2003/10/13
6046 Minutes: of a meeting of the Arnside Parish Council, held in the Parish Council Office, Church Hill, Arnside, on Monday 13th October 2003.
6047 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, PC Brooks, PC Friend-Glover, and four members of the public.
6048 Apologies for Absence: none.
6049 Minutes: The Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting held on Monday 8th September 2003,were amended at Minutes 6024, 6026 and 6031. They were then approved and then signed by the Chairman.
6050 Police Report
PC Brooks referred to Minute 6024 and stated that the Police had, in fact, attended the reported incident of under-age drinking. The Chairman explained that, at the time of reporting to the Council, he had no evidence of an attendance being made.
In further investigations the Police had detected that the ‘under-age drinkers’ had not purchased the alcohol concerned, but that it had been supplied by older persons.
Three Police Surgeries have now been held, but the attendance has been very poor. Members expressed concern that the surgeries might be terminated, and therefore agreed to request that a note be included in the Broadsheet. The Clerk will deal with this matter.
PC Friend-Glover introduced herself as the Officer replacing PC Noble, and as having a special interest in Arnside. She had attended an incident of under-age drinking, and had insisted that the alcohol be poured down nearby drains, and that the empty bottles/cans be placed in a litter bin. She also drew attention to several incidents of egg-throwing at windows, buildings and cars. The Council undertook to submit an article to the Broadsheet, urging parents to intervene, if they detect that their children are removing eggs from their homes, or have them in their possession.
The Chairman advised the Police that a broken seat, found by the shelter on the Lower Promenade, had been removed from the Playing Field. He also estimated that the cost of damage, due to vandalism, so far this year, is in excess of £3,000.
6051 Report from County and District Councillor Ian Stewart
1. Councillor Stewart advised Members that the County Council has not received a response from Network Rail, to the request for a meeting to discuss car parking, and associated matters.
2. On the 3rd November there will be a re-launch of Cumbria Highways. The ‘Hot line’ will be reorganised, so as to facilitate better feedback on the progress of works and reported defects. The Clerk will be provided with facilities to enable him to gain direct access to the progress records.
3. Social Services will be providing additional funds for services for the elderly and for young people.
4. The District Council has recently been subject to a Comprehensive Review, resulting in an assessment of “weak”. There is an action plan to rectify deficiences, prior to re-assessment in 6 months time. Continuing weakness would result in the imposition of direct control by the Government. Members asked about any implication for the Parish Council and were advised that there would be none. In response to a comment that “there may be too many chiefs”, Councillor Stewart stated that the hierarchy is already being trimmed.
5. The Chairman advised Councillor Stewart of a letter, received from a resident of Carr Bank Road, drawing attention to a serious road accident hazard resulting from the removal of a hedge, by the Environment Agency, near to Leighton Beck Bridge. The Chairman endorsed the comments made in the letter, and asked Councillor Stewart to look into the possibility of reducing the hazard.
6. The Chairman advised Councillor Stewart that he has compiled a list of highways works, which have not been implemented, and stated that he will draw them to the attention of Ms Powley.
7. Councillor Colwell asked about the extra funds for youth work, mentioned earlier, and was advised to contact Mr Wrigley.
6052 Report from District Councillor Richard Rollins
1. Councillor Rollins advised that he is continuing to pursue the question of having a replacement installed, for the light removed for a former BT pole in Black Dyke Road. He explained the complexities of the case and advised that the cost of providing a replacement should fall to the Parish Council. The Clerk explained that records indicate that the light was provided in 1952 and was therefore included in the schedule of lights taken-over by SLDC in 1974. As the District Council has a statutory duty to maintain such lights, he asserted that removal of the light, without providing a replacement, is a breach of the said statutory duty. It would, in his opinion, be unlawful for the Parish Council to pay for a replacement light, as this might result in ‘double taxation’.
A further concern of Councillor Rollins is that, in this particular case, the provision of a replacement light would result in the provision of an additional column, at this point, which would be contrary to the aims of the AONB. He will therefore seek dispensation for a replacement light to be attached to the new BT pole.
The Chairman reported the removal of a further light from a condemned BT pole, and has knowledge of several other locations where this is likely to happen.
