8141 Minutes: of an Ordinary Meeting of the Arnside Parish Council, held in the Parish Council Office, Church Hill, Arnside, on Monday 11th October 2004.

8142 Present: Chairman - Councillor D.M.(David) Willacy, Councillors J.G.(Jack) Baker, P.E.(Ted) Casey, J.M.(Jean) Colwell, J.P.(John) Gallagher, T.(Terry) Keefe, P.A.(Pete) McSweeney, M.P.(Pat) Pierce, the Clerk - P.G.(Peter) Challenor, the Treasurer - A.(Tony) Cookson, District Councillor R.(Richard) Rollins, Mrs Susan Gibson, and three members of the public.

8143 Apologies for Absence:.

Letters of apology were received from the following:

Councillor R.J.(Ros) Lishman - medical advice to rest, and not to attend non-essential meetings.

County Councillor I.(Ian) Stewart - County Council duties at Penrith

PC McCanney - Police duties

PC Friend. - Police duties

RESOLVED that apologies be accepted.

8144 Co-Option of Councillor.

It was noted that a bye-election has not been called, consequent upon the resignation of former Councillor Murphy, and that there has been only one application for co-option, from amongst three expressions of interest.

RESOLVED that Susan Verity Gibson be co-opted onto the Council.

The Clerk confirmed that Mrs Gibson had signed her Declaration of Acceptance of Office, in his presence, and that it had been received, on behalf of the Council.

8145 Receipt of Declarations of Members’ Interests relating to any items appearing on the agenda.

Councillors Colwell and Gibson declared a non-prejudicial interest in item 20c, in relation to the proposed skateboard park, as they are both members of the Arnside Youth Project.

The Chairman reiterated his previous declaration of a non-prejudicial interest in item 20c, in relation to the proposed skateboard park, as his home overlooks the site.

Councillor Casey declared his non-prejudicial interest in item 12(b), in relation to Woodlawn, as he is related to one of the Applicants.

8146 Minutes of Previous Meetings:

Members discussed the accuracy of Minute 8121. RESOLVED that the words “for the time being” be inserted immediately after the word “pursue”, in line 5 of the Minute. The Chairman amended the Minute. The Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting held on Monday 13th September 2004, and the re-convened continuation meeting, held on 20th September were then approved, and subsequently signed by the Chairman.

8147 Matters arising from the Minutes of previous meetings

8131 Job Specification for the Parish Contractor: the Clerk advised that he had placed advertisements in the Arnside Broadsheet and the Silverdale Parish Magazine. He had sent details to various local organisations, by e-mail, and he had put advertising entries onto both the arnside.gov and silverdale-lancs.gov web sites, in addition to placing adverts on the Arnside and Silverdale noticeboards. He had obtained quotations from the Westmorland Gazette and the Lancaster Guardian, and announced that a single insertion in each newspaper could cost around £200, combined. RESOLVED that advertising in the two newspapers be deferred.

8148 Matters raised by Members of the Public for consideration.

One member of the public made comment that the white markings, around road defects, had been in place for so long that they are wearing off, and she hoped that the highway authority would take action whilst the are still visible.

8149 Police Report

In the absence of a Police Officer, the clerk read out a report from PC Friend. The report referred to (a) the theft of water lilies from a pond at New Barns, on two occasions in the early evening, (b) toilet roll mess on the road, near the Lower Promenade, reported to have been caused by youths, but not substantiated, (c) theft of pebbles from the foreshore, near to Holgates Caravan Park, and (d) a youth carrying a pillion passenger with no helmet.

One Member reported that he had given a verbal warning to skateboarders who were using a private drive.

Another Member expressed surprise that the Police report did not include the scratching of cars in Station Road.

8150 Report from County and District Councillor Ian Stewart

Councillor Stewart’s report was not available.

8151 Report from District Councillor Richard Rollins

Councillor Rollins’ report covered the following subjects:

(a) that SLDC will be taking-over, from 7th February 2005, responsibility for licensing of premises for the sale, or supply, of alcohol, the provision of regulated entertainment, and the provision of late night refreshment, and (b) the implications of Minute 8135.

A Member asked for clarification about the use of the Carnforth Household Waste Recycling Centre by residents of Cumbria. Councillor Rollins confirmed that household waste will be acceptable, but not trade waste. He advised against the use of a van, or trade-type of vehicle, for carrying rubbish to the Centre.

8152 Finance

The Financial Summary for September 2004 was received and approved.

8153 Correspondence

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

1. Tim Collins MP - reply to enquiry about amendment of Allowances Regulations.

2. RoSPA - Playground Safety report (agenda item)

3. CALC - County Circular, September

4. NALC - Salary award for 2004/5

5. Lancaster City Council - cancellation of invoice for hanging baskets.

6. Disability Rights Commission - reply re Arnside Station (agenda item)

7. United Utilities - statutory notice re access along foreshore

8. United Utilities - further statutory notice re access along foreshore

9. Cumbria CC - advice about Carnforth Connect service via Arnside.

10. John Barnes Trust - update letter (agenda item)

11. SLDC - notice advising that we should co-opt a new Member, as soon as possible.

12. Peter Winterbottom - suggestion re disabled access at Station.

The Chairman stated that Network Rail specifically ban the (new) installation of any line crossings at rail level.

