13th February 2006  
8546 Minutes: of the Ordinary Meeting of Arnside Parish Council, held in the Parish Council Office, Church Hill, Arnside on Monday 13th February 2006.

of the Ordinary Meeting of Arnside Parish Council, held in the Parish Council Office, Church Hill, Arnside on Monday 13 February 2006. 8547 Present: Chairman - Councillor D M (David) Willacy, Councillors, P E (Ted) Casey, S V (Sue) Gibson, K (Ken) Hargreaves, T (Terry) Keefe, R J (Ros) Lishman, P A (Pete) McSweeney, the Deputy Clerk - J M (Jayne) Beaumont, County Councillor I (Ian) Stewart, District Councillor R (Richard) Rollins, P C Alan Salter and 5 members of the public.
Chairman - Councillor D M (David) Willacy, Councillors, P E (Ted) Casey, S V (Sue) Gibson, K (Ken) Hargreaves, T (Terry) Keefe, R J (Ros) Lishman, P A (Pete) McSweeney, the Deputy Clerk - J M (Jayne) Beaumont, County Councillor I (Ian) Stewart, District Councillor R (Richard) Rollins, P C Alan Salter and 5 members of the public.8548 Apologies for Absence:

Written apologies were received from Councillor J (Jack) Baker (holiday). Verbal apologies were received from Councillor J (John) Gallagher (work commitments) and the Clerk P G (Peter) Challenor.

8549 Receipt of Declaration of Members’ Interests relating to any items appearing on the Agenda:
Cllr Gibson declared her interest in item 26 f).due to her work.

8550 Minutes of the Previous Meeting:
The minutes of the Ordinary Meeting held on 9th January 2006 were approved and subsequently signed by the Chairman.

8551 Matters arising from the Minutes of previous meetings:
It was NOTED that there were no matters arising.

8552 Matters raised by members of the Public for future consideration:
:It was pointed out that the damaged railings by Ashmeadow are dangerous and rusty and need to be replaced - recently a child had torn clothing on the railings.

8553 Police Report:
A written report had previously been circulated to members by PC Alan Salter. The report referred to (1) seven pairs of 38″ waist trousers stolen from The Country Shop, (2) criminal damage was caused to two garden lights in Church Hill, (3) a report of a fracas between youths in Orchard Road attended by police and later a minor incident was reported as a result - a youth from Carnforth is believed to be responsible and is being dealt with, (4) police attended a report of vehicles causing an obstruction outside Arnside Station garage but all was correct on arrival, (5) police attended a civil parking dispute in Chapel Lane and advice was given to all parties, (6) further problems have been encountered with youths running through gardens in Inglemere Gardens - police have spent time in that area and will continue to do so, (7) police attended the Promenade to a report of drunken youths causing annoyance - the youths were moved on and none had any alcohol, (8) a 15 year old girl went missing from home in Black Dyke Road but returned home safe and well later that day, (9) police attended a report of men acting suspiciously in Silverdale Road and checked out 5 men working and canvassing for Safestyle UK, (10) police attended a domestic in Kings Close and a man left the address for the night to stay with relatives, (11) several calls have been received from residents of Silverdale Road regarding a white Rover car parked nearby which is taxed and insured and therefore parked correctly, (12) a minor non-injury road accident occurred in Black Dyke Road when two vehicles collided, (13) two prowlers were disturbed in a garden in Church Hill but nothing was found to be amiss, (14) the public toilets were attended by police after an incident when the toilet seat was smashed and toilet rolls were thrown around - two youths were apprehended.

 

8554 Report from District Councillor Richard Rollins:
Cllr Rollins’ report covered the following: (1) the public toilets were now tidy following the recent disturbance there, although the hand blowdryers were not working which he will report, (2) confirmed that the new bus passes will be available from April 2006 and the NOW card is to be replaced by a new magnetic card, (3) following closure of council tax offices arrangements have been made with post offices to accept council tax payments, (4) as a Quality Parish, Arnside Parish Council will be able to apply to enforce the Clean Neighbourhood Act, an act with gives the parish council more powers, (5) Cllr Rollins offered his congratulations to APC for gaining Quality Parish status, (6) questionnaires are being sent to random households regarding SLDC’s Housing Needs and Market Survey, (7) improvements to accessibility have been made at Arnside station - Cllr Rollins requested to SLDC that this be put in Furness Line Action Group (FLAG) newsletter, (8) the Chairman mentioned the tide siren and the scheduled meeting in January which did not take place - Cllr Rollins will pursue this matter which is now becoming urgent.

