8372 Minutes: of the Ordinary Meeting of Arnside Parish Council, held in the Parish Council Office, Church Hill, Arnside, on Monday 11th July 2005.

8373 Present: Chairman - Councillor D.M.(David) Willacy, Councillors J.G.(Jack) Baker, P.E. (Ted) Casey, J.M.(Jean) Colwell, S.V. (Sue) Gibson, K. (Ken) Hargreaves, P.A.(Pete) McSweeney, M.P.(Pat) Pierce, the Clerk - P.G.(Peter) Challenor, the Treasurer - A.(Tony) Cookson, County Councillor I.(Ian) Stewart, District Councillor R.(Richard) Rollins, Sgt Jason McKenna, PC Alan Salter, and 4 members of the public.

8374 Apologies for Absence:

Letters of apology were received from Councillors T.(Terry) Keefe - holiday; and R.J.(Ros) Lishman - working away from home. Verbal apologies were received from Councillor J.P.(John) Gallagher - need to work,

8375 Receipt of Declarations of Members’ Interests relating to any items appearing on the agenda.

The Chairman declared his non-prejudicial interest in item 11b - Ashmeadow planning application.

8376 Minutes of the Previous Meeting:

The Minutes of the Meeting held on Monday 13th June 2005 were amended at 8364, so that “roaming” is deleted and “access” substituted. They were then approved, and subsequently signed by the Chairman.

8377 Matters arising from the Minutes of previous meetings

8357b Finance: The Treasurer confirmed that the new account has been opened, and the funds transferred from the old account, which has now been closed. The new interest rate is currently 4.25%, paid monthly.

8378 Matters raised by Members of the Public for consideration.

One member of the public referred to (1) the need for hedge-cutting along Station Road, and (2) there is a need for trimming around some road signs.

Another member of the public wished to speak in support of the letter requesting permission to operate a Hagland Vehicle in the Bay, but was asked to delay his comments until the application was considered under “Correspondence”

8379 Police Report

A written report had been circulated to Members by PC Alan Salter. The report referred to (1) one alleged theft during June, (2) “Bay Safaris”, (3) illegal parking near to Ashmeadow, (4) sheep-worrying, (5) disturbances by youths on the Playing Field, (6) domestic incidents, (7) a bottle being thrown from a car, (8) mountain rescue team assistance on the Knott, and (8) United Utilities’ roadworks. PC Salter stated that since his report was published there had been further disturbances on the Playing Field and there had been allegations of tools being damaged.

The Chairman also referred to cars being driven beyond the bollards, on the Playing Field.

8380 Report from County and District Councillor Ian Stewart

Councillor Stewart’s report referred to: (1) his membership of an ASBO task group, (2)his tour of the area with the Chairman, Mr Baines and Mr Raymond to review outstanding highways matters, (3) communication to County Highways instead of direct to Capita, (4) it is hoped that the next budget will be kept below 5%.

8381 Report from District Councillor Richard Rollins

Councillor Rollins’ report covered the following subjects: (1) waste bins, (2) review of sites for affordable housing - Queens Drive once again found to be unsuitable, (3) future availability of telephone exchange is unknown, (4) SLDC’s medium-term plan is expected to keep the next budget below 4.5%, (5) appointment of 3 government-recommended policy officers, and (6) the use of car-parking revenues.

The Chairman made observations that (1)litter bins are not being emptied at weekends, (2) that Mr Base was thought to have initiated some painting of extra white lines, and (3) that there was a need for extra traffic-warden patrols within the village.

8382 Finance

The Financial Summary for June was received and approved.

