8244 Minutes: of an Ordinary Meeting of Arnside Parish Council, held in the Parish Council Office, Church Hill, Arnside, on Monday 14th February 2004.

8245 Present: Chairman - Councillor D.M.(David) Willacy, Councillors J.M.(Jean) Colwell, T.(Terry) Keefe, R.J.(Ros) Lishman, P.A.(Pete) McSweeney, M.P.(Pat) Pierce, the Clerk - P.G.(Peter) Challenor, the Treasurer - A.(Tony) Cookson, County Councillor I.(Ian) Stewart , and 1 member of the public.

8246 Apologies for Absence:

Letters of apology were received from Councillors J.G.(Jack) Baker - holiday, P.E. (Ted) Casey - Choral Society commitments, K. (Ken) Hargreaves - holiday, S.V. (Sue) Gibson - holiday, District Councillor R.(Richard) Rollins - holiday, and PC Alan Salter - no representative available to attend.

Verbal apologies were received from Councillor J.P.(John) Gallagher - hosting Valentine’s night social.

8247 Receipt of Declarations of Members’ Interests relating to any items appearing on the agenda.

None.

8248 Minutes of Previous Meetings:

The Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting held on Monday 10th January were amended as follows:

(1) 8223 - addition of Councillor “P.E. (Ted) Casey”, and

(2) 8243 - addition of “(3) The Treasurer mentioned that the wind and solar powered street light on Black Dyke Road is not working”.

Following these amendments the Minutes were approved, and then signed by the Chairman.

8249 Matters arising from the Minutes of previous meetings

8237 New Agreement on Salaries and Conditions of Service for Clerks - Councillor Keefe stated that the Working Party hopes to be able to present a report to the next meeting.

8250 Matters raised by Members of the Public for consideration.

(1) The member of the public reported that there is a rumour of two houses being built on the forecourt of Station Garage. There has been no such application and it was thought that this rumour is erroneous.

(2) The observation was made that potholes have been infilled along Black Dyke Road, where United Utilities will shortly dig up the road, but no such action has been taken regarding the dangerous potholes along the B5282 (Guard Hill area), where United Utilities do not intend to excavate the road.

8251 Police Report

In the absence of a Police representative, copies of a report submitted by PC Alan Salter were distributed, covering the following subjects: (1) an arrest for possession of cannabis, (2) four vehicles damaged outside the sailing club, (3) Police Festival of Sport for young people, (4) daily inspection of road works, and (5) visit of Peter Sutcliffe.

Members commented as follows:

(1) they wonder how the Police came to be at the public toilets, where the man was arrested for possession of cannabis,

(2) they wondered if the reluctance of the member of the public to press for action against the youths jumping on top of the telephone kiosk might be caused by fear,

(3) it is understood that a local person had informally identified the person(s) who caused damage to four cars, but was unwilling to assist the Police, and

(4) the submission of a written report, by PC Salter was appreciated.

8252 Report from County and District Councillor Ian Stewart

Councillor Stewart’s report covered the following subjects: (1) the Police now intend to submit written reports to all parish councils, (2) the new Police budget shows an increase of 4%, (3) there will be no additional Police Officers but there will be an increase of 12 Police Support Officers, (4) 49% of crime in Cumbria relates to criminal damage, (5) PC Friend is to receive a Commendation from the Chief Constable, (6) lack of action to attend to potholes on the B5282, (7) budget for County Council will be set at 4.6% instead of 6.1% assumed by the Government, and will pass the £500M for the first time, (8) the highways element of the budget will increase from £32M to £40M, and (9) the next meeting of the Kent Estuary Neighbourhood Forum will be at Endmoor on 7th March.

Members made comments on the following subjects:

(1) the hole in Station Road that caused a pedestrian injury has still not been repaired,

(2) the railings on The Promenade have been damaged by a vehicle - report to Mr Baines,

(3) the manhole cover, outside Holly Bank, has been replaced, but is too large,

(4) the Parish Plan recommended that Police Community Support Officers be appointed but this had been dismissed by the Police Authority,

(5) following the recent investigation into miscalculation of pay structure costs, will this result in an additional increase in Council Tax, or a reduction in services, and

(6) no information has been received about the payout of £200,000 to former employees, some years ago, following an investigation - the Member was advised to write to the SLDC solicitor.

8253 Report from District Councillor Richard Rollins

Councillor Rollins was not in attendance and his report was not available.

8254 Finance

(1) The Financial Summary for January 2005 was received and approved.

(2) The Minutes of the Finance Committee held on 5th January 2005 were received and approved.

(3) The revised Financial Regulations, as recommended by the Finance Committee were received and approved.

(4) RESOLVED that £4,300, from the anticipated underspend for the current year, be transferred to Reserves. The Chairman mentioned that repair of the gang-mowers was estimated at £1,500. Because of the imminent start of the grass-cutting season, the need for this work will be dealt with under Standing Order 25.

