13th August 2007 

8978 Minutes: of the Ordinary Meeting of Arnside Parish Council, held in the Cemetery Chapel, Silverdale Road, Arnside on Monday 13th August 2007. 

8979 Present: Chairman - Councillor D M (David) Willacy, J (Janet) Bolton, P E (Ted) Casey, R P (Rachel) Dutfield, S E (Sandy) Felton, S V (Sue) Gibson, T (Terry) Keefe, S R (Sue) Hewett, the Deputy Clerk - J M (Jayne) Beaumont, District Councillor P (Pru) Jupe, PC Louise Wilcock, and 5 members of the public.

8980 Apologies for Absence:  

Written apologies were received from Councillor G (Glyn) Jones (illness) and the Clerk, P G (Peter) Challenor.

8981 Receipt of Declaration of Members’ Interests relating to any items appearing on the Agenda:

There were no Members’ interests relating to any items appearing on the agenda.

8982 Minutes of the Previous Meeting:

The minutes of the Ordinary Meeting held on 9th July 2007 were approved and subsequently signed by the Chairman.

8983 Matters arising from the Minutes of previous meetings:

There were no matters arising from the minutes of previous meetings.

8984 Matters raised by members of the Public for future consideration:

A comment was made that it was pleasing to see that the tidying up of the station gardens had greatly improved their appearance.  A query arose regarding the availability of the half allotment plot and Cllr Jones will be asked to look into this.

8985 Police Report:

PC Louise Wilcock attended the meeting and reported on the following:- (1) minor assault which occurred in a shop on the promenade, (2) minor non-injury road accident in Silverdale Road, (3) elderly confused man in Briery Bank following reports of missing persons and stolen vehicles, (4) false burglar alarm at address in New Barns Road, (5) alarm sounded at the Country Shop - all was found to be correct, (6) report of anti-social behaviour by youths using the path from the playing fields to Black Dyke Road, (7) youths with a campfire in the woods near Ashmeadow House, (8) coastguard and fire service dealt with incidents of persons being stuck in the sand near to the Fighting Cocks, (9) non-suspicious sudden death of a middle aged man, (10) report of a couple arguing in the street in Silverdale Road, (11) report of persons having a barbecue at Beachwood who were sober and cleared up after themselves, (12) Kendal Mountain Rescue Team and ambulance service located and recovered a lady with a broken leg on Arnside Knott, (13) large fireworks set off from a vehicle in High Knott Road, (14) police and coastguard attended report of young children and a dog out in the estuary - nobody was in danger and no action taken, (15) domestic dispute at an address in Kings Close, (16) a dangerously parked vehicle in Briery Bank was removed, (17) non-suspicious sudden death of an elderly lady at Westmorland Court.  The Chairman reported on the following acts of vandalism which occured on the night of Friday 10th August:- (1) youths were seen throwing the lifebelt and litter bin cover from the pier into the tide - police were informed and the youths spoken to, (2) drain covers on Station Road were removed and placed at a 90 degree angle to oncoming traffic, (3) chip shop tables were overturned, (4) litter bin on foreshore path set on fire, (5) Saturday newspaper supplements stolen from outside Bulloughs Newsagents and set on fire, (6) contents of litter bin on pier thrown onto the foreshore, (7) buoy punctured, (8) fire, still burned at 9am on Saturday 11th August, and numerous cans and bottles in the dingy park, (9) container of PVA glue stolen from an address on Red Hills Road, (10) For Sale signs damaged on Red Hills Road, (11) van parked at the bottom of High Knott Road painted in PVA glue, (12) litter bin insert at the entrance to The Common thrown into Inglemere, (13) four bags of beer cans and bottles removed from the cricket pitch area.
Bearing in mind the large rural area that Milnthorpe Police Station serves, the Chairman expressed concern that officers at Milnthorpe Police Station are now somewhat depleted in numbers and also there is no public access at the Station.  It was therefore RESOLVED that the Clerk write to Inspector Carruthers to ascertain the situation regarding police cover in Arnside.

8986 Report from County Councillor Ian Stewart:

Cllr Stewart did not attend the meeting therefore there was no report.

