Arnside Parish Council

5867 Minutes: of a meeting of the Arnside Parish Council held in the Parish Council Office, Church Hill, Arnside, on Monday 10th March 2003.

5868 Present: Chairman - Councillor D.(David) Willacy, Councillors P.E.(Ted) Casey, J.(Jean) Colwell, K.(Ken) Hargreaves, R.(Ros) Hunt, T.(Terry) Keefe, R.(Richard) Rollins, D.(David) Scarisbrick, the Clerk - P.G.(Peter) Challenor, the Treasurer - A.(Tony) Cookson, County Councillor I.(Ian) Stewart and four members of the public.
5869 Apologies for Absence: Councillors I.(Ian) Crossman, J.(John) Howell, E.(Ed) Mycock, District Councillor P.(Patricia) Himsworth and Police Sergeant S. Murphy.

5870 Minutes: The Minutes of the meeting held on the 10th February 2003 were amended as follows:

Minute 5856: delete “the purchase of the replacement tractor had”, and Minute 5864: add “No further action would be taken on the purchase of a traffic speed gun by the Parish Council”. Following these amendments the Minutes were approved and then signed by the Chairman.

5871 Police Report

In the absence of a Police representative, the Clerk advised that he had been contacted by Sergeant Murphy and informed that the Police have now purchased two traffic speed guns for use in rural areas by both police officers and trained members of the public. He had asked for the Parish Council’s agreement for him to bring a Police Inspector and another officer to a meeting of the Council, in order to discuss the training of civilians and subsequent use of the guns, in Arnside. It was agreed that there would be insufficient time available at an ordinary meeting and the Clerk should therefore make arrangements for a ‘councillors briefing’ meeting.

The Chairman reported various instances of vandalism and confirmed that the Police had been informed.

5872 Report from County and District Councillor I. Stewart

Councillor Stewart made comment about the limited value of traffic speed guns operated by non-Police personnel. He also wondered if there was a need to take up the matter of vandalism at a higher level than had been the case so far. There will be a meeting of County Councillors on Tuesday March 11th, to discuss action which might need to be taken to ensure that highways repairs and maintenance works are implemented correctly.

The County Council has been in contact with Railtrack asking them to ensure that the shrubbery etc growing out of the wall adjacent to the junction of Station Road and Sandside Road be cut back so as to improve traffic visibility.

There is continuing, but slow, progress regarding the possibility of establishing a public right of way and a parking area via the Station Yard. The possibility of a Compulsory Purchase Order is being explored, but this procedure is likely to take at least 18 months and cannot be implemented until all other avenues have been explored.

The Library Service has indicated that there is still a desire to find a new location for Arnside Library.

There are to be a number of “Have Your Say” sessions around the County and there are two scheduled for Milnthorpe on March 14th.

Councillor Casey asked about the revisions to the refuse collection system and it was confirmed that there is an intention to make the collection of ‘wheelie bin’ refuse on a fortnightly basis, although the actual date for implementation has not been advised. This response was followed by considerable discussion about changes to the refuse collection system. Several members expressed their concern about the practicalities of the system and their great dismay about the lack of advance publicity (which had been promised). Councillor Stewart suggested that he should ask Mr Chris Fiddler, Contract Services Manager for SLDC, to attend the next meeting of the Parish Council. In the meantime, the Clerk will contact Mr Fiddler to ask for clarification and to convey the concerns of the Parish Council.

The Chairman advised Councillor Stewart that SLDC had still not completed the clearing and cleaning of footpaths, but also drew attention to the fact that some of those which had been done now needed re-surfacing. In addition, the full street cleaning schedule has not been implemented.

Councillor Rollins wished to commend the work done by SLDC contractors in clearing leaves and growth from Shady Bowers footpath.

Members expressed concern about the new Youth Transport system provided to take young people from Arnside to Kendal. There did not appear to be any guarantee that users could be offered a seat on the return bus from Kendal at 10.00pm. There was also a lack of publicity about the scheme.

The Chairman raised questions about the Concessionary Fares Scheme. There is confusion created by different information being promulgated by SLDC and CALC. Councillor Stewart will seek clarification on the matter. It was however confirmed that the Rural Transport Grants Scheme could not be used to provide reduced fares for rail travel.

5873 Matters raised by Members of the Public for consideration.

(1) A member of the public wished to press Councillor Stewart for an explanation of why we are not receiving the level of services promised by SLDC, despite the further increases in Council Tax. Councillor Stewart responded by stating that he is pushing for the work to be done. He then went on to explain that the increases for all sectors, other than Police, were necessary simply to be able to meet the current commitments and that the budgets of the District and County Councils had been affected by the reduction in funding from central government. The very large increase in the charge for the Police relates, in part, to the intention to provide additional Police Officers in rural locations.

