5829 Minutes: of a meeting of the Arnside Parish Council held in the Parish Council Office, Church Hill, Arnside, on Monday 13th January 2003.

5830 Present: Chairman - Councillor D.(David) Willacy, Councillors P.E.(Ted) Casey, J.(Jean) Colwell, J.(John) Howell, T.(Terry) Keefe, E.(Ed) Mycock, R.(Richard) Rollins, the Clerk - P.G.(Peter) Challenor, the Treasurer - A.(Tony) Cookson, County Councillor I.(Ian) Stewart and four members of the public.
5831 Apologies for Absence: Councillors I.(Ian) Crossman, K.(Ken) Hargreaves, R.(Ros) Hunt, D.(David) Scarisbrick, and District Councillor P.(Patricia) Himsworth

5832 Minutes: The Minutes of the meeting held on the 9th December 2002 were approved and then signed by the Chairman.

5833 Presentation re proposed Arnside Bike and Skate Group facility

At the invitation of the Council, Mr Ian Birrell and Mr Colin Blain gave a presentation on proposals to designate an area of the Playing Field as a permanent facility for the use of scooters, skateboards and bikes. Similar sites have been inspected at Endmoor, Kirkby Lonsdale, Swarthmoor and Windermere. The proposal is part of a wider Arnside Youth Project and is underpinned by a committee of both adults and children. The committee has identified support from a broad spectrum of local people and will be working in conjunction with the Cumbria Association of Clubs for Young People, South Lakeland District Council and Voluntary Action Cumbria.

Members provisionally agreed that (a) they would release the £1,000 currently held for such a project, once the committee is formally established and is able to supply details of the bank account, and (b) recognising that the facility is proposed for the Playing Field and would technically become the property of the Parish Council, it would be in order for major items to be purchased through the Parish Council, so that VAT can be reclaimed.

It was agreed that there would be an agenda item for the next meeting, at which members could, if they so wished, resolve to implement the foregoing provisional agreements.

5834 Police Report

In the absence of a Police representative, the Chairman drew attention to the following matters:

(a) A private garden fence, adjacent to the footpath from Silverdale Road to the Inglemere estate has been vandalised once again. The owner has stated that “it is not worth reporting, as the Police will not take any action”.

(b) A man had been followed home by two youths who had then persisted in ringing his doorbell. The Police were informed and two youths were searched, but it is not clear whether they were the ones involved.

(c) Litter bins had been damaged and it is suspected that the offender is from Carnforth.

5835 Report from County and District Councillor I. Stewart

(a) Councillor Stewart gave details of the various considerations relating to the County Police budget. In view of the fact that the Government grant is being reduced, it seems likely that the burden on Council Tax payers will increase by approximately 20%. The Police Authority is now looking to recruit an additional 300 officers over a four-year period. The intention is to provide a named ‘community’ Police Officer for each electoral ward in the County. In response to a question about the cost of the extra officers, Councillor Stewart suggested a figure of 25p per day per Band D Council Tax payer.

(b) The overall County budget will receive an increase of £13m from the Government, but this will be more than offset by requirements to increase spending on schools and social services. Despite the likelihood of a reduction in spending on highways, it is anticipated that the overall Council Tax increase for the County Council could be in the region of 10.2%

(c) Councillor Stewart indicated that he was having great difficulty in getting at information about the work actually carried-out within the highways budget, but he will continue to probe.

(d) As a District Councillor he had obtained a list of contracts for street cleaning, but had concluded that some of the contracted work is not actually implemented. The Chairman was able to endorse this conclusion by giving specific examples.

(e) Councillor Stewart made reference to ongoing proposals to consider delegation to parish councils of some part of the budgets for minor highways repair and maintenance work.

5836 Matters raised by Members of the Public for consideration.

One member of the public asked who is going to repair the bridge, just beyond the level crossing. The Chairman agreed to investigate the matter. The same person also asked about the Affordable Housing situation which had been referred to in Minute 5827(b). It was confirmed that, in the absence of any supporting statistics from SLDC, nothing further was being done at the present time.

5837 Finance

The Financial Summary for December 2002 was received and approved.

The Treasurer advised that he would not be able to attend the next meeting and tendered his apologies. During the Treasurer’s absence, the Clerk will attend to receipts and payments.