8987 Correspondence:

Receipt of the following items were noted and action determined, by resolution, as indicated:
1. Valuation Officer - Notice of Alteration to an Existing rating list entry of the Cemetery and Premises.
2. CCC - “One Council, one vision, one voice” booklet and covering letter.
3. Morecambe Bay Partnership - BeachCare Funding.
4. CCC - An update on the Consultation on CCC’s bid for a single Council for Cumbria.
5. AONB - “Waymarker”, July and August.
6. Clerk and Councils Direct - July.
7. RoSPA - Saferplay offer a software package for recording inspections.
8. Mrs S Bates - letter to draw the Council’s attention to the dangerous situation regarding access to the Southbound Platform at Arnside Railway Station (scan sent to C. Cllr Stewart).
It was RESOLVED that the Clerk forward a copy of this letter to Network Rail and TransPennine.
9. SLDC - information on action to be taken regarding nuisance issues.
10. Cancer Care - advertisement for Cross Bay Walk on 2nd September.
11. D and J Willacy - letter to suggest Station Gardens receive regular maintenance.
12. CCC - Countryside Access Team invite applications for a grant to help with improvements to their local PROW network.
13. CALC - Circular, July/August.
14. CALC - Quality Parish Development Programme, Update 9.
15. CCC - Cumbria Highways, Issue 7.
16. CALC - Offer to hold a Road Show for the Parish Council.
Members asked whether there had been any development on this matter and it was RESOLVED that the Clerk will make enquiries.

8988 Planning Matters:

a). It was NOTED that the following planning application has been dealt with under the provisions of Standing Order 25 since the last meeting:
SL/2007/0733 - 139 Silverdale Road - conservatory (amended drawing): NO PLANNING OBJECTION (delegated).
SL/2007/0872 - 30 Church Hill - rear dormer windows: NO PLANNING OBJECTIONS (delegated).
b). It was NOTED that the following application is now out of time:
SL/2007/0816 - The Bakehouse, 40 The Promenade - replacement ground floor window to form kiosk window.

c). It was RESOLVED that the following comments were offered for the following applications:
SL/2007/0876 - Woodlands, 54 Silverdale Road - two storey extension: NO OBJECTIONS.
SL/2007/0839 - Croft House, Church Hill - replacement front porch: NO OBJECTIONS.

d). It was NOTED that the following decisions have been taken by the District Council since the last meeting.
SL/2007/0839 - Croft House, Church Hill - replacement front porch: GRANTED.
SL/2007/0650 - Conifers, Briery Bank - replacing existing flat roofs to garage and conservatory with pitched roof: GRANTED.
SL/2007/0596 - Rose Cottage, Far Arnside - alterations and rear extension: GRANTED.
SL/2007/0534 - Ashmeadow Cottage - change of use to a shelter/workshop and alterations to the fabric of the building: GRANTED.
SL/2007/0490 - Gowan Lea, 1a Briery Bank - extension and alterations: GRANTED.
SL/2007/ 0575 - Willowfield Hotel, 53 The Promenade - rear conservatory (delegated): GRANTED.
SL/2007/0574 - Hampsfell House - rear conservatory (delegated): GRANTED.
SL/2007/0731 - Rose Cottage, Far Arnside - replacement agricultural building (revised scheme): GRANTED.

8989 As District Cllr Pru Jupe arrived late to the meeting, the Chairman proposed that her report be heard at this point in the meeting and this was RESOLVED.

8990 Report from District Councillor Pru Jupe:

District Councillor Pru Jupe reported on the following:- (1) the contractor for installation of the tide siren is attempting to gain access to the coastguard station in order that the works may be completed, (2) complaints have been received regarding fly tipping at the recycling banks on Black Dyke Road - SLDC will be contacting APC with regards to the siting of a plastic recycling point, (3) letters have been sent to Network Rail and TransPennine regarding disabled access at the station and a meeting has been set up between herself, County Cllr Ian Stewart and MP Tim Farron, (4) Cllr Jupe will report on any news with regard to the rejection of the unitary bid and consequence of community boards when it becomes available.