8555 Report from Mr Colin Blain as to the current proposals for the Arnside Multi-Wheeled Park:
Mr Blain addressed the meeting and presented the plans for the Multi-Wheeled Park, which will be placed in the Parish Council Office for perusal. After consultation with the Playing Field Committee the Park has been moved nearer to the football pitch and Mr Blain proposes to forward a letter to SLDC, along with the plans, explaining the location which is now at the bottom of the slope and is therefore screened from view of Church Hill, within the next two weeks. Members queried Playing Field Committee minutes where Mr Blain had made the comment ‘abuse it or lose it’ which he was asked to explain. Once constructed, if the Park is not used in the manner in which it is intended for, it could be filled in again - it would not be allowed to become derelict.

8556 Finance:
The Financial Summary for January was received and approved.

8557 Correspondence:
Receipt of the following items were noted and action determined, by resolution, as indicated:
1. Allianz Cornhill - referral of our enquiry re the Pier.

2. Village Society - congratulations on QP Accreditation.

3. Mrs Maureen Friend - copy of letter to SLDC re Leighton Beck Bridge (agenda item).

4. Local Works - notice of meeting 19th January.

5. Mr Wilfred Gill - letter criticising arrears of allotment rents.

6. Cumbria Police - letter re restructuring.

7. Citizens Advice Bureau - health and community care project.

8. Mr Brian Walker - request to provide deer-fencing materials for allotments.
It was NOTED that this request was declined.
9. Charity Commission - registration of Arnside Parish Community Development Trust (agenda item).

10. Mr Ken Pimperton - complaint about overgrown hedge along Station Road.

11. Cumbria Constabulary - letter to arouse awareness of Neighbourhood Watch schemes.
12. The Boundary Committee - letter to invite additional comments (sent).
13. SLDC - annual monitoring report.

14. CALC - proposed Lengthsman Scheme (agenda item).

15. Mr Colin Jex - criticism of slipway barriers and request for a ‘key’ (application sent).

16. Cumbria Leader Plus - report of AONB business meeting at Silverdale.

17. Cumbria CC - reply to Mr Pimperton’s concern about Station Road.

18. Mrs Gina Murphy - copy letter to SLDC Planning re lights at Ashmeadow (e-mail).
It was RESOLVED that the Clerk would write to SLDC on behalf of APC in support of Mrs Murphy’s complaint.
19. APPT - draft minutes (e-mail).

20. Cumbria Change for Children Partnership - Plan for 2006 -09.

21. Impact - a credit union for South Lakeland and Eden.

22. Allotments Regeneration Initiative - newsletter, winter.

23. FLAG - newsletter, December.

24. Cumbria Highways - “Working Together”, winter.

25. CALC - minutes of South Lakeland meeting.

26. Clerks and Councils Direct - January.

27. Local Works - summer (2005).

28. Cumbria Community Foundation - annual review.

29. AONB - letter inviting article for “The Bittern”.

30. AONB - “Waymarker”, February.

31. CALC - Training programme.

32. CALC - QP update.

33. VAC - mobile services questionnaire.

34. CALC - Circular, Jan/Feb.

35. NALC - “Local Council Review”, January.

36. ODPM - Draft Code of Practice for local council employees.

37. Cumbria CC - reply to query about finance for Library.

38. SLDC - 7- day notices on abandoned cars (e-mail).

39. CALC - invitation for Chairman and Vice-Chairman to attend QP presentation (e0mail).

40. APPT - answer to APC’S complaint about Councillor Keefe being asked to leave their meeting (e-mail).
8558 Planning Matters:

a). It was NOTED that the following applications had been dealt with under the provisions of Standing Order 25 since the last meeting.

SL/2005/1382 - 25 Black Dyke Road - single story extension to the rear: NO OBJECTIONS.

SL/2005/1422 - Yew Tree, New Barns Road - single storey rear extension and rear dormer extension: NO OBJECTIONS.

SL/2005/1417 - 47 The Promenade - windows to gable elevation and installation of two rooflights: NO OBJECTIONS.

b). The following planning applications were considered and it was RESOLVED that comments should be made as indicated.

SL/2006/0026 - 12 Plantation Grove - single story rear extension and alteration to flat roof to form pitched roof: NO OBJECTIONS.

SL/2006/0022 - 4 Swinnate Road - dormer window: NO OBJECTIONS.

SL/2006/0020 - Cambridge House, Ashmeadow Road - change of use from part residential and part children’s day nursery to sole residential use: NO OBJECTIONS.

c). It was NOTED that the following decisions had been taken by the District Council since the last meeting:

SL/2005/1225 - Ashmeadow, The Promenade - timber shed: GRANTED.

SL/2005/1224 - Ashmeadow, The Promenade - non-illuminated sign: GRANTED.