2. SLDC staff are being re-graded, in accordance with Government policy, and Councillor Rollins expressed his concern about the resulting additional cost being in the region of £500,000.
3. SLDC is considering an increase in the number of Dog Wardens, at an estimated cost of £76,000. He wondered whether Members of this Council would be in favour of delegation to parish level, as an alternative. It was noted that this was an agenda item.
4. Councillor Rollins confirmed that SLDC is to debate the possibility of returning, to Cumbria County Council, the delegated duties for maintenance of small roads and footpaths. There is some concern about returning footpaths, and Councillor Rollins indicated his intention to vote for retention. The Clerk reminded Councillor Rollins that this Council has already written to SLDC, opposing a possible return of footpaths, and suggesting that discussions take place about a possible further delegation to this Parish Council.
5. The question of reinstating, travel tokens, in substitution for bus passes, is being considered, but resources will only permit the issue to disabled persons. Councillor Rollins wished to remind residents that SLDC is required to pay for all bus passes issued, regardless of whether they are used. He therefore asked that residents should not apply unless they genuinely intend to make use of the bus service.
6053 Matters raised by Members of the Public for consideration.
1. A member of the public stated that he is opposed to the proposal of the Bowling Club to replace the sections of chain-link fencing, with wooden panels within concrete posts, as this would obstruct the view of spectators.
2. Another member of the public asked about the contract for maintenance of the Station Gardens, on Station Road/Black Dyke Road, and asked that the low branches of trees be cut back, and that further weeding should take place.
3. A further member of the public commented on the lack of a report for the past few months, concerning the Allotments, and questioned whether the waiting list has changed.
6054 Arnside Bike and Skate Group
Mr Colin Blain explained that a Planning Application has been submitted, but processing has been delayed, because he was asked to supply further information. Fund-raising has attracted a somewhat poor response, but Mr Blain thanked the Council for passing-on the SLDC grant of £1,000.
6055 Finance
(a) The Financial Summary for September 2003 was received and approved.
(b) The Treasurer reminded Members of the difficulties he has experienced in getting a information from Royal & Sun Alliance, in response to a long-standing query. Although he had just received the answer, he felt that it might be appropriate to consider changing to the NALC / Cornhill Insurance scheme. It was agreed that he should obtain a quotation and report back to the Council.
(c) The Chairman reported that the Parish Contractor is currently on sick leave, whilst recovering from an operation. The Chairman is making arrangements for essential work to be carried-out, during Mr Taylor’s absence.
6056 Committee Reports:
a. Foreshore
1. The Chairman has discovered another outfall (UID) on the foreshore.
2. The Chairman wished to record his thanks to the group of volunteers who have undertaken the ‘renovation’ and maintenance of the Jubilee Gardens, on the Promenade. He considers that the Gardens now look better than they have done for many years.
b. Highways
1. The Chairman has now completed the list of outstanding items of work for the past five years, mentioned at last month’s meeting, and it will be sent to County Highways in the next few days. Arrangements will be made for a site meeting with Ms Powney.
2. The hedge on the B5282 still needs cutting. A road-sweeping vehicle was in the village today, but did little work, and the Chairman will therefore ask for it to retuern.
3. A street light at the bottom of Briery Bank has been demolished by an unidentified vehicle. The £500 cost of replacement falls to the Parish Council, as this light was installed subsequent to 1974. The question of insurance was raised, and the Treasurer will investigate the possibility of making a claim.
4. The seat at the junction of Orchard Road and Silverdale Road has been broken.
5. Gutter grills in Briery Bank have been lifted and re-set, which has disturbed the re-surfacing work undertaken quite recently.
c. Playing Field Advisory Committee
Referring to Minute 6031(5), Councillor Colwell asked for a decision about the request, from the Bowling Club, for permission to replace the section of chain-link fencing with timber panels and concrete posts. Several Members indicated that they had conducted their own site inspections and it was therefore deemed appropriate to put the matter to a vote. RESOLVED that the request be refused.
d. Cemetery
Councillor Casey reported that the owner of a grave space has applied for permission to sell the space back to the Council, as she and her husband are moving away from the area. There does not appear to be any reason why this cannot be done.
e. Allotments
Councillor Hunt confirmed that there are three persons on the waiting list and that she will submit a full report at the next meeting.
f. Vital Villages - Parish Plan
1. Councillor Keefe reported that there had been a very well attended, and successful, meeting on October 1st, to launch the Parish Plan. Wednesday 15th October is the date for the first meeting of the new Parish Plan Management Committee.
