8268    Minutes: of an Ordinary Meeting of Arnside Parish Council, held in the Parish Council Office, Church Hill, Arnside, on Monday 14th March 2004.

 

8269    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, the Clerk - P.G.(Peter) Challenor, County Councillor I.(Ian) Stewart, District Councillor R.(Richard) Rollins, PC Alan Salter, 3 members of the public, and one member of the press.

 

8270    Apologies for Absence:

Letters of apology were received from Councillors S.V. (Sue) Gibson: training course commitments, R.J.(Ros) Lishman: away on business, M.P.(Pat) Pierce: away on holiday, the Treasurer - A.(Tony) Cookson: in hospital.

            Absent: K. (Ken) Hargreaves.

All Members wished to express their good wishes for a speedy recovery, to the Treasurer, Mr Cookson.

 

8271    Receipt of Declarations of Members’ Interests relating to any items appearing on the agenda.

None.

 

8272    Minutes of the Previous Meeting:

            The Minutes of an Ordinary Meeting held on Monday 14th February 2005 were approved, and subsequently signed by the Chairman.

 

8273    Matters arising from the Minutes of previous meetings

            None

 

8274    Matters raised by Members of the Public for consideration.

1. One person expressed delight at the remedial work on the road surface for part of the B5282 but wonders when the remainder will be done.

2. One person reminded the Police representative that he had drawn a concern about parking near to the entrance to Springfield to PC Friend’s attention two months ago, recorded under Minute 8229, but it did not appear that action had been taken. Members were mindful of the fact that PC Fiend was injured shortly after the January meeting and may not have had the opportunity to take action before going on to sick leave. He added that the upper junction of Orchard Road and Silverdale Road presents a similar difficulty.

3. One person referred to a large amount of vandalism over the last weekend, only some of which had been reported to the Police.

4. One person referred to the mis-reporting of this Council’s decision regarding the request to build a new Library on the Playing Field. The Clerk advised that unconfirmed copies of the Minutes are supplied to the Local Correspondents and to the Reporters for the Lancaster Guardian and Westmorland Gazette. It was not known how the mis-reporting had originated.

 

8275    Police Report

A written report had been circulated to Members, but was too late for inclusion in the agenda. The report referred to (1) a theft from an elderly man by persons purporting to repair windows, (2) refurbishment of Milnthorpe Police Station, (3) use of radar speed guns, (4) removal of graffiti, (5) daily monitoring of road works being undertaken for United Utilities, (6) the success of the Local Policing Teams with public co-operation, and (7) liaison with the Clerk, concerning queries raised at meetings.

PC Salter was also asked (a) to chase up Mr Mallet for a response to previously expressed concerns about traffic management in the remainder of the village during the closure of Station Road, and (b) he was asked by Councillor Rollins to give his personal view regarding the value of retaining the Tide Siren.

 

8276    Report from County and District Councillor Ian Stewart

Councillor Stewart’s report covered the following subjects: (1) in 2005-06 financial year, there are hopes of providing a high-visibility van, from which the fitting of crime prevention measures will be offered to highly susceptible dwelling-occupiers, (2) the ‘signs & lines’ work scheduled for January, is now scheduled to begin in April, (3) surface-dressing of Black Dyke Road and part of Sandside Road is now scheduled for 2005-06, (4) Cumbria CC has now allocated £4.8m for road maintenance in South Lakeland, (5) the meeting between the County Councils, various rail company representatives, and Arnside Parish Council on Friday 18th March, and (6) the closure of Station Road.

 

8277    Report from District Councillor Richard Rollins

Councillor Rollins’ report covered the following subjects: (1) his objection to the removal of the Tide Siren, (2) identification of any land suitable for employment, (3) the SLDC budget increase has been set at 4.5%, and (4) the new Licensing regulations are effective as from November and current licensees are advised to apply for renewal before then.

Councillor Rollins was asked questions about (a) arrangements for refuse collection following the strike scheduled for March 23rd, and (b) are there likely to be any cuts in service as a result of the recent ‘hole in the budget’ scandal (repeat of a question asked in December 2004 at Minute 8198). In answer to the question “will we be informed of any proposals for cuts”, he answered “I hope so”.

 

8278    Finance

(a) The Financial Summary for February 2005 was received and approved.

(b) RESOLVED that the Treasurer be authorised to transfer the amount of £1,000 included in the current year’s Cemetery budget for “Contribution to installation of Electricity to the Chapel” to the Cemetery Chapel Development Fund (held in Special Projects).

(c) RESOLVED that the Treasurer be authorised to open one, or more, bank account(s) in the name of “Arnside Cemetery Chapel Development Fund”.

