Arnside Parish Council

6020 Minutes: of a meeting of the Arnside Parish Council, held in the Parish Council Office, Church Hill, Arnside, on Monday 8th September 2003.

6021 Present: Chairman - Councillor D.M.(David) Willacy, Councillors J.G.(Jack) Baker, P.E.(Ted) Casey, J.M.(Jean) Colwell, J.P.(John) Gallagher, K.(Ken) Hargreaves, R.J.(Ros) Hunt, T.(Terry) Keefe, P.A.(Peter) McSweeney, C.J.(Chris) Murphy, M.P.(Pat) Pierce, the Clerk - P.G.(Peter) Challenor, the Treasurer - A.(Tony) Cookson, County Councillor I.(Ian) Stewart, District Councillor R.(Richard) Rollins, and nine members of the public.

6022 Apologies for Absence: none.

6023 Minutes: The Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting held on Monday 14th July 2003, and of the Special Meeting held on 11th August 2003, were approved and then signed by the Chairman.

6024 Police Report

In the absence of a Police representative, the Chairman informed Members that he had recently been notified of a group of 15-20 youths, drinking alcohol and appearing to be ‘under age’. He had reported the matter to the Police, but there was no evidence of an attendance having been made. It is understood that the COPS team were on leave, and it seems unlikely that they will be available during Friday evenings, when most of the problems occur.

6025 Report from County and District Councillor Ian Stewart

1. Councillor Stewart made reference to the ‘less than satisfactory’ sign, which had been erected in Briery Bank, to warn of a hidden exit from Stonycroft Drive, and stated that the matter would be reviewed if necessary.

2. Councillor Stewart introduced Mr Stewart Pate, Area Support Manager for Cumbria County Council. Mr Pate had been asked to attend, in order to respond to the complaints of this Council, concerning reports that had emanated from Mr Nick Raymond, Area Engineer. These reports related to delays to, or abandonment of, plans for traffic surveys and car parking facilities. Mr Pate apologised for the promulgation of incorrect information, and promised that £10,000 will be made available immediately for the introduction of positive measures to commence the improvement of parking and traffic-related matters. In order to put matters in hand, he suggested a meeting with representatives of the Parish Council and Network Rail/ First North Western, during the week commencing 22nd September 2003. Although Capita wish to conduct a further survey of traffic problems in Arnside, Mr Pate was of the opinion that enough is known about the problems, and that the money available would be better spent in accordance with a consensus of opinions of the representatives attending the meeting.

Several Councillors spoke, in order to emphasise their anger at the repeated failures of the County Council to implement measures which had been promised. Councillor Keefe also stated that he had been personally embarrassed by the latest communiques from Mr Raymond, having previously assured members of the Parish Plan Steering Committee that (a) the County Council has promised that a parking survey would be carried out in 2003, and (b) that the County Council is continuing efforts to secure car parking arrangements, in the old Station Yard. To hear that these plans have been rescinded is outrageous and totally unacceptable.

6026 Report from District Councillor Richard Rollins

1. Councillor Rollins advised that the District Council is considering the appointment of an additional Dog Warden. However, he wondered whether this Council would prefer to be granted enforcement powers, as had been suggested some years ago. This will be considered at the next meeting.

2. Councillor Rollins mentioned that he has received several queries about the new re-cycling scheme and will be happy to look into others. The Chairman made the point that there is confusion over collection days because, in some cases, the calendars do not correspond with dates on accompanying literature. Councillor Casey criticised the District Council for wasting a lot of money on producing calendars and inferior literature.

3. Councillor Rollins advised that he had voted in favour of a new unitary authority, comprising the current Districts of Lancaster, South Lakeland and Barrow in Furness, having noted the preference for same, in a feedback from Members of this Council. The Clerk advised that the Boundary Commission had sought the views of this Council but, as the closing date was the date of this meeting, he had sent an e-mail response, in favour of this suggestion, based upon the feedback given to Councillor Rollins. It was noted, however, that the majority vote of SLDC was in favour of a unitary authority comprising South Lakeland and Barrow in Furness, but not including Lancaster.

4. Councillor Rollins explained the new ALMA initiative, which is intended to separate the management of Council houses, from the normal business of SLDC, but which will also attract considerable funding from central Government, for property improvements.