8255 Correspondence

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

1. Tim Collins MP - responses re Disabled Access at Arnside Railway Station.

2. SLDC - Licensing Act presentations.

3. SLDC - no objection to Coastguard Garage at Ashmeadow.

4. RBL - request for accommodation for Poppy Appeal items (resolved).

5. Cllr Rollins - consultation re Crime and Disorder Audit (www.southlakeland.gov.uk)

6. Holehird Trust - Grant award of £2,000 for renovation of playground.

7. South Lakeland Crime & Order Reduction Partnership - as item 5.

8. SLDC - Minutes to be on www.southlakeland.gov.uk only, in future.

9. Mr Levesley - Comments about removal of payphone in Station Road.

10. Countryside Agency - consultation re boundaries for National Parks and AONB.

11. Capita Symonds - plans similar to proposal for Library.

12. Holehird Trust - Cheque for £2,000 and monitoring form.

13. Mr Beaumont - Objections to proposed Library on Playing Field.

14. SLDC - Section 106 Undertaking for Sandhurst.

15. FLAG - Newsletter, December.

16. CALC - Seminars for Local Development Frameworks.

17. NALC - Revised pay scales for Clerks.

18. CALC - Circular, February

19. Mrs Eggington - Request for an update of street cleaning.

20. AONB - Waymarker, February.

21. Great North Air Ambulance - request to identify collection point.

RESOLVED to recommend liaison with SLDC for the placing of a collection receptacle at the recycling point in Black Dyke Road.

22. CALC - Survey request for all PCs (Council need to be involved).

23. SLCC - “The Clerk”, December.

24. ODPM - Information note for Freedom of Information Act.

25. National Training Strategy - New arrangements for CiLCA (formerly AQA).

26. ODPM - Designations for Freedom of Information Act.

27. AONB - Booking form for AONB annual conference (e-mail sent to Members 13.01.05).

28. English Nature - Cumbrian Nature, winter.

29. Valuation Office Agency - Business rates revaluation for Playing Field - the Treasurer gave additional information about valuation increases for Council-owned buildings.

30. Clerks & Councils Direct - January.

31. Cumbria CC - Consultation on Draft Local Transport Plan.

RESOLVED to respond that Arnside has been omitted and there is no provision to deal with the state of the roads.
8256 Planning Matters:

a. It was noted that the following Applications were dealt with under the provisions of Standing Order 25, and decisions made as indicated:

SL/2004/1648 - Sandhurst, 47 The Promenade - demolition of existing dwelling and replace with 6 apartments (amended plans): NO OBJECTIONS.

SL/2004/1422 - 16 Swinnate Road - two story extension and detached garage (amended plans): NO OBJECTIONS

SL/2004/1666 - Wood lawn, 36 Church Hill - raised terrace and external alterations to southern elevation: NO OBJECTIONS

b. The following applications were considered:

SL/2005/0040 - Church of Our Lady of Lourdes, Silverdale Road - erection of conservatory/entrance hall, access ramp and WC extension to serve the disabled: OBJECTION on the grounds that the appearance of the proposed structure would be out of keeping with the area, mainly because of the use of unsuitable materials.

SL/2005/0072 - Arnside Methodist Church, Chapel Lane - upgrading of the access for the disabled: NO OBJECTIONS

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

SL/2004/1452 - rear of Holmleigh and Ellerhow, Silverdale Road - dwelling: GRANTED.

SL/2004/1423 - 101 Silverdale Road - first floor extension over existing garage to include a bedroom, ensuite and balcony to rear: GRANTED.

SL/2004/1522 - Crossfield House, Redhills Road - replace existing sash windows with uPVC windows: GRANTED.

SL/2004/1561 - Woodside, Far Close Drive - demolition of existing bungalow and erection of house: GRANTED.

SL/2004/1563 - 95 Silverdale Road - rear porch and extension, conservatory and front extension: GRANTED.

SL/2004/1503 - Dungarth, Redhills Road - extension, carport and conservatory: GRANTED.

SL/2004/1608 - Flat 2, 53 Silverdale Road - new balcony to rear and new external steps to basement: GRANTED.

d. It was noted that the following application has been withdrawn:

SL/2004/1486 - Bridleway, Knott Lane - partial change of use from dwelling to class A3 (café).

8257 Urgent action taken in accordance with Standing Order 25 (other than Planning).

(1) Approval for Councillor McSweeney to have a sample of the garage roof, adjacent to the Cemetery Chapel, tested for the possible presence of asbestos, at a cost of £35.

(2) Approval for Messrs Fisher Wrathall to submit revised proposals relating to the Cemetery Chapel extension, for Building Regulations Approval.