Sl/2005/1209 - 25 Redhills Road - dormer window, rear extension and alterations to garage: GRANTED.

SL/2005/1382 - 25 Black Dyke Road - single story extension to the rear: GRANTED.

SL/2005/1264 - 18 Stewart Close: GRANTED.

8559 Action taken in accordance with Standing Order 25 (other than Planning):
It was NOTED that a further submission has been sent to the Boundary Committee re review of SLDC wards.

8560 Report from County Councillor Ian Stewart:
Cllr Stewart’s report covered the following: (1) County Budget Day is Thursday 23rd February when a 4.97% increase will be recommended to Council - more money is to be spent on social services, the fire service, education and youth services and the highways budget will be increased in accordance with the current rate of inflation, (2) the Democracy Commission Report on the CCC website is worth looking at as it details the Council’s interaction with Parish Councils, (3) government white paper in July/August looking at proposals for unitary authorities, (4) Cllr Lishman praised Cllr Stewart on the library service for children which she feels is very good, (5) the Chairman mentioned the damaged railings by Ashmeadow which need replacing and which Cllr Stewart will look into, (6) the Chairman also mentioned several highways issues, ie, potholes on Silverdale Road following the recent tar and chipping re-surfacing, potholes outside the cemetery, although some have been repaired, some still need repairing, splitting and potholes appearing on Black Dyke Road where this has been tarmacked - Cllr Stewart to look into these issues, (7) SLDC - council tax is to rise by 4.9%, (8) the Chairman mentioned the tide siren and the proposed meeting in January which did not take place - Cllr Stewart will chase this matter up as it is now getting urgent.

8561 Comment by Mrs Maureen Friend re Leighton Beck Bridge:
Mrs Friend reported that she had written a letter to CCC Highways Department in December concerning the dangerous condition of the road around Leighton Beck Bridge and its lack of safety barriers. She had received a reply from Chris Baines, Senior Engineer, who stated that white lines have been painted around the bend with reflecting road studs, the damaged chevron will be replaced and there is an intention to provide signs warning of the bend together with uneven road signs and slow markings. However, his reply in relation to the installation of a physical barrier was inadequate in that the implication was that it would be too expensive to replace each time a vehicle left the road and it was preferable to find a way to stop vehicles leaving the road in the first instance. No mention was made of the need for gritting on the road, which is low-lying and therefore more prone to ice and is also a school bus route. Cllr Stewart apologised on behalf of CCC for Mrs Friend’s unsatisfactory reply and will look into the matter. He is due to have a site meeting with Capita on 8th March after which time Cllr Stewart will report back to Mrs Friend and APC on the situation.

8562 Consideration of the employment of a Parish Lengthsman as recommended by APPT and suggested by CALC:
The letter received concerning this didn’t give enough information about this scheme and costings involved and Members felt that without this it was difficult to make a decision. It was RESOLVED that further information would be obtained.

8563 Councillor Vacancies:
It was NOTED that:

a) advice has been received from SLDC indicating that no poll has been called and that the current two vacancies for Councillors should be filled by co-option,

b) a date of Thursday 23rd February has been set for the interviews with any Members who are able to attend to be on the interview panel,

c) the procedure for determining appointment for the successful candidates will be by discreet ballot.

8564 Special Meeting:
It was NOTED that a Special Meeting has been called for Thursday 16th February 2006 in the Parish Office in order to discuss (1) the granting of a gratuity to Mr A Cookson and (2) the Clerk’s proposals for revisions to the accounting system for this Council.

8565 Speaker for Annual Parish Meeting (Parish Assembly):
It was suggested that affordable housing would be a suitable topic as this is particularly relevant at this time. It was therefore RESOLVED that the Clerk arrange an appropriate speaker.

8566 Renew Contract for Parish Contractor:
After a short discussion, it was RESOLVED that the contract for the Parish Contractor should continue for another year.

8567 Representative to Arnside Parish Plan Trust:
Cllr Keefe had volunteered to attend the previous APPT meeting but after the business had been concluded and Cllr Keefe offered to stay on at the meeting as APC’s representative, this was declined. Therefore, Cllr Keefe does not wish to be APC’s representative. Cllr McSweeney offered his services on the guarantee that he would not be similarly requested to leave. Hilary Wilson of APPT was invited by the Chairman to comment on this issue which was deemed to have been a misunderstanding and lack of communication which needs to be addressed. Ms Wilson confirmed that the APC representation was to commence from April 2006 and in view of Cllr McSweeney’s offer she will take this back to the other directors of APPT for their consideration.

