour.

Cllr Nicholas declared a prejudicial interest in this application as he was a friend of the neighbour and left the room. Cllr Webb took over as Chairman for this application.

09/02778/FUL (Further amendments)
Applicant: LMA Developments, c/o BPA Consultants, Southway House, Southway Drive, North Common, Bristol BS30 5LW
Proposal: Erect one dwelling, vehicular access and garage at The Willows, Broadway Lane, South Cerney GL7 5UH
NO OBJECTION subject to Parish Council approval

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

Cllr Nicholas returned to the room.

PLANNING APPLICATIONS APPROVED BY COTSWOLD DISTRICT COUNCIL

09/02234/FUL CT.0532/W
Alterations and extensions to existing dwelling and the erection of a paddle (racquets) court within rear garden at South Cerney House, Station Road, South Cerney GL7 5UE

09/02447/FUL CT.3887/3/S
Two-storey side extension at 17 The Lennards, South Cerney GL7 5UX

09/02531/FUL CT.3147/B
Demolition of existing buildings and erection of two dwellings and associated works at Kewstoke, High Street, South Cerney GL7 5UR

09/02556/LBC CT.0333/W
Addition of one rooflight and flue at Ivybarn House, Cerney Wick GL7 5QJ

09/02576/FUL CT.2648/4/H
Erection of three storage units and tennis court (in lieu of approved tennis courts and pavilion) at Lake 11 (Summer Lake) Spine Road, South Cerney Condition to note: 2. The development shall only be used for purposes incidental to the holiday use of the lodges located at Lake 11 (Summer Lake). Reason: The development hereby permitted lies in an unsustainable location within open countryside. Use of the development by those not occupying lodges at Lake 11 (Summer Lake) would result in additional vehicular movements, contrary to PPS1, PPS7 and Cotswold District Local Plan Policy 19.

09/02654/FUL CT.5804/Z
Proposed loading dock canopy at Building 34 Duke of Gloucester Barracks, South Cerney

09/02663/FUL CT.4313/1/H
Erection of a two storey extension on north west wing and single storey extension on south east wing on the footprint of the existing conservatory at Brook House, The Street, Cerney Wick, Cirencester GL7 5QH

PLANNING APPLICATIONS RECEIVED BY GLOUCESTERSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

09/0050/CWMAJM
Applicant: Hanson Quarry Products Europe Ltd
Proposal: The winning and working of sand and gravel, the construction of a new road access onto the C124 (proposed Eastern Spine Road), a bridge crossing of the Ampney Brook, temporary conveyor gantry crossing of the C124, construction and operation of a concrete batching plant, aggregate bagging plant and associated ancillary building, structures and operations, demolition and recycling of a concrete runway, with restoration to agriculture, woodland, amenity and nature conservation on land to south and south east of Down Ampney, up to the Gloucestershire/Wiltshire border.
The Committee considered that it would be helpful if a start date on the scheme could be notified if permission is granted.
Gavin Jones, Development Processes Officer at Gloucestershire County Council had replied that should consent be granted there would be a planning condition requiring the applicant to notify us of the date of commencement. Also for a site of this scale we would expect the applicant to liaise with the local community and keep them informed of operations, and that would include commencement details.
NO OBJECTION subject to Parish Council approval

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

PLANNING APPLICATIONS APPROVED BY GLOUCESTERSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

09/0039/CWMAJM
Applicant: Hills Quarry Products Ltd
Proposal: Temporary use of land for conveyor link between extraction area and plant site on land to the North of Oak Tree Fields, South Cerney

CORRESPONDENCE
The Committee agreed responses to a consultation from CDC on the contribution made by Parish and Town Councils to the planning decision making process.

There being no further business Cllr Nicholas had closed the meeting at 9.37pm.

DIVERSION OF FOOTPATHS

Further to the discussion reported on page 2598 of these Minutes Cllr Nicholas explained the plan to divert other footpaths over the playing fields at Upper Up. Mrs Berry, a neighbouring land owner, is in favour of the plan to extinguish the path through her property to the other side of the adjoining fence. Quite rightly, the Parish Council is concerned that the Barracks footpath will be emerging onto Upper Up at a point which users then must cross the road and if progressing to the nearby playing field must cross back again in a short distance. The Parish Council agreed to a suggestion from Cllr Stuart and Cllr Nicholas that any application for a diversion of the footpaths should be held in abeyance for at least two years until an objective view can be taken on the use of the Barracks footpath. The Clerk was asked to inform Gloucestershire Highways about the exit/entry of the new footpath onto Upper Up at Walnut Tree Farmhouse.

REPORT OF THE PERSONNEL COMMITTEE ON THE CLERK’S ASSESSMENT

The Clerk was asked to leave the room while the report was made by Cllr Jay. Cllr Nicholas declared a prejudicial interest as the Clerk was a client of his firm. Other members of the public also left the room.