 

8279    Correspondence

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

1. SLDC - Search for sites/premises suitable for employment/business use.

2. Carr Humphreys - drainage proposals from Ashmeadow to foreshore.

3. CCC - Minutes, 17th February

4. Standards Board - consultation re Code of Conduct - copies distributed to five Members, for their individual responses.

5. “Save our Control” Group - request for support.

6. Mrs Urquhart - letter re hedges in Orchard Road and Station Road.

7. SLDC - letter re possible discontinuation of Tide Siren (agenda item 14)

8. Cllr Rollins - request that Mr Turner be invited to address the Council re the Tide Siren.

9. SLDC - withdrawal of SL/2005/1666 re Wood Lawn, 36 Church Hill.

10. Capita - proposed closure of Station Road for 10 weeks from 11th April 2005.

11. Mr Smith - closure of Tuesday Club and possible donation of £250.

RESOLVED that the donation be accepted.

12. Mrs Egginton - APPT letter re street cleaning (answered)

13. SLDC - toilet redecoration programme (Arnside 18th to 21st March)

14. WRVS - request for a donation

RESOLVED that this request would have to refused as there are no powers to make a donation and the organisation’s work does not meet the criteria for S.137.

15. FLAG - Newsletter, February

16. Countryside Agency - Conclusive Map of Open Country and Common Land

17. CCC - notice of “CRISP” grant scheme - it was noted that there was currently no

potential for this Council to make a valid application, but the scheme will be kept in mind for the future.

18. CALC - Circular, March

19. ODPM - publications “Why Neighbourhoods Matter” and “Vibrant Local Leadership”

20. DEFRA - notice of the “Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment” Bill.

21. ARI - Allotments Regeneration Initiative newsletter.

22. Countryside Agency - Countryside Focus

23. NALC - Local Council Review, March.

24. Landscape Trust - “Keer to Kent”, Spring.

 

8280    Planning Matters:

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

SL/2005/0012 - land adjacent to New Barns Farm - erection of two porches on unit 1 and unit 2: 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 (amended plans): the amended plans do not indicate any change intended to address the concerns of this Council and therefore the comments dated 14th February 2005 are reiterated, i.e. “OBJECTIONS 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/2005/0211 - 1 Hollins Lane - extensions and alterations: NO OBJECTIONS

SL/2005/0163 - Shortacre, 42 The Promenade - replacement fire escape/access stairway, platform and porch: NO OBJECTIONS

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

SL/2004/1422 - 16 Swinnate Road - two storey extension and detached garage (amended plans): GRANTED.

 

8281    Urgent action taken in accordance with Standing Order 25 (other than Planning).

(1) The Chairman was authorised to have the Council’s gang-mowers repaired at an estimated cost of £1,500.

(2) The Chairman was authorised to purchase timber, suitably treated for playground use, and other fittings, from M.D. Hanafin & Sons Ltd.

 

8282    New Charitable Trust

RESOLVED that the following matters be determined, pursuant to Minute 8265f.(1):

             (1) that the new Charity be formed and called the “ARNSIDE PARISH COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT TRUST” (the “Charity”),

             (2) that the Trustees of the Charity be the elected and co-opted Members of the Council, the Proper Officer, and the Responsible Financial Officer of the Council,

             (3) that any Trustee shall cease to be a Trustee immediately upon ceasing to be a Member of the Council, or ceasing to hold the appointment of Proper Officer of the Council, or the appointment of Responsible Financial Officer of the Council,

             (4) that the Charity shall be governed by the law of England and Wales and shall be registered in accordance with Section 1 of the Recreational Charities Act 1958 ,

             (5) that the objects of the Charity be “to raise funds for, and develop the resources of the Civil Parish of Arnside, which are owned by Arnside Parish Council, but for which the Council finds it unreasonable to raise funds from its own resources, in order to develop the potential social, recreational and community use for the parishioners of the Civil Parish of Arnside. The objects of the Charity shall not preclude the use of such resources by visitors to the Parish, but such use shall not prejudice the prior claim to use by the parishioners of the Parish”.

             (6) that the “named correspondent” for the Charity be the Proper Officer of the Council (the Clerk),

             (7) that the address of the Charity, for the service of all documents, be the residential address of the Proper Officer of the Council, and

             (8) that the Proper Officer be authorised to enter into discussions with the Charity Commission and agree such terms for the Charity as may appear to him to be consistent with the objects of the Charity, such authority being delegated to him under Section 101 of the Local Government Act 1972.

