8077 Minutes: of an Ordinary Meeting of the Arnside Parish Council, held in the Parish Council Office, Church Hill, Arnside, on Monday 12th July 2004.

8078 Councillor’s Change of Name

It was noted that Councillor Hunt has married and her surname has changed.

A copy of her Marriage Certificate was received, and it was formally declared that she be known as Councillor Lishman.

8079 Present: Chairman - Councillor D.M.(David) Willacy, Councillors J.G.(Jack) Baker, P.E.(Ted) Casey, J.M.(Jean) Colwell, R.J.(Ros) Lishman, T.(Terry) Keefe, the Clerk - P.G.(Peter) Challenor, the Treasurer - A.(Tony) Cookson, District Councillor R.(Richard) Rollins, PCs Friend and McCanney and one member of the public.

8080 Apologies for Absence:. Councillors J.P.(John) Gallagher, K.(Ken) Hargreaves, C.J.(Chris) Murphy, P.A.(Pete) McSweeney, M.P.(Pat) Pierce, and County Councillor I.(Ian) Stewart.

8081 Receipt of Declarations of Members’ Interests relating to any items appearing on the agenda.

There were no declarations.

8082 Minutes of the Previous Meeting:

The Minutes of an Ordinary Meeting held on Monday 14th June 2004, were approved, and subsequently signed by the Chairman.

8083 Matters arising from the Minutes of previous meetings

8050 Logo for Parish Council Use: The Clerk reported that he had sent out two invitations to tender, but only one response had been received. He distributed photocopies of the three options submitted by the one person, and the Members expressed their preferences, for the guidance of the artist.

8070 Job Specification for a future Parish Contractor. Members agreed that a meeting of the ‘working group’ should be held at 7.00pm, in the Parish Office, on Tuesday, 27th July.

8084 Matters raised by Members of the Public for consideration.

A member of the public made comments about garden rubbish being dumped on the embankment, near to the Station, in Black Dyke Road. Councillor Rollins interjected to say that any residents wanting extra green bins should request them.

8085 Police Report

PC Friend reported that the area had been “quite quiet” for crime, but drew attention to (1) two cars being broken into, (2) problems with scooter-riders, and (3) the use of speed guns in Milnthorpe, and the offer for them to be deployed in Arnside. It was agreed that members of the public should be encouraged to request that the Police use the speed guns, at locations where they consider that there is a problem, and an item will be submitted for the Broadsheet.

The Chairman referred to the fact that he had been approached to suggest appropriate Community Service work for a local youth found guilty of painting graffiti.

8086 Report from County and District Councillor Ian Stewart

Councillor Stewart was not present, and his report was not available.

Councillor Keefe referred to an earlier statement, by Councillor Stewart, that Cumbria Police are not in favour of employing Community Support Officers. In the light of the recent Government statement that more such Officers are to be employed, he had intended to ask Councillor Stewart to request that the Police Authority should re-consider their decision.

8087 Report from District Councillor Richard Rollins

Councillor Rollins stated that some of the money from the increase in Council Tax for second homes, is to be made available for the construction of Affordable Homes. He asked that the Council should comment on the suggestion of constructing some in the old quarry, accessed via Queens Drive, when considering the subject, later in the agenda. The increase in Council Tax might provide funds for other rural benefits, possibly including the proposed skateboard park, on the Playing Field.

Councillor Rollins’ report also referred to (a) the District Council’s General Purposes Committee is considering the possibility of making orders to restrict drinking in public places, but Arnside is not thought to warrant such restriction, (b) if the existing car parking area on the foreshore is to be raised, and made fee-paying, the SLDC Parking Enforcement Officers could be empowered to assist with enforcement action, and (c) he feels that there is a possibility that Network Rail, or the appropriate train operator, will agree to the formation of a path, linking the north end of the north-bound platform, with the new car park.

8088 Finance

The Financial Summary for June 2004 was received and approved.