The Personnel Committee met on 30th September. Having now received the 2009/2010 National Salary Award for Local Council Clerks, the Personnel Committee recommended that in continuing recognition of the great respect it has for the hard work and expertise shown by the Clerk it confirms that the current Clerk’s salary should be in line with the incremental structure set out in the above document. That is: Scale LC2 Range (b) step 35 back dated to 1st April 2009 and Scale LC2 range (b) step 36 as from 1st April 2010. The Casual Users car allowance of 60.1p per mile for the first 8,500 miles. In addition the Personnel Committee proposes that the Parish Council accepts the joint recommendation of both The National Association of Local Councils and the Society of Local Council Clerks that the minimum annual leave from 1st April 2009 should be increased from 20 to 21 days with a further 4 days after 5 years continuous service. This means that our Clerk’s entitlement is now 25 days annual leave.

It was proposed by Cllr Jay and seconded by Cllr Webb that the Parish Council accepts the recommendations of the Personnel Committee. The Parish Council was all in favour.

Cllr Nicholas and the Clerk returned to the room.

CORRESPONDENCE

COUNCILLORS' REPORTS

Cllr Nicholas attended a meeting on 24th September at West Manor Barn, Somerford Keynes with representatives of the Parish Councils of Somerford Keynes and Ashton Keynes to discuss strategy on how to incorporate pathways in and around Keynes Country Park into the definitive maps of Public Rights of Way of both Gloucestershire and Wiltshire. The meeting included Yvonne Jordan (Ashton Keynes PC), Sarah Powell & Roger Sleeman (Somerford Keynes PC), Amanda Keys (Operations Officer, Public Rights of Way, Gloucestershire County Council), Councillor Shaun Parsons (Gloucestershire County Council) and David Ryan-Ainslie, (Liaison Officer, CWPJC 1981 -96; Countryside Services Manager, CWPS 1996-2001). It was agreed that a single application would be made on behalf of all three Parish Councils with Somerford Keynes as the contact address. Roger Sleeman had sent an e-mail to Siddington, Poole Keynes and Kemble Parish Councils asking for their support for the application.

Cllr Parsons (GCC) asked that Parish Councillors consider his request for feedback on Youth Provision. Cllr Stuart suggested that he contact Emily Hatchett and Mary Mychaleckyj from Young Gloucestershire for up-to-date information.

Cllr Kimberley reported the sighting of a big sandy coloured cat, possibly a puma on the outskirts of the village. Further sightings should be reported to Gareth Harris, Biodiversity Officer at Cotswold Water Park Society.

Cllr Kimberley reported that he had been informed that the guttering of the bus shelter at the Limes had been completely ripped away. The Playing Fields and Village Maintenance Committee will discuss the problem at its next meeting.

Cllr Jenkins (CDC) reported that he was involved with the disputed fishing rights of the Ashton Keynes angling club.

Cllr Caunce reported that an application to extend the licence for the Crown Pub to cover activities in the paddock area of the Crown had been granted albeit with restrictions: live music, and facilities for making music, shall cease at 2300 hrs on all nights; regulated entertainment shall only take place within the marquee during the months of July, August and September; no amplified music shall be played within the marquee at any time. All conditions can be viewed in the Minutes of the licensing panel at CDC.

Cllr Jay had attended the Lantern Project exhibition in Cirencester. He also attended a presentation by Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service which highlighted the availability of free home fire safety checks and asked that the service be promoted in Cerney News. He reported that Bill Collis had informed him that a tree in the hedge at the Laurels was covered in ivy.

Cllr Stuart reported on a meeting held on 21st September with members of the Scout Association including Tom Harding, County Commissioner and Peter Greirson, District Manager, Cllr Peter Jay (also representing Cerney Trust) and Ian Kennedy, Chairman of South Cerney’s Scout Association. Ian explained his frustration in his attempts to get the National Headquarters involved in determining a plan to take account of when the current lease on the scout hut in Berkeley Close expired in 2014. Cllr Stuart had consequently involved Geoffrey Clifton-Brown MP in an attempt to provoke a reaction. Further concern was that the area could be used to build affordable housing when the lease finished. Discussion on the future continued and it was considered that there was the need for a youth meeting facility, preferably in Berkeley Close. If a temporary building was erected alongside the existing building all services could be shared. If, after a suitable period, it is found that there is indeed a need for a Youth Centre, then we can design and build such a facility incorporating an upgraded Scout section. Before action can be taken approval by the National Headquarters is required. Ian Kennedy will email this request and if no response is received within two weeks the County Commissioner will take action directly with the National Headquarters. Cllr Bennett (CDC) remarked that the District Council is still working to the Local Plan policies while our Forward Planning team is looking at the Local Development Framework and how the current policies will fit in. It is therefore essential that the Parish Council contacts Chris Vickery (CDC Forward Planning) as soon as possible if it wishes the scout hut land to be changed from ‘housing’ to ‘leisure’ or something that will ensure the long term future of the scout hut/youth centre.

CERNEY NEWS CONTRIBUTIONS

Barracks footpath now open

Dogs mess in Berkeley Close and Beverstone Road

If any youth is interested in joining the Youth Parish Council please contact Jasmin Tresadern (07791 321951)

Inform residents about the possibility of adopting the red telephone boxes in the Parish

Any resident who would like to make a statement on the retention of footpaths at Keynes Country Park please contact a Parish Councillor

Availability of free home fire safety checks

There being no further business Cllr Stuart closed the meeting at 10.16pm.