8053 Minutes: of an Ordinary Meeting of the Arnside Parish Council, held in the Parish Council Office, Church Hill, Arnside, on Monday 14th June 2004.

8054 Present: Chairman - Councillor D.M.(David) Willacy, Councillors P.E.(Ted) Casey, J.M.(Jean) Colwell, R.J.(Ros) Hunt, T.(Terry) Keefe, P.A.(Pete) McSweeney, M.P.(Pat) Pierce, the Clerk - P.G.(Peter) Challenor, County Councillor I.(Ian) Stewart, District Councillor R.(Richard) Rollins. PCs Friend and McCanney and four members of the public.

8055 Apologies for Absence:. Councillors J.G.(Jack) Baker, J.P.(John) Gallagher, K.(Ken) Hargreaves, C.J.(Chris) Murphy, and the Treasurer - A.(Tony) Cookson.

8056 Receipt of Declarations of Members’ Interests relating to any items appearing on the agenda.

There were no declarations.

8057 Minutes of the Previous Meeting:

The Minutes of the Annual Parish Council Meeting held on Monday 10th May 2004, were approved, and subsequently signed by the Chairman.

8058 Matters arising from the Minutes of previous meetings

There were no matters arising.

8059 Matters raised by Members of the Public for consideration.

A member of the public made comments about (a) sunken manholes outside Holly Bank, (b) chevrons instead of barriers at Leighton Beck, (c) delay in provision of road parking restrictions, (d) visibility obstruction at junction of Station Road and Sandside Road, caused by Snowberry, and (e) obstructions to Pier Lane.

8060 Police Report

PC Friend introduced PC McCanney, who is based at Milnthorpe, but sharing the reference for Arnside.

PC Friend reported that the area had been “fairly quiet”, but her report mentioned (a) recent fire in the Ladies public toilet, and (b) graffiti on AONB bench adjacent to the Station - arrests made in connection with this and several other incidents.

Councillors mentioned (a) a vehicle theft resulting from the keys being left readily available, (b) a youth riding a trials bike on the foreshore, and (c) a motorised scooter being ridden on a public footway.

8061 Report from County and District Councillor Ian Stewart

Councillor Stewart preceded his report by stating that he would investigate the matters raised by the member of the public during item 5 of the agenda.

The report included (a) the request from the Electoral Commission for views about the operation of the postal ballot scheme, (b) 5 complaints, about Councillor Stewart, had been made to the Standards Board, but the Board had decided that there was no case to be made and further investigation was ruled out, and (c) the Clerk’s request for e-mail contacts, instead of telephone contacts, for street care contractors, is being progressed.

8062 Report from District Councillor Richard Rollins

Councillor Rollins asked that the Council should consider the suggestion that Affordable Housing Units (probably flats above garages) be constructed in the old quarry, behind Kings Close, accessed from Queens Drive, and advise SLDC accordingly. This will be an agenda item for the next meeting.

The report also made reference to the complaint, received from a visitor, about the state of the public toilets at Arnside. They are cleaned at 7.30am, and it is accepted that they can become dirty by the evening, but there is no possibility of additional cleaning visits being paid for by SLDC. Councillor Rollins will fight hard to keep these toilets open, despite funding problems.

8063 Finance

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

(b) The Treasurer had submitted a revised schedule of asset values, for consideration by the Council. This was approved, with the exception of the following points:

(1) The Council does not own a trailer

(2) The entry “mowers and similar” should be deleted.

8064 Committee Reports:

a. Foreshore

Nothing to report.

b. Highways

The Chairman reported that there had not been any highways work done, since his report of some six weeks ago.

c. Playing Field Advisory Committee

(1) The next meeting will be on 22nd June.

(2) RESOLVED that RoSPA will not be requested to do a safety inspection before 30th June, when a representative from Playdales will be meeting Members on site, to discuss the work required.

d. Cemetery

Councillor Casey reported that the main undertakers had been informed of the increased Cemetery Fees, applicable from 1st July. He also advised of (a) a request for additional quarry bottoms to be laid on the lower track, and (b) the dumping of rubbish from a party.