8991 Action taken in accordance with Standing Order 25 (other than Planning):

It was NOTED that the following action (other than consideration of Planning Applications) had been taken under the provisions of Standing Order 25.
1. Cheque No. 787 for £166.85 made payable to Smith of Derby for annual service of the Promenade Pillar Clock.  It is NOTED that the Deputy Clerk has reported this as faulty.

8992 Revised Contract of Employment for the Deputy Clerk/Responsible Financial Officer:

It was RESOLVED that the Chairman sign the revised Contract of Employment for the Deputy Clerk/Responsible Financial Officer as circulated by email.
8993 Clerk to’Attend’ future Meetings by Video Link:

It was RESOLVED that the Clerk ‘attend’ future meetings by video link using the Skype facility and the Council’s Broadband connection as per his Contract of Employment.

8994 Model Code of Conduct:

It was RESOLVED that the Model Code of Conduct be adopted, as detailed in the Local Authorities (Model Code of Conduct) Order 2007 No. 1159, including section 12 (2) which, will have effect as if it contained like provisions to Standing Order 1 (b), as circulated by email.

8995 Fair Trade Status:

(a)  It was RESOLVED to support Arnside in its campaign to become a Fair Trade town.
(b) It was RESOLVED that Cllr Dutfield be nominated to serve on the Fair Trade Steering Group.

8996 Provision of CCTV C cameras on The Promenade:

Members discussed the possibility of using funds awarded to Mrs Sandra Gardner (Arnside Post Office) to purchase CCTV camera/s on The Promenade.  It was felt that opinions of all shopkeepers on The Promenade should be sought and, if they were prepared to contribute, donations towards the camera/s obtained.  It was RESOLVED that the Clerk write a suitable letter to all shopkeepers on The Promenade.

8997 Measures to be taken with regard to Traffic Calming within the Village:

After a discussion regarding speed limits and traffic-calming measures available it was RESOLVED that a public meeting should be called as soon as possible in order to address this problem, that members of APC may listen to the views of villagers on this subject and also that any problems could be explained by APC.  Cumbria County Council are to be asked to supply equipment and data to support this meeting.

8998 Insurance Cover for Proposed Multi-Wheel Park:

Arnside Youth Project are now starting to move forward with fundraising for the Multi-Wheel Park and it is now imperative that insurance quotes are sought as quickly as possible.  It was RESOLVED that the Clerk/Deputy Clerk obtain three quotes for insurance and the item placed on the agenda for September.

8999 Application for Foreshore Permit:

Members considered an application for Foreshore Permit for a 16 foot power boat  with outboard motor submitted by Mr Charles Kuss and it was RESOLVED that this application be refused.

9000 Audit Return Figures:

It was RESOLVED that the following figures for the 2006-2007 audit return be approved:

Balances brought forward £42,211
Annual Precept   £28,056
Total other Receipts  £14,722 amendment
Staff Costs   £23,620
Total other Payments  £39,654 amendment
Balances carried Forward £21,714 amendment

9001 Finance:

(1) The Financial Summary for July was received and approved.
(2) The following cheques were authorised and signed:
AONB Landscape Trust -
work undertaken at Beachwood 2006 and 2007    £200.00  (787)
D Willacy - Chairman’s Allowance 2007/08    £150.00  (788)

9002 Reports from the following committees and/or meetings:

a).  Allotments
Cllr Jones did not attend the meeting therefore there was no report.

b).  Cemetery
Cllr Felton reported that: (1) the tap from the water tank is now working and is available for use, (2) repairs to the storm damaged headstones have been completed, (3) arrangements are in hand for the removal of the damaged seat which is currently upturned in the cemetery, (4) there have been no burials during June and July, (5) initial discussions are now under way as to the best way to create a digital database which will be carried out by the Cemetery Custodian and Deputy Custodian, Cllr Dutfield.

