8026 Minutes: of the Annual Parish Council Meeting of the Arnside Parish Council, held in the Parish Council Office, Church Hill, Arnside, on Monday 10th May 2004.

8027 Present: Chairman - Councillor D.M.(David) Willacy, Councillors J.G.(Jack) Baker, J.M.(Jean) Colwell, J.P.(John) Gallagher, K.(Ken) Hargreaves, R.J.(Ros) Hunt, M.P.(Pat) Pierce, the Clerk - P.G.(Peter) Challenor, the Treasurer - A.(Tony) Cookson, District Councillor R.(Richard) Rollins, PC Friend, and one member of the public.

8028 Election of Chairman

RESOLVED that Councillor Willacy be re-elected as Chairman of the Council. Councillor Willacy then signed the statutory Declaration of Acceptance of Office, which was witnessed by the Clerk.

8029 Election of Vice Chairman

RESOLVED that Councillor Casey be re-elected as Vice-Chairman of the Council.

8030 Apologies for Absence: Councillors P.E.(Ted) Casey, T.(Terry) Keefe, P.A.(Pete) McSweeney, C.J.(Chris) Murphy, and County Councillor I.(Ian) Stewart.

8031 Receipt of Declarations of Members’ Interests relating to any items appearing on the agenda.

Councillor Hunt declared a non-prejudicial interest in item 23, in that she is a close friend of one of the persons who are likely to be invited to tender.

8032 Minutes of the Previous Meetings:

The Minutes of the Ordinary Meetings held on Monday 19th and Monday 26th April 2004, were approved, and subsequently signed by the Chairman.

8033 Matters arising from the Minutes of previous meetings

8007 Correspondence / 19: £17.50 donation to Cumbria Playing Fields Association - this can be paid under S.111 of the Local Government Act 1972, so there is no need to establish benefit, but four Members in favour - RESOLVED that the donation be made.

8034 Election of Committee Members and Representatives.

RESOLVED that the following appointments be made:

Finance Committee

Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Cllrs. Colwell, Gallagher, Hargreaves, Hunt.

Internal Audit Committee

Any four Members who are not members of the Finance Committee.

Foreshore Committee

Cllrs. Willacy, Keefe, Hunt, Hargreaves.

Cemetery Committee

Cllrs. Casey, McSweeney.

Cemetery Chapel Development Committee

All Councillors are automatically members of this Committee.

Chairman: Cllr. McSweeney, Vice-Chairman: Councillor Gallagher,

Secretary to the Committee: Cllr. Hunt

Playing Field Advisory Committee

All Councillors are automatically members of this Committee.

Chairman: Cllr. Murphy, Secretary to the Committee: Cllr. Pierce

Allotments

Cllr. Hunt.

Arnside Knott Management Committee

All Councillors - The Chairman of the Council is automatically Chairman of this Committee.

Highways Officer

Cllr. Willacy.

Tree Preservation Officer

Cllr. Murphy.

Footpaths Officer

Cllr. Hunt

Police Liaison Officer

Cllr. Willacy

AONB Joint Parishes Committee

Cllr. Keefe

AONB Executive Committee

Cllr. Keefe

Beetham Exhibition Trust

Cllr. Hunt

Burton in Kendal Educational Foundation

Cllr. Casey (active from end of May 2004, for 2 years)

CALC

Cllr. Hargreaves

CALC South Lakeland Committee

Cllr. Pierce (+ one un-filled vacancy)

Kent Estuary Neighbourhood Forum

Cllrs. Gallagher and Keefe.

Morecambe Bay Partnership

Cllr. Keefe

8035 Standing Orders

Approval of Standing Orders was deferred, as the need for further modifications has recently become known.

8036 Matters raised by Members of the Public for consideration.

A member of the public made comments about (a) untidy strimming of hedgerows along Sandside Road, belonging to Dallam Tower Estates, and (b) mowing of grass, by Cumbria County Council, near to the bottle-bank, on Black Dyke Road.

8037 Police Report

The Chairman queried the recent use of the Police helicopter, and the incident involving four youths in Hagg Wood.

PC Friend mentioned the increased patrols for Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings and the seizure of significant quantities of alcohol from under-age drinkers. The youths are mainly coming from other areas, but the Police feel that they are now getting on top of the problem.

There have been two arrests, following break-ins at Ashmeadow House, and one car break-in.

Councillor Colwell asked that the Police give some publicity to the activities which are currently available to young people, when dealing with youth-related incidents.

Councillor Rollins reported that some businesses are receiving ’scam’ letters and passed examples to PC Friend, for action.

The Chairman made reference to the Police Surgeries and it was acknowledged that they are currently suspended.

8038 Report from County and District Councillor Ian Stewart

Councillor Stewart had sent his apologies for absence, and his report was not available.