5838 Committee Reports:

a. Foreshore

“Andidrain” had been seen surveying the sewage pipes along the foreshore, suggesting that major repair work, or replacement, is necessary.

On the Lower Promenade, the litter bin, telephone kiosk and toilets have been vandalised.

Grubbins Wood seems to have been opened-up to free access by members of the public. The Clerk has written to the Cumbria Wildlife Trust enquiring about their policy.

b. Highways

(1) It is reported that there were five vehicle accidents between the level crossing and Leighton Beck, this last weekend, despite the promise last winter that this road would be gritted as a secondary road. In view of the fact that this road is used as a main route in and out of the village, the Council remains very concerned at the lack of attention.

(2) In Orchard Road, during the same period of icy conditions, one person suffered a broken ankle, an elderly gentleman fell and a car damaged a hedge. Every year since the road has been re-surfaced it has been reported that water lies on the surface, even affecting the inclined areas. There is also no salt bin in the vicinity.

(3) the gritting vehicle had been seen on Redhills Road, around noon on Sunday, but did not appear to be gritting.

(4) The foregoing points were drawn to the attention of County Councillor Stewart, who will endeavour to have matters improved.

c. Playing Field Advisory Committee

Nothing to report

d. Cemetery

Nothing to report

e. Allotments

Nothing to report

f. Vital Villages - Parish Plan

Councillor Keefe reported that the steering group had met twice since the Open Day, mainly to work on the composition of the questionnaire, which will be distributed to all households during February.

It was agreed that the steering group would arrange to present a Parish Plan update at the annual Parish Assembly, in place of the customary speaker.

g. Joint Parish Councils meeting

Councillor Keefe reported that he had attended a meeting on 10th January. The main purpose was to discuss the draft Constitution for the AONB Steering Committee. The members of the committee were particularly pleased that the revised draft now includes provision for representation from all six of the parish councils within the AONB area.

h. Annual Newsletter

The Chairman reported that he is working on the production of the newsletter, with a view to having it circulated at the beginning of April. He invited contributions from councillors, to be submitted as soon as possible.

5839. Correspondence:

a. 20 items of correspondence received since the last meeting were tabled for the information.

b. Action was agreed on the following items:

(1) brochures and price lists have been received from two firms who supply portable ramps, of a type which might be suitable to provide access to the Cemetery Chapel for disabled persons. The Chairman and the Clerk will investigate the possibility of providing a permanent ramp and will report back.

(2) A request had been received for a donation to support the work of the Kendal Citizens Advice Bureau. After discussion, it was decided that the benefit to the residents of Arnside is insufficient to justify a donation.

(3) A letter had been received complaining about the state of the fences on both sides of the public footpath through Station Field. This will be forwarded to SLDC Footpaths Officer, together with a request that he looks at the state of the gate at the bottom of the path.

(4) A letter had been received from SLDC, enclosing a copy of a letter which they had received from British Telecom. It was noted that BT propose to remove the pay phones from Station Road (opposite the station) and from Lynslack Terrace. The Clerk had already submitted an item for inclusion in the Broadsheet, so that any persons who wish to object could write to the correct person at BT. It was also agreed that the Clerk should write to BT with a very strong objection to the proposal to remove the phone in Station Road. Additionally, the Clerk is to write to the Passenger Transport Committee regarding the need to ensure that there is a pay phone at the Station.

5840 Planning Matters:

a. It was noted that, in consideration of the consultation expiration date, the following application was considered under Standing Order 34:

5/01/3428 - Grafton, 35 Briery Bank, Arnside - garden equipment garage, potting shed and greenhouse: NO OBJECTIONS.

b. The following applications were considered:

5/02/3526 - 10 Plantation Avenue, Arnside - private front and rear alterations to provide room in roof: NO OBJECTIONS

5/02/3603 - Beaumont, Stonycroft Drive, Arnside - utility room, conservatory, bedroom and detached single garage NO OBJECTIONS

5/02/3630 - 83 Silverdale Road, Arnside - new triple garage with domestic storage over: NO OBJECTIONS

5/02/3636 - Plot 1, The Grange, Arnside Knott, off New Barns Road - proposed dwelling house DEFERRED - AWAITING FURTHER INFORMATION.

c. The following decisions of the District Council were noted:

5/02/3158 - 44 Black Dyke Road, Arnside - conservatory: GRANTED

5/02/3179 - Knott Wood, Far Close Drive, Arnside - replacement double garage: GRANTED

5/02/3053 - 4 Church View Cottages, Church Hill - dormer extension: GRANTED

5/02/3075 - 2 Black Dyke Cottages, Arnside - rear conservatory: GRANTED

5/02/3409 - Unit 1, Station Road, Arnside - alterations to front elevation: GRANTED

5841 Confirmation of Appointments

Further to the agreements made at Minute 5799, it was RESOLVED that Councillor Rollins be appointed as a member of the Finance Committee and that the Chairman should take over the reference for the Foreshore.