8383 Correspondence

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

1. RoSPA - notice of annual playground safety inspection.

2. Pumptrack - details of revision to proposed Trench Arch system

3. Smith of Derby - quotation for maintenance of pillar clock (agenda item)

4. Wicksteed Leisure - quotation for Wetpour (£6788.00 + VAT)

5. DEFRA - commencement dates for Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005

6. Arnside Local History Society - copy of letter to CCC re the Library

7. APPT - Letter regarding liaison (agenda item)

8. U.U. Networks - Invoice for water connection to Chapel (paid)

9. Pumptrack - Invoice for design services and Environment Agency approval (£400.00 + VAT)

RESOLVED that payment be authorised

10. Abbeyfield Society - letter of thanks for support

11. Abacus Playgrounds - quotation for Wetpour (£3,827.00 + VAT)

NOTED that payment had already been authorised under 8363 and S.O.25

12. SLDC - to ask if we want advice about allowances and expenses, as in previous years (answered)

13. BT - consultation re converting Station Road payphone to cashless operation (agenda item)

14. U.U. Networks - acceptance acknowledgement for electricity supply

15. U.U. Networks - Invoice for electricity connection to Chapel (paid)

16. Marine Conservation Society - Beachwatch 2005

17. Barker & Pugh Ltd - request for permission to land Hagland Vehicle (agenda item)

RESOLVED that Mr Barker be invited to speak, in accordance with Standing Order 30. After hearing Mr Barker’s presentation RESOLVED that this should be an agenda item for the next meeting, by which time it would be hoped to have comments from English Nature and the RSPB (comments have been received from the AONB).

18. Countryside Agency et al - “You and your dog in the countryside”

19. AONB - “Waymarker”, July

20. CALC - “Circular”, June/July

21. NALC - “Pointers to Good Practice”

22. Countryside Agency - “Countryside Focus”, Spring / Summer

23. Landscape Trust - “Keer to Kent”, Summer.

8384 Planning Matters:

a. It was noted that no Applications had been dealt with under the provisions of Standing Order 25, since the last meeting.

b. The following applications were considered:

SL/2005/0700 & 0701 - Ashmeadow - external lighting: NO OBJECTIONS

SL/2005/0702 - Ashmeadow - installation of ground level satellite dish: NO OBJECTIONS

SL/2005/0735 - 14a Plantation Avenue - porch: NO OBJECTIONS

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

SL/2005/0533 - 12 Plantation Grove - single storey extension & re-roofing flat roof to pitched roof: GRANTED

SL/2005/0530 - 8 Coles Drive - two storey extension & single storey front porch: GRANTED

8385 Urgent action taken in accordance with Standing Order 25 (other than Planning).

(1) Abacus Playgrounds Ltd awarded the contract to install a “Wetpour” impact-absorbing surface, beneath the swings at the children’s playground, for £3,827.00 + vat. Council Members commented that they were very pleased with the work done.

(2) Selina J. Horncastle appointed as Office Cleaner, at £5 per time, to clean twice per month

(3) Order placed for a new water supply, for the Cemetery Chapel, at £1,125.58, inclusive of vat.

(4) Order placed for an electricity supply to be provided to the Cemetery Chapel, at 11,845.58, inclusive of vat. It has since been learned that this supply will utilise overhead cables and that there may be a saving of building costs by not having to provide a trench.

(5) Powergen appointed as suppliers of electricity to the Cemetery Chapel.

8386 Appointment of a Deputy Clerk / Deputy RFO

RESOLVED that the draft Contract of Employment and Job Specification be approved.

RESOLVED that

(1) an interview panel should comprise Councillor Keefe, Councillor Colwell, the Clerk and the Treasurer (if available),

(2) Members of the Panel should make recommendations to the Clerk, who should then make the appointment under powers delegated in accordance with Section 101 of the Local Government Act 1972, and

(3) that interviews should be held on Monday 25th July, starting at 7.30pm.

8387 Building works at the Cemetery Chapel

RESOLVED to approve the quotation of L. Stephenson & Sons, for alterations and extensions at the Cemetery Chapel (exclusive of sewerage works), for the sum of £33,350 +vat, on the understanding that the work will proceed on a phased basis, only as and when funds become available.

8388 Use of foreshore slipways

RESOLVED:

(a) to install boom-type barriers at the two slipways, to be secured by combination bolts, subject to cost,

(b) to determine that all licences to launch boats, or amphibious vehicles, from the stretch of foreshore owned by the Parish Council, should cease to be valid as from 31st December 2005, and to authorise the advertisement of this decision, and

(c) to commence the annual issue of free licences as from 1st January 2006.

8389 Maintenance of Pillar Clock

The Clerk explained the difficulties in isolating the electricity supply for the clock and recommended that any maintenance contract should be awarded to the installers of the equipment.