The Chairman advised that the water supply has been re-connected.

There was a brief discussion of the arrangements which could be made to accommodate ‘green’ internments.

e. Cemetery Chapel Development Committee.

Councillor McSweeney submitted Reports of the Committee meetings held on 20th April and 24th May, together with the Summary of the Open Day held on 24th April, which were all received.

Notice was given of the events planned for June, July, August and September.

Councillor McSweeney also presented proposed revisions to the Committee Constitution, and it was RESOLVED that they be adopted forthwith. The revised Constitution is appended to these Minutes.

Councillor Hunt advised that her personal circumstances had changed, and that she is able to continue as Secretary of the Committee, although Councillor McSweeney offered to bear some of the administrative burden.

RESOLVED that the installation of services be delayed until Planning Permission has been obtained.

RESOLVED that authority be given for the commissioning of two test holes, near to the Cemetery Chapel, at an estimated cost of £250 each.

RESOLVED that authority be given for the expenditure of up to £40 on refreshments for the events scheduled for July and September.

RESOLVED that authority be given for the expenditure of up to £16 on the cost of printing flyers for the July event.

RESOLVED that authority be given for the submission of a Planning Application and the payment of a fee, not exceeding £110, should it be required

f. Allotments

Councillor Hunt reported that the grass to both sides of the entrance needs cutting - the Chairman will advise the Contractor. There has been a change of tenancy for Plot 13.

g. Beetham Exhibition Trust

There will be a meeting on 30th June, at which the grant rates will be set. There is a need for the appointment of a new County Council representative.

8065 Correspondence

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

1. McClure & Whitaker, insurance brokers - notice that their business has been taken over by Swinton Colonnade (including Arnside Parish Council insurance)

2. Cumbria CC - Parish Plan Delivery Grants (Clerk has applied, on behalf of Council, for a grant towards Cemetery Chapel project) - NOTED

3. SLDC - examples of Interests declared

4. Arnside Cricket Club - request for permission for car boot sales, May 31st and August 30th, and pledge of £50 per sale.

RESOLVED that permission be granted, but the organisers be asked to place some traffic guidance signs from the ‘T’ junction, near to the Station, directing vehicles along Black Dyke Road and up Briery Bank.

5. United Utilities - notice of alteration to scheme, as it affects Parish Council land.

6. Mr A.D. Glover suggestion for widening The Promenade, incorporating UU pipeline

7. Roscoes, solicitors - Transfer Licence notice for Ye Olde Fighting Cocks

8. Ashleigh Court - enquiry about using W.I. and E.I. in case of emergency evacuation.

9. BT - notice of intention to remove payphone from Station Road.

NOTED that objections have already been made.

10. Mrs Urquhart - request for strimming of hedge in Station Road.

RESOLVED that the matter be referred to County Councillor Stewart.

11. Mr Tony Cookson - e-mail objecting to community building on Playing Field.

12. NALC - legal advice about ownership of cemetery - NOTED.

13. Mr Alan Gardner - copy of letter re Station Garage Planning Application.

14. Mrs Mildred Vause - e-mail objecting to community building on Playing Field

15. Rev J.S. Brockbank - objection to community building on Playing Field

16. Claren Project - details of renewable energy schemes

17. Mr Stewart Platts - objection to community building on Playing Field

18. United Utilities - letter explaining work on the foreshore.

19. Arnside Cricket Club - request to rent, or purchase, the old British Legion hut.

RESOLVED that the hut be offered for sale without refurbishment - the Cricket Club be invited to submit an offer.

20. Mr Fred Ingham - complaint about late night / early hours noise from Football Club.

RESOLVED that the matter be referred to the Playing Field Committee.