5. The Chairman stated that he had found that the Carnforth Household Waste Disposal Centre is now closed to residents of Cumbria, who are being advised to go to Kendal. Members consider that the Kendal site is unsuitable for an increased number of users. Councillor Rollins responded by stating that Cumbria County Council has responsibility for such facilities, and he believes that they are attempting to make arrangements for Carnforth to be re-opened to Cumbria residents.

6. In response to a reminder, Councillor Rollins undertook to ‘chase up’ the appropriate SLDC department, regarding the removal of a street light from Black Dyke Road, which needs replacing.

6027 Matters raised by Members of the Public for consideration.

A member of the public made the comment that disabled persons are entitled to park on yellow lines, and this should be borne in mind during the meeting concerning parking.

6028 Arnside Bike and Skate Group

There was no representative present, but Councillor Colwell understands that a Planning Application will soon be submitted to SLDC.

6029 Finance

(a) The Financial Summary for July and August 2003 was received and approved.

(b) It was RESOLVED that Councillor Hunt be appointed to the Finance Committee, the Internal Audit Committee, and be appointed as a bank signatory.

6030 Mileage Allowances

It was noted that the Mileage Allowance rates, recommended by the National Joint Council for Local Government Services, has been revised. The rate for the smallest engine size (voluntarily adopted by Officers and Members of this Council) is now 36.4p per mile.

6031 Committee Reports:

a. Foreshore

1. The Chairman reported that a public seat on the Lower Promenade has been broken.

2. It has been noted that this Council has not been made aware of a number of Cross-Bay Walks, which have occurred recently. The Clerk will write to Morecambe Bay Partnership, to request a full list of walks to be held next year.

b. Highways

1. There have been complaints about a ’sandwich van’ trading on the western section of the Promenade. As it is understood that vending is prohibited along this section, the Clerk will write to SLDC.

2. The Chairman has almost finished compiling a lengthy list of outstanding items of work for the past five years, and will then bring these to the attention of the appropriate authorities.

3. The Chairman had noted that the roadworks in Silverdale Road, had been left with traffic lights not working, for two days. He had reported this to the Police and matters were rectified shortly afterwards.

c. Playing Field Advisory Committee

1. Councillor Colwell had circulated Minutes of the last meeting of the Playing Field Committee, which were duly noted.

2. Following a question from the Treasurer, it was RESOLVED that it is now appropriate to transfer the £1,000 grant to the Arnside Bike and Skate Group.

3. The Treasurer asked about the estimated costs of maintaining the skateboard park, and it was agreed to ask members of the Group to attend the next meeting, in order to address this question.

4. A letter has been received from a member of the public, who had hired the Football Club pavilion for a private party, which led to complaints about noise. The writer accepted responsibility and apologised for the incident.

5. The Bowling Club has written to request permission to replace a section of wire fencing with timber and concrete fencing, to match the remainder of the fence. Some Members were not happy with this proposal and the matter is therefore deferred for site inspections.

6. Councillor Colwell reported that she had noticed that a window of the Cricket Club pavilion had been left open, whilst the premises were unoccupied. As these are licensed premises she had reported the matter to the Police, who had advised the Club to improve their security procedures.

d. Cemetery

Councillor Casey reported that the Open Day at the Cemetery Chapel had been very successful.

e. Allotments

Nothing to report

f. Vital Villages - Parish Plan

1. Councillor Keefe presented copies of the completed Parish Plan to all Members, and the Plan was formally received by the Council. Councillor Keefe wished to record his thanks to the members of the Steering Group, whose constitution had varied over the past year, but had been mainly comprised of residents, who are not members of the Parish Council. Councillor Hargreaves expressed thanks to Councillor Keefe for his magnificent efforts, and these were endorsed by other Members of the Council.

2. It was noted that full copies of the Plan will be placed in a range of places accessible to members of the public, and that an ‘electronic’ version will be placed on the Parish Council’s web site. An eight-page condensed version of the Plan will be delivered to every home in the Parish.

3. It has been noted that the Action Plan suggests that many of the recommendations should be led by the Parish Council, and that these might have budgetary implications. It was therefore agreed that a Special Meeting of the Council will be held on Saturday 11th October, at 0930 hours. On this occasion the Parish Office ’surgery’ will be cancelled, although members of the public will still be entitled to attend the meeting, subject to Standing Orders.