RESOLVED that:

(1) Standing Order 21 be disapplied,

(2) an annual maintenance contract should be awarded to Smiths of Derby Ltd (formerly William Potts & Son), and

(3) the cost of £135 + vat be approved for the current financial year.

8390 Duties of the Cemetery Custodian

The Clerk related a situation whereby the identity of a body, to be buried, had become confused with that of one to be cremated. For the avoidance of doubt, it was RESOLVED that the Cemetery Custodian does not have responsibility for identification, and that this responsibility lies with the funeral director.

8391 Station Road Payphone

A formal request for consultation regarding BT’s proposal to convert the Station Road payphone to cashless operation was considered. RESOLVED that this Council should object to this proposal.

8392 Liaison with Arnside Parish Plan Trust

Members considered a letter from the Trust, setting out various recommendations for improvement in liaison. It had been suggested that a Councillor should become a Trustee, but the Clerk advised against this, as such a move could prejudice liaison, by virtue of certain clauses in the Code of Conduct.

RESOLVED that terms of reference for the conduct of an observer from the Council should be drawn-up by Councillors Keefe and McSweeney, in consultation with the Clerk, for consideration by members of the Trust.

8393 Proposed closure of Leven Viaduct for 16 weeks.

The Chairman outlined details of a press report and drew attention to the lack of consultation with parish councils, and the report that a meeting was held in Kendal, somewhat remote from the railway line concerned. RESOLVED that the Clerk should write to Network Rail to request details of the proposals.

8394 Update on Waste Water Transfer Project.

A written report was received from United Utilities and the contents were noted.

The Chairman also made reference to (1) difficulties encountered in Black Dyke Road, (2) his request for parking areas to be made available in Black Dyke Road, once the workings have moved along a bit - declined, and (3) works from Beachwood to Ashmeadow are now going to be above the Mean High Water mark.

8395 Committee Reports:

a. Foreshore

The Chairman gave a verbal report referring to the lifebelts still need numbering and the missing tide sign.

b. Highways

The Chairman gave a verbal report referring to the need for the white lines along the western Promenade to be better spaced.

c. Playground Working Group

No report was available.

The Chairman reported that he hoped to have the slide and other areas up to standard by the time of the annual safety inspection in August. The Clerk stated that he had received a report of a grass-filled hollow at the end of the adventure trail. The Chairman will investigate.

d. Playing Field Advisory Committee

The Chairman also reported that he had removed 37 cans this morning and numerous other articles, including a tent, on previous occasions. The traffic-barrier posts are to be set in concrete and will cost £160 + material. Placing of limestone boulders will cost £40. RESOLVED that both expenses be approved.

e. Cemetery

Councillor Casey reported that income from various fees had been higher than expected.

Councillor McSweeney reported that he was no longer prepared to provide, and empty, a green wheelie bin, because of abuse of the facility.

f. Cemetery Chapel Development Committee.

The report of the meeting held on 30th June 2005 was received. It was noted that the net proceeds from the recent Open Day, at Holly Bank, were to donated to the Chapel fund, and Members expressed their gratitude. The Treasurer emphasised that VAT would need to be paid once the charitable trust takes over this project.

g. Allotments

No report was available.

h. Beetham Exhibition Trust

The Clerk read from notes provided by Councillor Lishman. It was noted that grants of £50 each were awarded to 16 applicants, 8 of whom were from Arnside.

8396 Items for Information

None

8397 Exclusion of the Press and Public

RESOLVED that in view of the confidential nature of the business about to be transacted, it is advisable, in the public interest, that the press and public be excluded and they are instructed to withdraw, in accordance with Standing Order 28.

8398 Review of the Performance of the Parish Contractor.

RESOLVED that all Members are very pleased with the amount and standard of work undertaken by the present contractor, but would wish to draw his attention to the following:

(1) monthly work sheets must be completed, and submitted, by the first week of each month, and

(2) the gang-mower must not be left in the open when unattended.

8399 Date of the next Meeting

It was noted that the next Ordinary Meeting will be held on Monday 8th August 2005, at 7.15pm. Items for the agenda to reach the Clerk before Friday 29th July and reports to reach the Clerk before Monday 1st August.

Peter G. Challenor

Clerk to the Council