8039 Report from District Councillor Richard Rollins

Councillor Rollins handed to the Clerk a copy of the official statement regarding the suspension of three SLDC officers, and explained to Members that he was prohibited from making additional comments. Councillor Colwell asked that there be a full public statement, once the investigations are complete, explaining exactly what has happened, and who is/are responsible.

Prior to responsibility for maintenance of footpaths being returned to Cumbria County Council, Councillor Rollins had made three attempts at getting the gate to footpath 502023 repaired, but had been unsuccessful.

8040 Finance

(a) The Financial Summary for April 2004 was received and approved.

(b) The Statement of Assurance to be submitted to the External Auditor, under Section 2 of the Annual Audit Return for the year ended 31st March 2004 was approved, with all answers being “yes”. The Chairman and the Clerk were authorised to sign the said Statement on behalf of the Council.

8041 Committee Reports:

a. Foreshore

The Chairman stated that he had received news from United Utilities that they intend to close the foreshore footpath, whilst taking their new pipeline from the foreshore into Ashmeadow, and to divert walkers through Ashmeadow Woods. This was despite the fact that they have previously maintained that the footpath would be kept open. Members felt that it would not be unreasonable to use steel plates, over the excavations, particularly as the use of the woodland would be totally inappropriate. The Clerk will write to express strong opposition to the proposal.

b. Highways

The Chairman reported that he had accompanied County Councillor Stewart and Mr Chris Baines on a tour of the village, which highlighted the need for repairs to potholes, footways, railings, and bridges over becks. There have been several complaints about the litter left along Sandside Road, following hedge flailing, by Dallam Estates. Councillor Stewart had already made representations.

The Chairman explained that he had received information from United Utilities, indicating that they intend to use “Brick Pond Field” for a pipe storage area, and to gain vehicular access from the north-westerly corner, opposite to Fairy Terrace. As this is a narrow part of the road, and will be used as part of the one-way route, whilst Station Road is closed, he suggested that there is likely to be major congestion. It was agreed that the Clerk should write to United Utilities to suggest that they use the old pole dump, on Sandside Road, instead.

c. Playing Field Advisory Committee

Nothing to report.

Action determined under Standing Order 34, at the recent site inspection, will be reported at the next meeting.

d. Cemetery

RESOLVED that the Cemetery Fees be increased from 1st July, to the following:

A) Grant of Right Fee (to a chosen or allocated grave space) £140.00

B) Internment Fee (ie., for burial in chosen or allocated grave) £70.00

C) Burial of child (up to 12 years of age) £35.00

D) Charge for Use of Chapel £15.00

E) Headstone Fee £60.00

F) Tablet/Plaque Fee £45.00

G) Fee for Additional Inscription £20.00

H) Grant of Right Fee (1/3 of grave space for ashes) £55.00

J) Fee for Burial of Ashes (in any grave space) £30.00

NB:

1) Subject to availability, it is currently possible for individuals who are not resident in either Arnside or Storth to purchase grave spaces. However, in such cases the Grant of Right Fees A) and H) above are increased to £280.00 and £110.00 respectively.

2) the Gravedigger’s costs are additional and not included in any of the above fees, but are paid separately by the client through the officiating undertaker.

3) the Parish Council’s fees are normally paid by clients through the appointed undertaker, and passed on to the Cemetery Custodian by Undertaker’s cheque on the day of internment in exchange for a matching Parish Council Invoice provided to the Undertaker.

4) Headstone/Tablet and Additional Inscription Fees are normally paid through the Custodian by the client’s Monumental Mason in similar fashion

e. Cemetery Chapel Advisory Committee.

Councillor Hunt informed the meeting that she will have to give up the responsibility of Secretary to the Committee, because of personal commitments, and asked Members to consider volunteering for the duties. She also advised that the Clerk has been requested to compile a new Constitution, as the existing one is considered inappropriate for a committee which does not have delegated powers.

The Chairman expressed thanks to those persons who did such excellent work in organising and running the recent Open Day, and these comments were endorsed by all present.

f. Allotments

Councillor Hunt referred to the recent site inspection, by four Members and the Clerk. It had been agreed that the Silver Birch tree, adjacent to Stewart Close, does not present a particular hazard and there is no need for any pruning, or felling.

g. Youth Project.

Councillor Colwell presented the Minutes of a meeting held on 1st March 2004. A further meeting had been well attended.

Plans for the skateboard park have not been submitted for Planning Permission, because the applicant is not happy with some minor points.

The new senior night is operating fortnightly, and will be held weekly, as from September.

Although the Youth Project is very grateful for the use of the room at the Educational Institute, the participants have to be reasonably quiet, and there is a need to access premises where they will be at greater liberty.