4. There is a need to establish a Parish Plan Management Group, and it is hoped that this might be progressed at the public meeting scheduled for 1st October.

5. There is a need to establish a Cemetery Chapel Advisory Group, and this will be subject to formal approval at the next meeting. It was however agreed that the Group should be established as soon as possible, without waiting for formal approval.

6. The Treasurer expressed concern that the Finance Committee would be unable to include any financial provision for the implementation of recommendations emanating from the Plan, and he therefore suggested a re-scheduling of the date for the budget meeting. It was RESOLVED that the next meeting of the Finance Committee be held on Monday 20th October, at 7.15pm.

AONB Executive Committee, 27th August.
Councillor Colwell had previously distributed copies of her report, which was noted.

Joint Parish Councils Committee 21st August
Councillor Keefe confirmed that the main item of discussion had been a proposal that the constituent parish councils should subscribe to a Memorandum of Agreement with the Countryside Agency, agreeing to a specified figure of donations to the AONB each year until March 2005, with three-yearly reviews thereafter. The object of this Agreement would be to secure enhanced contributions from the Countryside Agency, and the representatives determined that they would recommend the scheme to their councils.

The Clerk pointed out that donations to the AONB are made under Section 137 of the Local Government Act 1972, and could not be used to finance the work of any statutory authority, nor to pay for work which might fall within any statutory powers. He reminded Members that there had been some concern about the legality of making the contribution last year, and that it had been determined that this year’s payment would be conditional upon receiving a list of work done during the period of April to September, and which is outside the scope of the statutory powers referred to. The Clerk advised that this Council should not subscribe to the Memorandum, unless a satisfactory Service Level Agreement is forthcoming from the AONB.

6032 Planning Matters:

a. The following applications were considered, and comments made as indicated:

SL/2003/1859 - The Annexe, rear of Holmleigh and Ellerhow, Silverdale Road - Outline Planning Application for demolition of existing building & erection of dwelling: OBJECTIONS on the grounds that the development will conflict with PPG03 and other associated policies. There are also concerns about the very bad access to the site, which will need to be resolved for any development of the site. Note: Councillor Hunt declared a non-prejudicial interest in the site of this application, which she has been assessing for trading purposes.

SL/2003/1894 - Sandhurst, 47 The Promenade - removal of existing house , and replacement with 6 apartments: OBJECTIONS on the grounds that the development will conflict with PPG03 and other associated policies. The Council also wish to point out that, even if these policies did not exist, Members would still find it necessary to object to the proposal on the grounds that it would create traffic problems, there is insufficient room for cars to manoeuvre, it is too close to neighbouring properties and too large for the site. If the developer were to propose Affordable Housing, of a smaller size, this Council might look more favourably on an Application. It has been noted that several large trees have been felled, very recently, despite the statement to the contrary, in the Application.

SL/2003/1895 - 17 Plantation Avenue - replacement garage and car port: NO

OBJECTIONS.

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

SL/2003/1538 - Wood Close - dwelling: REFUSED.

SL/2003/1570 - 8 Plantation Grove - extensions and alterations: GRANTED.

SL/2003/1590 - Gallery H, The Promenade - replacement windows: GRANTED.

SL/2003/1593 - Gallery H, The Promenade - external lighting: GRANTED.

SL/2003/1609 - 2 Kingswood, Redhills Road - garage with decking above: REFUSED.

SL/2003/1679 - Mitjorn, Beachwood - extension: GRANTED.

6033 Correspondence:

a. 31 items of correspondence, received since the last meeting, were tabled for information.

b. Action was agreed on the following items:

1. CALC - Registration Form for AQA qualification.(50% x £55):- deferred until late 2003 or early 2004.

2. Cumbria Training Partnership - training programme for Autumn 2003:- RESOLVED that the Clerk be authorised to attend any appropriate courses, as and when they occur.

3. Arnside Bike and Skate Group - request for two cheques: (a) £110.00 Planning Application Fee, and (b) £21.00 for provision of site location plans by SLDC, both items relating to the proposed Skateboard Park:- refused, as the fees can be paid out of Group funds, having regard to the transfer of £1,000 to the Group.