21. Mr & Mrs Hayward - opposition to community building on Playing Field.

22. APPT - comments about use of old quarry for affordable housing - to be an agenda item for the July meeting.

23. SLDC - confirmation of Off-Street Parking Order.

24. Mr Len Levesley - copy of letter to BT re removal of payphone

25. Forestry Commission - draft strategic plan

26. CALC - details of events for new councillors and new chairmen.

27. CALC - Circular, June

28. Voluntary Action Cumbria - day seminar about Parish Plan follow-up, 8th October

29. Cumbria Fire Service - details of free service of advice and smoke detectors.

30. AONB - “Waymarker”, June.

31. SLCC - reduced membership of Institute of Cemetery & Crematorium Management - Councillor Casey will consider, and make recommendations.

32. BT - announcement that virtually all areas should have Broadband by summer 2005

33. SLDC - Minutes of Council & Committees, 22nd March to 19th April

34. SLDC - Executive decisions, 19th March - 30th April

35. CALC - Final Report of Parish Democracy Programme.

36. CALC - Circular, May

37. Clerks & Councils Direct - May

38. Grange Tourist Board - dates of Cross-Bay Walks

39. United Utilities - another letter explaining their scheme

40. Boundary Committee - recommendations for unitary local government.

8066 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/2004/0479 - 41 Redhills Road - single storey extension: NO OBJECTIONS

SL/2004/0571 - 1 Spinney Lane - dormer window: NO OBJECTIONS.

b. The following applications were considered:

SL/2004/0666 - Conifers, Briery Bank - porch: NO OBJECTIONS.

SL/2004/0722 - New Barns Caravan Park - conversion of redundant farm building to form shop/café for caravan park: NO OBJECTIONS.

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

SL/2004/0297 - Thirlston, New Barns Road - extension: GRANTED.

SL/2004/0259 - The Moorings, 56 The Promenade - new access/fire escape stairway: GRANTED

SL/2004/0254 - Middlegarth, New Barns Road - extension: GRANTED.

SL/2004/0328 - former Grange View Bungalow, Knott Lane - variation of condition (4) of planning ref SL/2003/2173 specifying that all walls should be faced in natural limestone: GRANTED

SL/2004/0479 - 41 Redhills Road - single storey extension: GRANTED

d. Approval was given for a one month trial period of “Planning Surgeries”, in the Parish Office, from 11.00 to 11.30, every Wednesday during July, when the Planning Officer will be in attendance.

8067 Urgent action taken in accordance with Standing Order 34 (other than Planning).

Following receipt of recommendations from the five Members who attended the site inspections of Council property on 4th May, the Clerk asked the Acting Chairman of the Playing Fields Committee to take the following action: (a) contact RoSPA and obtain a quotation for the cost of carrying-out a safety inspection and risk assessment of the Playground equipment, as soon a possible, rather than waiting until the scheduled time in August, and (b) contact Playdales to request two quotations: one for the necessary repairs and remedial work to be carried out by the firm, and the other for supplying materials for the work to be done by the Council.

8068 Possible Community Building

(a) Members received the collated written comments from Members of the Public and local organisations, concerning the possibility of constructing a Community Building on the Playing Field. It was noted that there were 6 in favour, 12 against, and 2 making neutral comments.

(b) RESOLVED that the Council would not proceed with the possibility, unless the Library Service determine that this site would be the only feasible one for establishment of a new Library.

(c) Consideration of the possibility of extending the proposed building work, at the Cemetery Chapel, so as to accommodate a small Parish Office / Cemetery Office (in lieu of it being incorporated into a Community Building at the Playing Field), was deferred.

8069 Playing Field Toilets Attendant

A report was received from the Treasurer, suggesting that the cleaner be paid £5 per hour, and setting out two schemes of duties. One scheme involved locking the toilets at night, whereas the other involved leaving them open.

RESOLVED that the proposals be adopted, with the toilets being locked at night, at an estimated cost of £1075.00, inclusive of cleaning materials. The vacancy will be re-advertised in the Broadsheet.