Several members of the public responded by drawing attention to the far superior levels of service from local government and police authorities which existed ‘years ago’.

(2) Another member of the public drew attention to the general concern about young people who use skateboards on The Promenade and reference was made to the possibility of there being an existing bye-law which prohibits such activity. The Clerk will contact SLDC about this matter.

5874 Finance

(a) The Financial Summary for January and February 2003 was received and approved.

(b) The report from the Finance Committee, following the meeting on 6th March 2003, concerning “Risk Assessments”, was accepted and is appended to these Minutes. It was unanimously RESOLVED that the recommendations contained therein be adopted.

5875 Committee Reports:

a. Foreshore

The Chairman reported that there is a need for two new litter bins on the Lower Promenade, which will probably be provided in April.

The Chairman also referred to the large number of visitors in the area at the present time and suggested that the Tide Warning Siren should be brought into operation earlier than the customary Easter start date. It was agreed that this suggestion be submitted to SLDC.

Whilst not strictly a foreshore matter, Councillor Casey took the opportunity to comment on a recent sighting of pedestrians using the viaduct. It was reiterated that this is understood to be a criminal offence, in addition to being highly dangerous, and any such instances should be immediately reported to the Police (for the attention of the British Transport Police).

b. Highways

The Chairman advised that he had sent a letter to SLDC informing them of certain roads and footways which had not yet been cleaned. He also detailed those areas which had been done, some of which now need re-surfacing.

The dip in the road just before Hollins Farm Lane still needs attention to relieve the flooding, which had recently achieved a depth of 6″.

Despite many complaints, over the years, and some action, the gutter at the junction of Church Hill and Silverdale Road is still overflowing during periods of heavy rainfall.

The rainfall ‘overflow’, which had recently been discharging into the joiner’s workshop, on Church Hill, has now been rectified.

c. Playing Field Advisory Committee

At the request of Councillor Colwell, it was unanimously agreed that Item 12 of the agenda “(a) To review progress with the Arnside Bike and Skate Group.(b) To consider a suggestion that the project should be undertaken by the Parish Council, with members of the Group acting as consultants to the Council”, should be considered at the same time as, and in conjunction with, the report from the Playing Field Advisory Committee. Councillor Colwell circulated Minutes of the Playing Field Advisory Committee meeting, held on Tuesday 4th March.

(1) The flooding on the Playing Field had been investigated by a consultant who had effectively suggested the provision of additional land drains serving two additional soakaways. An alternative suggestion had been made to the effect that the existing and additional land drains should discharge into the main 9″ sewer pipe which crosses the Playing Field area. It was agreed that the Clerk should write to SLDC (as agents for United Utilities) to see if such a scheme would be permissible.

(2) The representatives of the newly formed Arnside Bike and Skate Group stated that the design of their proposed skateboard park, would be significantly influenced by the design of the scheme adopted for relief of flooding.

(3) The representatives of the Group went on to inform members of the facts that they now have a dedicated bank account and have identified seven possible sources of funding. In order to obtain funding it is crucial that the Group should be able to produce documentary evidence of support from the Parish Council. It was unanimously RESOLVED that Arnside Parish Council is fully in support of the principles of the proposal by the Arnside Bike and Skate Group and the Clerk will write to confirm this resolution.

(4) The representatives of the Group then raised the question of whether or not it would be appropriate for the Parish Council to take over the whole scheme, with members of the Group acting as consultants, so that payment of a Planning Application Fee could be avoided. The Clerk stated that he had referred the question to CALC, for legal advice, and was awaiting a reply. He did however indicate that, although the move would be legitimate, it was likely to be seen as devious and he therefore felt it to be inappropriate. Members will be informed, as soon as the advice from CALC is received.

(5) Councillor Keefe wished to make it clear that the inclusion of a question relating to the proposed Skateboard Park, in the Parish Plan questionnaire, does not infer, or otherwise, support for the project.

(6) The matter of the former Scout Hut had been considered by the Committee and members thereof had decided to recommend the immediate demolition of the hut. Since the date of the Committee meeting, a letter has been received from the Secretary of the Arnside Youth Project, asking for an extension of time. On being advised of the contents of the letter it was unanimously RESOLVED that an extension be given until 10th April 2003.