8568 Web Site:
a) It was generally felt that photographs of Members on the web site weren’t necessary and e-mail communication was more important.

b) There are possible legal issues which could arise from the use of “links” to other websites which could contain improper material. It was RESOLVED that if a suitable disclaimer was used then the use of links should be permitted.

8569 Free Bus Passes to persons aged 60 or over:
It was NOTED that SLDC are now issuing free Bus Passes to any person who is 60 or over or who is disabled.

8570 Resolve Mediation Service to use Parish Office:
It was RESOLVED that permission should be granted to the Resolve Mediation Service to use the Parish Office for occasional meetings with alienated parties. Cllr Casey to be responsible for security of the Parish Office and to ensure that no double bookings occur.

8571 The Chairman proposed that the meeting be adjourned and re-convened on Thursday 16th February 2006.
The Chairman proposed that the meeting be adjourned and re-convened on Thursday 16 February 2006.8572 The ordinary meeting of Arnside Parish Council was re-convened on Thursday 16th February 2006 with the following in attendance:

The ordinary meeting of Arnside Parish Council was re-convened on Thursday 16 February 2006 with the following in attendance:Chairman - Councillor D M (David) Willacy, Councillors, P E (Ted) Casey, S V (Sue) Gibson, K (Ken) Hargreaves, P A (Pete) McSweeney, the Clerk - P G (Peter) Challenor and the Deputy Clerk J M (Jayne) Beaumont.

8573 Discontinue Registration of Arnside Parish Community Development Trust:
It was RESOLVED that this should be ceased.

8574 Reports from the following committees and/or meetings:
a). Foreshore

The Chairman reported that (1) the tide siren situation has been mentioned to both Clls Stewart and Rollins for them to chase up - the Westmorland Gazette have enquired as to the situation, (2) foreshore sewerage pumping station needs to be knocked down and filled in but no date for commencement has yet been fixed.

b). Highways
The Chairman reported that (1) potholes on Silverdale Road and Black Dyke Road have been reported to Cllr Stewart, (2) Cllr McSweeney noticed that a stopcock near the entrance to Shaw Leigh has been filled with debris since November.

c). Playground Working Group
Cllr Gibson reported that (1) she has put a note in the Broadsheet requesting volunteers to become involved with the implementation of the new playground, (2) flyers will also be placed in school book bags, (3) Wicksteed have visited the site and Bigfoot have asked for photos and will use these to create some plans, (4) Cllr Gibson is also looking into fundraising ideas.

d). Playing Field Advisory Committee
Cllr Gibson reported that (1) the cricket site screen has been blown over and the cricket club are planning to move this, (2) the toilets are unlocked and there is no running water and a leak and are therefore not very pleasant - the Chairman has now locked the toilets and believes a pipe has become disconnected.

e). Cemetery
Cllr Casey reported that (1) there has been one recent burial, (2) he proposed to increase fees from the beginning of the financial year and distributed his proposed figures, which after an amendment was made to the price of a child’s burial, the Council RESOLVED to accept.

f). Cemetery Chapel Development Committee
1). The trees next to the Chapel extension need to be felled quickly as they are preventing light entering the Chapel and it was therefore RESOLVED that Westmorland Tree Services be contacted as the Clerk holds their insurance.

2.) It was felt that the public should not be allowed access to the Parish Office and, in some instances, the kitchen. Members felt that some sort of card key would be the best option for security purposes to be issued upon booking of the Chapel. It was also felt that advice should be sought from planning or environmental health regarding exterior lighting. . It was RESOLVED that Cllr McSweeney will make enquiries regarding card key locks.

3). A suitable Chapel Management and User Group needs to be set up in order to manage the handover phase and bookings. It was RESOLVED that the Clerk draw up a constitution for the next APC meeting.

4).It was NOTED that the CCDC would expect to be dissolved around May or June.

5). It was RESOLVED that the re-building value of the Chapel be included in the insurance quotation.

The Chairman reported that the fire brigade have asked for permission to use the Chapel for a smoke drill which he authorised provided the Stephensons were in attendance.

g). Allotments
Cllr Lishman had produced charts detailing existing allotment holders and the current waiting list.

h). Any other committee
Cllr Keefe reported that (1) AONB are possibly moving from their Station office to a new location at Slackwood, (2) following the success of the AONB’s Limestone Heritage project which is coming to a close, a new project is being looked into, possibly ‘Three Towers’.

8575 To receive items for information:
There were no items for information.

8576 Date of the next Meeting:
It was NOTED that the next Ordinary Meeting will be held on Monday 13th March 2006 at 7.15pm. Items for the agenda and reports to reach the Clerk before Friday 3rd March 2006 and reports to reach the Clerk before Monday 6th March 2006.

 

 

Jayne M Beaumont

Deputy Clerk to the Council