2. The proposed Constitution of the new Cemetery Chapel Advisory Group will be presented for confirmation at the next Ordinary Meeting of the Council.
- Parking and Traffic (informal meeting with representatives of Cumbria County Council).
The Chairman presented a written report of an informal meeting, called at short notice and attended by those Councillors who were available. After a discussion about the problems of providing parking for rail users, within the former Station Yard, representatives turned their attention to problems associated with roadway parking. Suggestions were made about the possibility of problems being eased by applying parking restrictions in parts of Station Road and two sections of Silverdale Road.Members agreed that this report should be sent for consideration by the Traffic, Parking & Transport Action Group, with a request for recommendations, before being considered further by this Council.h. Youth Project
Councillor Colwell stated that the Project has a new Chairperson, and that the next meeting would be on November 15th, when they would hope to arrange some fund-raising initiative. The Junior Group has a full membership of 24, with a waiting list, and is thought to running very successfully, at the E.I. There is however a need for further help to get the Senior Group into full operation.
i Kent Estuary Neighbourhood Forum.
It was reported that there had been two applications from organisations in Arnside, submitted for consideration at the last meeting.
6057 Proposed Constitution of a new Parish Plan Management Group.
This item was deferred until the next Ordinary Meeting, in order to receive recommendations from the inaugural meeting, scheduled for October 15th.
6058 Correspondence:
a. 23 items of correspondence, received since the last meeting, were tabled for information.
b. Action was agreed on the following items:
1. Residents should be made aware that Pensions Advice Surgeries are held at Arnside Medical Centre every Friday , except the first Friday in month, from 9.30 to 11.30am.
2. An explanatory note has been received about the status of WI / Village Hall. Councillors Pierce and Colwell declared non-prejudicial interests, as soon as this item was tabled. Councillor Pierce also declared that, she is president of the WI. Iit is her opinion that there are some significant errors in the document, and that it should be disregarded.
3. A Report has been received from the AONB detailing six months of non-statutory work undertaken by Mr Tony Riden, assisted by volunteers. Receipt of this report had previously been determined as a pre-requisite condition for the making of a donation to the AONB funds. The Clerk advised that the contents of the report were adequate to justify making a donation under Section 137 of the Local Government Act 1972. RESOLVED that a donation of £900 be made, as in previous years.
6059 Planning Matters:
a. It was noted that the following applications were dealt with under the provisions of Standing Order 34, and decisions made as indicated:
SL/2003/1897 - Plot 2, The Grange, New Barns Road - dwelling: OBJECTIONS. It was agreed that the Parish Council should recommend refusal of this Planning Application on the same grounds as those made for the previous applications (one for three houses, and the other for two houses). It was then noted that the development was in conflict with Policy 41 of the Cumbria and Lake District Joint Structure Plan and also Policies H5 and S4 of the South Lakeland Local Plan. The Parish Council strongly resists the proposal as being a ‘piecemeal’ development of the area as a whole. Additionally, the proposal is now in conflict with PPG03, and should therefore be rejected.
SL/2003/1922 - 10 Far Close Drive - kitchen extension and dormer windows: NO OBJECTIONS
SL/2003/1982 - Hillbrey Cottage, 5 Parkside Drive - conservatory (re-submission of 5/03/1284): NO OBJECTIONS.
b. The following applications were considered, and comments made as indicated:
SL/2003/1964 - Kincraig, Stonycroft Drive - extension and alterations including decking area: NO OBJECTIONS.
SL/2003/1966 - 87 Silverdale Road - railings adjacent to road (retrospective): OBJECTIONS on the grounds that the railings are out of character with the neighbourhood, and also the character of this area of the AONB. It is thought that the desired enclosure would be better achieved by raising the height of the existing wall, with matching stonework, which would be consistent with the high walls found in other locations within the village.