8089 Committee Reports:

a. Foreshore

The Chairman reported that there had been Cross-Bay Walks, in the last three days, with totals of walkers recorded at 450, 600, and 250. There had been some difficulty in accommodating the walkers on the trains, for their return journeys.

Complaints about dog fouling have increased.

b. Highways

No highway maintenance work has been carried out since the last meeting. A request has been received for white lines to painted at the top junction of Swinnate Road and Plantation Avenue. It is thought highly unlikely that this request will be actioned.

c. Playing Field Advisory Committee

The Minutes of the last meeting have not yet not been made available for distribution, However, Councillor Colwell asked that a letter be sent to the Football Club, drawing their attention to recent complaint about disturbances, following a ‘party’. As this is the second such occurrence, she suggested that the letter should indicate that the Council may decide to object to the renewal of the Club’s Licence if there are any further disturbances.

d. Cemetery

Members had been asked to consider placing a restriction on the use of the Cemetery by persons who had not lived in Arnside. Councillor Casey gave details of the five such occurrences since 2001, and indicated that he was opposed to such a restriction (other than the present condition, whereby double-fees are charged). Members agreed that the figures did not support the suggestion, and it was therefore decided that no action should be taken.

e. Cemetery Chapel Development Committee.

Councillor Keefe presented the report of the Committee meeting, held on 1st July. Since the meeting, the Planning Officer has stated that the Council does not need Planning Permission for the installation of mains services. The test drilling, authorised at 8064e has not yet been done.

Councillor Keefe also presented the Feasibility Study, compiled by the Design Services team of South Lakeland District Council. RESOLVED that the Study be received and approved.

As there are no effective competitors for the installation of mains services, RESOLVED that the provisions of Standing Order 21 be disapplied, so as to enable the Council to proceed with the contract, on the basis of the quotation received from United Utilities.

f. Allotments

Councillor Lishman reported that she had received another application for an allotment, and the name had been added to the waiting list.

She has also received a request for some low-hanging branches to be trimmed from the tree just inside the entrance, to the right. The Chairman will arrange for the work to be done by the Parish Contractor.

g. “Bridge Across the Bay” Project. The Clerk reported that he had attended a seminar, at Grange, hoping to obtain significant factual information about the proposal, but this was not yet available. The proposal started as a concept for the generation of electricity, from tidal power, by the construction of a chain of turbines across the Bay, from Heysham to Barrow. As all the stanchions would need to be linked, it was realised that it would present an excellent opportunity to create a road bridge, and maybe a rail bridge. The range of speakers spoke both for and against the concept, but all agreed that a great deal of further research needs to be done. The Clerk is continuing to liaise with the consortium, with the intention of being able to keep the Council informed of any developments.

h. Beetham Exhibition Trust

Councillor Hunt had been unable to attend the last meeting, and is not aware of the amount of money available for distribution as grants. She does however wish to remind parents of children, who are about to move from a primary school to a secondary school, that they may be eligible, and that they should write to Mrs M.W.S. Richards, Clerk to the Trustees, Beetham Exhibition Trust, 4 Burton Park, Burton in Kendal, Carnforth, LA6 1JB.

8090 Correspondence

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

1. RoSPA - notification that inspection of Playground will be conducted in August (card handed to Cllr. Murphy, for contact details).

2. Mr J. Murray - copies of letters to Tim Collins, MP., re TV reception and U.U. works.

3. BT - notice of extension of consultation period, re removal of a payphone.

4. Friends of Arnside & Silverdale Practice - notice of change of officers.

5. Mrs Urquhart - request for action re cutting of hedges and grass.

RESOLVED that this be referred to County Councillor Stewart.

6. Cumbria Rural Housing Trust - questionnaire (completed and returned by Clerk)

7. Clitheroe Royal Grammar School - confirmation of arrangements for band playing.

8. Kent Estuary Neighbourhood Forum - Any items for next meeting? (none)

9. Tim Collins, MP. - copies of replies to our concerns about Station Road payphone.

10. Anita Crompton - suggestion that Chapel be made available to film-makers.

RESOLVED that this suggestion be considered in due course, as the project develops.