5842 Proposed upgrading of sewage disposal system by United Utilities

It was noted that there had been little communication from United Utilities since their announcement that the start of the whole scheme is to be deferred by 12 months. A plan had been received however, indicating that the proposed pumping main will now be taken through Friarcote Bridge, so as to avoid any road closures. Members expressed their earnest desire for the formation of a pedestrian subway and hoped that United Utilities could be persuaded to come to an appropriate arrangement. The Clerk had already approached them about this, but had received a negative reply. Contact was however being made with other bodies who may share the Council’s wishes, to see if a co-ordinated effort could be made. Councillor Stewart was also asked to pursue the matter with Beetham Parish Council and at District/County Council levels.

Councillor Stewart advised that the County Council has now granted Planning Permission for enlargement of the pumping Station at Sandside and is considering proposals for upgrading of the Milnthorpe Treatment Works.

5843 Programme for replacement of the Pier Railings

In the absence of Councillor Hargreaves, this matter is deferred to the next meeting.

5844 Review of Street Lighting

The Clerk had completed an in-depth investigation of the street lighting records and had concluded that only 15 lights had been installed since 1974, whereas SLDC are working on the basis of 17 lights. In consultation with the Chairman/Hon.Treasurer of the previous Parish Council, it was deduced that two lights, for which precepts had been levied, had not been installed, due to technical difficulties. This fact accounts for the balance of £2,882.00 in the Lighting Account. The Chairman and Clerk are due to have a site meeting with the Highways Technical Assistant in the Agencies Division of SLDC, in the hope of rectifying matters.

It was also noted that there are a number of failed light bulbs in the area which are not being replaced because of ‘health & safety’ stipulations about safe working on ladders. This would be raised at the site meeting with the representative of SLDC.

5845 Draft Constitution of the AONB Executive Committee.

Copies of the revised draft had been studied by members. RESOLVED that Arnside Parish Council endorse the revised draft and recommend adoption of same.

5846 AONB Visitor Survey

The AONB had asked for advice from the Council regarding suitable locations for a visitor survey during the coming summer, particularly along The Promenade. Having heard details of what would be involved, it was agreed that it could be left to the AONB to select their own site, providing that it does not cause any obstruction to traffic or pedestrian flow.

5847 Matters arising from Minutes of Previous Meetings

5813 Matters raised by Members of the Public for consideration. Councillor Casey informed the meeting that the proprietor of Photogenic Gallery was concerned that the wording of Minute 5813 might be taken to relate specifically to the forecourt of his own premises, when in fact it referred to the forecourt of several premises. It was noted that the proprietors of these premises also experience difficulties as a consequence of cars being parked on their forecourts. The Clerk is awaiting a reply from SLDC regarding rights of way, etc, in this area.

5812 Report from County and District Councillor I. Stewart. Members expressed concern about the number of bins, and complexity of the system, for collection of refuse for re-cycling, as reported in the Westmorland Gazette. Councillor Stewart acknowledged that there were some concerns and was particularly aware that the system being pioneered in Silverdale had thrown up some problems. He will look further into the proposals and report back.

5827 Items for Information Members wished to record their gratitude to the County Emergency Planning Officer for his professional briefing on 9th January. It was unanimously agreed that the evening was very informative and worthwhile. Since the meeting, the Clerk has been in further discussion with Mr Norrie and also the local Officer-in-Charge of the Coastguard service, concerning arrangements for dealing with oil spillages. The Chairman had raised some questions about the arrangements for the Milnthorpe Reception Centre, which had provoked further consideration.

5848 Date of next meeting:

Monday February 10th 2003 at 7.15pm in the Parish Council Office, Church Hill, Arnside.

The meeting closed at 9.45pm
Peter G. Challenor

Clerk to the Council