8042 Correspondence

Receipt of the following items was noted and action determined, by resolution, as indicated:

1. NALC - “Local Council Review”, May.

2. Countryside Agency - LHI News, February 2004

3. Mr Alan Taylor - letter of complaint about length of time for Station footbridge repairs.

4. SLDC - notice of appeal re Sandhurst, The Promenade.

5. SLDC - Supplementary Planning Guidance re Housing Provision.

6. Ms Sharon Clegg & Ms Diane Birrell - support for possible Community Building

7. Mr Jack Armitage - opposition to possible Community Building.

8. Ms Lindy Sharp - opposition to possible Community Building.

9. Cumbria CC - reply to Council’s enquiry about new TROs

10. Cumbria CC - consultation of Local Transport Plan 2 (2006-2012)

11. CALC - notice of 120th Meeting for South Lakeland District Committee.

12. Cumbria CC - response to enquiry about footpath maintenance by Parish Council.

RESOLVED that the Clerk should contact the Press, to express this Council’s disgust at the County Council’s proposed handling of footpath maintenance, which is considered to be a virtual dereliction of duty, particularly noting the following comments from the Interim Chief Executive of Cumbria County Council:

“The County Council, through its agent, Capita, inspect the rights of way and organise contractors to carry out maintenance work. This is done on a parish-by-parish basis, with the intention of visiting each parish once every five years. Due to budgetary constraints I am afraid this has slipped to eight or nine years. It is therefore unlikely that the County Council will be able to make any contribution to the Parish Council, other than during the year when your parish falls within the maintenance cycle.”

13. Cumbria CC - “Emergency Planning” meeting, at Workington, on 19th May.

14. SLDC - notice of European, and District elections.

8043 Planning Matters:

a. The following application was considered:

SL/2004/0509 - Station Garage, Arnside Ford, Station Road - replacement garage workshop: NO OBJECTIONS.

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

SL/2004/0262 - 12 Hollins Lane - porch: GRANTED.

SL/2004/0243 - Flat 9, Herons Reach, The Promenade - replacement UPVC windows: GRANTED.

SL/2004/0159 - Thornfield, Mount Pleasant - summerhouse: GRANTED.

8044 Urgent action taken in accordance with Standing Order 34 (other than Planning).

None.

8045 Insurance values of Council Property

Site inspections, coupled with an examination of the Asset Register insurance values, revealed the need to review certain items. The Treasurer will produce recommendations for consideration at the next meeting.

8046 Matters Arising from the Annual Parish Meeting (”Parish Assembly”).

Members took note of the comments made about the possibility of building a new Community Building on the Playing Field, and these comments, along with other written comments, will be considered at the next meeting.

Members commented on the good attendance, and the excellent presentation by members of the Arnside Parish Plan Trust.

8047 Monitoring of Visitors to the Parish Office.

Councillor Hunt had previously circulated copies of her report analysing the monitoring reports from December 2003 to April 2004, of visitors to the Parish Office and enquiries, or matters of concern. It was agreed that the numbers are very encouraging and support the need to continue opening the Office on Wednesdays and Saturdays. The present system will continue for a further two months, after which it might be desirable to include an analysis of where people come from, and how they get to the Office.

8048 Planning Permission for the Foreshore Car Parking Area.

RESOLVED that the Clerk should make enquiries about the cost of applying for Planning Permission to raise the level of the area, and to form a public car park.

8049 Provision of additional Litter Bins

The need to “…press for more effective management of litter bins…” is referred to in ESS 4.2 of the Parish Plan, and it is therefore considered appropriate to refer the matter to the Arnside Parish Plan Trust, for detailed recommendations.

8050 Logo for Parish Council Use.

The Clerk produced the official rubber stamp, used to endorse certificates to foreign governments, and other official purposes. It was agreed that this is of such a deplorable quality as to be an embarrassment to the Council. RESOLVED that at least two competitive tenders be invited for the design of a logo that can be used on stationery of differing sizes, and for a new official rubber stamp, and that the maximum budget be £150.

8051 Items for Information.

1. Attention was drawn to the need to draw up a job specification for a future Parish Contractor, although it was emphasised that Members are very satisfied with the work undertaken by the current Contractor. It might also be appropriate to record the extra work, which is currently undertaken voluntarily by the Parish Contractor.

2. The vacancy for a Playing Fields Toilet Cleaner is to be advertised in the next edition of the Broadsheet. The Treasurer will liaise with the Chairman concerning the drafting of pay and conditions, which will be considered at the next meeting.

3. It was noted that the Minute numbering system had erroneously missed numbers 7100-7999, which will remain unused.

4. The request from the Bowling Club that the Council should purchase some railings, on behalf of the Club, in order to avoid incurring VAT, had been refused, as this would be contrary to the ruling of HM Customs & Excise.

5. The Chairman had been advised that the contractor to United Utilities would conduct test blasting, in the grounds of Ashmeadow, on Monday 24th May. The Chairman will advise Members of the timing, as soon as he is informed.

8052 Date of next Ordinary Meeting

The next Ordinary Meeting will be held on Monday 14th June 2004, at 7.15pm. Items for the agenda to reach the Clerk by no later than Friday 4th June, and copies of reports to reach the Clerk by no later than Monday 7th June.

Peter G. Challenor

Clerk to the Council