13. Brian Walker - complaint about Minute 8133

RESOLVED that the Minute was an accurate record of the comments and decision of the Council, and that the Clerk should not enter into discussion about the comments made by Mr Walker, nor respond to any of the questions raised by him.

14. “Save our Control” - request for support to retain Fire Control at Cockermouth.

RESOLVED that this Council is not in a position to be able to make an informed judgement on the matter, and would not make any representations.

15. Cllr. Stewart - notice of Police & Community Liaison meeting, 13th Jan, at E.I.

16. SLDC - Planning Officer’s confirmation that old plans will be made available.

17. CALC - notice of AGM, 6th November, at Cockermouth.

18. CALC - County Circular, October

19. CALC - Annual Report

20. Confederation of Burial Authorities - notice of AGM and “Abstract”, September

21. AONB - Waymarker, October.

22. DEFRA - letter reminding of consultation for “Clean Neighbourhoods”.

23. South Lakeland Strategic Partnership - Community Strategy 2004 -2024.

24. NALC - Local Council Review, September.

25. Clerks & Councils Direct - September.

26. Institute of Cemetery & Crematorium Management - Journal, Autumn.

8154 Planning Matters:

a. It was noted that there have not been any Applications dealt with under the provisions of Standing Order 34, since the Ordinary Meeting of September 13th.

b. The following applications were considered:

SL/2004/1244 - Woodlawn, 36 Church Hill - alterations and conversion of garage to playroom with study over: NO OBJECTIONS.

SL/2004/1291 - 10 Plantation Grove - balconies to south and east elevations: NO OBJECTIONS.

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

SL/2004/0977 - 26 Inglemere Close - conservatory: GRANTED.

SL/2004/1084 - 1 Wood Close Gardens - alteration to french window, alteration to window to form a door, and installation of extra window: GRANTED.

d. It was noted that Application SL/2003/2052, for a Skateboard Park on Arnside Memorial Playing Field, has been withdrawn.

8155 Urgent action taken in accordance with Standing Order 34 (other than Planning).

It was noted that there has not been any action taken (other than consideration of Planning Applications), under the provisions of Standing Order 34, since the Ordinary Meeting of September 13th.

8156 Children’s Playground at Memorial Playing Field..

Members had been supplied with the Annual Inspection Report, for the Playground area of the Playing Field, produced by RoSPA, and considered that there would be insufficient time to deal with it during an Ordinary Meeting of the Council. RESOLVED that a working party be formed, consisting of Councillors Gibson (Chair), Baker, and Hargreaves, with support from Councillors Colwell and Pierce, when available. The working party to evaluate the work involved and to obtain one, or more quotation, or estimate.

8157 Location of the Parish Office.

Members assessed the desirability of moving the Parish Office to the Cemetery Chapel, once it has been provided with heating and lighting. RESOLVED that any move to the Cemetery Chapel should only be contemplated once the extension has been completed, and there has been appropriate public consultation.

8158 Sale of Ashmeadow House.

In response to a request for information about the proceeds of the sale of Ashmeadow House, the Chairman of the Barnes Charitable Trust had written a letter, explaining the history and situation, as he saw it. Members did not consider that the contents of the letter provided satisfactory answers to their concerns, and wished for additional information. RESOLVED that the Trustees of the Barnes Charitable Trust be requested to meet Parish Councillors, at a professional briefing, in the near future.

8159 Amendments to Standing Orders.

A proposal was received that Standing Orders be further amended as follows:

1(b): replace the whole section by the words:

Members of the public shall be permitted to address the Council for a period of up to 3 minutes each, not exceeding 15 minutes in total. These time-allowances shall not be exceeded, unless specifically permitted by resolution of the Council.

4: Insert the month “August”, after June.

17(a): the word “thereof” be changed to “whereof”.

30: At the beginning of the Order, add the words: “Apart from the periods specified in Standing Order 1(b)”

Add a new section to Standing Order 1:

(d) If the business of an Ordinary Meeting, or the Annual Meeting (of the Council), cannot be completed by 9.30pm, Members may decide to continue until no later than 10.00pm, or may resolve that the meeting be adjourned, or the outstanding business be deferred to the next Ordinary Meeting. If Members are minded to adjourn a meeting, they shall not so resolve if any Member would wish to be present at the re-convened meeting and would be unable to attend on the date proposed.

In accordance with Standing Order 32, RESOLVED that this Proposal be adjourned, without discussion, until the next Ordinary Meeting.