SL/2003/1997 - 14 Swinnate Road - two storey extension: NO OBJECTIONS.
SL/2003/2008 - Asoka, Stonycroft Drive - extensions and alterations: NO OBJECTIONS.
c. The following decisions of the District Council were noted:
SL/2003/1640 - 14a Plantation Avenue - single storey extension and conservatory: GRANTED.
SL/2003/1895 - 17 Plantation Avenue - replacement garage and carport: GRANTED.
d. It was noted that the following Application has been WITHDRAWN:
SL/2003/1894 - Sandhurst, The Promenade - removal of existing house and replacement with 6 apartments.
6060 Urgent action taken in accordance with Standing Order 34 (other than Planning).
It was noted that it had been necessary to authorise the immediate replacement of street lighting column 373, on Briery Bank, which had been severely damaged by an unknown vehicle. The estimated cost is £500.
6061 Review of Street Lighting
The Clerk reported that he has received a quotation from Cumbria Contracting Services for installation of a “Green Column” street light, at Black Dyke Road, on the pavement adjacent to the boundaries between numbers 37 and 39. The estimated cost, subject to confirmation at a site visit, is £120 for erection of the column, plus £46 for installation of the associated items. The overall cost of the unit, including installation, but excluding delivery charge, amounting to £2,190.85, was approved in principle. RESOLVED that the Clerk should determine a final agreement, under the provisions of Standing Order 34, and be authorised to arrange for the purchase and installation of the unit.
6062 Kerbside Re-cycling Scheme.
The Chairman reported that bins and boxes are still being delivered, as and when shortages are identified. He is aware of several ongoing problems, which are repeatedly being reported to SLDC, some of which should have been corrected several weeks ago. It is noted however that SLDC have published a press release indicating that the pilot scheme has been very successful, so far.
6063 Noticeboards
Having taken advice from the Parish Plan Education and Communications Action Group, and also from CALC, it was RESOLVED that the quotation from L.A. Earl & Co, for replacement of the Council Noticeboard, on the Promenade, at a cost of £1,100 + vat, being the lowest quotation received, be accepted. It was further RESOLVED that the same contractor be invited to quote for replacement of the door on the Council Noticeboard, attached to the wall of the Educational Institute, with a top-hinged door, in order to facilitate proper display of certain statutory documents. Acceptance of this latter quotation will be handled under the provisions of Standing Order 34. It was confirmed that sponsorship of the Public Notices section of the noticeboard on the Promenade would still be permissible, but that this must not extend to the statutory sections.
6064 Maintenance of Public Footpaths.
The Chairman reported that he is aware of several deficiencies in the maintenance of public footpaths, and he is therefore liaising with SLDC. He will report back to the next meeting. The Clerk will contact SLDC about the rock which is sticking proud of the surface to the footpath adjacent to The Common.
6065 Enforcement of regulations concerning fouling by dogs.
District Councillor Rollins had invited this Council to consider accepting delegated powers from SLDC. RESOLVED that this Council does not wish to accept delegation of powers for enforcement of regulations concerning fouling by dogs.
6066 Cost of maintaining the proposed skateboard park.
At this stage it is not practical to forecast the costs involved and the item is therefore deferred.
6067 Matters Arising from Minutes of Previous Meetings
6031 Committee Reports(b) Highways (1): The Clerk reported that he had contacted both SLDC and Cumbria CC about the question of the ’sandwich van’ reported to be trading on The Promenade. Both Councils denied having any statutory interest, and he therefore advised County & District Councillor Stewart of the situation. Councillor Stewart encountered the same response, and would therefore approach the Police, on behalf of this Council.
6068 Items for Information
1. The Treasurer reported that he has received a refund of more than £500 from our present insurers.
2. The Chairman confirmed that the village Fireworks Display will be held on The Pier, on November 5th, commencing at 7.00pm.
6069 Date of next Ordinary Meeting
The next Ordinary Meeting will be held on Monday November 10th 2003, at 7.15pm.
The meeting closed at 10.05pm
Peter G. Challenor
Clerk to the Council