(7) The Chairman referred to a letter from the Royal British Legion, requesting permission to use the Playing Field, in order to be able to run Car Boot Sales on Monday 26th May and Monday 25th August 2003. Permission was granted.

d. Cemetery

Councillor Casey advised that paint was beginning to peel off surfaces in the Chapel porch and he had called-back the decorators, to investigate and rectify the defects. Councillor Casey also expressed concern about a large Maple tree which is becoming dangerous. The matter will be investigated further and it is probable that the only realistic solution would be to have the tree felled.

e. Allotments

Nothing to report.

f. Vital Villages - Parish Plan

Councillor Keefe reported that there has been a fairly healthy response to the Parish Plan Questionnaire and that returns are still being submitted. Several members of the Parish Plan Steering Group have found it necessary to stand down and there is a need to recruit replacement persons.

g. South Lakeland Strategic Partnership

The Chairman drew attention to this newly form group and suggested that Arnside Parish Council should be represented. Councillor Hunt was duly appointed.

h. Joint Parish Transport Scheme

Councillor Rollins circulated copies of the notes compiled in respect of the meeting at Holme Village Hall on February 19th. Those attending had come to the conclusion that it would not be practical for Arnside to link up with Burton and Holme in a joint scheme and would therefore need to work alone, at present. Councillor Rollins also indicated that grants to assist travel by rail would be very restricted.

5876 Correspondence:

a. 24 items of correspondence, received since the last meeting, were tabled for information.
b. Action was agreed on the following item:

A document entitled “Area Review of Bus Services” has been received from Cumbria County Council, inviting members to give suggestions and make requests, regarding their local bus service. It was agreed that the Clerk will supply photocopies of the document to all members, so that a response can be drawn up before the closing date of 30th May.

It was noted that a response is outstanding from (1) the “Angling News, regarding litter on the foreshore, (2) First North Western and the Rail Passengers Committee regarding the Station Road payphone and (3) “Keeklamp” regarding standards for Pier railings.
5877 Planning Matters:

a. The following applications were considered:

5/03/0376 - 2 Oakroyd Close, Arnside - loft bedroom involving raising the height of the roof: NO OBJECTIONS.

5/03/0469 - 3 Lindale Close - extension for porch and disabled shower room (porch will house electric shower): NO OBJECTIONS.

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

5/02/3526 - 10 Plantation Avenue - loft conversion: GRANTED.

5/03.0081 - Arnside Educational Institute - extension and alterations to provide disabled persons lift: GRANTED.

5878 Traffic Regulation Orders

RESOLVED that this Council should seek a Variation to the current Traffic Regulation Orders for The Promenade, in order to extend the existing Orders so as to apply to Sundays, rather than just Mondays-Saturday.

5879 Review of Street Lighting

A quotation has been received from SLDC for the provision and installation of two additional street lights on Black Dyke Road, at a cost of £6,918.00 + vat. This quotation is far higher than members had been led to expect and it was agreed that it was unacceptable. The Chairman has had informal contact with Capita dbs and it seems likely that a much lower quotation should be possible. The Chairman will therefore request a formal quotation.

5880 Programme for replacement of the Pier Railings

Councillor Hargreaves informed the meeting that he had made extensive enquiries and it appeared that there are no regulations which specify the design requirements for railings to a public pier. He considered that the nearest appropriate specifications are those relating to staircases within the communal areas of flats, the principal criterion being that there should be no gaps between elements of more than 100mm. Councillor Hargreaves will however pursue the matter further.

5881 Purchase of a Traffic Speed Gun

In confirmation of the informal decision taken at the last meeting, RESOLVED that this Council will not purchase a Traffic Speed Gun. It was noted that the Police have already purchased two such guns and are hoping to be able to train several Arnside residents, so that they will be able to use them locally. This would be considered by members at a meeting to be arranged pursuant to Minute 5871.

5882 Possible sale of The Old Station Building

Councillor Scarisbrick asked members to consider his report that the AONB wishes to purchase The Old Station Building and to determine the Parish Council’s policy regarding retention of the building for possible future use by railway travellers. RESOLVED that this Council objects to the sale of the building, unless there is an absolute guarantee that much improved covered waiting facilities, and toilets for the use of rail travellers, are provided before the sale is completed.

5883 Items for Information

(1) The Chairman is making progress with the production of the annual Newsletter.

(2) The Clerk has requested 14 Nomination Packs for the forthcoming Election. These will be made available to existing members, and other interested persons, on request.

(3) The Chairman drew attention to the fact that the explanatory leaflet, issued by SLDC, to accompany the issue of Council Tax Payment Cards, incorrectly specifies that cheques should be made payable to Post Office Counters Ltd. The Chairman has established that cheques made out in this manner will be accepted at Arnside Post Office, but only for the payment of Council Tax. The Clerk will write to SLDC to draw their attention to this error and suggest that the correct advice be published in the Westmorland Gazette.

5884 Date of next meeting:

Monday April 14th 2003 at 7.15pm in the Parish Council Office, Church Hill, Arnside.

The meeting closed at 10.05pm
Peter G. Challenor

Clerk to the Council