8160 Updates.

(a) A report had been received from United Utilities regarding the Waste Water Transfer Scheme, and it was noted that progress was on time and satisfactory. There is some uncertainty as to the exact location of the main from Ashmeadow to Beechwood. Planning Applications are to be submitted for a revision to the Control Building and for the erection of a Coastguard garage, within the grounds of Ashmeadow.

(b) It was noted that there had not been any further communication from BT, regarding the proposal to remove a public payphone.

(c) A reply is still awaited from Tim Collins MP, following his enquiries, on behalf of this council, about the suggestion that disabled persons should catch a train to Grange, before embarking on a southbound train, or disembark at Carnforth and catch a train back to Arnside, if travelling from the north.

8161 Service of Remembrance.

Members were reminded that the Annual Service of Remembrance will commence at 10am, on Sunday 14th November, at the War Memorial, on Silverdale Road. The Chairman will lay a wreath, on behalf of the Council, before the procession to St.James’s Parish Church. Members of the Council are invited to attend the service at the Memorial and then at St.James’s, and to join the Chairman in the procession.

8162 Committee Reports:

a. Foreshore

The Chairman’s verbal report made reference to the following: (a) there are no longer any litter bins at the Lower Promenade, as two have been destroyed since the meeting on 20th September, (b) he had reported a sewage leak 6 days ago, but it had still not been attended to, (c) the removal of pebbles from ‘the dip’, at Far Arnside, appears to be unlawful, and (d) the spoil from the workings at Ashmeadow, would not have been suitable for the suggested improvement work to the foreshore car parking area.

b. Highways

The Chairman’s verbal report made reference to the following: (a) Sandside Road is getting worse, but he wonders whether it would be wise to press for repairs before the pipe-laying work, proposed by United Utilities, (b) the outstanding highway defects, reported in April, have not been repaired, and (c) there is a need for all the highways and footways to be cleaned, as many trees have shed their leaves early.

c. Playing Field Advisory Committee

The Acting Chairman of the Committee presented a written report of the meeting, held on 21st September, which was received.

The Council was asked to re-consider its objection to the Planning Application for construction of a skateboard park at the Memorial Playing Field. RESOLVED that Mr Colin Blain be invited to address the meeting, in accordance with Standing Order 30. Mr Blain explained that he had withdrawn the Application, in order to attempt to address some of the objections, and he will re-submit it in the near future. He indicated the manner in which he proposes to relieve some of the concerns.

The Clerk drew attention to the written comments submitted to the Planning Officer, by one of the local Police Constables who has specific responsibility for Arnside, and who has responded to calls, which have reported disturbances, and alleged crime, on the Playing Field. PC McCanney’s comments were seen to be at variance with the advice, obtained by Mr Blain, from the COPS Team. RESOLVED that the Council will make a completely fresh appraisal of the revised proposals, when a copy of the Planning Application is received. In the meantime, the Clerk will contact Inspector Dufty, to obtain a statement of Police Opinion, as to whether, or not, it is thought that a skateboard park is likely to increase the level of crime, and disturbances, on the Playing Field, and nearby area.

Following the discussion with Mr Blain, Members addressed other points in the Report. It was considered that the reported flooding of the tennis courts may be attributable to blocked surface drains, within the courts, which would be a matter for the Tennis Club.

There have been reports of damage from illegal driving of vehicles onto the cricket and football pitches, facilitated by removal of the timber bollards. RESOLVED that the main gates be locked immediately, and remain so until the Spring.

There was an urgent need to appoint replacement officers for the Committee, even though it had not been possible to get an appropriate item onto the agenda for the meeting. The Clerk indicated that, although the proper notice had not been given, it seemed to be in the public interest that elections be permitted. RESOLVED that (a) Councillor Baker be appointed Chairman, (b) Councillor Gibson be appointed Vice Chairman, and (c) Councillor Pierce be appointed Secretary, all with immediate effect.

d. Cemetery

Nothing to report.

e. Cemetery Chapel Development Committee.

The Chairman of the Committee submitted a written report of the meeting held on 30th September, copies of which had been distributed with the agenda. It was noted that the Committee had recommended that two more quotations be obtained for the services outlined by SLDC, so that a valid cost comparison could be made, rather than entrust the work to a local builder. Enquiries had since caused the Chairman to suggest that this may not be the best approach, and he suggested that local contractors be approached. RESOLVED that three local building contractors be invited to tender for the work.

8163 Remaining Agenda items.

In view of the lateness of the time, the Chairman ruled that remaining items be deferred, except that, under Items for Information, the Treasurer was permitted to distribute copies of the draft budget proposals, produced by the Finance Committee. This early distribution was to give Members adequate time to assess the proposals, before the November meeting.

8164 Date of next Ordinary Meeting

The next Ordinary Meeting will be held on Monday 8th November 2004, at 7.15pm. Items for the agenda to reach the Clerk before Friday 29th October, and copies of reports to reach the Clerk before Monday 1st November.

Peter G. Challenor

Clerk to the Council