4. SLDC - copies of existing Planning Permission for Car Parking area on Foreshore:- noted for future reference.

6034 Appointments to outside organisations

(a) RESOLVED that Councillor Keefe be appointed as Parish Council representative to the Kent Estuary Neighbourhood Forum (in addition to Councillor Gallagher), and also to the Morecambe Bay Partnership.

(b) RESOLVED that Councillor Pierce be elected a representative to the CALC South Lakeland Committee, in place of former Councillor Innes. Advice has been received that this Council is entitled to a second representative, but there were no volunteers for this second place.

(c) It was noted that a representative to the Governors of the Burton-in-Kendal Educational Foundation will not be required until the end of May 2004, and that the nomination will be for a two year period (appointment alternates with Beetham Parish Council every two years).

6035 Amendments to Standing Orders

1. RESOLVED that Standing Order 21 be amended by the addition of the sentence “This Order shall be disapplied where, by Resolution, the Council considers that it would be impractical, or inappropriate, to invite the required number of quotes.”

2. RESOLVED that Standing Order 30 be deleted.

3. RESOLVED that Standing Order 34 be replaced by the wording:

Urgent matters arising between ordinary meetings of the Council shall be considered by the Chairman and at least three other members (one of which shall, if possible, be the Vice-Chairman), and recommendations made to the Proper Officer of the Council. The Proper Officer shall have regard to these recommendations, and make the appropriate decision(s), on the basis of authority, which is hereby delegated in accordance with Section 101 of the Local Government Act 1972. The Proper Officer shall report details of the decision(s) made to the next Ordinary Meeting of the Council. In the case of an emergency, where it is not practical, or appropriate, to comply with the foregoing procedure, the Proper Officer may make a decision on behalf of the Council, in accordance with powers similarly delegated, but will seek to obtain retrospective approval, as soon as is reasonably possible.

4. RESOLVED that he whole of Standing Orders should be re-written and re-numbered, but that implementation should be deferred until after there has been consideration of any further changes to Standing Orders, consequent upon the Council’s intention to seek “Quality Parish” status.

6036 Review of Street Lighting

Quotations have been received for the supply of one “Green Column” street light, having power derived from a wind turbine, possibly with a solar panel, but it is noted that none of the suppliers are able to provide an installation service. The Clerk and the Chairman will explore possibilities of the work being undertaken by a local contractor, and report to a future meeting.

6037 Proposed Waste Water Transfer Scheme

The only communication since the last meeting has been for United Utilities to seek confirmation of the location of a manhole in Ashleigh Road, which has been known to leak sewage. It is understood that United Utilities will arrange for the defect to be rectified.

6038 Ashmeadow House

(a) There has not been an official announcement about an agreement having been reached by the Abbeyfield Society, and the Trustees of the Estate of the late John Barnes.

(b) RESOLVED that, in the event that the Abbeyfield Society does not purchase Ashmeadow House, Arnside Parish Council will negotiate enthusiastically to take a lease on Ashmeadow House.

It was noted that Councillor Keefe has had discussions with the North West Development Agency, and been given to understand that significant Grant Aid would be forthcoming, if the proposals of the Council should include the provision of work spaces. It was also noted that the Clerk had held a site meeting, with three senior representatives of the Library Service, all of whom had been positively in favour of re-locating the Arnside Branch Library to Ashmeadow House. Similarly, it was noted that the Manager of the AONB Unit has expressed a strong desire for the whole of the Unit to be re-located to Ashmeadow House.

(c) The Chairman informed Members that he has been invited to attend a meeting of the Building Committee, being established by the Abbeyfield Society, and he therefore declared a non-prejudicial interest. If the Society’s purchase proceeds, the Chairman will notify the Monitoring Officer, so that his interest can be officially recorded.

6039 Kerbside Re-cycling Scheme

It was agreed that the publicity has been unsatisfactory. However, the review of the situation is deferred until the next meeting, as the scheme has been in operation for less than 24 hours.

6040 Matters Arising from Minutes of Previous Meetings

6019 Items raised for Information (f): The Treasurer has established that the invoice should have been addressed to SLDC

6041 Date of next Ordinary Meeting

The next Ordinary Meeting will be held on Monday October 13th 2003, at 7.15pm.

The meeting closed at 10.05pm
Peter G. Challenor

Clerk to the Council