8070 Job Specification for a future Parish Contractor.

It is recognised that the present Contractor undertakes duties which are beyond those expected, and Members wished to record their gratitude. However, it is thought that there is a need to create a detailed job specification, for a future Contractor, who could not be expected to be so generous with his service to the community. RESOLVED that a temporary Committee, operating as an advisory working group, be established to recommend the details which should be incorporated into the Job Specification and Contract of Employment for a future Parish Contractor. The Committee to meet in July and to be comprised of the Chairman, Councillor Pierce and Councillor Colwell, with the Clerk and Treasurer being in attendance. It was thought appropriate to invite any of those Members who were absent, to join the Committee, if they so wished.

8071 Temporary Appointment of Deputy Clerks (without remuneration)

RESOLVED to extend, by a further six months, the appointment of the three co-opted Members as Deputy Clerks, to secure continued rights to claim travelling and subsistence allowance, in like manner to the entitlement of elected Members.

8072 Amendment of Standing Orders

A proposal for amendment of Standing Orders was received, but consideration was adjourned, without discussion, in accordance with Standing Order 32.

8073 Update on the Waste Water Transfer Scheme, proposed by United Utilities

The Chairman’s report included (a) the UU Open Day, (b) an alarming mistake on the plan, in that it showed the pipeline being laid along Sandside Road, from Leighton Beck Bridge (Parish boundary) to Friarcote Bridge, (c) letters regarding the Open Day had not been fully distributed in Arnside and Carr Bank, but had been distributed in Milnthorpe, (d) the test blasts in Ashmeadow produced low readings, but there will be further monitoring at The Slipway and the café, (e) the revised starting date for the work in Ashmeadow is now 1st July, but United Utilities has not yet purchased the necessary ground from the Abbeyfield Society, (f) the contractor is amenable to adjusting the dates for the work on The Promenade, in order to take account of the wishes of traders, and (g) it will no longer be necessary to close the foreshore footpath.

The Clerk advised that the Barnes Trust has received approval, from the Charity Commission, to accept the offer, made by United Utilities, and that the sale of the land is proceeding. This will not cause any delay to the start of the Scheme.

8074 Temporary One-Way Traffic Scheme

Following complaints about the traffic congestion which occurs on the days of the Car Boot Sales, a Member had proposed a temporary one-way system. Consultations with the Police had revealed that the proposal would be impractical. RESOLVED that the organisers be asked to arrange for sign-posting of the event, from Sandside Road, via Black Dyke Road and Briery Bank, and to do everything reasonable to organise parking.

8075 Items for Information.

There no items for information.

8076 Date of next Ordinary Meeting

The next Ordinary Meeting will be held on Monday 12th July 2004, at 7.15pm. Items for the agenda and copies of reports to reach the Clerk by no later than Friday 2nd July.

Peter G. Challenor

Clerk to the Council
ARNSIDE PARISH COUNCIL

Constitution for the Cemetery Chapel Development Committee

1. The object of the Committee is to promote the development of the Cemetery Chapel, so that it can be used for exhibitions and functions, open to the public, in addition to the established function of a non-consecrated Chapel, available for services associated with the function of the burial ground.

2. All Members of Arnside Parish Council are automatically members of the Committee.

3. A Chairman, and a Vice-Chairman, both being Members of the Council, shall be elected at the first meeting of the Committee, and thereafter annually, at the first meeting following the Annual Parish Council Meeting.

4. A member of the Committee shall be nominated to compile a report of progress (not necessarily in the form of Minutes) and/or a report of recommendations to the Parish Council.

5. A quorum of the Committee shall consist of three Members, one of whom must be the chair or vice chair, who may consist of Members of the Parish Council, or co-opted members, or any combination of such persons.

6. The Committee may co-opt other persons, either for specific references or meetings, or in an ongoing capacity, and there shall not be any limit on the number of persons so co-opted.

8. Voting, for the purposes of making recommendations only, shall be by way of a show of hands only. In the event of a ’split decision’, the records shall include a numerical indication of the balance of voting of Parish Council Members.

9. The Committee shall not have any powers delegated from the Council

10. Any costs incurred by the Committee are subject to the approval of the Council.

Amended 14th June 2004, by RESOLUTION of the Parish Council, ref: 8064(e)