c).  Cemetery and Cemetery Chapel Advisory Committee
Cllr Hewett reported on: (1) the recent Cemetery and Cemetery Chapel Advisory Committee meeting which was held on 26th July, (2) the art workshop recently held had been a great success and the next workshop is to be patchwork on Thursday 30th August, (3) there is to be an Arnside Archive evening in September where Fair Trade products will be available for sale, (4) there is a difficulty in replacing the high level bulb and it had been agreed that there is a need for emergency uplighters - the Chairman will speak to Terry Allen regarding fixing the high level light, (5) the next meeting of the C and CCAC will be Thursday 27th September.

d).  Foreshore
The Chairman reported that: (1) it is hoped that the new tide siren will be in operation later this week, (2) Murphys are due to complete their present work by mid August, (3) information from the coastguards is that they are to have their boat withdrawn leaving them unable to carry out sea rescue.  It was RESOLVED that the Clerk write to the MCA for clarification of this and if correct to seek retention of the boat due to the number of times the said boat is launched.

e).  Highways
The Chairman reported that: (1) numerous roads have weeds growing at the side and there has been no spraying carried out to date, (2) no verge cutting has been carried out in Arnside or roads approaching it and Black Dyke Road is now very dangerous, (3) numerous footbaths are only passable if wearing suitable clothing for the overgrown state of the paths, (4) a number of road drains are blocked including Red Hills Road which is causing further damage to Beachwood Lane; Silverdale Road (Ashmeadow Lodge) where sewage is leaking onto the highway, The Promenade (Herons Reach), Oakroyd Close where water is leaking into properties and Station Bridge which now floods with the slightest rain, (5) at a meeting approximately one year ago with John Bell of CCC and Dick Base of SLDC it was agreed that it was pointless sending traffic wardens as most of the yellow lines were not legally enforceable - cars are parked for hours preventing residents from using the shops as well as parking on yellow lines, (6) recent resurfacing on Silverdale Road from the fire station to the cemetery is deteriorating leaving potholes and grooves in the road, (7) overhanging shrubs on Silverdale Road are more than a metre into the highway causing pedestrians to walk into the road and which also prevent the road from being swept, (8) mobile homes/camper vans are using the Promenade for unlimited parking (9) as nothing has been done with regard to work promised by CCC it was unanimously RESOLVED that the Clerk write a letter of complaint to the Chief Executive of CCC with a copy to Tim Farron MP.

f).  Playing Field Advisory Committee
The Chairman reported that: (1) there were a number of cans on the playing field which a member of the cricket club cleared up, (2) the grass on the football area has been cut by Grasscare, (3) Cllr Dutfield volunteered to act as Chairman of the Playing Field Advisory Committee.

g).  Playground Working Committee
Cllr Gibson reported that: (1) a grant of £4,840 from the Educational Institute has been approved, (2) further donations have been received including a donation of £1,000 from Holgates, (3) there are a number of other grant applications in hand, (4) the meeting for Wednesday 15th August has been postponed and another date will be set for approximately six weeks time, (5) letters have been sent to all local groups and businesses asking for assistance with fundraising and/or donations, (6) volunteers are required to assist man a stall at the forthcoming Car Boot Sale on Monday 27th August in order to raise funds and awareness.

h) Any other Committee
Cllr Keefe had attended the AONB Executive Committee and reported that: (1) the Management Plan is under review and it is evident that the Coastal Management section needs more work - there are implications to complete a Coastal Path within the AONB, (2) the viaduct is due to be refurbished next year which would mean improved access to the AONB, but Cllr Keefe feels that this is not a probability.
Cllr Felton attended the APPT meeting and reported that: (1) the Parish Plan is due for review in 2008 and the Chair of APPT will write to the Clerk to ascertain what involvement APC would wish to have in the review.

9003 Items for information:

There is concern regarding the lack of information on the electronic board at the station and the Chairman has been assured that everything is now being co-ordinated at Arnside, Carnforth and Grange and the system should shortly be working correctly.

9004 Date of the next Meeting:

It was NOTED  that the next Ordinary Meeting will be held on Monday 10th September 2007 at 7.15pm  Items for the agenda to reach the Clerk before Friday 31st August  2007 and reports to reach the Clerk before Monday 3rd September 2007.

 
Jayne M Beaumont
Deputy Clerk to the Council