(3) Approval for Messrs Fisher Wrathall to act as agents of the Council in negotiation with United Utilities for work on the services to the Chapel, at a cost of £400.

8258 Re-location of the Library to the War Memorial Playing Field.

Members discussed the request from Capita Symonds to re-locate the Library to the Playing Field, as the existing premises are not capable of satisfactory conversion for access by disabled persons, and they have been unable to identify another suitable site.

RESOLVED that this Council will readily support a proposal to re-locate to a suitable site. This support might extend to use of the left-hand corner site of the Playing field entrance, subject to approval of the design of the building and adequate provision for the parking of vehicles. A firm commitment will not be contemplated until these two concerns are satisfactorily addressed.

8259 APPT recommendations for additional road signs and markings.

This item was deferred from the January meeting in order to allow time for the proposals to be further considered. RESOLVED that this Council will not support the recommendations.

8260 Requested Meeting with the Arnside Parish Plan Trust

Members considered a request for a meeting between representatives of the Trust and members of this Council. RESOLVED that Members will agree to this request, which should be arranged for an evening. The Clerk will make arrangements.

8261 Recommendations to deal with unuseable bridleway and footpath.

The Chairman outlined the problems caused by unacceptable discharge of rainwater onto the bridleway from Park View to the Station and the footpath alongside The Common. RESOLVED to ask Cumbria County Council to take effective action, so as to ensure that these two routes are readily passable at all times.

8262 Proposed arrangement for having the Parish Office cleaned

As a number of queries had arisen, this item was deferred until a future meeting, when the proposer, Councillor Hargreaves, is in attendance.

8263 Office telephone shared with Educational Institute.

It was agreed that this telephone is used insufficiently to justify the expense. RESOLVED that this Council will withdraw from the arrangement and inform the Educational Institute accordingly.

8264 Update on Waste Water Transfer Project.

A written report had been circulated and Members had considered the contents.

The Chairman commented on the difficulties likely to be encountered by the ‘visually-impaired’ when the works progress along Station Road, and reported that he is trying to arrange a meeting to discuss the hazards and precautions.

Two questions will also be taken-up by the Clerk:

(1) where and how will large vehicles, using The Promenade, turn around, during the closure of Station Road? and

(2) what plans have been made to restrict parking on Black Dyke Road, during the closure of Station Road?

8265 Committee Reports:

a. Foreshore

The Chairman submitted a written report covering (1) diversion of the footpath from The Promenade to the Coastguard Station, (2) fly-tipping on the foreshore car parking area, (3) United Utilities’ proposed work from Beechwod to Ashmeadow.

b. Highways

The Chairman submitted a written report covering (1) highway repairs, (2) as at 6th February a deep hole outside the Station has not been repaired since a lady broke her leg on January 25th, (3) a question of cost for temporary road patches, (4) pavement repairs to Plantation Avenue despite our advice that more urgent repairs are needed elsewhere (5) street cleaning does not conform to old rota and a new one was promised more that a year ago, (6)) in January two men were spotted carrying out pothole repairs with a bucket and cement, although by the evening there was little evidence of their work, and (7) damage to railings and posts along The Promenade.

c. Playground Working Group

The Chairman reported that the best quotation obtained for the supply of timber suitably treated for a playground, was from M.D. Hanafin & Sons. Because of the urgency of the renovation work it was agreed that the matter would be dealt with under Standing Order 25, after the meeting.

d. Playing Field Advisory Committee

None

e. Cemetery

None

f. Cemetery Chapel Development Committee.

The report of the meeting held on 3rd February 2005 was received.

RESOLVED that:

(1) this Council should seek to establish a charitable trust for “APC Projects”, and

(2) the Arnside Parish Plan Trust should be asked for approval to use the it as a channel for funds until the trust has been set up.

g. Allotments

None

h. AONB Executive Committee

Councillor Keefe reported that the meeting had considered (1) the continuing need for an agreement to be reached between Cumbria County Council and the AONB Unit for maintenance of rights of way, (2) the improvement in planning liaison with parish councils, and (3) the availability of places at the AONB Conference on 16th February, at Warton.

i. Beetham Exhibition Trust

Councillor Hunt reported on her attendance at the meeting held on 7th February and advised that the AGM will be held on 29th June.

8266 Items for Information

(1) Councillor Keefe asked Members to promote the “Buy a Brick” campaign to raise funds for the Cemetery Chapel development.

(2) The Chairman will circulate an update of the rota for office duties in the near future.

(2) The Chairman urgently requires items for the Annual Newsletter.
8267 Date of next Ordinary Meeting

It was noted that the next Ordinary Meeting will be held on Monday 14th March 2005, at 7.15pm. Items for the agenda, to reach the Clerk before Friday 4th March 2005, and copies of reports to reach the Clerk before Monday 7th March.

Peter G. Challenor

Clerk to the Council