 

8283     Tide Warning Siren

Members considered a suggestion by SLDC’s Management Team that the Tide Warning Siren should be re-assigned to this Council, or to the Coastguard Service, or its operation and maintenance should cease. The Clerk has obtained confirmation that the Parish Council does not have any legal powers to operate and maintain this facility and so re-assignment to this Council is not an option. It is accepted that SLDC does not have a duty to provide the system, but there is some doubt about that Council’s legal position should they decide to discontinue it. RESOLVED that this Council will vigorously oppose any proposal which would discontinue this warning system, or see a deterioration in the level of service provided. The Clerk was asked to involve Tim Collins MP in this resistance to the suggestion.

 

8284    Record of Work by Parish Contractor

RESOLVED to introduce a form, to be signed by the Parish Contractor on a monthly basis, recording the work he has undertaken during that month. This record should also include machinery maintenance.

 

8285    Update on Waste Water Transfer Project.

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

The Chairman made the following additional comments: (1) although the Station Road closure order is for 10 weeks, it is expected to be less, (2) access and egress for residents of Ashleigh Court could be a problem, (3) the proposed new garage for the Coastguard Service will now be finished in local stone, (4) work by United Utilities, along The Promenade is running a few days late, (5) it is still not clear just where large vehicles which use The Promenade will be expected to turn whilst Station Road is closed, and Members expressed concern that this subject had not been given adequate consideration, (6) it is noted, with relief, that Station Road will be opened to two-way traffic during the May public holidays, but it is strongly recommended that this be extended to every weekend in order to cater for Cross-Bay Walks, and (7) although there has been an attempt to get some action taken by Mr Mallet, of the Police, there has been no response yet.

 

8286    Committee Reports:

            a.  Foreshore

Nothing to report

            b.  Highways

                 Nothing to report

c. Playground Working Group

There is a need for action - Councillor Gibson to be asked to furnish her list of quotations.

d. Playing Field Advisory Committee

The Committee met last week but there report is not yet available. Questions will be raised about retention of the vehicle posts and alternative possibilities.

e. Cemetery

                 Nothing to report

            f.   Cemetery Chapel Development Committee.

(1) The report of the meeting held on 3rd March 2005 was received.

(2) The Committee Chairman reported that he had invited three tenders for the removal of asbestos from the garage roof, at the Cemetery Chapel, but felt that the one from Air & Asbestos Management Services was likely to be the most acceptable. As this quotation had already been identified in the agenda it was RESOLVED that the quotation of £1825 plus VAT from Air & Asbestos Management Services be accepted, unless there is a recommendation to alter this decision. The Committee Chairman is authorised to place the contract at such time as may be appropriate to the context of the development scheme.

            g.  Allotments

Cllr Lishman reported, via the Clerk, that she has issued the 2005 invoices to allotment holders, and the back issue for 2004 to a holder who had only taken over part way through the year.

h. Arnside Parish Plan Trust.

Cllr Keefe reported that six Members had responded to the request to meet members of the Arnside Parish Plan Trust. Both sides identified the need for improved liaison and it is hoped that the APPT will accede to the request for there to be an official Council representative at their meetings.

i. AONB / DEFRA

Cllr Keefe reported on his attendance at conferences organised by the AONB and DEFRA. He gained the impression that 15% of all parishes had completed a Parish Plan and that these Councils are now having some say in Planning matters. There was also an indication of Government policy being to devolve additional duties and powers to parish councils.

Within the AONB, the Tourism Group is to encourage slightly more tourism, but to have it better distributed by looking for the increase to be on the East of the AONB.

 

8287    Items for Information

None

 

8288    Date of next Ordinary Meeting

It was noted that the next Ordinary Meeting will be held on Monday 11th April 2005, at 7.15pm. Items for the agenda, to reach the Clerk before Friday 1st April 2005, and copies of reports to reach the Clerk before Monday 4th April.

 

8289    Confidential Business

It was RESOLVED that, in accordance with Standing Order 14g, the public and press should be excluded from discussion of the following item, in view of the special and confidential nature of the business concerned. The Clerk agreed to leave the meeting at this time.

 

8290     New Contracts for Clerk and Treasurer The report of the Working Party set up to make recommendations on new contracts for the Clerk and the Treasurer (minute 8237) was discussed and accepted in its entirety.

RESOLVED:

(1) that the new contracts attached to the report should now be signed and brought into effect;

(2) that, a proposal by Cllrs Keefe, McSweeney and Pierce under Standing Order 17(a) be accepted, so that Council could change a decision about the salaries of Clerk and Treasurer made on 17 December 2004;

(3) that the new salaries recommended in the report should take effect from 1 April 2005;

(4) that, in the appropriate form, items 10 (i), (ii) and (iv) be taken as agenda items at subsequent meetings of the Council, with only (iv) having any urgency.

The Council recorded its thanks to the Working Party for the work that had gone into drawing up the report.

 

 

Peter G. Challenor

Clerk to the Council