11. CALC - response to my further questions re ownership of cemetery.

12. Countryside Agency - conclusive map of registered common land and open country.

13. NWDA - reply to my enquiries about future use of telephone exchange.

14. Anonymous - comments about trees in cemetery.

RESOLVED that the identity of the writer could be established, and that a reply would be sent, drawing attention to the fact that advice had been taken from the Aboricultural Consultant for SLDC. Subsequently, a full survey and remedial work had been carried out by an approved contractor. It is not considered that there is a need for any further work, at this time.

15. Arnside Youth Project - Minutes of meeting 6th May.

16. AONB - “Waymarker”, July.

17. Clerks & Councils Direct - July

18. Landscape Trust - “Keer to Kent”, summer.

19. SLDC - Executive Decisions 7th May to 11th June.

20. SLDC - Minutes 27th April to 28th May.

21. Cumbria CC - proposed changes to Joint Structure Plan.

22. NALC - Local Council Review, July.

8091 Planning Matters:

a. It was noted that the following Application was dealt with under the provisions of Standing Order 34, and a decision made as indicated:

SL/2004/0758 - Tanglewood, New Barns Close - enlargement of loft conversion and balcony (revision to Planning Permission 5/96/0979) : NO OBJECTIONS

b. The following applications were considered:

5/03/9013(Cumbria CC) - United Utilities, Ashmeadow - revised plans for underground, and above ground works, plus access works: NO OBJECTIONS

SL/2004/0785 - 11 Lawrence Drive - alterations to roof to allow loft conversion: OBJECTIONS on the grounds that it would be out-of-keeping with the neighbourhood.

SL/2004/0700 - Branxholm, Knott Road - polytunnel for growing plants for personal use: NO OBJECTIONS

SL/2004/0791 - Gallery H, The Promenade - porch: NO OBJECTIONS

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

SL/2004/0666 - Conifers, Briery Bank - porch: GRANTED

SL/2004/0571 - 1 Spinney Lane - dormer window: GRANTED.

SL/2004/0419 - Penhale, New Barns Road - alterations to existing garage roof and front boundary wall and erection of conservatory: GRANTED

SL/2004/0257 - 38 Church Hill - single storey extension and detached double garage: GRANTED.

8092 Urgent action taken in accordance with Standing Order 34 (other than Planning).

1. Approval for a Fee of £55 in respect of the Planning Application to be submitted for the improvements works on the Foreshore Car Park.

2. Approval for £60 contribution to the cost of a skip, being hired by the Cricket Club, in order that the former British Legion Hut, could also be emptied.

3. Approval for increase of expenditure on flyers for the July CCDC event from £16 to £19 - ref: Minute 8064(e).

8093 Amendments to Standing Orders.

A proposal having been received at the last meeting, and having been adjourned, without discussion, it was RESOLVED that the following amendments be made:

1(b) Insert the words “of 3 minutes each.”

Delete the words “not exceeding”, and replace by “up to”.

6 Add the words “but not less than three Members”.

10(b) Delete “person” and replace with “Chairman”

Delete “and Vice Chairman”.

Delete “their” and replace with “his or her”

Delete “he” and replace with “he or she”.

13(c) Delete “and signature by the presiding Chairman.”

13(d) Delete “which i. are of a general nature or ii are of a confidential nature and which by an appropriate motion shall be referred to Part 2 of the Council meeting.”

13(i) Delete the whole of this Order.

14(h) Delete “personal” and replace with “non-prejudicial”.

14(i) Delete “Standing Orders” and replace with “a specified Standing Orders”.

16(a) Delete “or amendment,”

Delete “it is proposed and seconded and, unless”

Delete “it shall, if required by the Chairman, be reduced to writing and handed to him before it is further discussed or put to the meeting”

16(b) Add “and it shall, if required by the Chairman, be reduced to writing and handed to the Clerk, before it is further discussed or put to the meeting.”

20 Delete the sum of £200 and replace with £500 (twice).

29 Delete “If a member of the public interrupts the proceeding at any meeting the Chairman may, after warning, order that the person be removed from the room” and replace with “Members of the public shall only be permitted to speak, during meetings of the Council, upon the invitation of a majority of the Members present. If a member of the public interrupts the proceedings, without such an invitation having been extended, the Chairman may, after warning, order that he/she be removed from the meeting.”

34 Add the words “or in the case of Planning Amendments,” after the words ” In the case of an emergency”.

It was further RESOLVED that the Clerk be authorised to re-number, and re-order Standing Orders, in such manner as he considers appropriate. The final re-write to be submitted to Council for formal approval.

8094 Playing Field Toilets Attendant

The Clerk reported that there had not been any applications for the post. The Chairman had however received an expression of interest. RESOLVED that, if this person is still interested, at £5 per hour, he should be appointed immediately, as the toilets are in urgent need of cleaning.

8095 Proposals of BT to remove one of the three payphones in Arnside.

It was noted that BT have again bowed to pressure from various local organisations, including the Council, and have agreed that they will not remove the payphone, located in Station Road. They have, however, indicated that they still wish to remove one of the other two payphones, and have asked for the Council’s preference. It is considered that both phones are located in positions where they may be essential for emergencies, and they must not be removed. RESOLVED that this Council will rigorously oppose BT’s plans to remove any of the three remaining payphones in Arnside.

8096 Re-organisation of Agenda.

Members were asked to consider the possibility of re-scheduling various reports, to alternative meetings, in order to free-up time for better consideration of later items. It was considered that reports from the Police, County and District Councillors were too important to be re-scheduled in this manner. RESOLVED that “Committee Reports” be taken towards the end of the agenda, for future meetings.

8097 Playground Inspection with Playdale.

Several Members had attended a site meeting with a representative from Playdale, who endorsed most of the comments made in the last safety inspection report. RESOLVED that matters which do not involve significant costs, will be implemented as soon as possible. Other matters will await comment from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, as a result of the inspection scheduled for August.

8098 Update on the Waste Water Transfer Scheme, proposed by United Utilities

Work is due to start at Ashmeadow on 19th July.

8099 Maintenance of public footpaths and footways.

Members noted that there has been no action, in Arnside, and that some of the footpaths, and footways, are becoming almost impassable. In desperation, the Chairman has done some clearing, but there is a great deal more to do, and it is the duty of Cumbria County Council. RESOLVED that the Westmorland Gazette and the Lancaster Guardian be asked to give maximum publicity to this scandalous situation, and that the Clerk supply them with a transcript of the Interim Chief Executive’s letter, of 28th April 2004. Further RESOLVED that this Council should urge the County Council to enter into a maintenance agreement with the AONB, in similar manner to that entered-into by Lancashire County Council.

8100 Suggestion for Affordable Housing.

District Councillor Rollins had suggested that ‘Affordable Housing Units’ could be constructed in the old quarry, accessed via Queens Drive, and he requested this Council’s comments. It was recognised that there will be difficulties with access and the provision of adequate parking spaces. RESOLVED that this Council supports the suggestion, in principle, but will reserve further judgement until full details are received.

8101 Items for Information.

(1) It was noted that the Arnside Parish Plan Trust (APPT) representatives have not yet submitted their recommendations, regarding the siting of additional litter bins, as requested at Minute 8049.

(2) It was noted that the APPT are desirous of appointing a Press Officer and invited suggestions.

(3) The Treasurer announced that there would be a meeting of the Finance Committee, on Wednesday 6th October, at 7.00pm, to form recommendations for a draft budget for 2005-2006.

8102 Date of next Ordinary Meeting

The next Ordinary Meeting will be held on Monday 13th September 2004, at 7.15pm. Items for the agenda to reach the Clerk by no later than Friday 3rd September and copies of reports to reach the Clerk by no later than Monday 6th September..

Peter G. Challenor

Clerk to the Council